A/N: Hello, hello. This was inspired by the song 'Say Goodbye' by Dave Matthews Band. It was initially going to be a little one-shot featuring Rick and Michonne as old friends who decide to get together one night after an event. But the story kept growing, as I kept adding details (read: wordy) and one by one, more of TF would knock on my door and let themselves right in, demanding to be included. It evolved into a reunion of sorts, at an annual benefit. This is a shorter story; just a few chapters, however, it may be an arc to add to later. This story is almost finished with some final editing needed. I've also got a ton of ideas for the story of when all of them first become friends in college. I'm slapping an M on it because you know what's coming (I mean, it's in the title). And that pun was intentional. Please enjoy.
Lovers For A Night
The Cherokee Rose Foundation's charity ball was well into its second hour when Michonne arrived at the Renaissance Lakes Country Club. She tucked the valet ticket into her clutch and stood in the sprawling atrium, taking in the stylish transformations made for the Greene family's annual children's benefit. The black, white and red décor was fitting and distinctive of the Monte Carlo theme, however, the guests wore any color of their choosing, as encouraged in their invitations and by word of mouth. In its fourth year, the ball had become a grand affair, gaining more publicity, attendance and patronage with each passing year. The Cherokee Rose Foundation was officially founded eight years ago, but Hershel Greene had been informally raising, employing and supporting fosters and orphans long before then, Rick Grimes being one of his first. The benefit brought in thousands of dollars to support the Foundation's mission and purpose.
As was her habit, Michonne stopped beneath the chandelier suspended from the domed ceiling. The fixture spanned over four feet across, the light from the candelabra bulbs casting a bit of joy and expectation throughout the entrance. She found it magical. It reminded her of a fountain, the crystal elements sparkling and seeming to flow with a sense of renewal, promising change and restoration. It always filled her with hope and promise. She took a deep breath and decided to let go of the frustrations stemming from earlier in the evening. She set her mind to enjoying the dancing, gaming tables, auction and catered fare on deck for the evening. And spending time with her friends; it had been too long since they were all together. The last time being the somber occasion of Hershel's funeral. She smiled at the guests passing by, admiring women in ball gowns and evening dresses, men in tuxedos and three piece suits, some holding drinks and others with plates of food. They were all in good spirits and wearing cheerful smiles, united for the purpose of finding and providing forever homes for neglected and abandoned children. She decided to join them in their amicable mood.
Michonne removed her pashmina shawl for the coat check, revealing the cobalt-blue gown she'd purchased off the rack at Monique's Closet. The halter top wrapped over her shoulders and fastened behind her neck, leaving the majority of her back exposed except for several bands holding the bodice in place. The skirt of the gown was bunched at the small of her back and cascaded to the floor, flowing, but clinging to her curves when she moved. Her dark skin sparkled in the light, made even more luminescent by the glitter infused body lotion she wore.
She hurried through the atrium, sidestepping small clusters of people as she made her way to the Magnolia Room, where intimate concerts and private auditions were often held. She hoped she hadn't arrived too late. Beth and Noah were only scheduled to play twice and this was their last performance. She slipped inside the room and stayed near the door as every seat was already taken. At the other end of the room, Beth stood on the small raised stage wearing an ankle-length paisley bohemian dress and holding her violin tucked under her chin. Her blond hair was gathered into a single braid that rested over her left shoulder, her eyes focused on the play sheets as she swept the bow back and forth over her violin. Noah was seated to her left, his back straight as he played an upright. He was stylish and sophisticated in a long tailed tuxedo and fresh haircut, following his own music sheet and glancing at Beth for cues on how fast or slow to keep the tempo. Within moments, Michonne recognized the familiar melody of Dance With My Father. The duo played their instrumental rendition beautifully, the violin and piano harmonious, indicative of many hours of practice and study.
"Aren't they doing great?" Maggie whispered as she sidled up next to Michonne. "Ever since you suggested this song, they've practiced it every day so they could play it tonight. She's come so far on the violin. This was good for her. She wanted to honor Daddy with more than just singing. Daddy would have just. . ." Maggie voice trailed off as she realized that Beth wouldn't be playing the song if Hershel had been there. Michonne hugged Maggie and they kept their arms linked as other as they continued to watch.
Beth's eyes closed and she swayed gently as she stroked the final notes from her violin. From the back of the room, Michonne could see the tears on Beth's cheeks and her own eyes watered as memories of Hershel washed over her. Meeting him freshman year when he dropped off Maggie to their dorm room, her first visit to the Greene farm when he'd told her she was always welcome, providing references for her when she applied to law school and again when she passed the bar and was ready to begin her career. He'd made sure she knew was part of their family, that she belonged. Hershel had become a mentor and role model for many of them; full of humility after overcoming his own demons. He'd given sage advice and unconditional support; he loved life and loved all of them. Young Beth had been preparing for her senior year in high school when Hershel had died the previous summer. As expected, she was having a difficult time and her grief was affecting her school work and grades. Maggie sometimes joked that her only goal in life was getting Beth to graduation, but in reality, she struggled with providing Beth the emotional support and space she needed to mourn. They were on their second therapist and the most recent conference at school had laid out the extra assignments Beth would need to complete to earn her diploma.
Once they finished, Michonne and Maggie clapped enthusiastically. Beth found them at the back of the room and her smile widened. Noah raised his hand in half-wave to them as he grinned. Maggie blew them kisses and then gave several piercing whistles. Beth blushed and bowed before taking Noah's hand as they bowed together. A cellist waited to play next and Beth and Noah hurried off the stage. Michonne and Maggie walked out into the atrium before the next performance began.
"You look fantastic," Michonne complimented her. Maggie's recent pixie cut framed her face, highlighting her cheekbones and shining eyes. Her tangerine-colored gown had a high empire waist with multi-layered tulle that floated softly to her ankles. It hadn't been shared among all their friends yet, but Michonne knew Maggie's dress hid a growing baby bump.
"So do you," Maggie returned. "Your hair is gorgeous. I love when you wear it up." She pointed to the up-do Michonne had twisted her locs into.
"Thanks. I'm sorry I'm late," Michonne said as she and Maggie hugged again. She let Maggie pull away first. "I'm so glad I didn't miss them perform. They did a great job."
"Yes, they did. They were a bit nervous the first time around, but they still did good."
"How are you holding up?" Michonne asked, rubbing Maggie's arm. They had spoken that morning and Michonne knew how tough this first event without Hershel was for Maggie.
"Everything is going smoothly. The jazz band, the caterers, the auction attendants. I know this is what the committee does and to let them work their magic but I felt I needed to be more involved. As a way to honor Daddy, but I just kept getting in the way. Glenn tried to tell me. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but I miss Daddy so bad. I keep trying not to cry."
Michonne nodded. "Where is Glenn?" she asked, noting his absence from Maggie's side.
"You just missed him. One of the Peletier's maiden mares is foaling and seems to be stuck in stage two, so he went out there to see if he could help things along. There's not much he'll be able to do, but it could take several hours still."
"What about Daryl going out? He's good with the animals."
Maggie nodded. "Yeah, but not as good with people, so we didn't want him going out there on his own. At least not yet. Ed and Carol Peletier are new to the county with a full stable. They really just need to have their hands held and know that their new vet is responsive and dependable. Glenn's really trying to sustain and grow Daddy's practice and he wants to lock them in as long term clients. Daryl's meeting Glenn there."
"Glenn will do good. You too," Michonne said, referring to all he and Maggie had taken on since Hershel's death.
Maggie nodded in agreement. "He will. We will." She studied Michonne. "How'd things go with Morgan?"
Michonne shrugged. "It's over. He didn't want it to be though, that's what took so long. I should've been here over an hour ago." She sighed. "I tried to make it work, but he was so emotionally closed off . . . I don't think he was over losing his wife."
"Grief doesn't follow any timeline or rules. Maybe it was too soon for him to start dating again."
"Probably," Michonne sighed. "I don't know." She didn't offer anything more, lost in thought. She wondered about her own lack of dedication at making the relationship with Morgan work. It had been safe being with him; her heart had never been in danger of falling in too deep or of being broken, and she had been comfortable with that. Maybe Morgan had sensed she wasn't all in and wasn't willing to let go of his dead wife to be all in with her either. She sighed, not wanting to acknowledge her own excuse, why she had stood in her own way.
Michonne's small frown tugged at Maggie's heart and she wanted nothing more to brighten her friend's mood. She knew what might work; for the first time since college, both Michonne and Rick were single at the same time. "Rick should be downstairs," Maggie offered. "Last I saw him, he was heading down there with Rosita and Andrea after Beth and Noah's last performance. I think they're trying to liquor him up enough to get on the dance floor."
Michonne laughed. They all knew Rick only stepped on the dance floor with Michonne leading the way or after no less than three shots of something strong. Anticipation at seeing him sparked excitement in the pit of Michonne's stomach.
"I'm glad he came," Michonne commented. "I didn't know if he was going to. You know I haven't seen him since your dad's service. It's like he's been avoiding me."
"I know. He kind of became a recluse after Daddy died and then with the divorce being finalized right after. He didn't come by the farm for weeks. I think he was avoiding all of us. He seems to be back to himself lately though."
Michonne nodded. Maggie had told her when Rick and Lori's divorce was finally all said and done. She thought she would have heard from Rick then, but his reply texts had been monosyllabic and distant. Eventually, she gave him space and stopped reaching out. And then she'd met Morgan.
"Did she come tonight?" Michonne asked, referring to Lori.
"She RSVP'd that she's be here, but I think that was more out of habit than really thinking it through. I haven't seen her so far. Maybe she smartened up and is staying away."
Michonne hummed in agreement. She wondered if Lori would show anyway. Even though they had been separated, Lori had accompanied Rick to Hershel's funeral, but she'd loved the old man as much as the rest of them, so it hadn't been a surprise to have her there.
"You know, he started working here on the weekends," Maggie said. "Ask him about the program he wants to start for our kids. He'll need your expertise."
"Is he going to be adopting any of these kids?"
Maggie frowned and shook her head. "No."
"What type of lawyer do y'all think I am?"
Maggie giggled. "You know we don't care."
A group of three couples exited the double doors to the Philadelphia Room, where the silent auction was being held. They chatted and laughed as they headed toward the stairs. Maggie recognized two of them as the husband and wife team employed as high-level executives with a finance corporation that recently opened a local office downtown.
"I'm going to go mingle," she announced to Michonne. She lowered her voice and nodded toward the passing guests. "And emphasize how much the Foundation appreciates and values their financial support of finding forever homes for parentless and underserved children." When she was a few feet away, Maggie turned back around to face Michonne. "You better get down there and rescue Rick before some bored socialite tries to snatch him up."
Michonne grinned as she watched Maggie pursue and then insert herself into the small group, introducing herself with a welcoming smile. She left Maggie to use her innate talent as the Foundation fundraising ambassador and was confident Maggie would have every one of them stroking substantial checks before the end of the night.
Michonne walked over to the double curved staircase that led down to the ballroom. Closer to the ballroom, she could hear the band performing Can't Take My Eyes Off You. Michonne stood at the balcony between the stairs, her gaze moving through the crowd of people below as she rested her hands on the waist high railing. She spotted Rosita, Andrea and Beth next to the ice sculptures buffets, dining on fresh seafood and ripe fruit. Tyrese and Noah stood with them, dapper in their matching tuxedos that Michonne was sure Sasha picked out for them both. Tyrese's fedora completed his look and she wondered where Noah had lost his. Rick wasn't with them. She perused past the section of decorated tables, past the band and the couples on the dance floor to the groups of people standing next to the wall of doors that led to the large balcony outside. She was about to give up when she finally spotted him, leaning against a pillar next to the bottom of the left staircase; she didn't know how she had first missed him. Rick was delectable in a charcoal suit and matching striped tie. His lavender dress shirt was familiar; she recognized it as her Christmas gift to him two years ago. He had grown a beard, which was new. The trimmed brown hair had gray sprinkled throughout and did wonders for his already handsome face. She liked it. His long fingers held a tumbler and he took a sip of the gold liquid. She followed the glass from his lips up to his eyes. Even from here, she could feel the intensity of his blue gaze. He was staring up at her; as if waiting for her to find him. She stopped breathing as they stared at each other.
"All these fine brothers here and you still only have eyes for that white boy," Sasha said in her ear.
Michonne laughed and recalled the first time Sasha had told her something similar. It had been thirteen years ago, during their freshmen year of college when she'd been in denial over her growing feelings for Rick.
"I don't know why y'all just don't get together already. You were just wasting your time with Morgan. And Mike. And what's his face with the four dogs. You know you're a cat person. I hope you went through with it, ending it with Morgan."
Michonne nodded and hugged her friend. "I did," she said. Michonne stood back and held her arms out, taking in Sasha's attire for the evening. "You're looking quite tasty," Michonne exclaimed. Sasha wore a burgundy off-the shoulder skater dress and matching pumps. The front of the dress ended mid-thigh and showed off her athletic legs. Sasha preened and struck a pose, her hands fluttering near her twist-out curls.
"Not much of a gown though," Michonne commented dryly.
"Listen, girl, I'm ready for a full-time man in my life. Can't get that keeping my best assets all covered up. I just hope I don't attract the wrong catch."
Michonne laughed.
"That dress is everything on you," Sasha admired. "I knew it would be."
Michonne twirled slowly, showing off for Sasha. And for him too.
"I'm doing it," Sasha declared.
"Doing what?"
"I got approved for the loan and I'm going to put in an offer to buy Monique's Closet." Sasha worked at the boutique as an executive buyer and upon special request, occasional personal shopper. She'd been there for the last three years, initially hired as the front end manager.
Michonne congratulated Sasha and hugged her again.
"I'll just need you to read over the contract with me. Make sure it's on the up and up. I think Miss Monique just wants to retire and isn't trying to get over, but I want to make sure. You know how sly that old lady can be. I want to change the name too, something a little more chic for where I want to take the boutique. I think she might fight me on that."
"What kind of lawyer do y'all think I am?"
"Does it really matter?" Sasha turned and peeked beyond the railing. Rick was in the same spot, still watching them. She raised her hand and wiggled her fingers at him. Rick gave her a slow nod and an easy smile.
"I'll let you get back to it," Sasha said to Michonne, tilting her head in Rick's direction. "You're single, he's single. Maybe something good will come out of it this time. I'm gonna go see if I can get this band to play something we don't need a partner or ballroom lessons to dance to. Hell, I'll take the Electric Slide at this point."
Michonne watched Sasha walk away. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hand down her front of her gown, flattening nonexistent wrinkles. She headed towards Rick, trailing her fingers along the railing as she sauntered down the steps, never breaking eye contact with him. He didn't look away either as she made her way to him and his contemplation was unsettling, like he'd been waiting all night just for her, his small smile like an inside joke between them. Even from here, Michonne felt as if he were flirting with her. She took another deep breath, feeling like she was walking to the edge of something new and exciting.