#richonnefics

[hrtgrimes]

imma need all Richonne fanfic writers to come out of their caves😒

[siancore]

Do you know if there are any Richonne fanfics where Rick meets Michonne through Carl? Love your blog and writing 💖

Aww thank you! I can't think of any off the top of my head. @richonnefics or @richonnejustdesserts may be able to help.

[richonnelover05]

Here goes chapter three of my Richonne Fic Fate’s Fickle Until It Ain’t! I hope you like the direction that I took with it! Let me know if you do!

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14058052/3/Fate-Is-Fickle-Until-It-Ain-t

[severelybabykryptonite]

Spellbound (A Richonne Magical Moment)

A/N: For the Richonnefics October Word Table.  Yes, I’m totally late but better late than never right?  I hope you enjoy. 

The cobbled street was busy with activity as excited shoppers moved from vendor to vendor, perusing the different and unique wares, crafts, arts, and designs.  The newly organized trade market was off to a grand start and one particular shopper could not be prouder.  She is the one who pushed her friends towards entrepreneurship, knowing that the items she usually received for free would be a huge draw for a lot of customers.  She looks around with a knowing smile, imagining what the success could possibly lead to.  Even the nearby bakery, diner, and bookstore were getting more business.

She steps to a vendor she doesn’t recognize with an array of beautiful handmade scarves.  She is a sucker for silky, smooth material to wrap herself in.  She touches a sheer, teal colored scarf, allowing the material to slide over her open hand.  She gasps as a tingling sensation starts from the top of her head and races down her body, leaving her slightly shaken.  She blinks several times and places a hand to her stomach to calm herself.  She looks to her left and then to her right, wondering what could have caused such a sudden and never before experienced reaction.

A spirited laugh rings out and the sensation returns eliciting another gasp as she swings around, searching for the source of the laughter.  Her eyes roam the square and she hones in as the laugh sounds again. This time, lighter but drawing her in all the same.  She spots a dark haired gentleman seated at a table on the cemented walk right outside the eatery.  He is accompanied by three others and they are all dressed in law enforcement uniforms.

She tilts her head out of curiosity and focuses on the man who drew her attention.  She searches the people around her, ensuring that no one is watching then draws a deep breath and attempts to delve into his mind to find out who he is.  Her concentration falters as she encounters a wall of forbidding black.  She scoffs and shakes her head, readjusting her focus. Her second attempt is a failure as well and now her heart begins to race.  She swallows deeply as her nerves start to fray.  What the hell?  She has always been able to read people, young, old, male, female so why couldn’t she divulge anything from this guy?  He drew her attention for a reason and now there is some sort of block?  She panics and wonders if her magic is starting to fade.

She quickly turns her attention to the guy seated next to him and offers an audible sigh of relief as he is an open book, full of color and laughter.  For good measure, she delves into the mind of another gentleman at the table and quickly pushes his thoughts away.  He was vividly recalling his passionate night before with a woman he’d met at a bar.  She gives herself a shuddering shake to dispel the images she grasped.  

She starts to relax, realizing that her gift is as prevalent as ever but can’t help the worry that eases in as her eyes travel back to the guy with the nice laugh.  She suddenly remembers her surroundings and tries to return to the scarves she was admiring moments before.  Curiosity gets the best of her so she concentrates on the guy once again.  She lets out a groan of frustration as the forbidding black wall reappears.  This is a first for her and she doesn’t understand what is happening.  Who is he?

She grabs a couple of scarves and asks the vendor, “How much?”  She pulls several bills from her wallet, utters, “Keep the change,” and starts to make her way towards the parking area.  She looks back at the table to see the gentlemen preparing to leave. She is tempted to try one last time but before she can even blink or think, a pair of bright blue eyes lock in on her worried brown ones and the world around her disappears.  The tingling sensation envelopes her body once again and tiny flutters dance in her abdomen.  He smiles and she turns her head, confused by her reaction.  This guy is dangerous.  She increases her pace, seeking out her car as a welcome place of refuge.

She struggles with what to do as part of her wants to return to the square and ask this guy who he is while the other part of her is saying to get as far away as possible.  The latter wins out as she starts her vehicle and steers it toward the shelter of her home.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Rick you coming?”

The voice of his partner draws him back to the task at hand as he returns his attention to their table and his deputy’s hat resting on it.  He places the hat on his head and looks back at the spot the beautiful woman just vacated.  His eyes instinctively search for her but he realizes she is gone and decides to forget about the hairs raising on his arms when his eyes connected with hers.  It was a strange sensation, one he’d never quite experienced before but the feeling was gone and she was gone so he left his thoughts there at the eatery.

He laughs as Shane pats him on the back with a smile and the four of them move off to their squad cars.

Later that night, long after his shift ends, he is in bed tossing and turning and muttering in his sleep as the brown eyed beauty visits him in his dreams.  She is a vision of pure perfection as she appears to float towards him, wearing a sheer flowing gown.  He drops his eyes to her chest expecting to be pleasantly surprised by a pair of ample breasts.  To his disappointment, he can’t make anything out even as his eyes drop lower.  She smiles when he meets her gaze again, almost as if she knows exactly what he is thinking.  Who are you?  Desperation rises in him as he awaits her answer. Instead she approaches him and he has to look up to see her face.  She circles him, her hand stretching forward but there is no connection.  His eyes follow her, afraid to miss a moment.  Tell me please.  She reaches for his face and leans in to kiss him.  His anticipation and desire rush to the forefront and he lifts himself higher in an effort to reach her.  Just when her lips were about to touch his, a blaring beeping noise sounds, pulling him from his slumber.

He slaps a hand onto the dismiss button of the annoying alarm clock and sighs heavily as he looks up to the ceiling, questioning his dreams.  He has to know who this woman is.  He won’t rest until he has some answers.

Meanwhile, the woman in question is tossing and turning in her sleep.  She sits up with a gasp and reaches for her bedside lamp.  The light reveals the calmness and emptiness of her room and a frustrated groan escapes her as she recalls her dream.  Those blue eyes and dark hair reappeared in her subconscious and now she can’t help but worry even more.  She thought she could forget what happened today but that is not the case.  She realizes who she has to talk to and makes plans to leave first thing in the morning.

XXXXXXXXXX

Her grandmother opens the door with a tsk.  “What’s got you so spooked?  Dark circles under your eyes…..not a good look Mimi.”

“Something’s happening,” Michonne relays.  “I just don’t know what.”

“Well come on in and tell Gma all about it,” her grandmother offers.

Once they’re inside and seated, Michonne starts to relay the event from yesterday.  “I was at the market   and I got this funny feeling.”  She realizes she has to downplay it as her grandmother loves to get dramatic. “There was….there was this guy and he looked at me and I got that feeling again so…..”

“Well dang you ever heard of attraction?”

Michonne rolls her eyes then takes a deep breath and rushes out, “I couldn’t read him.”

The eyebrows on her grandmother’s forehead lift with curiosity as she whispers, “What?”

“I said I couldn’t read him. I tried more than once but it was like there was some sort of block or something.”  She looks directly into her grandmother’s eyes.  “I thought I had lost it but I could read the other men he was seated with.  So it’s just…..him.”

Her grandmother nods her head thoughtfully.  “Are you dreaming about him?”

The panic in her granddaughter’s eyes answers that question.

“Does it mean something?” MIchonne asks anxiously.

“Well it could but this has never happened before.”  Gma answers. “Not in my lifetime.”

“What hasn’t?”

“The bonding.  Our history tells of a man and woman connected throughout time, living in different worlds but always connecting.  They somehow find each other and….”

“Let me stop you there. This is not a harlequin romance,” Michonne interrupts.

Her grandmother gives her an exasperated look and says, “Do I look like I’m making this up?”

“No but….it just doesn’t make sense.  I wasn’t able to read him and….”

“Maybe that’s why. He’s your soulmate and you won’t be able to manipulate him like you can others,” Gma relays.

“I don’t manipulate people. I’ve never used my gift to harm anyone,” Michonne states.

“I know but maybe this is the universe telling you this is what you need from the man you’ll fall for.”

Gma watches her granddaughter absorb that information then turn nervous eyes to her.

“What am I supposed to do?”

“Beats me,” Gma says as she shrugs her shoulders.  “Was he cute?”

“That has nothing to do with it.”

“I’ll take that as a yes and seeing how spooked you are, I’d wager he’s a fine specimen of a man.” Her grandmother gives her a knowing look.  “Girl, you are in trouble.”

Michonne spends the remainder of the day with her grandmother, perusing through the giant books of lore about her family and others with special gifts.  There was only a small paragraph about bonding and it was exactly what her grandmother had already told her.  It was clear there hadn’t been many occurrences of this so called bonding so Michonne decided she wasn’t going to worry about it.  At least, she was going to try not to.  She knew there was hardly any chance of her seeing this gentleman again and she was obviously overreacting.  Right?

She gives her grandmother a hug and a kiss and promises to visit again soon before she walks to her car and drives away.

The next week passes by in a blur but Michonne continues to dream of the dark haired guy.  The dreams were like watching a new movie each night. It was him.  Always him but the time era was different for each encounter. The one thing she can’t brush off is that each and every time, she saw herself with him.  They were deeply in love and no matter the time or place, it was him and it was her….together.

XXXXXXXXXX

Rick sat at his desk, images of the brown eyed woman bombarding his every waking moment.  He can’t stop thinking about her or dreaming about her.  He has to know who she is and he has to know now.  He realizes his only recourse is to return to the restaurant where he saw her before.  He knows there is a slim chance he will see her again, but he has to try something. Otherwise, he might go crazy.

He was too preoccupied to invite Shane so he ventures to the restaurant alone.  He seats himself at the same table, checks his watch to ensure that he was there at the precise time he saw her before, and settles in to wait patiently.  He looks around and notices the same vendors as before and hopes fervently that she shows up.  Surely there is an explanation as to why she has been appearing in his dreams each and every night since he saw her.  He needs to know what’s going on.

He is startled as a slight wind ruffles his hair and a soft gasp seems to caress his ear.  He looks up and sees the woman from his dreams standing several feet away from him.  She seems to be rooted to the spot she was standing in, staring at him as if she couldn’t believe he was there.

He immediately realizes there was no way he could have heard her gasp from where she was standing but he can’t deny what he heard.  He lifts himself from his chair, carrying his sheriff’s hat in his hand, and starts to walk towards her.

Michonne is telling herself to turn and walk away but finds she can’t.  The man she thought she’d never see again is making his way directly to her and she couldn’t tear her eyes away.  She takes him all in as he runs a hand through his hair before placing the wide brimmed hat on his head.  He stops in front of her and gives her a shy smile.

He searches her soft brown eyes before greeting her quietly, “Hey.”

“Hi.”

His eyes drop to her lips. “Would you like to get a cup of coffee?”

She can’t read him but she knows they almost kiss each and every night in her dreams.  She hones in on her feelings of anticipation and desire, her heart racing like never before.  On impulse, she steps to him and places her lips on his.  

The shock of kissing a stranger or being kissed by one never registers for either of them.  His hands go to her waist and he pulls her closer, deepening their connection.  Suddenly, there is a burst of light behind their eyes and a merging of their deepest desires, their dreams, their wants, their needs.  He opens up to her like a book waiting to be read and she drinks him in all the while pouring out what she knows and feels into him.

All too soon the kiss ends and they stand on the cobbled street, resting their foreheads together. He swallows nervously, trying his best not to be intimidated by everything that just happened.  Her heart is near to bursting, she is so happy to know who he is.  He is definitely her soulmate and Gma was right about the bonding.  She can feel the questions bubbling up inside of him as he is unaware of any family history that involves magic.

She takes his hand in hers and tells him, “I will answer anything you ask but we can’t do it here.” She leads him to her car.  “I can take you to my grandmother.  She’ll know more about this than I can tell you.”

He searches her eyes again. “Tomorrow.  Can we see your grandmother tomorrow?  Right now, I just want to catch up with you.  It’s been centuries.”

She smiles widely and leans in to kiss him once again.

[carolina-bleus]

Daddy Days (Part I)

Carl

Rick felt a tug from the small hand clasped in his own and looked down.

“Daddy, look! Cows!”

Rick’s young son, Carl, was currently obsessed with all things cow related.

“You wanna get a closer look?”

“Yes!” Carl nodded excitedly causing his dad’s deputy hat to wobble comically on the toddler’s head.

Rick walked Carl up to the fence surrounding Old Man Ross’ cow pasture. He was about to lift Carl onto his shoulders for a better view when a cow sauntered over to the fence and stopped right in front of them. It looked three-year-old Carl straight in the eye for several moments, studying him. A clearly enraptured Carl stayed miraculously still as if he were afraid any movement would end the moment. Seconds later, its curiosity seemingly satisfied, the cow let out a moo, then walked away and settled back under a cluster of trees with the other cattle.

Carl looked up at his father and smiled so big his eyes were nearly closed.

“Daddy, how did you do that?”

“Do what, son?”

“Make the cow come talk to me.”

“I didn’t do that, son. You did. She came over here because of you.”

Carl gasped. “Really?”

Rick picked the toddler up in his arms. “Yep. She just had to come over and see the best little boy in the world up close.”

“I’m the best little boy in the world?”

Rick nodded. “Yep and I’m glad you’re my little boy. I love you, Carl.”

Carl hugged his daddy’s neck with all his might. “Love you, Daddy.”

On the slow trek back home, Carl sat on his daddy’s shoulders and talked all about his new cow friend.

“Can we come back and see her tomorrow, Daddy?”

“When can come back as many times as you want, son.”

“Yay!” Carl exclaimed. “Daddy?”

“Yeah, son?”

“You’re the best daddy in the world.”

***

Later, as he watched Carl sleep with a stuffed toy cow tucked under his arm, Rick smiled to himself. Rick knew his son likely wouldn’t remember the details of this day when he got older, but he hoped Carl would keep the feelings of the day…the happiness and the love…with him forever.

@richonnefics

[sugarxgrimes]

RJ AND GRACIE 🥰❤️❤️❤️

[coolpartytimefan]

A/N: Richonne first night apart AU written for @richonnefics ‘the very first challenge’.

“The big boss wants a face to face meeting. He’ll be in at eight in the morning”, said Shane. Rick looked at Shane with tired eyes.   “What do you mean?” He asked with a little force than necessary. Shane shrugged and replied,  “Don’t shoot the messenger, he just texted me and I’m just passing on the message”.   Rick signed deeply and silently wondered what the chief of police wanted to talk to him about that early in the morning. They had just wrapped up an investigation and Rick was looking forward to heading home to Michonne. He looked at his watch, it was two o’clock in the morning. He had a two-hour ride home and with a morning meeting at eight, it didn’t make sense to drive home and be back in just a matter of a few hours. “I should get a room at the hotel around the corner and sleep for a few hours”, thought Rick.   “Here you go”, Rick gave Shane the keys to the cruiser they had arrived in, “I’ll stay over at the hotel and catch a ride home with one of the officers after I talk with the boss”. The hotel was a block away from the police station, so Rick stepped into the night to walk the few steps to the hotel.

It was a crisp, quiet night. The sky was clear and bright with the stars sprinkled and twinkling all around. Rick looked at the sky and smiled remembering his fourth date with Michonne. They’d planned on going to watch the sunrise and decided to meet just before dawn at the town’s campsite that overlooks the pond. They’d found a comfortable spot near the pond where they could get a good view of the sunrise. The sky was still mostly dark, with a hint of orange rays from the sun starting to peer from the horizon. The stars were twinkling across the sky as they are tonight. “I didn’t expect to see so many stars”, said Michonne.  “Neither did I”, Rick had noted as he smiled at Michonne. They were both spellbound by the stars for a while until Rick heard Michonne say “wow, the sunrise is really beautiful”, as she snapped several pictures with her cellphone. Rick looked over the horizon and was met with an amazing glow of orange. Michonne was right, the scene was beautiful, breathtakingly beautiful.  Rick looked over at Michonne, reached out and took her hand in his and squeezed gently to catch her attention. Michonne turned to Rick and when her warm brown eyes met his, Rick said, “Sunrise marks the beginning of a new day, and there is no one I would rather share this moment with than you”. “I want it to be this way for the rest of our lives if you’ll have me”. Michonne’s eyes had turned big and soft and then she’d answered by crushing her lips to his and kissed him deeply.  

A car horn jolted a smiling Rick from his memory. Shane was waving at him as he drove by. Rick waved back and wished he was in that car heading home to Michonne. He missed her and wanted to talk to her and share how beautiful the night sky was and what it had reminded him of. He’d last talked to her earlier that night around ten o’clock and told her not to wait up for him as it would take him a few more hours to wrap up the investigation and drive home. After Rick was settled in his hotel room and lying in bed, he’d texted Michonne to let her know that he would stay over as he had a meeting with chief of police first thing in the morning. He ended the text with ‘I love and miss you’. He yearned to hear her voice, but it was late to call her as she’d be sleeping at that late hour.   Rick looked at the pillow next to him and thought how strange and lonely it was that Michonne wasn’t lying next to him. They’d only been married for 6 months and had never spent a night apart. He sighed and willed sleep to come soon as he needed to rest so he could have a clear head at the meeting in the morning.

Rick had barely closed his eyes or so he thought when there was a loud knock on the door. He opened his eyes slightly and thought it might have been a dream or someone was knocking on the door at the room next to his. He looked at the time. It was six-thirty. He rubbed his eyes and stretched in bed. Another loud knock and this time he was sure that the knock was on his door. He jumped out of bed to open the door wondering if the person didn’t see the ‘do not disturb sign.  He quickly unlocked the door and pulled it open and was met with a smiling Michonne holding two cups of coffee “I love you and missed you too”, she said.

Shout out to @severelybabykryptonite for holding my hand as I wrote and posted my first fanfiction.

[richonnefics]

Right In Front of Me by SBK 

It was another Friday night and another dinner with friends.  Rick Grimes can’t even recall how long they’d been doing this, getting together and enjoying each other’s company.  There used to be five couples but now there are only three, Sasha and Bob, Glenn and Maggie, and Andrea and Shane.  He and Michonne were the single ones now.  His marriage to Lori ended amidst a cheating scandal and Michonne and Mike called it quits after he decided to move abroad with a woman he’d only interacted with online.

The sound of Michonne’s voice pulls him away from his musings.  He listens attentively as she gives some vague details about a case she is handling.  Andrea asks a question which leads them to share legal notes.  Sasha sighs impatiently and states, “Leave the office at the office please.”

Maggie agrees.  “Yeah.  Let’s talk about our upcoming trip.  I’m so excited.”

Michonne rolls her eyes heavenward and asks, “Do we have to?  I seriously cannot believe I let you guys talk me into paying for this.”

“It’s going to be fun,” Andrea inserts.  “We haven’t taken a trip together in years so don’t try to back out now.”

“But a ski resort on Valentine’s Day weekend?”  Michonne asks.  “I hate to point out the obvious but I’m minus a plus one now so what do I look like going on a romantic ski trip?”

“You’re looking at this all wrong.  There’s plenty for a single woman to do on a ski trip.  It doesn’t have to be about couples only,” Maggie adds.

“Yes, you keep reminding me,” Michonne retorts.

“Besides it wouldn’t be the same without you there,” Andrea includes.

Shane looks to Rick.  “She makes a valid point, man.  I know you want to back out too, but you’ll have fun. You gotta come with us.”

Rick shakes his head. “I don’t know.  I…..”

Michonne interrupts with, “That’s it.  If Rick’s not going, I’m not going.”

“Oh no!”  Maggie whines.  “Look what you’ve done Rick.  Come on don’t back out now.”

They continue to go back and forth before moving on to another topic.  Hours later, the friends are preparing to leave Sasha and Bob’s place. Rick watches Michonne from a short distance.  He has known her for years and considers her a close friend.  They were there for each other when their marriages collapsed and he knows she is someone he can always depend on.  He figures they could probably make this upcoming trip bearable if they decide beforehand to basically spend their time there together. They already know the couples would be doing couple activities so there was no reason for them not to enjoy themselves as well.

He walks toward her.  “Hey.  How about we make this trip worth our while?”

“Oh no.  They’ve convinced you, haven’t they?”

“Well we’ve already paid for it so let’s just go.  You wanna be my Valentine for the weekend?  Nothing heavy.  Just two friends enjoying the slopes and the attractions.  We might as well make the best of it right?”

Michonne considers his words, thinking that she’d enjoy the trip more with someone by her side. Maggie, Sasha, and Andrea would be there, but she knows majority of their time would be spent with their significant others as it should be.  She is sure Rick is feeling the same about his friends.  She gives him a quick once over and offers her hand.

Rick grasps her hand gently, giving it a light shake.  “So, we have a deal?”

“We have a deal.”

“Great.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The ski trip was off to a great start.  They traveled there together and Rick was most attentive.  He and Michonne have always gotten along but she never considered him as anything other than a friend.  She is seeing a side of him she had never noticed before.  She knew he was a good husband to Lori, but she concludes she was too distracted with her own marital issues to notice anything more.

They arrive at the resort and although they are all a bit tired, they have to make it to the slopes for their scheduled guided tour.  They agree to meet back in the lobby in forty-five minutes.

Michonne looks around, admiring the décor and the huge fireplace in the corner of the room.  The champagne chilling in the ice bucket and the roses decorating the table bring a smile to her face.  She believes she will enjoy this trip more than she ever thought she would.

The guided tour was informative and she wasn’t as stiff and out of practice as she thought she would be. Rick flew across the snow like he’d been doing it his entire life.  Of course the guys had to make it into a competition instead of just enjoying the slopes.  The ladies enjoyed their time but ended the outing watching the guys act like they were participating in the Olympics.

That night, Rick and Michonne sat together during dinner and basically formed their own little world. They talked and laughed and occasionally included their friends.  Sasha watches them closely and hides a knowing smile.

They walk from the resort restaurant to a small bar/nightclub where the ladies take to the dance floor and the guys stand by and watch in awe.

The next day, Rick and Michonne are seated in the lobby waiting for the others.  They had planned a shopping excursion in town.  He grabs a brochure and shows her services offered by the in-house spa.

“They’ve got a couples package.  You game?”

“Why not?  We’re here.  We’re enjoying ourselves.  Let’s live it up,” she adds.

He reaches for the resort phone on the table next to them but is interrupted when a young man holding an expensive looking camera approaches them.

“Excuse me.  My name is Roger.  I handle PR for the resort.  I noticed you two out on the slopes yesterday and at the restaurant last night.  You seem to really be enjoying yourselves and I wanted your permission to use photos of you for our new brochure.  I’m willing to show you what I already have.  I showed them to my boss and he thinks you embody what we want couples to experience if they visit here.”  He preps his camera to show them the images.  “So how long have you two been married?  Do you have any kids?”

They look at each other and then back at Roger.  She starts with, “Oh we aren’t…..”

Rick interrupts her and says, “Let’s look at those photos.”

Michonne hides a small smile and swallows a bit nervously as Rick holds the camera and Roger scrolls through the photos.  She will admit they look more than happy in those photos and they look good together.

“So, what do you think? Do you like them?  Can we use them for our brochure?”  Roger asks.

“It’s fine with me as long as it’s fine with you,” Rick tells Michonne.

“The photos are beautiful and I’d be honored to be part of your promotion.”

Roger smiles widely.  “That’s great.  Thank you so much.  We have a form for you to sign and we’ll mail you copies of the finished product.”

Once Roger exits, they share another look, a knowing look and Rick offers his hand to Michonne. She smiles and places her hand in his.

“I think we got more than we bargained for on this trip,” he states.

She smiles.  “Yeah I can agree with that.  But then maybe it’s just this place.  It’s romantic and meant for couples.  Maybe we’re just under its spell.”

“Is that your way of asking me out on a date once we get back home?”

“It might be the only way to dispel the magic of this place.”  She answers.

He smiles.  “Maybe.  But I think we should continue to enjoy the magic while we’re here.”

She nods in agreement, noticing as his eyes drop to her lips.

His heart races as he thinks she’s been right in front of me all long.  

She was sure Rick was leaning in to kiss her but a clap on his back and Shane’s booming voice stifled the moment.

“You guys ready to go?” He asks.

“Sur…..”

“Actually, Rick and I planned a spa day.  We’ll see you guys at dinner,” Michonne says.  She wanted him all to herself for just a while longer.

Sasha, Bob, Maggie, Glenn, Andrea, and Shane look on as their friends walk off hand in hand smiling and talking like they are the only two people in the world.

“What just happened?” Bob asks.  “Rick and Michonne?”

Sasha smiles.  “Rick and Michonne.”

[monielincoln]

Michonne and her girls are on their way for a final weekend of fun and debauchery. What oh what will they find?

[chezza3009]

This was for the challenge over on Richonnefics. Thank you so far for all the comments and follows. This will be a 3 part story. Enjoy...

Sneak Peak:

It was 5pm in the evening on a Saturday when Rick walked into his home. He placed his keys on the side table and walked into the front room, where Michonne was sitting.

"You alone?" Rick asked, looking around for his children.

"Yeah, Judith is staying the night at Maggie's for a sleepover with her and Glenn. It's really weird. She just rang up and said she would have her tonight." Michonne said, looking up at Rick.

He was wearing a blue denim shirt, black jeans and his beige cowboy boots. Michonne swallowed hard. He looked handsome and she loved to see Rick in denim shirts. They suited him well.

Rick let out a small puff. Maggie! What is she up to? Rick thought.

"And Carl is staying the night at Patrick's house, so I get to watch a film without an annoying cartoon voice in it," Michonne mocked.

Rick laughed at her.

"Do you want some company?" he shyly asked.

[glowysweetfab]

Rivals: Arena of Love

So this is for the rom com prompts that were posted by @richonnefics I picked Rivals. I am late posting it because of Stranger Things 2 but here it is. If you like or don’t like let me know below. :D Also s/o to all the Richonne peeps in the ATL at WSC!!!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Chapter 1

“Michonne, I would like to commend you for dealing with Tyreese and his 48-hour marriage fiasco. Thank you for thinking on your toes and turning a protentional PR nightmare into a romantic fairy tale the press loves.” Everyone in the room applauded as Michael Hudson, president of Atlanta’s premier sports management agency, praised the woman sitting to his right. Michonne Harris beamed, taking in the moment as her colleagues smiled and congratulated her.

These moments are all I have ever worked for. Michonne thought to herself. Looking over at her tall handsome boss, who she secretly dubbed her mahogany Adonis. Specially to know, that the Michael Hudson respects my work and knows who I am. Even if it’s completely unprofessional for us to ever date at least he knows who I am.

Michonne smiled at Mike until she caught sight of the man seated next to him. Her smile promptly falls. Rick Grimes slowed clapped and looked bored, shooting her an insincere smile when he caught sight of her watching him.

Ugh. If only the spawn of Satan had called in sick today.

Rick Grimes started working at Hudson Sports Management at the same time as Michonne. Although Michonne had worked her way up from mail clerk to becoming a junior agent, Rick Grimes was the son of an NFL legend and not to mention the younger brother of current Falcon’s quarterback Jeffery Grimes. The Grimes name commanded respect in the sports world and opened doors, which, as far as Michonne was concerned Rick sauntered right through. Michonne kept her distaste for his nepotism thinly veiled and managed to undermine a few of his deals, signing clients right from under him. Rick was privy to her games from day one and retaliated in the same fashion.

“Yes, congratulations Michonne. If I ever get married, it’s nice to know you double as a wedding planner.” Rick said, referring to how she staged the scene to look romantic rather than the seedy affair it was. With a clap he stood from his sit, Michonne shot him a look of annoyance which made him smile. Glancing down at his phone, “I actually have some news of my own, just sent to me from my assistant, Jessie.” Rick paused. “I have just signed Abraham Ford away from Savior Sports Entertainment Group!” He announced, and the room erupted. Abraham Ford was currently the best baseball player in the league, this was a huge coup.

“Now this is the kind of status meeting I like to have!” Mike said, standing up patting Rick on the back. “We need to have a dinner with Abe tonight. Really welcome him to the Hudson family.”

“I will have Jessie make the arrangements.” Rick said, smiling at Mike.

“Well, if no one has any new business then we are adjourned for the day.” Mike said. “You all keep up the good work.”

Michonne seethed quietly as people walked up to Rick congratulating him. She sighed and stood up from her seat to collect her belongings. Mike walked up to her.

“Michonne, I would love it if you could drop by my office before you leave tonight.”

Michonne couldn’t help but perk up. “Of course.” She smiled. Anything for you, chocolate fox.

She watched him leave out of the conference room. Oh, wow, alone time with Mike in his office. Weeeee! Michonne’s smile widened as she turned from the conference table and bumped hard right smack into Rick Grimes. Her tablet and leatherette portfolio case nearly went flying out of her hands but Michonne held them tight in her grip as she wobbled on her heels. Rick’s hands grasped her upper arms, steadying her so she wouldn’t fall over.

“Jesus Christ, Grimes!”

“I am sorry, Michonne.”

She jerked out of his hold. “Why are you standing behind me?”

“I just wanted to congratulate you again on Tyreese. An athlete’s indiscretions can spell disaster for their career, but you prevented that from happening.”

“Save it Grimes.” Michonne said, pulling her purse on her shoulder. “My intel says he met Karen through you a few months ago. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t she one of the little trollops you have on retainer to entertain clients?”

Rick smiled, glancing at the floor before looking Michonne in the eyes. His blue eyes twinkling mischievously. Rick was a few feet taller than Michonne, with thick, wavy brown hair. Rick wore designer suits that he had custom tailored and it was quite clear he worked out. The bastard would be kinda cute if he wasn’t so smug. Michonne thought shifting on her feet waiting for an answer.

“I believe I did introduce them…”

“Exactly! Keep your gold-digging floozies away from my clients, Grimes.” Michonne said, moving to walk around Rick.

“If I remember correctly, I introduced you to Tyreese and his sister, the next thing I know he’s signing on to have you manage him.”

Michonne stopped in her tracks and turned to face him. “Rick, I think what’s most important is that Tyreese became a client with Hudson.” She smiled sweetly at Rick. “Like Mike says, we’re a family, we’re a team.”

Rick chuckled, scratching his nose. “Expect you’re the one pocketing 15% in commission.”

“Oh, I am sorry Rick. Is the son of legendary football player Robert K. Grimes, a multimillion dollar public figure all of his life, in need of more money?”

Rick’s jaw twitches angrily. “This is not about money-“

“Good.” Michonne said interrupting him. “Then you shouldn’t be upset that I signed Tyreese and you shouldn’t be trying to sabotage his public image.” She turned around to leave.

“Aren’t you going to congratulate me on signing Abraham?”

Michonne turned around to look at Rick again. She had spent the past 6 months chasing leads that suggested Abe was ready to change management groups. She had been this close to securing a meeting with his longtime girlfriend, Rosita, who basically handled everything in his day to day life when Tyreese’s 48-hour marriage fiasco happened. Rick Grimes was certainly behind her missing the biggest get in her career and he was going to pay for it.

Michonne smiled at Rick. “Congratulations.” She turned around and walked out of the room. Michonne starred at her reflection in the mirror of her Fenty Beauty compact. After a long day spent on the phone with lawyers, lunching with perspective sponsors, and assuaging client fears that they would be cut from teams or that she would get them “phat contracts” she was exhausted. There was also the matter of getting Tyreese’s marriage annulled quietly while the press wrote it up as star-crossed lovers finding one another one magical night. Fucking Rick Grimes.

Only one thing sounded better to her than a glass of cabernet sauvignon and her comfy PJs, and that was spending time with Mike Hudson. Besides being incredibly sexy, he was a brilliant business man who rebuilt a floundering sports management agency into Hudson Sports Management, making it his own. Michonne was infatuated with him the first time she met him.  

She applied fresh lipstick to her plump lips and smiled at her buttery, smooth umber complexion. She smoothed down the edges of her hair, pushing her long dreadlocks off her shoulder, she pinned them back with a pearl hairclip. Michonne applied a light spritz of her Flowerbomb perfume by Viktor & Rolf and stood up to smooth down the fabric of her belted shift dress. Michonne took a deep breath.

“Okay. You can do this Michonne.” She said to herself. Smiling she exited her office and saw her assistant flipping through a magazine.

“Tara, I think everything is taken care of for tonight. You can head home.”

“You sure?” Tara asked, looking up from her magazine. “I thought you had a meeting with Mr. Hudson, he might give you some last-minute work.”

“That’s okay, Tara. I am sure whatever it is I can handle it.”

“Okay boss lady.” Tara said with a shrug, “I will see you mañana.”

Michonne waved good bye to Tara and headed to Mike’s office. She had to walk past Rick’s office as she made her way to Mike’s, his door was closed but she could hear the laughter of him and his assistant, Jessie. Michonne frowned thinking about how open his unprofessional behavior in the office was.

How can you judge when you want Mike to bend you over his desk?

Michonne smiled to herself as she made it to Mike’s door. She knocked and waited, inhaling.

“Come on in!” Mike called from behind the door. Normally his assistant would announce who was calling but he had sent her home just as Michonne had sent her assistant home.

Michonne pushed opened the door and entered Mike’s enormous office. His office windows had a gorgeous view of the Atlanta skyline and the city lights twinkled in the room as Mike worked by the light of a single lamp. Mike stood as Michonne entered, holding out his hand, gesturing toward the art deco chairs in front of his desk.

“Good evening, Michonne. I am so happy you had time for me.”

“Of course. I have to make time for the boss.” Michonne said, smiling at him as she descended into her seat.  

“For that I am grateful, you are of my best agents I know how difficult it is schedule time with you. I wish everyone had your work ethic, make my job so much easier.”

Michonne chuckled, as she crossed her legs. “I just really care about acquiring the best talent out there and representing them with everything I have.” She replied, taking in her handsome boss, stripped of his suit jacket, sleeves rolled up, and his tie sitting on his desk.

“You’re doing an amazing job of that.” Mike said, leaning back in his seat. “I don’t know where Hudson would be without you.”

“Are you serious?” Michonne asked, incredulously. “You are the reason I work so hard. Working for you drives me. I mean, because I see everything that you’ve accomplished, and I want to emulate that.” Michonne stopped talking. I am rambling.

Mike gave Michonne his signature megawatt smile that he used when wooing new clients or for having his picture taken at important dinner parties. The smile that made her heart go pitter patter. He stood and went to the front of his desk, perching himself on the edge. “You have no idea how much that pleases me. Michonne when I hired you, I knew that there was something special about you.” Mike leaned close to Michonne. “You’ve proven me right.” He said softly, looking deep into her eyes.

Michonne felt all the oxygen leave her body. She had never been this close to him before. God, he smells so good. His lips look so kissable. I just want to –

Knock, Knock

Mike sat up but remained perched on the edge of his desk. “Come in.”

To Michonne’s chagrin Rick Grimes entered the room. “I hope I am not interrupting anything.” Rick said as he made his way to the seat beside Michonne.

“No, not all.” Mike said. “We were waiting for you.”

We were?

“Good evening, Michonne.” Rick greeted her, an amused expression on his face. Michonne resisted the urge to roll her eyes but greeted Rick with a curt nod.

Rick smiled and turned his attention to Mike. “I have dinner reservations for 9:30 by the way.” He said.

“That’s great. My fiancée should be done beautifying herself before then.” Mike replied. Michonne felt her heart drop in her stomach.

“Fiancée?!”

Both men’s eyes fell on Michonne at her outburst.  “I am sorry.” She apologized quickly. “I just didn’t know you and Lori hadn’t gotten engaged. I don’t remember you mentioning it and I feel like I would have remembered.” Michonne explained. Mike and Lori had been dating for about a year and a half. They met at the annual office Christmas party and Michonne had noted how the tall, leggy brunette instantly captured Mike’s eye. Mike had a type, every man does, right? However, these women never lasted long. Mike worked long hours and always, always, always put Hudson first. Other women just couldn’t compete with his business.

Michonne always assumed that the only woman who could handle Mike and his schedule was her. The timing just wasn’t right for them and of course he was her boss. It was definitely unethical to date him now, but she wouldn’t be a lowly sports agent forever. One day, Mike would give her an executive position and they would work even closer together and he would fall madly in love with her. Michonne took a deep breath, that wasn’t going to happen now. Michonne knew just who to blame. Rick Grimes and Lori Collins had grown up together, dated briefly, but remained good friends. He brought her along to their company’s annual Christmas party and introduced Lori to their boss. The rest is history. Rick Grimes had gotten in her way…again.

“Well we got engaged a few weeks ago and I have been a little busy, but I plan to announce it soon to the rest of the office.” Mike said, gazing down at Michonne.

“Oh, well congratulations. I am so happy for you and Lori.” Michonne replied, forcing a smile on her face.

“Thank you.” Mike said, before turning his attention back to Rick. “You bringing a date tonight?”

“No, sir.” Rick replied. “Flying solo this evening.”

“Really?” Michonne asked, turning to look at Rick. “Jessie isn’t going? I could have sworn I heard you two laughing in your office on my way here.”

“Yea, well Jessie was showing me video of her son in his school play from yesterday. I have already let her go for the evening, so she could have dinner with her kids.”

“Oh.” Michonne said, quietly. Secretly disappointed that Rick had a reasonable explanation for hanging around his attractive assistant. Michonne had had enough. “So, boss what exactly is this meeting about?”

“I have a lead on two gifted athletes right here in Atlanta. They’re twin brothers, dominating in two different sports fields and they’re about to graduate high school.” Mike said. “These are the most talented up and coming athletes I have ever seen. They need to be at Hudson. They need Hudson.”

Michonne nodded. “I assume you’re talking about Heath -“

“And Noah Taylor.” Rick said, finishing Michonne’s sentence.

“I knew my top two agents would already be up to speed on this. Any leads?”

“Well Noah wants to go to college and playing tennis the way he does has earned him a scholarship to at least 6 different schools here in the ATL.” Michonne said.

“Health excels at basketball, wants to go pro and has no desire for college but like Noah got scholarships to his choice of schools. He must wait at least one year before he can be drafted; I think that year would be better spent playing ball in college.”

Mike nodded. “The only problem is these kids don’t have a mom and dad who can pay for representation they won’t return a profit for a long time and that’s ok because I know in the long run having them apart of Hudson is the best thing for them. The best thing for us.” Mike glanced at his watch. “We gotta get going soon.” He said to Rick standing and grabbing for his tie.

Rick nodded and stood. Michonne stood as well, still not understanding the point of this meeting, or why Rick Grimes had to be involved.

“So, you want either me or Rick to sign them?” She asked, watching as her boss fixed his tie, rolled down his sleeves, and put on his suit jacket.

“I want you and Rick to sign them.”

“What!?” Rick and Michonne said in unison.

Mike grabbed his briefcase and turned to look at his two bemused employees. “Look. You know we aren’t the only sports agency who wants them. I had to find a way to set us apart from the rest. These kids come from nothing, been poor all their life. Who better to introduce to the benefits of having a successful career than the son of Robert Grimes, give them a glimpse into that world.” Michonne could feel Rick shifting uncomfortably on his feet beside her as he exhaled.

“Michonne you’re level headed, smart, and you will make sure these kids always get the best deal for them.” Mike said, walking toward his office door. “They have no other parental figures in their life other than their grandma and their coaches. I want you both to become the mom and dad they always wanted but never had.” Mike opened the door to his office. “Do you two think you can handle that?”

Rick and Michonne glanced at each other before answering.

“Yes.”

“Great.” Mike smiled at them as he gestured toward the open door of his office. Rick and Michonne got the hint and headed out. After Mike locked up he turned to them both, “I look forward to hearing how everything goes with the Taylor twins.” To Rick he said. “I need to pick up Lori, so we will meet you at the restaurant?”

Rick nodded. “Yes, sir.” Mike bid Michonne a good night and moved toward the elevators. Michonne watched him walk away from her. She suddenly felt dizzy, tonight was too much, too fast. Mike who she’s pined over and lusted after for years is now suddenly engaged. Then to top it off he assigns her to work with a man she has loathed since he waltzed into the office like he owned the place.

Michonne walked past Rick, practically ran into her office, shutting herself inside. Leaning against the door she took as many calming breaths as she could. I will not cry at work. I will not cry at work. Her eyes burned as she refused to let the angry tears spill. Michonne blinked them away and walked to her desk. She fell into her comfy white office chair and turned to face the windows. Her view wasn’t as nice as Mike’s, it looked inside another office building but Michonne still enjoyed it. Most of their staff was gone for the evening and a single janitor moved about vacuuming the floor, dancing to whatever music he was listening to from the CD player on his cleaning cart.

“Michonne.”

Michonne startled in her chair and spun around to face Rick Grimes, who was staring down at her as he stood over her desk.

“Jesus Christ, Grimes! Don’t you knock or was all that money growing up not used to teach you manners?!”

Rick glared at her angrily but Michonne was prepared for whatever little quip he was going to throw at her. This was impossible there was no way on planet earth they could ever work together. Mike must have lost his damn mind. How could he –

“I am sorry.” Rick said closing his eyes briefly and taking a deep breath. Michonne looks at him in confusion. Where is the snappy comeback? “May I sit, please?” He asks her. Michonne gestures toward one of the seats in front of her desk. Rick seats down and runs his fingers through the stubby hair beginning to grow on his face, looking off into nothing. Michonne just watches him as he appears to be gathering his composure.

Finally, Rick looks at her, his blue eyes boring into her dark brown ones. “We need to call a cease fire.” He finally says, softly. “I did try to sabotage Tyreese’s image by having Karen seduce him. I was pissed you stole him from me. I worked tirelessly with the Williams family for months only to have you steal him away.”

Michonne just looked at Rick. He wasn’t lying. Rick put in a great deal of work with Tyreese and his sister, someone the athlete trusted more than anyone, but in the end Michonne found a way to bond with Sasha subsequently convincing her to end their working relationship with Rick, not to mention wasting all the time Rick had spent wooing them.

“I think considering you used Tyreese’s situation as a distraction to take Abe Ford away from me then we’re even.”

“That was dumb luck. I overheard Jessie and Tara talking one day, she mentioned booking a lunch at a restaurant that Rosita loves, and I just put two and two together.” Rick said with a shrug.  

Dirty bastard

“Look,” Rick said, sitting up running his hand through his thick curls. “We need to put all this shit in the past if we’re going to sign the Taylor twins. I can’t work with you if I think you’re gunning for my clients.”

Michonne smirked at Rick. “I scare you that much, Grimes?”

“Yes.” Rick says simply. Michonne’s jaw drops. “Look, you know how talented you are. Mike knows it. I know it. I have always known it. Mike is right about us teaming up on this one. I just need to know I can trust you.”

What exactly is this man playing at? Does he take me for a fool? Get me nice and comfortable, then snatch the twins and my other clients from me. Michonne looks at Rick and is prepared to tell him where to go but the forlorn look on his face gives her pause. She takes a deep breath.

“Fine. A cease fire, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be watching you.”

“Michonne, we have to trust each other for this to work.” Rick sighs, glancing at his watch.

“Trust. Like respect, is something you earn. For the time being, while we make contact with the Taylor twins we will have a cease fire. That’s the best I can promise you.” Michonne said, crossing her arms.

Rick sighed again, running his hand through his thick, wavy brown hair. “Fuck.” He mutters, under his breath. “Fine.” Rick stands holding his hand out to Michonne. “Deal?”

Michonne eyes his hand wearily before reaching out and grasping it in her own. His hand grasps her firmly.

“Deal.”

[hrtgrimes]

yall really need to stop adding rick/michonne tag to Daryl fics 😭I deadass SPENT 5 MINS TRYNA FIND AN ACTUAL RICHONNE FIC ON THEIR TAG

[leannanscribblesstuff]

Found

I'm back to writing again. For some reason, this story keeps showing up in my head. Not the usual Richonne we know and love, it's a darker tale that I wanted to Explore.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13997127/1/Found

Summary: The most important thing to Rick Grimes is family. Michonne knows more than anyone. Alternate universe. One-Shot with Some Dark Undertones. Rated M

[richonnelover05]

What I’ve Done in 2020

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 favorite works (fics, art, edits, etc.) you’ve created this year and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you’ve brought into the world in 2020. If you don’t have five published works, that’s fine! Include ideas/drafts/whatever you like that you’ve worked on/thought about, and talk a little about them instead! Remember, this is all about self-love and positive enthusiasm, so fuck the rules if you need to. Have fun, and tag as many fellow creators as you like so they can share the love! <3

I started reading Richonne fan fiction April of 2020 and became so enamored with it that I eventually thought I would give writing it a shot and posted my first story in September 2020. I could not believe I actually wrote one to completion and was astounded that anyone would read in much less leave positive reviews. I appreciate this community so much!  

Here are five of my fan fictions (I am Richonnelover05 on the Fan Fic site)

I am tagging @dillie60 @joifull1st @blkgurlsmuse and @richonne4life - I wish I could sit here and tag everybody!!

The Come-up and The Comeuppance 

Rick's wife is a cheater, but Rick's new lawyer friend Michonne will make everything better.

Those Crazy Alexandrians

This story will chronicle the wild time they had during the first month or so after arriving in Alexandria. This absolutely does not follow what happened on the show! All the crew are in the story.

The Man, The Machete and The Mayhem

When Rick's family is placed in a dangerous situation, Rick will do whatever is necessary to bring them home safe.

Haunted Apocalypse 

This is a silly spooky story in time for Halloween. Rick and Michonne enter a haunted house and some nefarious shenanigans ensue. Think Scooby Doo meets the haunting of hill house meets supernatural. ZA prison time period. 10 chapters.

A Christmas

Four Christmas one-shots related to each of the four stories I have written. A Mayhem Christmas, A Haunted Christmas, A Crazy Christmas and A Come-up Christmas.

I do have a few upcoming..

These are five of my seven works for 2020!  Thank you to everyone  keeping Richonne alive and I can’t wait for all the new stories in 2021!  Happy New Year!!!!

[severelybabykryptonite]

The Picnic by SBK

A/N:  4th and final installment for the Richonnefics’ Date Night Series; a Speed Dating sequel. 

Rick tries his best to contain his excitement but is failing miserably as the smile spreads across his face at the mere thought of spending more time with Michonne.  They’d been out on three dates excluding the first night they’d met but they haven’t had the chance to be alone.  Sasha and Daryl always manage to fandangle their way in resulting in a double date each time.  Michonne had finally made up her mind that they should have their very own date and told him to leave it all to her.

Saturday morning wasn’t what he had in mind but he cleared his schedule and made arrangements for Carl to spend the day with his parents.  He walks into his bedroom once again and checks his appearance.  All she told him was to prepare to spend some time outside.  He donned a nice but casual dark blue t-shirt, jeans, and his boots.  He reached for an old cowboy hat but quickly tossed it aside, running his fingers through his hair and smoothing down his eyebrows.

She insisted on picking him up which he wasn’t used to at all.  Is this how women do things nowadays?  Are the roles reversed?  He tries not to think on it too hard but doesn’t want to appear out of touch or too old fashioned.  What if that’s a turn off for her?  He recalls their dates and she didn’t seem to mind when he held the door for her or made sure she was seated first.  He gives himself a mental shake, realizing that he is overthinking it all.  He takes a deep breath and reminds himself to just enjoy the time with her.

The doorbell chimes and he is moving hurriedly to the living area only to pull up short seconds before opening the door.  He composes himself quickly and opens the door with a small smile.  She looks up with those beautiful brown eyes and smiles right back.

“Hey,” she offers.

“Hey.”  He steps back and gestures for her to come in, watching closely as she walks past him in a clingy purple sundress.  He breathes in her scent and ensures that his eyes are on hers once she faces him.  “How’ve you been?”

“Great.  You?”  She looks around curiously, loving the color scheme and openness of his foyer which leads into an even more impressive living area.  She remembers the box in her hand and holds it out to him.  “This is for you.  A little housewarming gift.  I remembered you said you just bought this place.  It looks great by the way.”

He appears a bit taken aback by her generosity.  “You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s fine.  I wanted to.  I hope you like it.”  She smiles as he accepts the box from her, touching her hand deliberately in the exchange.

“Mind if I open it?”

“Not at all.”

They move into the living area and sit on the sofa as he places the box on the coffee table, noticing the heaviness of the wooden container.  He unfastens the metal clasp and opens it to find a glass tumbler set embossed with the initial ‘G’.

“Wow!”  He gasps.  “This is nice.”

Michonne swallows nervously, wondering for the 100th time if the gift was overstepping or overstating.  She just wanted to make a nice gesture and she thought a housewarming gift would be harmless.  Maybe it’s not.  “I just….well friends celebrate friends and purchasing a house is a great achievement and I thought….a gift would be appropriate.  Congratulations on your new house.”

“That was awfully kind of you.  I’m a little speechless right now.”

“Well I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or overstep my bounds.”  She watches as he closes the box and turns toward her.  The look in his eyes is one of awe, sincerity, and longing all melded together.  If she thought her heart was racing before, it just kicked into overdrive.

His heart rate is out racing hers as he allows his eyes to devour her.  He can’t recall anyone being this generous towards him and especially not after knowing him for such a short time.  “Thank you.”

“Oh it was nothing.”

He sits the box on the table in front of him, places a hand on the back of the sofa and leans toward her.  “Can I thank you properly?”  His eyes drop to her full red shaded lips and his mouth starts to water at the thought of finally getting a chance to kiss her.

Michonne absently allows her keys and cell phone to fall to the area rug below as she turns her body towards his.  Her eyes search his before dropping to his slightly parted lips.  She has thought about kissing him ever since she met him.

He watches her as she watches him move closer and touch his mouth to hers softly, gently.  He closes his eyes and presses in deeper, capturing her lips with an instinctual moan.

She reaches up to cup his cheek, loving the roughness of what she assumes is a day without shaving.  She wants to let him lead but finds herself opening her mouth and touching her tongue against his lips.  He latches on and opens up so they can taste each other fully.

Seconds later, he is clearing his throat and rolling his shoulders, trying to gain control of his body.  “I uh….would you like to see the rest of the house?”

Michonne pauses, wondering if this is code for something more.  She gives him a questioning look and he picks up on it immediately.

He lets out a small laugh.  “I just want to show you the house.  That’s all.  Really.”

Her first reaction is disappointment but she quickly masks it and agrees.  For the next several minutes, he walks her through his home and they are both careful not to touch or stare at each other for too long.  That kiss proved the undeniable attraction between them and neither wanted things to go too far too fast.

They end the tour standing on his patio overlooking his backyard.

“This is really nice Rick.  Spacious and peaceful and it’s just you and your son?”

“Yep.  Just the two of us.  I wanted Carl to have a home just as nice as before the divorce.  I found out apartment living is just not the thang for us,” Rick explains.

Michonne smiles, realizing that was one of the reasons she chose to buy a house for her and Andre.  Of course he spends the weekends with his dad and the house seems awfully empty when she’s alone but she wouldn’t trade it.  They are happy despite the fact that their lives changed with the divorce.  “It’s amazing how much your life mirrors mine.  I’d like to invite you and Carl over for dinner soon.  Well, if that’s ok with you.”  She pauses.  “Maybe we shouldn’t meet the kids just yet.”

Rick smiles at her uncertainty, actually delighting in the fact that this well put together female gets a little shy and unsure around him.  “I think that’s a fine idea.  I’ll look forward to it.”

Michonne can’t express how his simple words bring her such comfort and ease.  She also can’t help wondering where he has been all this time.  “Well…..are you ready?”

“Let’s go.”

He climbs into the passenger’s side of the luxurious sedan and enjoys the ride as she pulls away from the curb and takes them out of his neighborhood and onto the nearby highway.

Almost forty-five minutes later, they are driving down a dirt road surrounded by nothing but land and trees on either side.  He wasn’t sure what their destination was but he liked the obscurity of this location already.

He gives her a look and she smiles, knowing exactly what he wanted to ask.

“We’re almost there.  I promise.”

She smiles as the serene view of the expansive lake surrounded by nothing but greenery comes into sight and is thankful Maggie’s family takes such good care of their land.  She remembers coming here as a kid and for some odd reason, she wanted to share this special place with Rick.  She slows down considerably and drives onto the grass to get them closer to the water.

“Wow!  This place is beautiful.”

“It really is.  I’ve been coming here since I was a kid and I thought this would be a nice back drop for a picnic,” she shares.

“So this is your land?”

“Oh no.  One of my best friend’s family owns this place.  They’ve had it for years, passing it down from generation to generation.  This is basically my second home.”  She breathes a sigh of contentment and pops the trunk as she exits the car.

He follows and helps her unload the supplies.  They work together seamlessly spreading out the checkered blanket and unpacking the basket.  His stomach growls at the sight of all the food she brought.

“I’m starving.  I kinda skipped breakfast coz I was so excited about today,” he admits.

She laughs.  “Me too.  Good thing I packed plenty.”

They pounce on the food enthusiastically, talking and enjoying each other’s company.  Afterwards, they walk around the lake, tossing rocks and sticks into the water.

“So did y’all ever swim here?”

“All the time when we were kids.  I haven’t done that in ages though,” she answers.

“Well how about today?  The weather’s nice….”  He shields his eyes from the sun with a hand, looking all around.  “…..no one’s around.”

She scoffs with a slight giggle.  “You can’t be serious.”

He reaches down, lifting a knee, and pulls one boot off and then the other.

“Rick…..we don’t have suits.  We…..”

“And we don’t need ‘em,” he states as he lifts his shirt over his head and tosses it to the side.

She holds in a gasp as her eyes connect with his solid wall of a chest and flat abs.  “We are not doing this.”

“What’s the matter?  You afraid?”  He teases.

“I’m not afraid of anything,” she retorts.  Except you.

“Well in that case……I dare you.”  He smiles as those luscious lips of hers drop open with surprise.  He remembers Sasha saying her friend never backs down from a dare.

He watches as her eyes take on a determined glint and she kicks off her sandals before pulling her dress over her head to reveal a lacy strapless bra and matching panties underneath.  He wastes no time in getting the rest of his clothes off, standing before her in a pair of boxers.

She puts her hands on her hips and says, “I guess you wanna race now too?”

“Naw.  That wouldn’t be fair,” he returns.

“And how is that?”

“Coz I’m just gonna beat you anyway.”

They both take off at a sprint, laughing as they race neck and neck.  The splash they make breaks the quiet serenity surrounding them as they both resurface, gasping with the unexpected coolness of the water.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”

“I didn’t talk you into anythang.  You’re the one who can’t back down from a dare,” he reminds her.

She rolls her eyes heavenward.  “One of my many flaws.”

“You’re flawless.”

The atmosphere changes slightly as he looks at her with admiration and longing.  She recognizes it immediately and knows her expression mirrors his.

She reaches forward and brushes a pesky insect off his shoulder but doesn’t pull her hand away. She likes the warmth, the firmness of his skin.  She gasps when she feels an arm encircle her waist and finds herself flush against him.

“I wanna kiss you again.”

She doesn’t answer just slowly but surely places her lips on his, pressing in bit by bit until he responds, opening his mouth to allow her inside.  Moments later, they are breathless and holding each other tightly.

“I don’t think we’ll get to the horseback riding today,” she informs.

He gives a small laugh.  “We’ll save it for next time.”

She pulls away to look into his eyes.  “Next time?”

He nods.  “Yeah. We’re here together now and I’m already looking forward to the next date and the one after that and the one after that.”  He smiles.  “You’re having that effect on me.”

“Well I hope that’s a good thing.”

“Oh it is.  It’s a very good thang.”

She kisses him one last time before challenging him to a race.  Any more time spent in his arms would result in them getting naked and having sex in the lake.  She muses that it’s not a bad idea but for some reason she believes this one is a keeper and she doesn’t want to rush it.

He accepts her challenge, conflicted because he knows they shouldn’t take it too far but wouldn’t mind if they did.  He looks over at her as they swim further out and knows without a doubt that she is someone he could be with for a very long time.

You can read the prequel, Speed Dating, here:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11445160/52/Richonne-Ficlets-by-SBK

[carolina-bleus]

Passing the Test (Richonne Date Night-July)

Michonne was almost to the entrance when she heard the dreaded question.

“So, how do you think you did?”

Michonne had been asked that question way too many times in the last couple of days. She knew the people asking didn’t really care about how she did, they just somehow wanted reassurance about their own performances.

Though she internally grimaced, Michonne turned and offered her law school classmate a shrug and a smile. “I don’t know, Sara. I guess we’ll all find out in about three months.”

“Well, fingers crossed for us all,” Sara said as she held up both hands with her middle and index fingers crossed.

“Yeah, fingers crossed.”  

“Are you coming to the little get together tonight? I think we are all ready to blow off some steam.”

Some of Michonne’s classmates who were local to the area had planned to meet up at a bar to celebrate making it through the end of the bar exam. However, the last thing Michonne wanted to do was spend even more time with folks she’d been cooped up in a roomed with for two tense and stressful days. She needed some breathing room. She needed some quiet time. She needed Rick.

Michonne’s thoughts were interrupted by the vibrating of her phone. She glanced at the screen and smiled before looking at Sara. “Sorry. I can’t make it. My ride’s here. But tell everyone I said ‘hello.’ I’ll see you later.”

With a quick wave to Sara, Michonne rushed out of the door. She paused a moment to let her eyes adjust to the bright July sun before looking around for Rick. She didn’t have to look far as he was parked right in front of the building. She walked down the steps and right into his arms.

The couple didn’t say a word. Michonne just wanted a moment to decompress. And Rick, always aware of what his partner needed, held Michonne tight and rubbed her back until he felt some of the tightness start to leave her body.

Feeling better, Michonne pulled back and looked up at Rick. “Hey.”

Rick leaned down to give Michonne a soft kiss. “Hey.”

“Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect.”

“I take it you’re ready to get out of here?”

“Been ready.”

“Well, let’s go. I have a surprise waiting for you in the car.”

Michonne found a king-sized Big Cat bar in the passenger seat. Rick found himself smiling when his wife clutched her favorite candy to her chest. His smile melted into a look of concern when Michonne’s eyes started tearing up.

“Babe?”

“I’m sorry,” Michonne sniffled. “I don’t even know why I’m crying.”

“You’re just out of sorts. It’s understandable. Let’s just get in the car and head back to the hotel,” Rick suggested.

A sniffling and embarrassed Michonne nodded and got into the passenger seat still clutching her Big Cat.

After they were settled in the car and headed out of the parking lot, Michonne got her emotions under control and braced herself for the question. When they were close to their hotel and Rick still hadn’t asked, Michonne decided to take matters into her own hands.

“Well?”

Rick glanced over at Michonne. “Well what?”

“Aren’t you going to ask?”

“Ask you what?”

“Aren’t you going to ask me how I did on the exam?”

Rick shook his head while looking forward. “Nope.”

“Why not?”

“I figured it was the last thing you wanted to talk about right now. Besides, I already know how you did...you passed with flying colors.”

“Babe, I appreciate your confidence in me, but not everyone passes the bar on their first try.”

“Well, not everyone is fortunate enough to be Michonne Grimes, the smartest person in the world.”

Michonne smiled at Rick’s words. “I am definitely not the smartest person in the world.”

“Well, you’re my world and you are definitely the smartest person in it.” Rick reached over and grabbed Michonne’s hand.  “I don’t have any doubt that you passed the exam and you shouldn’t either.”

Michonne entwined her fingers with Rick and relaxed into her seat with a smile. Rick always knew just what to say to make her feel better. She felt the tension of the last two days start to ease from her body.

Michonne was just about to ask Rick about their plans for the evening when her phone began buzzing and didn’t stop. She picked up her phone and sighed. The tension was back. She pulled her hand from Rick’s and began going through the messages that were streaming in from family and friends.

“I guess they realize the exam is over. Everyone is asking me some form of the same question about how it went or how I think I did. Noah even asked me if I passed as if I know that right now!” Michonne blew out a frustrated breath. “I’m just sick of questions. I have been doing nothing but answering questions for the past two days, hell, for the past three years, and I’m sick of it. I just need a day without anyone asking me anything.”

Rick pulled into the hotel parking lot and stopped the car. He turned to Michonne and smiled.

“What are you smiling about right now? I’m obviously having some sort of stress induced breakdown and you’re smiling about it.”

“You know I’m not smiling about that. But you are obviously stressed out, so here’s the plan. Text your parents and Andrea and let them know that things went well and that you’ll see them when we get back home. Ask them to pass that message along to everyone else. Then cut your phone off and forget about it for the next few days.”

“What are we going to be doing for the next few days? I thought we were headed back to Atlanta right now?”

Rick and Michonne had traveled up from Atlanta so that she could sit for the DC bar exam. The exam was on Monday and Tuesday and the plan was to fly back to Georgia on Wednesday.

“We’re taking a bit of a detour.”

“What kind of detour are we taking? Don’t you have to get back to work? Rick, you already took time off to come up here with me. I don’t want you to miss any more.”

Rick was an officer for Atlanta PD and had taken vacation time so he could be in DC to support Michonne.

“Don’t worry about it. I have it all handled. I’m off for the rest of the week. So, it’s just me and you for the next few days.” Rick shrugged bashfully. “If that’s what you want.”

Michonne caressed Rick’s cheek. “Of course, that’s what I want. I want to spend as much time with you as possible before everything gets crazy next month.”  

“Me, too.”

Michonne had accepted a position with a DC firm and was scheduled to start work in August. She had applied for the position on a whim and had been floored when she got an interview and ultimately a job offer a few months ago. Michonne had been hesitant at first because she knew taking the job would impact Rick more than it would her. While they’d both have to move away from family and friends, Rick would have to leave a job that he loved with the Atlanta Police Department. But working in DC had always been Michonne’s dream and Rick was not about to let her give that up. After many long discussions and with Rick’s unwavering support, Michonne had decided to accept the position at one of DC’s oldest and most powerful law firms.

Michonne was starting to get excited. “Okay. Are we staying here for the rest of the week or...?”

“No, we’re checking out today and taking a drive.”

When Rick didn’t elaborate, Michonne asked, “Taking a drive where?”

“You’ll see when we get there,” Rick said lightly. “Let’s check out and head out. And for the next couple of days you don’t have to worry about answering any questions from anyone. Just tell me what you want and your wish is my command.”

Michonne looked her husband up and down. “I can have anything I want?”

“Anything.”

“I like the sound of that.”

The couple checked out of their hotel and began the drive to parts unknown...well unknown to Michonne at least. Rick knew but would not give Michonne any clues during their hours long drive. By the time they arrived at their destination later that evening, Michonne, exhausted from the last couple of days, was fast asleep in the passenger seat. Rick carefully unbuckled Michonne’s seatbelt and gently eased her out of the car and into his arms so as not to wake her.

Rick knew that Michonne hadn’t been sleeping well for the last few days. He’d felt her tossing and turning beside him in bed since they’d arrived in DC. He hoped the next couple of days would give her the time she needed to relax and get back to herself.

The next morning, bright sunlight intruded on Michonne’s peaceful slumber. Sitting up with a yawn, she looked around the room before turning and smiling at Rick beside her.

“I was wondering when you’d wake up.”

“I feel like that’s the first peaceful night’s rest I’ve gotten in weeks.” Sighing happily, Michonne leaned over to give Rick a kiss. “Good morning.”  

“Good morning.”

“Umm...where are we exactly?” The last thing Michonne remembered was riding on the interstate listening to some of Rick’s questionable music selections.

“Can’t you hear it and smell it? We’re at the beach.”

“I got that, but exactly what beach...and what state?”

Rick chuckled. “That’s right. You fell asleep before we were even out of Virginia.”

“Hey, don’t laugh. I’ve been going through it.”

“You don’t have to worry about that now. You made it. But, to answer your question, we are in Wrightsville Beach.”

“North Carolina?”

“That’s right. You know Shane’s parents have a little beach house here. They let us borrow it for the rest of the week.”

“That was so nice of them! We’ll have to pick up something for them while we’re here.”

“Yeah, but we’ll do that later. Right now is the time for you to relax and do exactly what you want.”

“We can do exactly what I want while we’re here?”

“Yup. You have any idea what you want to do?”

“Yup.” Michonne tossed back the covers and pulled her nightshirt over her head and her panties down her legs.

Rick raised his brows as his eyes darkened. “Oh. I guess I’m first on your ‘to-do’ list.”

“You sure are.”

Rick leaned back as Michonne eased his boxer briefs down his body. “Lucky me.”

As promised, for the next two days, Rick made sure Michonne got to do whatever her heart desired. Fortunately for Rick, what Michonne’s heart desired most was him. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him and Rick was not complaining. The couple spent Wednesday and Thursday making love, eating from the well-stocked fridge and pantry, and walking along the beach.

Though the mini-vacation was mostly doing its to job to help Michonne relax, there were still moments when Rick caught her looking preoccupied. He let the moments go without mention, knowing that his wife would confide in him when she was ready.

The couple started Friday with an early morning walk along the beach. They decided to head out before breakfast to avoid the crowds that would populate the beach as the day progressed.

There were a few other people out...surfers trying to catch a few waves before work, an elderly couple looking for seashells, and a younger couple taking a walk with their kids.  

Rick breathed in the sea air and listened to the waves lap against the shore. “This is nice.”

When he didn’t get a response from Michonne, Rick looked over at his wife and saw her watching the older couple talking to the young family with a thoughtful expression on her face.

Rick gently squeezed her hand that was entwined with his. “I think that will be us one day.”

Michonne started at Rick’s voice. “Huh?”

Rick nodded over to the small group. “That will be you and me one day.”

“The couple with kids?”

“I was actually talking about the old couple looking for seashells. That’ll be the perfect way to spend our golden years. Just combing the beach looking for that perfect shell. And I know I could rock the hell out of that sandal and sock combination the husband has going on.”  

“It might be a good look for you. I have to see those toes every night...and it is not always pretty.”

“Hey!”

Michonne laughed. “You know I’m kidding. I love everything about you.”

Rick blushed at Michonne’s words. “You know I feel the same way about you.”

“I do,” she replied before giving her husband a kiss.

“You good?” Rick whispered in his wife’s ear.

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Alright, let’s start heading back so I can make us some breakfast.”

“Great! I’m starving. I really want some bacon.”

“Are you frying bacon?”

Rick glanced back from the stove to see Michonne standing in the kitchen doorway. “Yeah. I thought I’d make your favorite bacon and cheese omelet.”

Michonne grimaced.  

“You asked for bacon ten minutes ago.”

“I know, but I’m not really feeling bacon or eggs right now. Would it be too much trouble for you to make some of your chocolate pancakes?”

Rick raised his brows. “So no to bacon and yes to chocolate pancakes? The last time I made the pancakes, you said you gained five pounds from the smell alone.”

“I just have a taste for them right now. But if it’s too much...I can eat the omelet.”

“Babe, you barely got that sentence out with a straight face. I think I actually saw a wince.” Rick laughed. “If you want pancakes, I’m making you all the pancakes you can eat.”

Michonne’s face lit up. “Thank you! I’ll see if we have all of the ingredients.”

Once breakfast was ready, Michonne practically inhaled the pancakes that she’d topped with whipped cream and syrup. When she finally ate her fill, she noticed Rick staring at her with a bemused expression on his face.

“What?”

“You have some whipped cream on your face right here.” Rick leaned over and wiped the foamy streak from the side of his wife’s face.

Michonne could see the amusement in his eyes. “Don’t you dare laugh at me.”

Rick held up his hands. “I didn’t say a word.”

“You know I’m stressed at the moment.”

“Well, I’ve got the perfect way to de-stress you.”

Michonne perked up. “Really? This morning before our walk, you said we needed to take a break for a few hours before we made love again.”

“We do need to take a break. I never thought I’d say this, but you’ve been wearing me out.”

Michonne shrugged. “I can’t get enough of you right now.”

“That makes me incredibly happy to hear, but I’m afraid that one or both of us is going to sprain a hip if we don’t take a little break.”

Michonne sighed. “Okay, so what else did you have in mind?”

“Well, it’s Friday, our date night, so I booked us a boat. We are going to sail around the island this afternoon and then have a nice seafood dinner at sunset.”

“That sounds absolutely wonderful, Rick, but you didn’t have to go out of your way to plan something for our date night. The past couple of days have already been amazing. You’ve done more than enough.”

“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do to make you happy.”

Michonne teared up.

“Hey, I didn’t say that to make you cry.”

“I know.” Michonne let out a shaky breath. “I just thought about what you are doing now to make me happy and what you’re about to do. You are giving up everything you’ve built with the APD for me and my career. What if we are uprooting our lives in Georgia to move to DC for nothing? What if I don’t pass the bar? You’ll have transferred to a new department for nothing. We’ll have spent all the money on the move and a new apartment for nothing. My parents will have wasted money on me for college and law school. And on top of all that I might—” Michonne started breathing heavily. “I think I’m going to be sick.”

Rick got up and squatted down in front of his wife. It wasn’t like her to get worked up like this. “Hey...hey. You are going to start hyperventilating. I need you to take some slow, deep breaths and try to calm down. Yeah, that’s it...in and out. In and out.” Rick kept repeating the words the directions until he felt Michonne start to calm. “You okay?”

Michonne nodded and gave a weak smile. “What time is that boat ride? Looks like I need it,” Michonne caressed Rick’s cheek, “and you.”

The boat ride worked wonders in relaxing Michonne...until she got so dizzy and sick that they had to dock early and return home. Rick worried that his wife was literally worrying herself sick.

That evening, Michonne had recovered and still wanted to go out to dinner. Rick had misgivings about resuming their plans.

“Are you up to it? Maybe we just need to do what we’ve done for the past couple of nights and stay in and relax.”

“Rick, I’m fine. It would be a shame for us to be at the beach and not enjoy some local seafood.”

“You sure you’re not coming down with something? You know stress impacts your immune system and could make you susceptible to certain autoimmune diseases like Lupus. It disproportionally impacts Black women in their childbearing years. Toni Braxton has it.”

When Michonne just stared at her husband, he grinned sheepishly. “I saw that on a talk show I watched while you were taking a nap this afternoon. I’m just worried about you, Michonne. I don’t want your stress to start impacting your health.”

“It won’t. I know I’ll be fine once I get the test results.” Michonne shook her head. “But, I don’t want to think about them right now. I’m starving. Let’s go eat.”

“Okay, but if you get sick again, we’re going to the nearest hospital to see what’s going on with you.”

Thankfully, Michonne didn’t have any problems at dinner. Rick made sure to keep a close eye on her. And other than her food choices, she seemed fine.

“Babe, you love salmon. I can’t believe you turned it down because it wasn’t wild Alaskan salmon.”

Michonne swallowed a bite of the spicy shrimp quesadillas she’d ordered. “Wild salmon is better for you than farm raised. It’s less fatty and has fewer contaminants.”

“Why do you know all of this?”

“Oh, I did some research during my bar exam study breaks,” Michonne explained quickly. “And I’m glad I didn’t get the salmon. These quesadillas are delicious. I might get an order to take home tonight.”

“They smell awfully spicy.”

Michonne grinned. “They are.”

“But you don’t like spicy foods.”

Michonne shrugged. “I do tonight,” she said before taking another huge bite of food.

After dinner, the couple decided to take a stroll through town. They visited quaint little stores and bought some souvenirs and a thank you gift for the Walshes. They came across an old fashioned drugstore that still had the original soda fountain from long ago. It wasn’t in use today, but the shop still sold homemade frozen custard and Michonne couldn’t resist going in to get a taste. Though Rick was stuffed from dinner, he followed Michonne in and walked around the store as she sampled several flavors before deciding on a cone with two huge scoops of rich French vanilla custard that had chocolate covered potato chips and caramel pretzel pieces swirled in it. Under the astonished gaze of her husband, Michonne finished the treat in record time.

Once they were back at the cottage, freshly showered and in bed, Rick decided to ask Michonne a question that had started forming in his mind earlier in the day.

“Babe, I know I promised that you wouldn’t have to answer any serious questions during this trip but...”

“What is it?”

“Are your bar exam results the only test results you’re worried about?”

Michonne’s eyes grew before she let out a sigh. “When did you figure it out?”

“I didn’t really start suspecting it as a possibility until today. I was doing some research about your symptoms this afternoon, the cravings, being more emotional than normal, the nausea, the increased sex drive, and pregnancy popped up as a possible reason. But I know you wouldn’t suspect you were pregnant and not tell me...right?”

“I wanted to tell you, I just didn’t want to worry you. You already had so much on your plate with changing jobs and moving and worrying about me with the bar. I didn’t want to add one more thing for you to worry about, especially if it was all a false alarm.”

“So you decided to take all of this on alone? Michonne, you are dealing with just as much, if not more, than I am right now.”

“Well, I guess I also didn’t want to deal with the possibility of being pregnant right now. There is no way I would have been able to study and make it through the bar exam if I really focused on possibly being pregnant. But I’m sorry for keeping this from you.”

Rick embraced Michonne. “I’m sorry you had to deal with this on your own.”

“I’m just glad it’s out in the open now.”

Rick pulled away and stared into his wife’s eyes. “Do you really think you might be pregnant?”

“Yeah. Despite being somewhat in denial, I did some research of my own, you know, just in case.”

“Is that why you didn’t get the salmon tonight?”

Michonne nodded. “If I am pregnant, I’m not giving our baby farm raised salmon.”

Rick loved the words “our baby” coming out of Michonne’s mouth.

Unaware of her husband’s thoughts, Michonne was nervous before she next spoke. “How do you feel about me maybe being pregnant?”

A huge smile broke out on Rick’s face. “Honestly? It’s taking everything in me not to run outside and run up and down the beach yelling out that you’re pregnant. I’m beyond happy about the possibility. The question is, how do you feel about it?”

Michonne’s smile mirrored Rick’s. “I’m scared and excited all at once. There are so many changes happening in our lives right now, but this just feels right.”

“It does,” Rick agreed. “So, when are you going to take the test?”

“I planned on taking one right after the exam, but we ended up here so I put it off.”

“You want to wait until we get home?” Rick was dying to know, but he would let Michonne take the lead.

Michonne shook her head. “Now that you know, I don’t want to wait any longer to find out.”

“You want me to go out and get a test? I can go right now.”

Michonne stopped Rick from getting out of bed. “I actually already have one. I bought it at the drugstore tonight while you were looking around.”

“Okay. So, are you ready to take one more test?”

“Yeah.” Michonne got out of bed and went over to her purse. She pulled the test out and faced Rick. “Why am I so nervous about peeing on a stick?”

“I’d pee on it for you if I could.”

The joke had its desired effect when Michonne burst out laughing. “I appreciate the thought.” After settling down, Michonne she took a deep breath. “Well, here goes noth--. No. Here goes everything.”

After taking the test, Rick and Michonne endured the three longest minutes of their lives. When the alarm on Rick’s phone chimed, the couple looked at each other before standing. Hand in hand, they walked into the bathroom and read the results.

Epilogue...Three months later...

“Michonne, it’s here!” Rick came into their apartment holding a white envelope.

“I know we’ve waited this long to find out, but now it feels like it’s too soon to know.”

“We don’t have to read it right now if you need more time.”

Michonne shook her head. “No, I’m ready. Come sit down and we’ll open it together.”

“You don’t want to do it by yourself?”

“No, we share everything, remember?”

“Okay.” Rick sat down beside Michonne on the couch and handed her the results.

Michonne opened the envelope slowly as her hands were shaking. She pulled out the letter and held it so that she and Rick could read it at the same time.

After a few moments of silence, Rick wrapped his arms around Michonne and pulled her back against him. “Well, I guess that makes you two for two in passing tests lately, Counselor,” he said happily.

“I guess so.” Michonne chuckled before sighing in wonder. “I’m a licensed attorney!”

“Congratulations, babe. You did it.”

Michonne placed her hands atop Rick’s where they rested on her growing baby bump. “No, we did.”