Disclaimer: I have not read the Walking Dead comics, but know enough to be a little dangerous. :) That said, if you have read the comics you might find that this chapter will likely take liberties that do not match with the comics.
Thanks to everyone for reading and responding to this story. I appreciate the support!
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Chapter Eight
Rick began to stir, and instantly felt her bare warmth resting upon him. He loved her form, the way it felt, the way it seemed to curve perfectly to him. Rick kissed her forehead as his hands caressed her nude back, then drifted to her buttocks, and gently stroked its cheeks. Michonne moaned, roused by his touch, the quick heat that it stirred within her. She then lightly stretched, and gasped as his shaft brushed against her.
Morning. Rick whispered as she opened her eyes, then kissed her forehead once more.
Morning. We didn't make it upstairs. She sleepily signed then nuzzled his chest with her mouth.
No we didn't. He huskily uttered, warmth smoldering within him at her touch. We don't have our mint. He then stated with heat as she now moved to his neck, exploring it with her tongue.
I don't care. She said, then tenderly tasted his lips. But we can't make this a habit. She added, making Rick laugh, who he then kissed her with fervor and hunger.
So what do you want to do today? He quietly asked against her mouth.
Our first day as husband and wife. Michonne smiled.
Umm Hmm
AHEM! Someone asserted, interrupting the moment causing them to instantly look in the direction of the sound to find Maggie and Darryl standing in their house.
What're you doing here?! Rick exclaimed as Michonne, mortified, grabbed Rick's blazer from where it lay next to the couch, and used it with his help to cover her ass.
We came to surprise you with breakfast. Maggie awkwardly explained, briefly looking at the covered pot in her hands. And to leave you a note reminding you about our trade meetings with The Kingdom. We had no idea, you'd be…on the couch. She said as she turned and quickly walked into the kitchen, with Darryl uneasily following behind.
You should've knocked. Michonne stated with irritation as she and Rick disentangled from each other, Michonne slipping on Rick's shirt while Rick grabbed his slacks and blazer, putting them on.
Yes. We should've knocked. We apologize. Maggie said, giving Darryl a strong look being as he was the one that insisted they'd be in and out, with Michonne and Rick not even knowing they were there.
What's this about The Kingdom? Rick asked as he walked into the kitchen with Michonne at his side. I thought you and Aaron were handling those negotiations.
We are, but you still need to be there for diplomatic reasons. Maggie said.
What time do we need to be there? Michonne flatly asked, still irritated by their unexpectedly arrival, but now also by a meeting they'd not planned on attending.
Noon. Maggie replied.
Alright. Rick sighed. We'll meet you at the cars in an hour.
I'm sorry again for the interruption. Maggie expressed with sincerity.
Yeah, sorry man. This is on me. I thought we could get in and out without it being a problem. Darryl confessed to which Rick and Michonne silently acknowledged with a nod before Maggie and Darryl quickly exited their home.
Well, so much for doing nothing today. Rick said with disappointment.
Yeah. Michonne echoed, his discontent, then kissed his lips. I'm going to get a shower.
I'll join you. He softly stated, then indulged her mouth once more before she led him upstairs to the shower.
Five Days Later
Michonne walked through the quaint house, her feet bare, comforted by the cool wood beneath them. Bare feet worked perfect with her flowing dreads and the cotton sundress she wore. Never would she have thought she'd ever be this relaxed behind the walls of a community that wasn't her own. When Maggie and Darryl had shown up at their home a few days before, stating that they needed to attend the new trade negotiations with The Kingdom, they'd taken it at face value, having no idea what was in store for them. However, when they'd arrived at The Kingdom, they'd learned that the negotiations would be happening, just not with them, that they were brought along so that they could enjoy a honeymoon away from home. The news had not gone over well. Michonne and Rick were upset by the deceit and both had argued that there was no honeymoon opportunity in this world, that those days were gone. They needed every second in Alexandria to continue preparations for the winter and to facilitate the expansion plans. Maggie, Darryl and Aaron had countered that the community wouldn't just stop working with them gone, that the people were more than capable of not only handling the important tasks for the next few days, but protecting themselves while they received some R&R. Additionally, they'd argued that this was for them, that the community wanted to do this and that Ezekiel, the leader of The Kingdom, had happily agreed due to what Rick, Michonne and the Alexandrians had done for his people during the war with Negan. You need this. You deserve this. He'd said. However, Michonne and Rick still weren't happy. What about Judith and Carl? They'd asked. Darryl had then reminded them that Carl was 17 and for the most part an adult and that Judith was with Mrs. Edwards who always took very good care of the little girl. It's only for a few days. Aaron had said, handing them bags that he, Maggie and Carl had packed for them. And besides, they'd be there too, he'd continued, he, Maggie and Darryl, at least for the first two days, working on the trade negotiations. If they still wanted to leave after the three days, then they could ride with them back to Alexandria. Rick and Michonne had eventually conceded, grudgingly realizing that even if they rejected it, they'd still have to stay until Maggie and Aaron completed the negotiations. Once they'd agreed to stay they were shown their accommodations, a small white cottage, which was quaint and quite beautiful. It sat on an average acreage of land, next to a huge lake on the north side of The Kingdom territory. The cottage was Ezekiel's "meditation" cabin that he used for thought and spiritual centering once a month. The place was set away from the main quarters of the community and was thus for the most part secluded. However, there were other cottages in the area that were inhabited, but weren't close enough to impede Rick and Michonne's privacy. They had to admit that the place was nice, but still they had trouble adjusting. The first couple of days were hard, being away from home, not seeing the kids and not working. They'd found it hard to sleep and spent one night doing shifts with weapons in hand, but by day three, they were more comfortable, relaxed and decided that they would stay for a few more days. They'd changed into the more comfortable clothes that Carl and the others had packed for them and gradually began to allow themselves to enjoy the reprieve, to do some things they had not done in ages. They'd taken walks by the lake and just talked, about themselves, about their kids, about nothing that had to do with supplying or securing their community. They'd gone swimming, had fresh fish and ice cream. They'd made love more times than either could count, tried some things that Rick had been wanting to try for a while, but Michonne had thwarted due to Carl sleeping just down the hall. It had been powerful and explosive, sometimes leaving them both weakened for hours by its ardent intensity. It had truly been a great reprieve, they would've never chosen to do this on their own, but they were glad that the community had done this for them. Michonne walked through the small living room and through the open French doors on to the patio that looked out over the lake, then made her way to the porch swing.
This is good. Rick breathed a contented sigh after Michonne placed her katana in the corner within reach, and sat down, snuggling against him, her back slightly to his chest, and he wrapped his arm around her.
It is. She breathed then brought his hand to her lips, kissing it.
Quiet reigned, for a moment, giving nothing away, save for the slight whistle of the wind and the creak of the swing on which they sat, faintly moving. Michonne closed her eyes, yielding to the bliss in her heart, and the calm around her, when Rick softly spoke…
Well look at that. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Michonne languidly open her eyes to the scene before her, whimsical clouds in a silhouette of vivid red, with a hint of blazing yellow in an ocean of blue, painting the horizon over the serene lake.
Not since everything happened. She murmured as she awed at the amazing scene, thinking that if she didn't know any better she would believe that the world had not gone to shit. Do you think we'll ever get it back; the way things were? She then asked, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
No. Do you?
No.
Is that why you don't want… another child? Rick then cautiously questioned, revisiting a conversation they'd briefly had days earlier.
In part. Michonne responded with honesty. It's the world as it is now, and my lingering struggles with the past.
I understand. He whispered, then drew her closer as he kissed her temple.
Maybe one day. She stated in a hushed tone.
Hey. Rick uttered as he turned her face to his, and gazed at her with love. It's not something I need. If one day never comes I'm okay with that. You're all I need. You and the children we have. Michonne smiled, deep tenderness in her eyes, when she then caressed his mouth with hers, exploring it slowly, lovingly, hungrily, rousing him to a groan, before she then nestled herself closer to him, savoring the wonderful feel of him, then returned her eyes to the gorgeous scene ahead and thanked the Gods, the fates, the heavens, whomever, that she and him were here now and together.
