CHAPTER TEN:

"Work"

Its gonna take a bit of work
Oh, work
Now that you're here
Whoa oh work

Rick smiled, admiring the way the morning sun illuminated against Michonne's skin as she peacefully slept next to him. Her long locs splayed across the crisp white pillowcase like black strokes of a paint brush to an empty canvas. He slowly reached over, brushing one of the long fallen locs out of her face gently, the need to see all of her beauty strong within him. The sudden movement from the infant that slept between them caused him to pause, Judith whimpered lowly as she nestled deeper into Michonne's side, instinctively Michonne tightened her arms around the baby as both beauties continued to sleep soundly.

A brighter smile fell on Rick's lips as he dropped his arm down to his stomach, reminiscing on all of the events that had transpired over the last four days; as he thought about all of the things that had led them here-how he went from borderline despising the woman next to him, to falling absolutely head over heels in love with her all over again. Rick knew that before he was allowing his pride to get in the way of them truly healing, individually and together. And, once he took that pride out of the equation, he was able to allow love to just flow and at that very moment she was indeed, overflowing.

Cause people come and go
But I think you should know
That I

I think this will work

Day One

Hurried footsteps echoed against the honey oak wooden floors, a soft smile fell on Michonne's lips as she walked deeper into the kitchen, taking note of Noah swarming around inside of their walk-in pantry like a busy little bee, he hummed to himself as he added more food to their ever-growing shelves.

"Hey baby bro" she smiled out warmly as she leaned against the white sliding door.

Noah looked up, smiling brightly at his sister as he placed another can of black beans on the shelf. "Hey sis…What's up?" he questioned sweetly.

Michonne shrugged. "I was looking for you because I wanted to run something by you but you've been gone the last few days" she responded warmly.

Noah chuckled, "Yeah, sorry about that sis… between the runs and Beth. I have been kinda M.I.A"

Michonne chuckled as well, "Indeed you have…you and Beth have been really hitting it off since the party."

"Yeah" he drew out, his cheeks suddenly growing flush.

A brighter smile fell on Michonne lips, the prospect of her brother falling in love causing a swarm of pride to fill her. "Aw…" she gushed out. "I'm not all that surprised about you all. You two were inseparable when you were younger. You wouldn't remember because you were only about three, but I remember how cute it was watching ya'll hold hands while watching cartoons and eating animal crackers" she beamed.

"Oh my god" he shook his head as he sorted through the essential oils. "Please don't tell her that…it's pretty embarrassing" he chuckled out.

"I'm pretty sure Maggie has already beaten me to it", the flash of terror on his face caused Michonne to erupt into laughter. "I'm kidding…I'm kidding" she revealed as she wiped away the pooling tears in her eyes.

Noah shook his head at his sister's goofiness, "What did you want to talk to me about?" he questioned, changing the subject back to its original course.

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot" she announced as she finally calmed herself down. "So, I was thinking about inviting Rick and the kids to stay over for a few days. Just to have everyone under one roof, to talk, to bond, to finally hash all of this shit out so that we can all heal and move on as a family.

Noah nodded, placing a box of crackers onto the shelf next. "I think it's a good idea. You all haven't really had the chance to just be together since we've been here. You, him and the kids have never had that chance to bond. I say go for it. I think it would really help you guys." he assured as he looked over to his sister.

Michonne nodded, biting down on her lips anxiously. "Yeah" she drew out softly.

"Hey…" he called out to her as he placed the remaining boxes on the shelf and walked over to where she stood. "It's all going to work out, you have to stop worrying yourself about it. This is the time to get it right and I know you can big sis, I know you and Rick can make it work. If I don't know shit else in this world, I do know that my sister is a fighter and that she gives up for no one" he encouraged as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

Michonne smiled, "When the hell did you grow up?" she chuckled out loudly as she placed her hand over his. "You're right…we can do this. We are going to do this." she affirmed.

"It's already done then" Noah smiled out sweetly

Michonne beamed. "Thank you…" she cooed out as she brought her brother into a tight embrace.

"Anytime" he smiled, running his hand across her upper back, supportively. Michonne had been there for him time and time again, it was now time for all those efforts to be reciprocated. The siblings stayed in that embrace a little while longer before parting, Michonne heading upstairs to talk to Andre and Noah getting back to putting away their groceries, a sense of hope filling him as he thought about the beauty within change-the beauty within being able to grow and do better for a greater cause, for a greater purpose and in this case that cause, was Andre.

Michonne exhaled softly as she glanced towards the man that sat across from her. His blue eyes piercing through her as they studied each and every one of her movements intently. After her talk with Noah, Michonne was able to run the idea by Andre who was surprisingly, okay with it before she propositioned Rick with it-who agreed to it as well. Four hours later, he was seated in her living room; almost staring through her soul.

"Thank you for agreeing to this" she acknowledged softly as she shifted nervously in her chair. "I know you didn't have too" she added as she finally allowed all of her attention to fall on him.

Rick nodded lowly, in all honesty he was a bit taken back by Michonne's proposition at first, he really didn't see how staying under one roof like the Brady Brunch would benefit them or their current situation but he agreed to it anyway because deep down he knew that this would be the chance for them to finally sort out their differences- this would finally be their chance to hash all of this shit out once and for all and he would be an absolute fool to pass up this chance at reconciliation. "I did…I needed too" he finally offered.

"Okay…" she breathed out.

"Where do you want to start?" he rasped out.

"The beginning…" she offered.

It was Rick's turn to exhale as he rested his back against the white dining room chair, his arms folded across his chest as he looked somberly towards Michonne. "Alright…the beginning" he nodded out.

"Okay" she drew out in return, internally she was thanking the high heavens above that Noah had taken Andre, Carl and Judith out for some fresh air because this conversation already felt like it would be an intense one. Michonne cleared her throat, sitting straight in her chair as she began to speak. "Why didn't you wait, Rick?" she finally breathed out, her eyes looking up to meet his. "We made a promise to one another and you broke it. And, I didn't even hear it from you...Maggie was the one who told me that you had moved on, she was the one who told me about that night at Shane's" she revealed, sorely.

Rick exhaled, taking a brief moment to collect his thoughts. "It wasn't ever my intention. I wanted you...I wanted us but as the days grew longer without hearing a word from you. I thought you just didn't love me anymore. That you ain't want me..." he croaked. His voice slightly cracking at the revelation. "So, after a while I just made the choice to allow myself to move forward whether I wanted to or not" he rasped. "That night was such a blur. I didn't even plan for all of that to happen. It just did." he shrugged out, grievously.

"But why her? Why Lori?" Michonne questioned, wrapping her arms around herself protectively-that feeling of insecurity suddenly creeping in. "She literally hated me and you chose her. It was like a slap across the face and it still is" she revealed through a knitted brow, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

Rick nodded. "I know and I'm sorry about that Michonne. I didn't want it to be her...I didn't want it to be anyone else for the matter. I couldn't have you...you weren't there so I found refuge in the closest person I could find. I know it ain't right but at 18 what other choice did I have when the love of my life wouldn't even pick up the phone for me. She was there, she was present and slowly she made being away from you not as hard anymore." he drew out.

"I get that I wasn't there. I understand that but you gave her something that was only supposed to be for me. You gave her your heart...your love. You gave her a promise of till' death do us part. Everything you said you wanted with me she got and all I received in return was the privilege of being an underage, unwed mother." she breathed out shakily as she quickly wiped away a fallen tear with the back of her hand. This conversation bringing up the same hurt and pain that helped fuel her decision over 14 years ago. "I resented you...looking back it was so selfish and immature but when I found out you hooked up with her. I couldn't come back, Rick. I couldn't come back and look in her face and see that she had half of me…that after me being gone for only six months you fucked that bitch!" Michonne shouted. Her heart pounding heavily in her chest as that same fiery anger coursed through her veins, that same anger she felt at 17 returning for vengeance. "That night in the pantry, you told me it took you eight months to consider moving on and a year to do so. You lied to me...did you just conveniently forget about that night, huh?" she questioned as she leaned forward in her seat, her once warm eyes now blazingly boring holes into him.

Rick scoffed, a bit taken back by the assumption. "I didn't lie. I never lied." he informed firmly before he continued. "Yeah, we did hook up at that party, that's true but what you don't know or realize is that I cut that shit down right after. I didn't talk to Lori for almost six months after it because I felt so shitty about it. It took me eight months to come to terms with the fact you were gone and that you weren't coming back. But, I still waited a year to explore anything with her because I still held on to hope that you would return, that you would answer my calls but you didn't Michonne...you didn't" he drew out softly. "I'm sorry Michonne. I'm sorry for not handling that shit better. I'm sorry for running into Lori's arms. It should have never went down like that...none of it" he rasped out as he brought his soft eyes of remorse up to meet hers; the softness within them causing a shift in Michonne as she exhaled deeply.

"Thank you..." she responded back softly as she sat back in her seat, the apology slowly melting away at that anger. "I appreciate your honesty. I appreciate you even giving me those answers because I know you didn't have too" she acknowledged sincerely.

Rick nodded in response, his brow furrowed as he stared at her. "You deserved to know why, Michonne. You always deserved to know. I just wish it would have come directly from me and not someone else. I owed you that and more" he revealed sincerely.

"Yeah" she sniffed out. "Andre?" she questioned as she began to fiddle with the folded piece of paper in her hands.

"Andre..." Rick agreed through a small nod.

Michonne rolled back her shoulders, preparing for whatever was about to come her way, "Ask away..." she breathed out.

"How did you pacify his questions about me growing up?" he pondered.

Michonne huffed softly, "Andre only asked about it once. He knew Mike wasn't his father and he never acknowledged Mike as such. He knew he had a father by the name of Ritchie. I explained to Andre that we parted due to school and that you couldn't follow due to circumstances. He knew that Jarrod forced us to have to stay in Massachusetts and away from you. He always understood it was never a choice for you to not be in his life" she softly divulged.

Rick nodded, understanding the circumstances that were at hand. "When did you find out you were pregnant?" he rasped out, his blue eyes now roaming over her face, taking in each and every feature of that beautiful face as his hands rested in his lap.

"I was almost four months when I found out about him. I thought that my missed periods were due to stress and the weight gain due to the freshman fifteen. I never even entertained the idea of me being pregnant until I went to the emergency room thinking it was a stomach bug. It turned out it was Andre" she revealed softly.

Rick nodded, "When is his birthday? How big was he when he was born?" he drew out hoarsely, his emotions beginning to get the best of him.

"April 17th, he was a big boy…8 pounds- 13 ounces and 26 inches long" she responded through a soft smile, reminiscing on that day as if it was yesterday as she continued to fiddle with the pictures in her hands. "I actually have something for you. I had more to give you but they got destroyed after the turn." she revealed as she stood up from the chair and slowly walked up to him. "There's two pictures...he was about three days old in the first one and he was about five in the second one" she drew out as she handed the folded photographs to Rick and went back to her seat.

Through a furrowed brow he ran his fingers along the folded crease of the thin paper, using his thumb he unfolded the images. Rick leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees- a shallow breath escaped him as he tearfully looked down at his son. He brought his hand to his mouth, attempting to stifle the deep sobbing that escaped him; tears cascaded down Rick's cheeks as he took in his boy...his beautiful little boy, "How could you keep him from me? Why would you keep him from me?" he rasped out, his voice full of raw emotion and pain.

Michonne exhaled, seeing him so distraught causing her to come unloose at the seams. "I'm sorry, Rick. I am so sorry...I let cowardice, anger, jealousy and immaturity fuel my decision. Yes, the fear of my father borderline blackmailing me took a major toll but I should have fought for you, for us-for our son. I should have accepted whatever fate that awaited if it meant us being together. If it meant you being in Andre's life. I can't take it back, lord knows I would if I could but I am here now begging for you to forgive me" she choked out tearfully. "I am here now, laying everything at your feet. I can't get those years back for you. I can't summon those missed memories but we can make new beautiful ones, together. All of us, together" she pleaded.

Rick nodded, wiping clean his flushed face with his white t-shirt "I want that. I want us together as a family, Michonne. It's only what's right. I know your daddy made it hard for you and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry for my hand in you not coming back as well. I unknowingly made things even harder for you and I am truly sorry for that… the past is the past and I forgive you. I won't ever forget this but I forgive you, Michonne"

A sigh of relief finally escaped from her as she wiped clean her eyes with the back of her hands. Michonne never knew how amazing those three little words would feel until she heard them from him. His and Andre's forgiveness was the best thing that she could have ever asked for. "Thank you" she finally breathed out, a sense of peace and happiness beginning to fall around her.

A genuine smile fell on Rick's lips as he clutched the photos in his hands tightly. He gazed softly towards Michonne. "Tell me more about him?" he rasped out. "What's his favorite color? Favorite food? Did he play sports in school? Is he smart like you? What are his dreams? His aspirations? Is he anything like me?" he questioned softly, yet eagerly.

Michonne giggled, a vibrant smile falling on her lips as she indulged in his eagerness. "You're more alike than you could ever know. He's every bit of your son" she beamed. "-for starters…"

Rick's heart swelled in his chest as he leaned onto his knees, taking in every word Michonne spoke of their son. He was so enthralled with this child, he was so fascinated…so captivated with this little boy, the fact Andre had just come into his life no longer mattered because Rick embraced the next step into his journey of fatherhood. He embraced getting to know his son and building a lasting relationship with him. He anticipated every second, every minute, every chance that he would be able to spend with his son-this type of blessing was one that you could hold in your hands and Rick was holding on for dear life.

It's gonna take a little time
But with you by my side
I won't let go
Till I got what's mine

Day Two

A soft hum of Stevie Wonder's 'My Cherie Amour' filled the quiet living room as Michonne softly bounced the whimpering infant in her arms. She swayed across the wooden floors almost angelically as she attempted to rock the baby back to sleep. Michonne glanced towards the black clock nestled on the top of the mantle.

"You know it's 3' in the morning Miss. Lady and we should very well be asleep. I know you're uncomfortable because your teething and I know growing up sucks right now but trust me when I tell you, when you become my age… you're going to wish for these days again" Michonne drew out humorously, the baby looking towards her with one eye open and a half smile caused Michonne to erupt into a small fit of giggles. "You are a silly little bean, aren't you?" she cooed as she left an abundance of soft kisses to Judith's cheek. Unbeknownst to her…Judith wasn't the only audience she had that night.

Rick bit down on his lip, trying his damnedest to fight back the cheesy grin that threatened to exude from him as he watched the scene before him. He leaned against the black railing to the staircase, his eyes still planted on Michonne as he admired the beauty of motherhood on her. Rick always knew Michonne would make an amazing mother, solely based on how well she took care of Noah growing up-she was always so protective and vigilant when it came to her younger brother. Even in the short period of time, Rick was able to see how extraordinary of a mother she is to their own son and to stand here witnessing her doting on his daughter as if she grew the child in her own womb was everything to him. Michonne's selflessness had always been one of the reasons he fell in love with her, she was always willing to risk her own happiness for others, even if that meant protecting their child from her father. Rick finally was able to understand her decision, he was finally able to get why she gave up on everything she loved so that she could raise their child and give him a better life, a life that could have possibly been void if she did come back to be with him. It's no secret that Rick was gone during a lot of Carl's early years due to work. He missed out on a lot and if Michonne did return, he doubted it would have not been the same with Andre. He would have either not gone to basic training or would have immediately went to work in another field, trying to scrape up as much as he could for them and the baby. It would have been a struggle for the both of them. Rick wasn't able to see the why in the choice that she made at first, he wasn't able to look past his own grievance to see her own but finally he was starting to get it, he was starting to see her again.

Rick beamed to himself as he leaned off of the railing, quietly he crept over to where Michonne and Judith stood. "Hey…" he rasped out softly as he planted his hand on the small of Michonne's back.

She turned to look towards him, a soft smile on her face. "Hey" she whispered as she continued to gently bounce Judith.

"Everything alright?... I woke up and you two were gone" he drew out as he used his free hand to softly caress his daughter's cheek.

"I heard her whimpering…so when I went to check on her I noticed she was drenched in sweat and her gums were still irritated so I took her out of her onesie and brought her down for some applesauce bites before she woke the whole house up. I think they worked because she hasn't cried so…" she informed through a shrug of her shoulders.

"You could have woken me up Michonne…you didn't have to do all of this" he responded back softly.

"I was going too but the way that you were snoring yogi, I doubt you would have heard her anyway" she teased.

"Hey now…" he deadpanned as his hand traveled up her back. "you know what happens when you poke the bear, right?"

Michonne glanced towards him with a raised brow, "What?" she responded back curiously, her interest piqued.

"You get bit" Rick drew out as he playfully bit down on Michonne's shoulder.

Michonne attempted to stifle the squeal that threatened to escape her, she giggled softly as she whipped her shoulder away from him. "You're a child…stop before you wake this baby up!" she reprimanded as she playfully kicked at Rick.

Rick snickered, "Okay…okay. I'll quit"

"Thank you" Michonne responded back as she rolled her eyes at him.

Rick smiled. "I was supposed to have a meeting with a few members of the group to talk about next steps for this quarry situation. Would you be alright with them coming here?" he questioned.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind Rick…the plan is to still lead them out of the quarry and away from Alexandria, right?"

"Yeah that's still the plan…just need supplies to do it" he affirmed.

Michonne nodded softly in response as she continued rocking the now sleeping child in her arms, "Let me talk to Noah…he's really good at building things and architecture. I'll ask him what we would need to prevent a breach from a herd that size and how to do it" she offered.

"Alright…" he nodded as he looked between his sleeping daughter and Michonne. "looks like she's asleep, let's go back to bed" he announced softly.

"Let's…" Michonne smiled out in response as her and Rick, headed back upstairs for some much-needed rest.

Rick's small meeting end up turning into a backyard barbeque as every member of team family piled onto Michonne's quaint deck. Laughter, chatter, food and drinks filled the small area as everyone enjoyed getting to know one another.

"I ain't mean for the meeting to turn into all of this" Rick rasped out as he carried the ceramic dish of black beans and rice over to the food table where Michonne stood.

Michonne watched as he placed the dish down on the table, a soft smile falling onto her lips as she watched Rick wipe clean his hands on his black denim jeans. "It's alright…I think Andre is enjoying the new-found Uncle's and Auntie's that he's inherited" she chuckled out as she turned towards the table where him, Sasha, Tara and Abraham were currently engrossed in another round of spades; Carl keeping score.

Rick smiled brightly as he looked towards his son. "You think he's going to win another round?" he questioned as he moved closer to Michonne, resting his shoulder against hers.

As Michonne was beginning to respond, a tyrant of swears came hurling from the table. They watched as Abraham threw his cards down in anger, him and his partner Sasha bitterly staring towards an elated Andre and Tara-the duo proud of another win under their belts. "Looks like he already did" she finally giggled out.

Rick chuckled as well, "That's the what…fifth round?" he questioned

"Sixth…" Michonne corrected as she admired how happy her son was. "I told you he's a whiz with numbers" she beamed.

Rick beamed as well, taking note of his son and his mother's happiness. "You did…" he nodded out softly. "Next time I go out…I'll try to find him some more card games. I could teach him dominoes or rummy" he offered.

Michonne glanced towards him, a bright smile on her lips. "You should…he would really like that Rick" she responded as she rested her hand on the table.

Rick nodded, "Okay then…I'll make sure to make it happen" he smiled out softly as he looked towards Michonne, her soft, intense stare slowly reeling him in. "How'd he get so good at spades, anyway?" he questioned as he reached back, gently placing his hand over hers.

The warmth of his fingers against her skin, caused her face to go flush. Michonne could feel the warmth filling under her cheeks as she indulged in Rick's feel, it had been so long since she had felt it. "Uncle Ray and Cousin Charles" she finally drew out.

Rick chuckled, "Damn…I miss them. I miss all of your family. They were all so sweet, so caring, so loving. Nothing like mine" he revealed.

"Me too…every day I miss them. I miss your grandmother, she was so sweet" Michonne expressed sincerely.

"Yeah…she was pretty damn sweet" Rick chuckled out dryly, the thought of Andre never knowing his grandfather or grandmother's for the matter caused a bittersweet feel to reproach.

Michonne picking up on the change in his tone, gently caressed his hand with her thumb. She wanted to bring Rick some form of comfort and peace since she was the blame after all. "…yeah she was" she drew out softly.

Rick let a shallow breath escape him as he indulged in her feel. Despite the loss, this current gain was proving to be well worth it because he was not only getting his son back but he was also getting Michonne back and that was making it all worthwhile.

"Hey Rick…" a calming voice boasted from behind him.

Rick turned to see Noah standing behind him, a bright smile on the young man's face.

"Hey Noah…what's up?" Rick rasped as turned to face him. Michonne broke the embrace as she moved in close to take heed of the conversation as well.

Noah took a brief moment to take in the contentment written across Rick and Michonne's faces. He hadn't seen them this happy in a long while and he was thankful to see it, he was thankful for the present conciliation. "Well…" he cleared his throat. "I just finished talking to Glenn about our discussion earlier…told him everything we would need"

Rick nodded, "Alright…I'll go talk to him. Thank you for helping with this Noah. I really appreciate it" he drew out gratefully.

"It's no problem at all…just want to help as much as I can" Noah smiled out.

Rick smiled, placing his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You're doing more than that…your about to save lives. Thank you!" he sincerely rasped out.

Noah nodded, a sense of pride beginning to fill him. He made a promise to their parents a long time ago…that if anything were to happen to their Mother or Morgan that he would take care of Michonne and Andre- that he would step up and protect them, no matter the cost and that time had finally come.

Rick gave Noah's shoulder a quick squeeze before dropping his hand back down to his side. He turned to face Michonne. "I'll be back…" he rasped as reached forward, caressing her wrist with his thumb.

"Okay…" she responded back sweetly.

Rick smirked as he broke from the embrace, heading towards the table where Daryl, Carol, Glenn, and Maggie sat.

Michonne walked up to Noah, a wild grin on her face.

"Why are you smiling at me like that?" he chuckled.

"Because…I'm just so proud of you" she beamed as she grabbed him by the face and began leaving playful kisses to his cheek.

Noah huffed, "You're so embarrassing" he giggled out, his sister never shied away to affection.

"I'm your big sister…that's what we're supposed to do" she teased as she continued her declaration of sisterly love.

"Here's the plan…the day after tomorrow me, Noah, Aiden, Nicholas and Tara will go on a run. It's a supply warehouse about five miles from here. I saw it the last time we were out, the only thing is that only Aiden and Nicholas know it's exact location. So, we'll use them to get back to it. We can see if we can find anything of use in there. They should at least have some metal boarding, ropes, hammers and things" Glenn informed as he looked towards Rick.

Rick nodded as he glanced towards where Michonne and Noah stood, taking note of Andre and Carl's arrival. "It sounds like a plan…just watch over Noah. We don't need another episode with Aiden and Nicholas again. I know you and Tara will be safe and that you can handle yourselves against them but this is Michonne's little brother…I can't let anything happen to him. We can't" he rasped.

Glenn nodded, "You don't have to worry Rick. I got him" he smiled out softly.

"I know…" Rick drew out confidentially. He had absolutely no doubt that Glenn would protect Noah by any means necessary, that was surely a given. "Since our group is aware of everything…I'll try to see what other useful things I can find in the pantry, some balloons maybe"

"Balloons?" Daryl rasped, his eyes switching between Rick and the equally confused Carol and Maggie.

"Yeah…balloons" Rick offered again.

Daryl mumbled something incoherently to himself before responding. "Alright"

Rick turned his line of sight over to Michonne, Carl and Andre, the trio laughing goofily at something Noah said. That young man's impact on his sister and nephew's lives was always present and Rick made a promise to himself-that he would ensure Noah's presence always remained a driving force within their family…within their lives. "Alright…if no one has any other questions or concerns. We're all done here" he rasped out as he began to stand from his seat. He patted Glenn on the shoulder before heading back over to where Michonne and the kids loitered; indulging in their humorous banter.

Cause people come and go
But you should know
That I, that I
I will take it slow

Day Three

Andre hummed to himself as he rounded the corner from the laundry room, a bright smile falling on his lips as he watched Rick on all floors crawling around on the living room rug chasing after Judith, the baby laughing hysterically each time he caught and tickled her. It had become almost like a second nature waking up and seeing Rick and his brother and sister in their home. It had become almost normal for him to share a room with Carl, the two staying up all night reading comics under a blanket with a flashlight on the floor, them enjoying sharing pudding and trail mix together, them playing catch outside or even the occasional brotherly bicker, that never lasted longer than a few measly seconds. They had become undeniably close and Andre was thriving off of that sibling bond between him and Judith. Organically, he was even building a relationship with his father as well, the man's presence began to bring a sense of comfort to Andre. He no longer looked at the man as a burden but as his father. Andre didn't think his relationship with Rick would change so drastically, that so quickly this stranger would become his family and he was beginning to embrace that. He was beginning to let the man into his heart and it wasn't just because they were flesh and blood but because their heart was one in the same.

Andre adjusted his sweatpants against his slender waist as he quietly got down on all fours, he slowly prowled around the couch, towards the infant who was too preoccupied with getting away from her father to see her half-brother sneaking up behind her. Rick chuckled once he finally caught sight of Andre, not wanting to give his son away he continued acting as if he was trying to capture Judith. Andre smiled as he crept up to an unexpecting Judith, once he was closed enough he pounced, bundling the squealing baby into his arms and riddling her with an abundance of kisses and tickles. Rick beamed, watching the love shared between his son and daughter was heart melting, watching them bond and grow was simply everything and more to him. He crawled over to the duo, plopping down on his stomach to rest as he quickly got in on the tickle fest. Andre giggled as he inconspicuously looked towards his father, this is what he wanted-what he always needed; a family and the completion of his felt oh so right.

It's gonna take a bit of work
Oh oh work
Now that you're here
Whoa oh work

Day Four

Rick crept into the kitchen, rubbing his chiseled stomach as a tired yawn escaped him. Though it was only a quarter past '8, he was still feeling the effects of staying up all night playing scrabble and then having to get up an hour prior to see Glenn, Noah, Tara, Aiden and Nicholas off. Rick only had about an hour before his and Michonne's constable duty started, the man was dead tired. You would think after running on low sleep for so long he would be accustomed to it by now-when it comes to the fight for survival; sleep becomes an enigma very quickly.

Rick strolled over to the counter where the coffee maker sat, groggily he opened the top cabinet…rummaging through if for a few brief moments before he pulled down two clean white mugs and an unopened container of Folgers Classic Roast coffee and placed them on the counter. Rick wiped at his eyes with the back of his hands as he moved over to the machinery, he leaned forward trying to get a better look at the contraption. "What kind of coffee maker is this?" he rasped as he scrounged up his face in confusion. He turned the machine around try, looking for where the coffee and pot are inserted. "Where the hell does the pot go? Where is the pot?" he questioned loudly through a loud huff; the already exhausted man growing vastly impatient. Rick placed his hands on his hips in defiance as he angrily scowled at the machine. All he wanted was a cup of joe… not a headache.

"It's a Keurig" a voice bellowed from behind him.

Rick turned towards the voice, "A what now?" he questioned as he took in Andre standing behind him.

Andre chuckled at the perplexed look on his father's face. "A Keurig…" he repeated as he walked deeper into the kitchen. "It's a type of coffee maker that you use these little individual cups in instead of coffee grounds" he revealed as he headed towards the counter.

"Where do the little cuppies go? Rick questioned, still a bit confused on the machine's logic. His only experience was with a good ole glass pot coffee maker.

Andre chuckled. "Here" he rasped out as he pulled up the silver lever, revealing the hidden compartment.

Rick's eyebrows shot up in surprise, "Well that makes sense" he chuckled out, his age surely showing.

Andre chuckled as well, "We don't have any more cups, though" he softly informed.

Rick huffed to himself, slightly disappointed with that piece of information. "I don't know how I'm going to get through this day" he chuckled out dryly as he leaned onto the countertop.

Andre shifted his weight from one leg to another as he watched his father inquisitively. "I can still make you some..." he offered softly.

Rick shot up in excitement, "Really…how?"

Andre walked over to the stove, opening the storage drawer he pulled out a large sauce pan. Closing the drawer back with his foot he looked towards, Rick. "With this" he smiled out as he headed towards the sink to fill the pan up with water.

Slowly, Rick ambled towards his son, taking note of every move the child made. He watched as Andre sat the pot down on the stove, he quickly turned on the eye before crossing the kitchen to retrieve the mugs and coffee grounds. Once the water began to boil, Andre added in the coffee. He quickly turned off the heat and covered the pan, allowing for the grounds to settle at the bottom.

"Do you like sugar or cream?" Andre questioned as he looked towards his father.

Rick cleared his throat, his son's voice pulling him from his lull. "No thanks...black coffee is just fine" he rasped still in awe of just how amazing this child was.

Andre nodded as he poured a little cream and sugar into one of the mugs. Once enough time had allotted, he uncovered the pan and poured all of its contents into the two mugs. Andre grabbed a spoon out of the drawer and stirred together the mixture before picking up the mugs and heading towards Rick with them.

Rick smiled as he took the cups of coffee from his son. "Thank you, son," he rasped as he began to take a sip.

Andre nodded, "It's no problem.

"Wow...this is really good" Rick gushed as he smiled towards Andre. "Where'd you learn this?"

"My grandpa Novul...he learned it in the war" he revealed softly.

Rick nodded, he only met Michonne's grandfather a hand full of times but he distinctly remembered how dynamic the man was. "He was a good man" he smiled out.

Andre looked towards Rick, recognizing something within him that he only saw in his Grandfather. That quickly his outlook was changing on the man…that quickly he was seeing himself inside of Rick. "Yeah he was..." he drew out.

Rick nodded as he watched his son a little longer. "Guess I should got take this to your mama. Don't want her to take my head off" he chuckled out.

Andre chuckled as well. "Alright" he drew out.

"Thank you again...Andre" he rasped out. He was met with another small nod and with that Rick turned on his heel and headed towards the staircase.

Andre watched as his father disappeared up the stairs before turning towards the stove, picking up the pot and placing it in the sink to wash before he headed upstairs to begin getting ready for the day, as well.

"Guess, what happened this morning?" Rick rasped as he turned to look towards the woman walking to the right of him.

"What?" Michonne questioned cheekily as she glanced towards him.

"Andre showed me how to make coffee with a sauce pot" he informed cheekily.

"Really? It seems you two are bonding" she beamed as she smiled towards Rick.

Rick nodded, "We are and I'm pretty happy about it. I wasn't too sure at first..." he revealed.

Michonne nudged him in the shoulder. "I told you he would come around. He just needed time, Rick. He is your son after all" she breathed.

"Yeah..." Rick rasped, fighting back the urge to break out in a little dance; his excitement was through the roof.

Michonne took in the look of happiness on his face. It looked so good on him. She let a content breath escape her as they strolled towards Rick's home. Suddenly loud commotion began to fill the air. Michonne stopped looking towards the main gate. "I wonder what's going on down there" she rasped.

Rick stopped, following her line of sight. "I'm not sure...we should go take a l-" before he could finish loud grunts and shouting began to follow.

Michonne stepped forward, listening closely to the somewhat distorted voices. When the voice began to shout again in an instance she knew who it was. "Noah...NOAH!" she screamed as she took off in the direction of the gates.

"MICHONNE!" Rick shouted as he took off behind her.

A million and one things ran through her mind as she ran up to those gates, Michonne had no clue what she was about to walk into and the fear of something happening to her baby brother scared the entire hell out of her. Michonne pushed through the small crowd, her heart almost sinking to her knees as she watched a breathless Glenn and Tara carrying her wounded brother through those gates. Noah grunted loudly in pain as he looked down at his twisted ankle.

Tears filled her eyes as she rushed towards her brother. "What happened?" she questioned through a ragged breath as she soothingly rubbed her brother's cheek.

"Those assholes almost got Noah killed" Glenn hissed, anger boiling in his bones.

"What?" Michonne breathed out frantically as she looked between Glenn and Tara.

"His leg got caught in the rotating doors when we were trying to escape" Tara began to explain.

"Aiden was shooting at a stray walker trying to keep Nicholas safe...the sound of the bullets caused a bigger group of walkers to appear and while we were making our way out, Nicholas and Noah got trapped in the doors and Nicholas was trying to push the door so that he could escape. Noah was using his legs to keep the door from revolving towards the group of walkers while me and Tara tried to break the window to pull him out. His leg got caught in the door as we were pulling him out. Nicholas and Aiden pushed it on him so that he could try and escape…those walkers swarmed. It was close but we got him out before they could..." Glenn finished explaining as they leaned against the wall for support.

Tara looked towards Michonne, "We think it's broken" she revealed softy.

Michonne panted as anger burned in her belly, her chest rising and falling heavily as she shook her head in disbelief. How could they be so careless and stupid? Did her brother's life mean so little to them that it so easily could be disposed?

"Where are they?" Rick questioned from behind Michonne

"There..." Glenn nodded towards the two men making their way through gates.

Michonne eyes never left Aiden as she quickly charged towards him. Anger bursting through her as she reached back and landed a hard blow across his face. Aiden stumbled back holding his hand to his sore jaw, he scowled angrily as he began to walk up to her. Rick forcefully pushed the man back against the wall.

"You wanna' get knocked on your ass again?" he questioned through clenched teeth as he stepped toe to toe with the man. "I suggest you back the fuck up" he rasped as he shot daggers through the man.

"Screw you..." Nicholas shouted as he pushed Rick, freeing Aiden from Rick's grip.

Rick fell to the ground as a heated Michonne headed towards Nicholas. Aiden taking this as his chance for revenge, ambled towards her before he could reach her a tight forearm around his neck brought him down to the ground. Andre tightened his grip around the man's neck as Aiden kicked at the gravel beneath him- second by second losing his breath and consciousness. "If you ever come near my mother, uncle or father again. I will kill you...I will stump your brains in. Do you hear me? Do you HEAR ME?" Andre shouted through gritted teeth.

"What is the meaning of this?" Deanna questioned frantically. "Stop that...stop that young man" she instructed as she headed towards Andre to pull a quickly fading Aiden free.

"Don't touch him" Rick reprimanded as he stood up, brushing past Deanna towards his son. "It's okay Andre...let him go" Rick instructed his son gently.

Andre tightened his arm against Aiden's throat once more before freeing the man with a loud grunt. Andre stood up as he watched the man gasp for air. Deanna rushed to her son's side.

"What is going on?" she questioned as she bundled Aiden into her arms.

"He almost got my brother killed. Him and that other idiot almost got my brother killed!" Michonne shouted as she glared at Deanna. "You need to do something about them...if you won't I will" she threatened as she headed towards Noah, Glenn and Tara. Rick following suit. "I got him" she informed softly as she reached down to grab Noah's arm.

"No...let me help Michonne" Glenn offered as he placed a supportive hand to her back.

"Thank you but it's okay" she responded back as her anger slowly melded into sadness.

Rick stepped forward. "I got it from here..." he rasped as he looked between Glenn and Tara. "Thank you both" he continued as he placed a firm hand to the small of Michonne's back.

Glenn nodded as him and Tara began walking towards the rest of the group.

"Hey Andre...come help me out" he called out to his son.

Andre slowly made his way towards where his father and Mother stood. His blue eyes burning fiery holes through Nicholas as he brushed past him; him and Aiden having a death wish coming.

"Rick...I have it. I have it under control" she countered.

"I know you do but just let me help you..." he comforted as he gazed towards her softly.

"Okay" Michonne breathed out through a small nod as she took a step back, allowing Andre and Rick to stand in. Rick bent forward wrapping one of Noah's arms around his shoulder as Andre did the same, using all of their weight they pushed Noah to his feet. Slowly, they walked in the direction of the infirmary. Michonne, Glenn and Tara in tow.

Deanna watched as they departed before turning her attention back over to her son and his best friend. "Both of you to my study...now!" she demanded as she stood up. Aiden grunted as his head hit the asphalt. Nicholas quickly headed towards his friend, helping the man to his feet they trudged in the direction of Deanna's home-unsure of what punishment they awaited.

"Thanks for helping me get Noah to the infirmary" Andre drew out. "I'm happy his ankle is only sprained...it could have been so much worse" he revealed with downcast eyes.

"Luckily it wasn't and you're welcome" Rick assured as he placed a hand to Andre's shoulder. "Take a quick walk with me...I want to show you something" he informed.

"Okay..." Andre nodded as him and Rick began in the direction of the watch post.

"Remember I was talking to you about that community garden" Rick questioned as he turned, helping Andre up the ladder and to the top of the post.

"Yeah..." Andre responded as he glanced towards his father.

"What about here?" Rick question as he pointed towards the massive plot of greenery that was nestled in front of them. "We would have to expand the walls depending on how big we wanted it but it would be worth it"

Andre smiled to himself, admiring the fact Rick still wanted to keep his promise to him. "I think it would awesome. We could get some pigs, chickens, maybe even a cow or two"

"I like the way you think son...that would be amazing. Being able to grow and source our own food. It would change everything" Rick beamed.

"Change can be a good thing..." Andre declared through a bright smile.

Rick smiled, taking a second to admire his son. "You are absolutely right" he agreed.

Andre nodded as he looked towards the darkening sky.

Rick followed his line of sight as he turned towards the setting sky. "Crimson...right?" Rick rasped out softly.

Andre looked towards him through a questioning brow.

Rick turned to look at his son. "Your mama told me Crimson is your favorite color… how you use to create it with a bright red and a little blue in art class when they didn't have it available for you to use." he smiled out as he began to continue. "She told me about how much you loved to paint and draw…that sports weren't really your thing, aside from boxing and taekwondo. But, your dream was to be an art director or coordinator...with how smart you are I'm sure it would have been easily achieved. She even told me your favorite food was apples" he chuckled out. "-that every time you ate one it made you feel happy inside… there's so many things Michonne told me about you and even more I have yet to learn but I want you to teach me Andre, I want you to be an open book with me and I promise to be the same with you because I will never hurt you, forsake you or leave you. I am here for forever and always. I love you, son" Rick tearfully proclaimed as he fought through his emotions.

Andre exhaled, allowing his own emotions to come to the surface. Tearfully he looked towards Rick, a soft smile falling on his lips. "I love you too...Dad" he drew out.

Rick let a bated breath escape him, the feeling of euphoria washing over him as he replayed this moment over and over again in his head. Each time hearing Andre call him Dad became even more sweeter. Rick knew it was going to take work before they could have ever gotten to this point but he never imagined things working out so quickly in his favor. The ever going fight between his humanity and being a monster was finally over. Rick understood he was simply human after all, and this kid along with his siblings and Michonne were bringing him back one day at a time. So, with his thoughts and heart on his sleeve, Rick reached forward bringing his son into a tight embrace, the duo basking in the beauty of family and the sunsetting among the horizon.

It's gonna take a bit of work
Oh oh work
Now that you're here
Whoa oh work

-SD

Song credit/lyrics: Charlotte Day Wilson 'Work'

A/N: Hiya guys! I am so sorry this took me so long to get out. I was so busy between doctor appointments (I have to get surgery in a few months) and work that I just didn't have a lot of time to dedicate to this update but here we are and I promise the next chapters will not take so long. We are moving into the end of season five and the beginning of season six, so plots and things will be meshed together, you guys will notice that by the next chapter. I am so excited for what's to come. It's some hidden eastern eggs in here, let's see if you guys pick up on them. Remember, when I said more secrets and truths would come out? 18-year old Rick was up to some stuff and thangs lol but any who I originally planned this chapter as a filler but it became so much more then that. So, I decided to go more in depth while we follow Richonne on this co-parenting journey. I hope you guys enjoy it…it's such a blessing having such an amazing audience to write for. Ya'll are the real MVP's lol. I'll have chapter eleven out soon. I love you all to pieces! See you soon!

Hugs & Kisses 3- SunflowerDope