Chapter 8:
"... be still my beating heart"
-2003-
Rick sat on the edge of his bed with his left arm pressed against his leg as his right hand reached across his wrist fiddling with the cuff of his white dress shirt, he bit down on his bottom lip furiously as his eyebrows knitted in concentration while he attempted the seemingly daunting task of putting on the second purple and silver cufflink, "Motherfucker" he mumbled to himself in frustration. A few seconds went by and he finally heard the snapping of the bar, Rick exhaled loudly as he wiped away the few beads of sweat that had formed across his brow. After fighting with the damn thing for the past fifteen minutes he felt like he needed to lay down and rest for a spell but he of course didn't have the time to, he only had about 10 more minutes before he needed to leave out to meet Michonne. Rick took a deep breath as he stood up and walked towards the dresser, standing in front of the mirror he began to lift the collar of the shirt. A soft knock at the opened door caught his attention, he looked over to see his father standing there with a proud smile. Rick smiled softly at his elder as he watched him approach. Ritchie Sr. finished lifting up his son's collar before picking up the purple satin tie that laid across the dresser, he placed it around the collar of his son's shirt, ensuring that the wide end rested on his right and the smaller end on the left side, Rick watched on in admiration as his father crossed the wider end over the smaller end as he brought it up into a neck loop from underneath, bringing it back down to the left he wrapped the wide end around the back of the small end bringing it to the right and up the center towards the neck loop then through it and down to the right, across the front to the left, up into the neck loop from underneath, down through the loop that he created in the front and then pulling down the wider end and sliding it up to tighten and adjust the tie knot so that it was sitting comfortably against his throat. Together Ritchie Sr. and Rick pulled down and smoothed over his collar
"You look good son" Ritchie Sr. rasped out proudly as he looked at his son in the mirror
"Thank you pa" Rick responded softly as he looked towards his father, his eyes filling with a love and softness for the man that hadn't shown itself in years. It took them awhile to get back on track after their blow out almost 4 years ago but in recent years it felt as if it had never happened. He had his friend and most importantly his father back and that meant everything to him. His father lifted up the grey suit jacket, helping his son into it as he smoothed over any creases or folds in it before stepping back and taking a second to marvel at his proudest accomplishment.
"I want you two to have fun tonight…night's like this only come around once so make the most of it… just make sure you remain the respectable young man that I raised and that her happiness and yours is the priority-alright?" he smiled out as he wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder
"Alright, pa" Rick drew out with a nod
"That's my boy" Ritchie Sr. smiled out as he pulled his son into a warm embrace, nothing but love, respect and admiration was shared between the two Grimes men before they parted.
Ritchie Sr. smiled to himself as he watched as his son grabbed his wallet, truck keys and the purple orchid corsage off of the dresser. The young man turned towards his father with a wide grin as he hugged the man once more before hurriedly heading out of his room and out of the house, heading straight over to Michonne's.
Rick stood in the foyer chatting with Uncle Ray and Cousin Charles as the rest of Michonne's family conversed in the living room as they waited on the beauty's arrival. A creak of the stairs caused all of the conversations in the room to cease as everyone looked towards the stairwell to see if this was finally it. Shelia appeared on the quarter step landing wearing a smile of pure bliss as she looked towards her family then to Rick, "It's time" she beamed towards him as she looked back up the stairs. The sound of heels tapping against the wooden steps echoed throughout the room as everyone looked on with bated breaths. Michonne appeared soon after, all of their family and friends began to shower her with praise and compliments, she smiled bashfully in response as her eyes immediately locked and stayed on Rick.
Rick stood there with his mouth ajar and eyes wide in awe as the beauty descended the stairs, he could have sworn that night that the angels had come together to create this dream come true, she looked like something straight out of a fairytale wearing a purple sweetheart neck line evening dress with silver rhinestones covering the bodice of the gown. The back of her locs were basket weaved upwards while the front of her hair cascaded forward in a fountain of pin curls with rhinestone bobby pins pinned in. Her make-up was soft and whimsical, her eyes lined in black liner with a hint of silver on the bottom eye lid and a nude gloss lip. The silver body shimmer that dazzled against her skin looked as if she had been sprinkled in the purest of star dust, long crystal flower pendant earrings, crystal bangles, a pair of silver open toe heels and a crystal colored rhinestone clutch finished off the look.
"...be still my beating heart" he said almost above a whisper as she made her way towards him still smiling
A hand on his shoulder pulled him from his hypnosis, "You're like family to us man... we trust you to take good care of our 'Chonne... make sure this is a night to remember" Uncle Ray whispered with a smile, the look on the young man's face was one he knew all too well as his eyes met with his wife of 25 years Jacqui who sat on the couch smiling sweetly at the two.
Rick tore his gaze away from her long enough to respond, "I will" he assured the elder with a smile as he began walking to meet her in the center of the room, shyly fiddling with the clear box that contained her corsage
They stood there transfixed on another as they bashfully took one another in.
"You look so beautiful Michonne…like a dream come true" he gushed out with a shy grin once he found the right words to say
Michonne's cheeks immediately grew flush as she dipped her head down quickly to hide the childish grin he brought on, "Thank you…You don't look too bad yourself Reece" she smiled out as her eyes quickly traveled over the Heather Gray suit worn, his purple tie and orchard boutonniere that was pinned to his lapel was a nice compliment to her dress
"I try" he responded softly as he shyly looked down at his feet
"The corsage is beautiful" she responded softly
"Oh-I almost forgot" he responded as he fumbled to get the box open, once opened he reached down and brought her wrist into his hands, slipping on the flower. He ran his hand down her wrist towards her fingers, slowly he intertwined his fingers into hers as they smiled sweetly at one another.
It took longer than expected for them to leave, it seemed at the last moment everyone wanted to talk and gush over them. After taking the 100th picture by Shelia, the duo were finally free. Rick and Michonne walked hand and hand towards Rick's Hunter Green 1976 Ford F-100 Ranger by the name of Delilah.
"You sure you didn't want to ride in the limo with the others?" he questioned softly as he stopped and opened up the passenger side of the truck and helped her in
"No-I wanted tonight to be just us...you, me and our favorite girl" she giggled out as she helped him bundle her dress into his truck
Rick chuckled, "Alright..." he responded softly as closed the door and headed towards the driver's side of the truck and getting in. He put on his seatbelt before sticking the keys into the ignition and starting the truck, he grabbed the stick shift and pulled it down into drive. "…Let's get this show on the road" he grinned out as Michonne giggled in responded. They waved goodbye to her family one last time before pulling off and heading down the street towards their High School.
-PROM-
Her laugher was a question that he wanted to spend the rest of his life trying to find the answer to. It had a way of warming the darkest parts of his soul making it feel like it was something beautifully crafted for him; only she could have this effect...only she could stop his world. Rick headed back over to their table, placing the cups of punch down in front of them as he took his seat next to her. He looked towards her taking in how radiant she was as she smiled and chatted with their friends, a small smile formed against his lips; she was absolutely beaming and he couldn't help but stare with eyes full of love. Michonne caught his gaze, feeling sheepish under it, she smirked as she rested her head against his shoulder. He closed his eyes at her gesture before gently nuzzling her face with his cheek, something had come over him, something he may have been unconsciously fighting for a while now; the fact that he had fallen absolutely head over heels in love with his best friend and deep down he knew that he wasn't in this alone.
The sound of Midnight Star's 'Slow Jam' prompted Michonne to lift her head up instantaneously, she turned towards Rick with a wide smile and twinkle in her eyes, "I love this song" she beamed out happily
Rick smiled towards her sweetly, he took a deep breath attempting to keep the butterflies swarming in his stomach at bay as he cleared his throat, "Can I have this dance Michonne?" he asked huskily as he stood up, extending his hand towards her
Michonne's eyes traveled from his hand up to his face, her heart skipping a beat as she took in the warm and loving smile plastered across it, a bashful grin grew against her lips, "Yes…" she responded sweetly as she placed her hand into his. Rick helped her out of her seat, interlocking his fingers into hers as he led her through the crowded dance floor towards an opening under the silver hanging star lanterns and disco ball. He stopped, turning towards Michonne he unlocked his fingers, he smiled brightly as his hands traveled across her hips, resting on the small of her back, he brought her closer to him as Michonne locked her arms around his neck. Their bodies melded perfectly into another as they began to dance, their hips swaying back and forth in unison. Rick looked down towards her, studying her beautiful face as he inched even closer to her. Michonne's lips fell agape as she gazed towards him, locking eyes with him, she let a bated breath escape her; something was happening. A warm sensation filled each and every one of her limbs, a fire of passion spreading wild across her skin. This passion...this desire...this need couldn't be extinguished; it wasn't meant for containment. Rick's heart pounded in his chest as he leaned into Michonne, capturing her lips into his own. He closed his eyes as he deepened the kiss, reveling in the softness of her lips and sweetness of her breath. She closed her eyes as well, clutching the curls at the nape of his neck into her fingers tightly as she allowed him to take her to pure bliss.
They stayed in that bliss for only a few minutes but it felt like hours before they parted from it, both smiling bashfully at the other as they continued their dance. Rick ran his fingers along her bare shoulders, reveling in the softness of her skin as she rested her head onto his chest, enjoying the affirmation.
"Can we get out of here?" she asked softly, lifting her head as she studied his face
Rick smiled, picking up what she was throwing down, "Of course..." he drew out as he ended the dance. Linking his fingers into hers, the giddy duo headed towards the table to grab their belongings before quickly exiting out the gymnasium's doors.
A soft breeze swept across the duo, as Michonne nestled into Rick's side, his right arm wrapped snug around her shoulders as they continued down the dark, secluded country road; the air fresh and clear as it blew freely from the opened driver's side window. Michonne wasn't sure where exactly they were headed but it honestly didn't matter to her because she was with him, she was with her Rick. He was her protection, her guardian, her safe haven and she knew that as long as she was with him, that she was alright.
Her closeness prompted a soft smile to form against his lips as he stole inconspicuous glances between her and the road, his heart skipping a beat every time his eyes laid upon her. It was so many things that he wanted to tell her... so many things he wanted to say but he couldn't ever find the words too, something Rick had gotten use to a long time ago. But, tonight he wanted things to be different, he wanted to try to show her all of what his heart contained, even if it was without words.
They turned into a wild flower field right off of The Greene Family's Farm, Rick turned off the ignition, removing the keys from it as he turned towards her, "I'll be right back" he drew out as he unbuckled his seatbelt, bringing the back of her hand up to his lips he placed a gentle kiss onto it before opening the driver's side door and quickly exiting the vehicle; urgently tugging at his tie as he walked towards the bed of the truck.
Michonne looked on curiously as butterflies began to fill her stomach, giddiness quickly settling in as she waited for what was to come. The sound of things being shuffled and moved around in the back caused her curiosity to rise but she fought against it, remembering what her Mama always said, 'curiosity killed the cat…' so with that she allowed her instinct of noisiness to pass. She sighed happily before beginning to remove the rhinestone bobby pins that kept her pin curls in place, once removed she went on to undoing her curls and then to taking down her up-do. Michonne worked her fingers through her arm pit length locs, ensuring each and every one was free as they cascaded down her shoulders in an array of curls and crinkles before picking up her clutch and placing the hair pins inside as well as her earrings and bangles. A few moments later Rick returned, standing in the door way he leaned his arms against the roof top of the truck as he rested his right leg against the seat, "You ready" he asked huskily as a wide smile formed against his lips
Michonne raised her eyebrow in wonder as she quickly took notice of the way his now undone tie hung freely around his neck and how is once buttoned dress shirt was now unbuttoned and opened, exposing his white tee shirt underneath and no longer wearing his cufflinks, she looked back towards him biting down on her lip bashfully as she nodded, yes.
Rick chuckled as he extended his hand towards her, "Come here" he rasped out
She leaned forward, placing her hand into his as he gently guided her across the seat and out of the truck. He closed and locked the door behind them as they walked hand in hand towards the bed of the truck.
"I-uh hope this ain't too corny or 'nothing. I just wanted tonight to be special…" he informed softly as he finally revealed what he had been up to minutes prior
A soft gasp escaped her as she stepped forward, taking in the scene in front of her, the tailgate was extended, showcasing an abundance of comforters, blankets and throws covering the bed of the truck, several decorative pillows framed the makeshift love nest as rose pedals and electric candles were strategically placed in the middle, creating the shape of a heart. Before she could thank him, tiny flickers of light began to burst in front of her, a few lights turning into a million as fireflies quickly filled the wildflower field, swarming around the duo rhythmically as they put on a show just for them. She stood there in awe, taking the time to take a mental picture of all of the beauty that surrounded her before she turned towards him, beaming. Her ardent heart overwhelmed and overflowing with a burning love and need as her lips urgently crashed into his, capturing his breath into her own hungrily. Rick hand's roamed across her body, exploring any exposed skin that he could as he traveled down to her ass, cupping it possessively from over her dress. Michonne broke from the kiss…letting out a soft whimper, "Take it off" she insisted breathlessly as she reached down hurriedly trying to remove her heels.
Rick stopped her movements before effortlessly grabbing her by the waist and sitting her on top of the tailgate, his fingers trailed down her body, heading towards the bottom of her dress as he bunched it up and rested it atop of her thighs. His fingers continued their dance across her soft, radiant skin as he made his way down to her ankles, then to her feet. He delicately wedged his thumb under the strap that sat at her heel and pushed it down, taking off the shoe gingerly before quickly doing the same to the other and placing the shoes on the tailgate. Rick swept her locs to the side before clasping the zipper to the dress between his fingertips…unzipping it down until it reached her waist before helping her out of it and resting it across the truck's side panel. His breathing hitched a little as he took in the beauty in front of him, sitting there in nothing but a bra and lace boy shorts, she was euphoria, almost like a habit you just couldn't shake, she filled each and every one of his senses, driving him wild. Michonne bit down on her lip as she watched him intently, her love burning with desire as she reached forward, running her fingers up his chest towards his shoulder blades where she pushed the dress shirt down his arms and off of his body, she tossed it on the tailgate before quickly ridding him of his tee shirt as well. Michonne reached behind, unhooking the black strapless bra worn as she allowed it to fall down freely; her supple, succulent breast now on full display. Rick looked on in admiration, taking a moment to admire the work of art that she was, if he was a religious man he would be on his knees at that moment, thanking Lord for this woman that only he could have specially crafted. He locked eyes with her, his intense stare causing her to come unhinged as she felt her body become like putty. No longer able to stand it, Michonne scooted further into the bed of the truck and laid back, watching as Rick continued to undress himself, he quickly kicked off his dress shoes before unbuckling and removing his pants. He kept his boxers on as he climbed into the back and laid on top of her, their lips instantly crashing into another passionate kiss as they allowed themselves to meld into one another. Michonne reached into his boxers, taking a hold of his long, thick, rock hard manhood, a muffled groan escaped him as he indulged in her soft touch. She bit down on her lip, needing to feel him inside of her as her own love yearned for release. She pushed down his boxers before lifting up her ass to allow him to remove her panties, he put them to the side as he nestled between her legs, the warmth from her heat inviting and tantalizing as he gazed down at her.
"I-I don't have any thang'" he breathed out huskily as he stared intently at her
"It-It's okay...I'm on the pill" she assured hurriedly as she felt herself unraveling under his gaze
"You sure?... 'cause I ain't trying to rush you now... we don't have to do this tonight-"
"Yes!" she interjected, "…I'm sure Rick, I want this-I want this with you" she responded softly but urgently as she pushed a stray curl from his forehead with a gentle smile
Rick nodded slowly in response before leaning into her, he instantly captured her lips into his own as he reached under the blanket to position himself against her slick, waiting heat. Her breathing hitched at the feeling of his hard manhood pressed against her, she wasn't sure what to expect tonight but one thing she knew for certain is that she wanted this and she wanted it with him. After a few moments, he parted from the kiss; taking a brief moment to admire how luminous her skin glowed under the moonlight, it was a thing of beauty.
"You ready?" he asked softly as he searched her face
Michonne nodded in response, widening her legs underneath him for better access. Rick smiled to himself as he reached down and planted another tender kiss against her lips as he simultaneously began to push inside of her. Michonne let out a loud whimper as her upper body bucked forward, her eyes wide and alert as she attempted to get accustomed to the new sensation. Rick ceased his movements when he noticed her reaction, she quickly urged him to continue with a soft kiss. After a brief moment of hesitation, he continued pushing into her, inch by inch he slowly inserted himself, allowing her to get accustomed to his girth. It didn't take long for the pain to subside and for pleasure to overflow as Rick slowly stroked in and out of Michonne, soft moans escaped her as she rocked her hips against him, craving for him to give her all of the pleasure that she so, sought. Rick picked up the pace, rocking his hips expertly as he filled her entirely, her cries of pleasure turning him on even more. He groaned against her lips, she was so wet and tight, she fit him like a glove as if she was created just for him. He could feel himself reaching his peak but he wasn't going to release until she got everything she needed, he didn't need to hold on for much longer because a rush of pleasure hit Michonne as she moaned loudly, her climax pending as he continued his pleasure tyrant. The feeling of her walls tightening around him prompted him to stroke faster inside of her, she ground against him just as hard, both of them wanting to achieve their mutual goal. She bit down on his shoulder as her hips convulsed unmercifully, his breathing began to harbor as he stroked inside of her one more time as their love outpoured. These two kindred spirits becoming one as they rode out the wave of inexplicable bliss together.
-July of 2003-
Michonne hurriedly zipped up the purple hoodie that she wore under the dark blue denim jacket that she had bundled into seconds prior, she turned towards her bedroom mirror…giving herself a quick look over to ensure that she looked presentable in the black leggings and black high-top chuck's worn. Once she was content with her outfit she turned towards the bed and began fluffing the pillows under the comforter so that it resembled a sleeping body underneath, just encase her mother did one of her nightly check-ins before she returned home. Michonne quietly jogged over to her bedroom light and switched it off before heading back towards the bedroom's window and pushing it up. She threw a leg over the window-sill, resting her left foot against the retractable emergency ladder that she had hung outside of the window once her mother was asleep, she firmly gripped the handles at the top of it before leaning forward and hoisting the rest of her body up and out of the window. Once out, Michonne began climbing down towards Rick, who stood at the bottom holding the ladder steady for her. Before she approached the bottom, Rick swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ladder, placing her firmly on the ground as a giddy smile plastered across his face. She met him with a soft smile before the love birds interlocked hands and dashed around the house towards his already running truck out front.
Michonne watched as he took a bite out of his cheeseburger and then a swig of coke before placing the cup back into the cup holder, her eyes dancing nervously over him as they sat in the parking lot of Dale's. Her mind heavy as her gaze fell to the now cold French Fries that were in her hand, she knew that she had to just tell him but finding the words to shatter their hopes and dreams was easier said than done.
She sighed as she leaned forward, placing the fries into the brown paper bag that sat on the dashboard before turning towards him, "Reece...I have to leave soon" she drew out in almost a whisper
Rick's head whipped over to her direction, his brow furrowed as he slowly chewed the food remnants in his mouth. He wrapped up the burger and placed it on the dashboard as well before turning his full attention towards her
"My dad pushed up my start date with the dean...instead of starting next Spring. I start at Harvard this fall...in August" she looked towards him, tears glistening in her eyes as she continued, "I swear I didn't know" her voice cracked as tears began to stream down her cheeks
"Hey now baby... none of that. It's alright" he drew out soothingly as he moved in closer to her, using his thumb to wipe away her tears
"It's not alright...he's doing this on purpose, to hurt me because I'm not speaking to him. He's knows Harvard has been my dream forever but he also knows how much you mean to me...if I had to choose, it would be you-"
"No-Michonne! I can't let you do that… that's something we both would regret in the end and I can't live with that- I can't live with knowing I'm the reason you stayed here. I can't let you give your dream up for me" he fought back the tears threatening to pour as he grazed her cheek with his thumb lovingly
"Then what are we going to do Rick? I will not have you put your life on hold for me. I couldn't ever ask that of you...Harvard is over 1000 miles away and the Academy starts up soon and I-" Michonne became overcome with more emotion as she began to sob uncontrollably; realization hitting her that the prospect of leaving him soon truer than before. Rick leaned across the console, gently wrapping his arms around her waist as he pulled her across the seat and onto his lap, bundling her into his arms as he began to rock her, his own tears beginning to pour.
"I-I just don't want to lose you...I love you too much to..." she said softly
Rick sighed shakily, the weight of life hitting him like a ton of bricks, the thought of living without her quickly becoming his worst nightmare, "I love you too Michonne and I don't want to lose you either...I don't want to let you go but I'm going to have to and it hurts me to my soul. I can't get in your way; I can't distract you...I can't hold you here. I would never do that 'cause I love you too much to...so with the time we have left together we are going to laugh, cry, be happy and most importantly love. You leaving ain't going to be the end but only the beginning, when you graduate I will still be right here and we will pick up right where we left off. I can promise you that Mickz" he ran his fingers through her locs
"You promise?", she asked softly as she lifted her head from his chest and looked towards him
Rick smiled softly, her beautiful brown eyes still twinkling even through the tears, he used his thumb to wipe some away before intertwining her fingers into his, " I promise" he responded firmly before lifting her hand up to his and leaving a soft kiss onto the back of it
Michonne watched him intently, a bright smile beginning to form against her lips "Can we go to our spot?" she asked huskily
"Of course," he responded with a bashful grin, already knowing how the night would unfold
Michonne bit her lip excitedly as she crawled back over to the passenger's seat, reaching behind her she grabbed the seatbelt and brought it around her and buckled it. She watched as Rick hurriedly stuffed their unfinished meals into the bags and crumpling the tops down before placing them in the seat between them. He grabbed the seatbelt and fastened it, he turned the key in the ignition before grabbing the manual stick shift and pushing it down to drive. He backed out of the parking space and headed towards the entrance to the drive up, he made a left at the light towards the country, heading to their spot amongst the wildflowers.
It was only about a 10-minute drive to the country when coming from town, Rick turned into the fields, heading straight for their spot in the center. He turned off the ignition, moving the food bags to the dashboard before unbuckling his seatbelt as he prepared to get their humble abode ready for the evening, he reached forward about to open the truck's door when he suddenly felt Michonne's fingers against his wrist.
"We don't need that tonight…" she informed softly as she removed her denim jacket and hoodie, exposing a white tank top underneath
Rick's brow was knitted in confusion as he watched her push down her leggings and panties, her shoes already removed, she came towards him, swinging her right leg around his waist and straddled him, her brown eyes searching his softly as she leaned in capturing his lips into her own. She deepened the kiss as she reached into his black basketball shorts, wrapping her small hands around his thick semi erect manhood, she began to pump it slowly. Rick let out a deep groan against her lips as he palmed her soft round ass in response, she chuckled softly before breaking from the kiss, his manhood fully hard against her palm. She pushed down the top of his shorts, only exposing his sex as she lifted herself up slightly and guided him inside of her. They moaned in unison as he quickly filled her up, Rick wrapped his arms her waist tightly bringing her into him as he palmed her ass, Michonne wrapped her arms around his neck as she grinded hard against him, her fingers gripping his curls savagely as he began to pump in and out of her, meeting her rhythm instinctively.
"I love you so much Michonne" he moaned into her ear as they continued to work one another
"I-I love you too" she panted out softly, beginning to reach her peak
Rick could feel her tightening around him, he knew her orgasm was near. He bucked forward haltering her movements, Michonne quickly looked down at him in confusion, he looked up towards her, gripping her waist as he locked eyes with her, "I don't want this to be over just yet…let's make this last as long as we can" he informed softly as he quickly took off his white tee shirt, throwing it on the dashboard. While still inside of her, he leaned forward, laying her across the seat as he remained nestled between her thighs, she looked on in awe as he leaned forward recapturing her lips with his own, needing to feel their sweet softness again. No one could ever understand this woman's work, how just her mere presence changed everything about his life, how she changed him. She made him better, she made him want to be better…she was pure magic and he knew that nothing could ever replace her. He stroked inside of her, their lips still tangled as another moan escaped them both as they began to make slow, sweet love under the moonlight and stars.
-August 1, 2003-
Rick was doing 80 in a 45-mile zone as he roughly slammed his foot against the gas pedal, he should have been back from orientation an hour ago. Today was the day that they both had been dreading for the past few months, the day that Michonne left for Harvard. Internally he was an emotional wreck, the thought of living life without her was unbearable but he sucked it up and kept it to himself because he had to be strong for her, he couldn't crumble...he couldn't show her just how much is heart was breaking over this. So, he kept it to himself…hoping that the damage wouldn't be too great when it did surface.
Rick turned into his driveway, unbuttoning the seat belt simultaneously as he shut off the ignition and quickly pushed open the driver's side door, he jumped down from the seat, not wasting time to close it as he urgently walked towards the crowd of friends and family that gathered around the front of her house. Rick's chest rose and fell heavily as he pushed through the gatherers, making his way towards Michonne who stood nervously in front of her mother's car, her eyes roaming over the crowd somberly before they landed on him. She exhaled shakily; words not able to convey how it felt to see him as tears began flowing from her eyes furiously as she rushed towards him.
Rick instinctively bundled Michonne in his arms as she cried into the crook of his neck, he tightened his embrace as he fought back his own tears, "I love you so much Mickz...I will never stop loving you. You are going to do great things my love and when you get back I will be here. I will always be here..." he informed softly as he brought his hands up to her face, running his fingers across her cheek and down her jawline, resting them against her chin as he brought her face up to meet his, "Give them hell" he smiled out softly before bringing her into a deep kiss
Michonne closed her eyes tightly as she kissed him back urgently, needing his closeness just one more time. Her gawking family the least of her worries as she melted into him one last time, the memories of them making love just hours prior filled her mind sweetly and yet bitterly. This was it...there time together had finally come to an end, all of those moments, those thoughts, those memories of love, happiness, togetherness and friendship were crumbling down around them and it hurt more than anyone could ever know. They broke from the kiss, resting their foreheads against one another's as they took in each other for one last time.
Sheila's hand on her back broke them from their embrace, "Its time baby" she informed softly as she looked from her daughter over to Rick with a soft smile. Michonne nodded as she looked back towards Rick, who stood there sadly. She pressed her lips against his, "I love you too" she responded softly as she broke from their embrace. Shelia rested her hand on Rick's shoulder before turning and wrapping her arm around Michonne, consoling her as she walked the sobbing young women towards the heavily packed van. Shelia opened the backseat door, ushering her into the car next to five-year old Noah who peered on curiously from his booster seat. Once in, Shelia closed the door and walked towards the passenger seat and slid in, she closed the door behind her as she glanced over to her boyfriend Morgan who was accompanying them on the drive to Massachusetts, she nodded towards him softly. He nodded back as he started the ignition, placing the car into drive and slowly pulling off. Shelia glanced into the backseat, her brow furrowed sadly as she took in her grief-stricken child, she reached into the back grabbing Michonne's hand and holding it tightly.
She couldn't take her eyes off him, she wouldn't take her eyes off him as she looked on from the backseat's window, her fingers resting on his image as if she could touch him once more. Tears continued to stream down her face as she watched his image slowly fade from her line of vision, she felt her mother's fingers interlock with her own, she gently squeezed them into her palm as she continued to break down, she knew leaving was going to hurt but damn she didn't know that it would hurt this bad. Rick had become a major part of her life, he was more than her best friend...he was her soulmate and the reality of leaving him alone while she followed her dream literally broke her heart. She trusted that they would come back together one day but What did that mean in the meantime? because she knew that she couldn't ever love another the way that she loved Rick Grimes.
His silent sobs almost sounded like wheezing as he stood there trying to stifle them. Attempting to hide this heart stopping grief; this wave of emotion finally overcoming him as he crumbled entirely, his tears falling like rain as his heart and defenses laid at his feet while he watched the love of his life walk out of his life for what seemed like forever. Ritchie Sr. walked towards his son, pulling the young man into his arms tightly as they stood there for what seemed like forever, Ritchie Sr. would have stood there for a million years if it meant consoling his heart broken child. He knew what was to come after watching the exchange from the window of their home, he knew all too well loving someone until it hurt and then one day POOF! they were gone but unlike the story of his and Rick's mother he knew that this wasn't over by a long shot, that the distance wouldn't kill them… that their love would indeed conquer all eventually and he would personally make sure that Rick would never lose sight of that.
-6 months later-
Rick sat in the booth nestled in the back corner of Carol's Diner, his head hung low with his heart heavy in his hands as memories flooded his mind of the countless moments they spent inside of the same booth kissing, touching, cuddling, enjoying a meal or just being together. It had been about six months since Michonne left for college and he had started Basic Training but it still felt so fresh in his heart as if it had just happened yesterday, he replayed that day over and over again in his mind, this void without her was something indescribable. He missed her in every possible way that you could miss someone, things weren't the same and it felt like things would never be. Rick sat forward, running his hands over his face tiredly as he exhaled sharply, loneliness quickly becoming his only company.
Lori had just finished doing some shopping at the strip mall before deciding to grab a bite to eat at Carol's. She quickly dropped her bags off at her car before walking into the diner, she stood at the waitress stand patiently waiting for someone to seat her, her eyes roamed over the very busy restaurant before a familiar face caught her attention. Lori furrowed her brow as she took him in inquisitively, a soft breath escaped her before she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and began walking to where they were seated.
The overwhelming feeling of a presence lingering over him, prompted Rick to adjust his gaze, he turned to see Lori standing next to the booth with a small smile and eyes full of warmth. To his surprise, she didn't usher a word, she simply took a seat. Even though he didn't say it aloud, her willing to bask in his silence with him meant a hell of a lot to him. Lori reached forward, placing her hands gently atop of his as she looked towards him with a soft smile. Rick exhaled, closing his eyes tightly as he took in the warm gesture, it had been a while since he had felt anything other than sadness or grief. This small act of tenderness was a surprising breath of fresh air coming from her of all people, he opened his eyes, a content smile forming against his lips as he looked towards the auburn beauty in front of him, throughout the chaos that was his life as of late Lori was providing him with something that he needed excruciatingly at that moment; a friend. So, with that they sat there in silence, basking in one another's company.
-SD
A/N:Hiya guys! I'm so sorry this took so long, things got kind of hectic for a moment so it took me a little longer to finish this then I expected too. I was going to write out the full prom scene but this was already long so I didn't want to make it extra…extra long so I left it out. If you guys would like a separate chapter of the prom scene and the moment after they had sex, let me know and I can drop it for you guys. On another note, THEY FINALLY LOST THEIR VIRGINITY GUYS! , in my head I imagine them beating around the bush about it for a while, waiting for the perfect moment I guess lol. This chapter is one of my absolute faves, I literally cried while writing the part where she left for school. I'm a punk ass for these two lol. I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did. As always thank you all so much for all of your love and continued support. I do this for ya'll and for richonne of course …I love you all to pieces, see you again soon!
Hugs & Kisses 3 - SunflowerDope