Chapter 2

Michonne stood there for a moment in the open doorway, allowing the cold air inside. She was a little confused and tried to make sense of the picture before her. She knew she was a little tipsy, but she was pretty sure she had asked Rick for a raincheck to his invitation. Just then, however, her stomach growled and made the decision for her.

"Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too!" She said stepping aside and opening the door further to allow him enough room to manoeuvre his way inside and closed the door behind them.

"It's a good thing you brought food. The caretaker stocked the place, but everything requires cooking and I'm a tad tipsy for that." She rambled on nervously as he followed her to the kitchen.

"Wine?" She asked removing the second bottle from the fridge. "Don't mind if I do." She continued with nervous chatter not quite sure how to react to being alone in her home with her co-worker. It wasn't his first time there, she and Aaron had hosted barbeques to which he and his family were guests and her father had on occasion rented the place to host retreats, but it was the first time they would be alone together in such a casual setting. There had always been a line, a professional boundary between them, but tonight, they were both off the clock, so she wasn't sure about the context.

Rick placed the takeout on the marble countertop, but her unease wasn't lost on him; it was never his intent to make her feel uncomfortable especially in her own home.

"Michonne, if you're not comfortable with me being here... I can go."

"No, it's fine. You took me by surprise that's all, but I'm okay. You?"

"I'm fine…"

"Wine?"

"I'll have whatever you're drinking, thanks."

She passed the bottle to him to open, "Hungry?"

"I can eat," he replied still picking up on her nervous energy as she busied herself retrieving trays, plates, flatware, and an extra wine glass for their meal.

"Can I help you with anythang?"

"It's fine thanks, I can manage. I was surprised to see you out here, but I forgot you would be over in Arlington with your folks for the holidays given..." her words fell off as the similarities of their lives became obvious. She continued placing the containers of food on the trays. "I hope you don't mind eating sitting on the cushions on the floor in the family room, it's kinda my thing."

"Not at all, whatever makes you comfortable."

He smiled at her and accept the olive branch because apart from spending the night with his son, he couldn't imagine any other place on earth he'd rather be than where he was right this moment.

"Good. Grab that platter and follow me then."

"Yes, ma'am," he replied with his signature crooked smile prompting her to roll her eyes.


The family room was situated just past the living room, so it would be easy for one to keep an eye on the little ones while the grown-ups entertained themselves, but not close enough to be too distracting noise wise.

On this night, however, it was softly lit with pot lights, the Christmas lights from the tree which Michonne had decorated earlier, and the cozy fire in the fireplace. Michonne's special cinnamon candles were a glow on the end tables and on the mantle.

The room was now cozy and warm, filled with the scent of pine and cinnamon… apart from the Christmas tree and stocking hung by the fireplace, the decorations were on the sparse side, but still Christmassy enough for the type of Christmas Michonne was having this year.

The Christmas music on her playlist had changed for something more festive. At present, Nat crooned about chestnuts roasting on an open fire which made the atmosphere somewhat warmer.

Meanwhile, outdoors, the large velvety snowflakes continue to fall silently painting a picturesque winter scape around the lake where the naked trees stood like soldiers alongside its bank. The outdoor lights reflected off the frigid waters of the Barcroft near its shoreline as visibility slowly disappears with the fog rising over the lake.

Inside, the two friends sat on the floor across from one another choosing from the various appetizing dishes displayed on the coffee table. The dishes featured an array of enticing colours with the aroma of garlic, ginger, and cumin; a blend of hot, sweet and sour to tantalize one's taste buds. All of Michonne's favourite dishes had her mouth watering and her empty stomach growling which caused her to blush and Rick to chuckle.

"I'm sorry, but in my defence, that's only because someone hijacked my dinner." She added for clarification purposes.

"Mea Culpa!" He added raising his arms in mock surrender.

"So, when did Santa decide to make another appearance?" she asked with a smile.

Rick blushed, "I was halfway to my place when the thought came to me. But it was conditional of course…"

"Conditional? What, did you have to play eeny, meeny, miny, moe or something?"

"Nah, nothing quite so dramatic. It was conditional as to whether or not Santa could find the perfect gift or not".

"Oh? You brought me a gift?"' She asked surprised. She knew he wouldn't be expecting one, but, all the same, it suddenly mattered to her, so she searched her mind for what she might use as an emergency gift. A small smile tugged at her lips as a thought popped into her head. The gift she bought earlier that night for a party she would be attending in a few days would be perfect for him.

"Yeah, because Santa usually delivers gifts… What's that smile about?" He asked somewhat curious, but secretly happy that he was somehow responsible for it being there.

Michonne was warming up to the idea of his presence. It was evident because she began attacking her food with gusto, but then again, not much came between Michonne and her appetite.

"Nothing," she said after finishing a mouthful of noodles. "Don't you like your food?" she asked gesturing to his plate still laden with food.

Truth be told, Rick lost track of his appetite long ago, he was mesmerized just watching her eat.

"Nah, it's fine." He said and popped a chicken ball into his mouth blushing slightly at the fact of being caught openly staring at her like a schoolboy with his first crush.

He smiled back and offered to refill her wine, she accepted, but only if he would join her. He did.

After dinner, Michonne directed Rick as he placed the gifts under the tree. It had to be done in a specific way given her folks would be joining her and Andre shortly after their return from their trip. The grandparents wanted to see their grandson open their gifts.

"I see you're just as bossy at home." He said jokingly.

Michonne didn't respond verbally, but her shoulders squared and she simply turned away. She knew his remark was said in jest, but it did hit a particularly sensitive mark.

The minute the words left his lips and seeing her reaction, he knew immediately it was the wrong thing to say. "Hey," he said walking over to where she stood, but still mindful enough to respect her personal space, he extended his hand touching her upper arm with two fingers. "I didn't mean to be insensitive. I'm sorry."

"It's okay… I'll be fine." Michonne said then inhaled deeply as she walked away towards the kitchen taking the time to compose herself. She came back with a bottle of champagne which was left there from the last party they hosted just before Thanksgiving. She passed him the bottle.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked.

"No, but I'm not sure about much these days."

He took the bottle from her and sat it on the coffee table. "I think we've had enough to drink. Plus, I still have to drive home."

"I'm not drunk". She said defensively.

"I never said that, but I think you're avoiding the issue… I've been told that I'm a pretty good listener, so I'm more than willing to listen as soon as I'm done my job of course."

Michonne ignored his remark, drained the remainder of her glass and points to the remaining bag of gifts to be emptied and placed under the tree.


Rick and Michonne sat on opposite ends of the sofa admiring their hard work. Both were quiet, but there was a nervous energy between the two of them.

Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me

I've been an awful good girl

Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Madonna's song, however, inspired the next moment. Michonne jumped up from the sofa and was about to leave the room.

Rick was surprised by her sudden reaction, "Hey, was it something I said?" he asked.

"In a manner of speaking, yes. I'll be right back," she said as she left the room.

A few minutes later, Michonne came back with one hand behind her back, but Rick knew from her actions and the small smile on her beautiful face what she was about to do.

"I can't have any of that," he said extending his hand to stop her while shaking his head. "Santa delivers gifts and he gets milk and cookies in exchange, so whatever's behind your back it's contraband. We can't have you deviating from the Christmas tradition, counselor."

Michonne frowned. "Fine, guilty as charged, so when do I get my gift, Santa?" She asks petulantly looking like a much younger version of herself with pouted heart-shaped lips.

The look caused a reaction in Rick's pants, one he was definitely trying to stave off. Tonight, he just wanted to bask in her light not make thangs any more complicated than they needed to be.

"Well, that all depends on you."

"Oh?" She answered back as she reclaimed her spot on the sofa.

Think of all the fun I've missed

Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed

Next year I could be oh so good

If you'd check off my Christmas list

Boo doo bee doo

"It all depends on whether you want to talk or open your gift first."

"I don't recall agreeing to the first part. Furthermore, I thought the gift came with no strings apart from the cookies and milk which are clearly displayed in full and final payment of said gift for which I am told, contraband is deemed to be prohibited. Ergo, can talk not be construed as unnecessary?"

"You've made your point, counselor. We're off the clock and we can't bill this to anythang, so let's just relax. But should you ever need to talk about it… I'm willing to listen, no judgment whatsoever."

Come and trim my Christmas tree

With some decorations bought at Tiffany's

I really do believe in you

Let's see if you believe in me

Boo doo bee doo

Rick then walked over to his Santa sack and pulled out an oddly shaped gift and return to claim his place on the sofa.

Michonne's eyes tracked his bowlegged strut from the sofa and back with a raised brow at the strange shape gift in his hand.

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing, a ring
I don't mean a phone
Santa baby, and hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight
Hurry down the chimney tonight

Rick knew Michonne enough to know her curiosity was killing her. "It's killing you to know, isn't it?" he asks teasingly relishing in having the upper hand if only momentarily.

"Maybe a little. What is it?" she asks trying hard to be nonchalant, but he knew her enough to know different because she was very curious by nature.

He moistened his pink lips and said, "If you had to guess, what would it be?"

Michonne thought about it for a minute, "I dunno… the wrapping looks like a speech bubble."

Rick turned the gift around in his hand examining it and she was right, it looked it jumped right out of one of his son's comics.

"You happen to be right about that, but that's not it."

"Rick, I give up. I can't think of anythang that looks like that."

Now Mama's in the kitchen cookin'

And her children are fast asleep

It's time for Santa Claus

To make his midnight creep 'cause

Santa Claus wants some lovin'

Santa Claus wants some lovin'

"So soon, counselor? I'm surprised you didn't ask to touch it."

The lyrics registered a little too late, as soon as the words left his lips, Rick felt the heat creeping up his neck as his complexion changed to a lighter version of his Santa suit.

Michonne chuckled from his reaction and the fact that her playlist now seems to be shuffling from one section only.

"Drink?" she asked offering the contraband gift bag to him.