A/N: This is pure fluff and dedicated to my girl Trinrichonnetrash, because you feel more like a sister than a friend and I love ya! Happy Birthday!
The song is courtesy 'Don't You wanna Stay' by Jason Aldean ft Kelly Clarkson
Hope you guys enjoy this one!
Sophia
"Michonne, are you sure you don't wanna come with me to the singles ball?" Sasha asked her friend for the third time. The stack of books surrounding her roommate on the large couch was enough of an answer. Michonne had gotten accustomed to being by herself, the thought of going to a ball thrown by the mayor for all the eligible single men and women in King County was equivalent to getting her teeth pulled. Everyone knew the ball was a disguise to have Mayor Grimes' son, Rick married off.
Rick Grimes
He was probably the most handsome man she had ever seen. She had only seen him a couple of times but every perfect feature of his model face was etched in her memory. Sometimes his beautiful face haunted her dreams and she would wake up in a cold sweat.
The feel of his hands on her body as real as her pounding heart.
She adjusted her dark rimmed frames on her face before she spoke.
"Sasha...even if I wanted to…..I have no sitter. Dre is asleep and I have this big case coming up. Dale needs me to win and I want to be prepared." She also knew that the men who would be at the ball tonight weren't interested in a single mother and all the baggage that came with. She was better off at their modest two bedroom apartment studying and keeping an eye out for her baby boy.
"Fine. Suit yourself…..but it's gonna be fun." Sasha teased looking exquisite in her black halter back full length dress. Her natural coils were full and framed her face. She was gorgeous and would surely capture someone's attention tonight.
"Fun is overrated" she retorted, trying to justify her reason for staying home. "And I have nothing to wear." That was true, there was nothing in her closet that was 'ball appropriate.'
"So you're going to be a workaholic for the rest of your life?" Sasha asked in a last effort to persuade Michonne to change her mind.
"Hey...being a workaholic pays good money." She snapped back beginning to feel defensive that her recent moniker had been workaholic, even if it was true, she wasn't impressed by it.
"Yeah but can that big money hold you when it's cold at night?" Sasha rejected her snide comment seeing the sad look on her friend's face.
She was persistent with the invite because she knew she was in need of a break. She decided that she would call in some reinforcements. Someone she knew that Michonne would not say no to.
Michonne was a beautiful woman with a caring spirit and she deserved to be loved by a man who thought the world of her. Especially after all she had been through.
"Ok girl...well I'll see you when I get back." With that Sasha left with a click of the door and a wave from Michonne.
Half hour later there was a knock on the door. Michonne jumped, ensconced in her world of books she wasn't expecting anyone nor was she expecting to be disturbed.
Sometimes she chided herself that she was too entrenched in her solitude.
She padded to her door in her polka dot pajamas, glimpsing at the clock above the door; 8:45pm.
Where did the time go?
To her surprise and annoyance, her friend Andrea stood at the door a large garment bag in her hand.
Inwardly she groaned as she stepped aside to let her in. Andrea was loud and bossy and didn't take the word no from people as easily as others.
"An-dre-a what are you doing here?" She asked calmly, preparing herself for an intrusion of epic proportions.
"I'm getting you to the ball. Duh!" Her tone had an obvious annoyance to it.
Michonne should've known her roommate would've called Andrea.
"So Sasha called you huh? I'm afraid you're wasting your time. I have nothing to wear and I don't have a sitter." Her excuses were valid enough for her, she hoped Andrea bought into it.
"So what am I? Pig liver? I'll watch Dre! He's the most well behaved four year old I know." She said plopping herself on the couch, roughly closing all of Michonne's books.
"Hey! I was studying cases! You've lost all my pages!" Michonne exclaimed trying to salvage the rest of her study books before all her markers were gone.
Andrea took her by the hand and stared at her face. Blue eyes stared into brown eyes and they were filled with history and a closeness borne of both happy and some very sad times.
"It's been three years, it's time you get back out there. Prince Charming isn't going to come to your door."
"Prince Charming doesn't exist." She said remembering Mike and everything he told her that had ended up being lies upon lies. Yet it still took her a long time to stop loving the man who wouldn't even acknowledge the beautiful baby boy they shared.
"Mike was a toad disguised as Prince Charming. He doesn't count and you know it."
"Andrea I'm not going to a singles ball for all these men to judge me from across the room based on how I look." She folded her arms in defiance.
"Gimme one good reason why you really don't want to go." Andrea asked seeing behind her friends facade.
Michonne hesitated before responding, pulling her glasses off her face. "I have absolutely nothing to wear to this. Everybody is going to be decked out, I would stick out like a sore thumb if I went with whatever I have in my closet." She knew her wardrobe was limited especially since her social outings consisted of taking Andre to the park, junior art class and swimming lessons. Besides work clothes she lived in jeans and shirts of all sizes and styles.
"Yeah I know! Those hideous shirts you wear hide your ridiculously sexy body. It's unfair how many curves you have Michonne!" Andrea eyed the blue plaid shirt she had on as a perfect example. She went around the sofa and pulled out three extremely gorgeous dresses and laid them out on the couch for display. There was a red, thin strap number that caught her eye immediately.
She saw Michonne's eyebrows raise, her interest peaked and thought to herself that they were getting somewhere.
"What are you? My fairy godmother?" She looked at Andrea amusingly, beginning to feel a tad bit like Cinderella. A dress and a sitter magically appearing at her feet.
"Think of me as your fairy God-friend….. although I wouldn't mind if I had me some wings." She laughed.
"Andrea...I don't know about this…..what if I go there and don't meet anyone?" She rather save herself the disappointment.
"What if you go there and actually meet someone who can alter your future?" She asked seriously.
"Ok. Now you're creeping me out. Now you sound like my fairy godmother." She didn't understand why she was using those enchanted words or perceiving things as such.
She didn't believe in fairy tales.
The man who she believed would be her happily ever after had betrayed her in the worst way and it had taken her forever to get over him. She didn't have it in her to love anymore. She couldn't love anyone like that again. Mike had taken everything with her when he left them.
Andrea walked up to her jaded friend and held her arms, "Chonne...look at me….Mike isn't the last man you're ever going to love."
Michonne felt like crying at Andrea's statement but tried to hold her tears at bay.
Deep down inside she hoped Andrea was right. She wanted to believe she wouldn't always be this closed off, always having an aversion to love.
"You really think so? Nobody there is going to want a single mother." It was her innate fear.
She came as a package deal. Whoever ended up loving her had to love her baby boy too.
"I have a really good feeling about this babe, tonight is your night all you gotta do is show up and…believe."
She took in her friend's words and knew she really wanted the best for her.
She had closed herself off so badly from the outside world that being alone was a comfort instead of a curse.
If she was honest with herself she didn't want to be alone forever, maybe tonight she should get out and reacquaint herself with the dating world. Even if she didn't capture anyone's eye.
"So choose a dress, anyone would be great on you. If you want my opinion I would go with the red one. I know you're a pro at your makeup and your hair so we got that covered." Andrea got busy with selecting the dress and pulling Michonne to her bedroom.
"Andrea I have no shoes to match that dress?"
"Don't worry Chonne! I gotchu!" She said digging into her large handbag, she pulled out a beautiful Crystal clear pumps that sparkled in her hands. Michonne blinked twice trying to see the shoes clearly.
"Is that a glass pumps?" She asked feeling eery now that the sequence of events so far made her feel like she was in a fantasy.
"What? Am I rich? It's plastic, it was on sale at Macy's, it was begging for me to buy it. I'm just a half size bigger than you right? It'll still fit.." She joked, Andrea always thought clothes spoke to her, which is how she knew what to purchase.
"Do you have a pumpkin outside waiting to be turned into a carriage too?" She said twisting her neck comically.
"What are you joking? Even if I was your fairy godmother I wouldn't use a pumpkin for a Chariot! This is the 21st century! You're Uber will be here in half hour." She answered squarely. Michonne was taken aback at how her quiet evening had been washed down the drain by her obnoxious friend.
"Ok. Fine! Let's get this show on the road!" Michonne gave in to the forces that were obviously directing her to the ball.
"Soo….there's only one stipulation." Andrea said stopping her in her tracks.
"Of course there is" her tone was dry as she waited on Andrea's one condition for what was beginning to feel like a hopeful night.
"I have to leave at midnight. So you need to be home by midnight."
"Midnight? You're joking right? What happens? My dress turns to rags and my Uber Driver disappears?" The timing was uncanny and she had to make a joke out of it.
Surely this was not some enchanting night.
Andrea rolled her eyes, "Shane's coming over right after his shift and he doesn't have a key nor does he have any patience." She advised.
"Midnight is fine. I'll probably be home before that." They agreed on the time and Michonne went to get ready.
She silently encouraged herself to be open to whatever the night would bring.
...
Rick tried to be invisible in the corner of the dimly lit ballroom of one of the biggest hotels in King County. In the past forty five minutes he had danced with eleven different, desperate women and he just wanted a breather. He was also hiding from Jessie Owlan who had made it her mission tonight to not just be his future wife but to give him 5 kids. He shuddered at the thought and hated that he'd promised her a dance after he had avoided the very same thing all night.
He saw his mother working the room with perfection. His father at her side complimenting his wife like he had done all these years.
Deanna Grimes knew the ins and outs of wooing people with a charm and finesse that many envied. She made you feel important even with a simple 'hello.' This ball that she concocted up was for him to find a wife because she felt he was dragging his feet.
She repeated over and over that if he was to take over as Mayor he should be married and present a stable front to his community. They had the money and the means and it all came together quite beautifully. His sister Maggie needled him every chance she got, especially as she was recently married to Glenn Rhee, a fine Doctor who was smittened with his sister. He was glad Maggie had found the love of her life and he had to admit a bit jealous of their relationship. Most times Maggie and Glenn seemed like best friends. It was the type of relationship he always wanted.
Especially after being with Lori for a disastrous six months.
He was ready to really love again but was quite doubtful he would find love here, but he loved his mother and he promised to be his usual charming self.
"You know you're not hiding right? I can see you clear across the room." Daryl Dixon said as he approached Rick. Daryl and Rick had been friends for a few years. Daryl was a popular mechanic in town and had saved Rick after a bad accident on the highway. They couldn't have been more different which probably made their friendship all the more special. He was glad his buddy had actually rented a tux for the night. Daryl was more of a leather vest and high boots type, so Rick appreciated his efforts greatly.
"I'm trying to hide from Jessie. Why did I promise her a dance?"
"You mean the Jessie who's headed this way?" his friend asked seeing the blonde walking towards them with an extra sway in her pale blue dress.
"Rick Grimes, I've been looking all over for you. Your mama said I'd find you in a corner of the room." She said brushing his arm, implying a closeness they surely did not have.
"Ugh... Jessie..Hi. I was just talking to Daryl here." He knew Daryl would back him up.
"You can have him Jessie, we're finished here." Daryl said wickedly, throwing Rick to the dogs.
"Great!" She yanked him by his hand as she lead him to the middle of the ballroom along with the other elegantly dressed dancing couples.
That's when he saw her and his heart stopped. This dark beauty seemed to have stopped time as she descended the brightly lit staircase. Her red dress was like fire among the pastels and light colored dresses that lined the room. Rick couldn't look away from her beauty if his life depended on it.
This dark skinned goddess had captivated him in a magical way. Her smooth dark skin glowed as she took each step slowly and delicately. Her face was alluring, he could tell her eyes had depths that he wanted to drown in. He knew he wanted to caress her cheeks and let the softness of her face calm him. Her lips were begging to be kissed and he didn't mind kissing her for the rest of his life. All those feelings bubbled inside of him, threatening eruption and he hadn't even seemed her face to face yet.
She was like nothing he had ever seen before and he needed to get to know her if it was the last thing he did.
He slipped his hand from Jessie who was just as shocked as him as she followed his eyes to the woman coming down the long staircase. Jessie may have as well been invisible.
"Sorry Jessie..you and I weren't ever going to make any sense….and I think...I think my heart has been captured." He left her in the middle of the room and strategically placed himself at the bottom of the staircase waiting for the stranger in the red dress.
Michonne felt her knees wobble as she slowly glided down the stairs, being careful to keep her feet in the borrowed shoes Andrea had gifted her for the night.
All eyes were on her and she felt slightly embarrassed as everyone seemed to stop their chatting and dancing and placed their eyes solely on her. Even the music was on pause.
One pair of eyes in particular accelerated her heart rate as Rick Grimes stood sharp at the end of the steps.
It appeared as though he was waiting just for her.
She tried to remember how to breathe.
Rick's hand reached out confidently towards her and she took it, not because she was confident herself but because she felt like if she didn't hold onto something she would fall flat on her face.
"Hi" Rick said, his voice even, his eyes boring holes into her body. Her red, spaghetti dress clung to her feminine curves and complimented her complexion perfectly.
If he could, he would build a statue of the lady in red for everyone to appreciate her beauty.
"Hi." She answered shakily. He was devilishly handsome in his black tuxedo and bowtie, and she wondered what he looked like underneath it all.
"Who are you? And what are you doing for the rest of your life?" Their hands touched, they both felt an electric surge passing through their bodies. A forcefield of attraction instantly drawing them to each other.
"How about we start off with a dance first." Michonne responded, trying to figure out where her confidence was coming from. Her response had slipped from her lips so easily.
"We can do that." Rick said pulling her to his chest just as the music started up again. She smelled intoxicating as he took a whiff of her as they got closer.
Who is she? Where has she been all night?
"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." He whispered to her ear as they floated on the dance floor.
"I'm sure there are other women here who are better looking than me." She said trying to be modest of his compliment. She leaned her head on his strong shoulder and closed her eyes trying to hold onto the memory of being this close to him.
"There are other women here? I didn't even notice. All I see is you." He said smoothly. She looked at him this time ready to give him a smart retort but his eyes shone with honesty.
She was considering believing him. He was certainly looking at her like she was the only woman in the room.
I really hate to let this moment go
Touching your skin and your hair falling slow
When a goodbye kiss, feels like this
Don't you wanna stay here a little while
Don't you wanna hold each other tight
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight
Don't you wanna stay here a little while
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay
After the third song ended, he was happy that the dreadlocked stranger had accepted his offer for a drink. He still didn't know her name but he knew that she had fit perfectly in his arms as though she was made just for him. He held her hand as he lead them to the balcony. They had spoken for a while once their dance ended, the slow music in the background providing a sweet and melodic soundtrack to their memorable night.
The moon help cast a low light on the area and he couldn't help but admire the dark smoothness that was her skin, like a creamy chocolate he wondered if she tasted just as sweet.
"So you know my name but I don't know yours." His voice was low as though he didn't want anyone to hear their conversation.
She looked up at him, his once sea blue eyes now midnight blue holding her at ransom.
She couldn't look away, the night she had been trying her best to avoid had seemed perfect. They had talked about so many things in such a short space of time, she didn't want the night to end.
"Names would make this real, reality sets in and I don't think I want this magical night to end." She answered, not quite ready to face reality.
"Your last name doesn't matter to me, just your first."
"And why is that Rick Grimes?" She asked curiously as his hands found home around her waist.
"Because as soon as you agree, I'm going to marry you, so your last names would be Grimes." He was charming as he was cocky, but he wasn't disrespectful and that turned her on immensely.
"You seem sure about that."
"I've never been so sure about anything in my life." He said stroking her cheek.
"How do you know I don't have a boyfriend or husband waiting at home." She asked tilting her head, her neat locks falling in the same direction.
"That's impossible, no man in their right mind would let you out of his sight. I know I wouldn't." If she was his, he would spend as much time with her as she would allow.
"You're right. I don't." She answered. Her lips spoke a language of her own and he felt himself drawing closer to them.
"I'm going to kiss you…."
"That might not be a good idea Rick." She said, her heart boring a hole in her chest. Her stomach was tying itself up in knots.
"I think it's the best idea I've had all night."
Let's take it slow I don't want to move so fast
Don't wanna just make love wanna make love last
When you're on this high. It's a sad good-bye
Don't you wanna stay here a little while
Don't you wanna hold each other tight
Don't you wanna fall asleep with me tonight
Don't you wanna stay here a little while
We can make forever feel this way
Don't you wanna stay
His lips touched hers, slowly at first but her mouth was hot as he slipped his tongue into hers. He sucked at her lush lips with greed, wanting to remember this kiss in the morning, wishing he could wake up to her kisses every day.
Her hand laced through his silky curls and she hugged him closer. She wanted to be naked, wanted to feel his chest against her chest. Wanted to feel his lips all over her body.
She wanted him to make her feel like she wasn't just a mother but a desirable woman.
That's how Rick Grimes made her feel, like she was a wanted woman and it was better than any dream she had.
His lips dipped to her neck and her collarbone, he tasted the beginning of her breasts and he couldn't get enough.
"Rick...we can't..not here." She said not ready to let him go but she had to remember where they were and that he was the son of the Mayor.
"Well let's get outta here, we have time." He suggested breathlessly.
Time.
She held up his rolex, it was ten after twelve.
She dropped his hand. "I'm sorry! I have to go. I lost track of time." She said already leaving the balcony.
"What? No you can't leave." I need to know your name. Give me your number." Rick pleaded as he followed her up the staircase.
"If you really want to find me Rick Grimes, you will." She challenged him, feeling like the runaway princess.
Her fairy tale night really was coming to an end.
She couldn't keep Andrea waiting. It was time to get home to her baby boy. She was sure by the time Rick found out she had a son he wouldn't want to be entangled in her life. Even though she felt she had already fallen in love with him.
She knew her Uber driver was waiting, given that she told him to be back ten minutes before twelve.
Rick followed her up the stairs all the way outside, ready to follow her home if he had to. He was never so serious about anything in his life. He needed to know who she was.
She rushed to the waiting vehicle and watched as his disappointed stare held strong with her sad one.
"So you're going to leave me hanging after that magical night we just had?" He asked, his ego bruised, his heart aching to see her leave.
She took her shoe off and threw it straight into his palms.
"Now you've got something that belongs to me. Find a way to give it back." She shouted as the car began to drive off.
He clutched the shoe to his chest, vowing to somehow find her.
"Hey man! Who was that, you spent the entire night with that chick." Daryl asked, running up to him. He saw the vacant stare on his pal's face, he looked dejected which was surprising seeing he had a smile plastered on his face the whole night.
"I didn't get her name….but I think she's changed my life Daryl." He said almost in a whisper.
"Well she left you her shoes. That's weird as hell but maybe it's a start." Daryl said, feeling like he was watching a damn romance movie.
"It's a start…" Rick vowed to himself that he would find the dark skinned beauty who had changed his life in only a few hours. " And when I find her, she's gonna marry me."
Daryl watched the determined look in Rick's eyes and he knew he would rest at nothing to find her.