Finally! Rick and Michonne's friendship makes the leap to love in this final chapter. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Michonne took another sip of her wine as she listened to Rosita talk to Julia, one of the Alexandria residents. It was wonderful that they all had this chance to catch their breath and relax after everything they'd been through. Her eyes surveyed the park, scanning the partygoers until she found Carl sitting alone on a bench staring at the drink cup in his hand. She had just made a step to go towards him when she saw Enid, a girl Carl's age, sit down next to him and start talking to him. Michonne watched carefully as she observed Carl withdraw a bit and even scoot away from Enid on the bench in an instinctual move she'd seen him make time and time again since losing his eye and his memory. He was so wary around people now, so different from how he was before. She reminded herself that each day was a win because Carl built new memories and new experiences to replace the ones he'd lost so brutally. They just had to keep giving him those days until he was whole again. She smiled to herself as she watched Carl turn toward Enid to respond to her chatter and allow a small smile appear on his typically sullen face.
One day at a time. That was the plan.
"Michonne? Rick asked me to give you this."
Michonne turned as Maggie's hand gently tapped her arm. She took a folded piece of paper from her and looked questioningly at her friend. Maggie shrugged with a smile and a sparkle in her green eyes, "Hey, I'm just the messenger." Michonne was startled as Maggie gave her a quick hug. Before Michonne could respond, Maggie had already turned and walked away with a wave over her shoulder.
Curious, Michonne opened the paper and read Rick's familiar scrawl:
Meet me at 78 Sugarcreek Lane. Don't worry about the kids. They're taken care of. - Rick
What was he up to? Heart beating a bit faster, Michonne glanced over towards Carl one last time to see him still engaged with Enid, Glenn and Maggie nearby with Maggie bouncing Judith on her hip. Well then, far be it from me to keep the boss waiting, Michonne joked with herself as she put her glass down on a nearby table and headed down the street toward the address on the card. Sugarcreek was a part of town that was still uninhabited and a good ten minute walk so her curiosity was definitely peeked as she approached the street. The sun was low in the sky and lit the trees and houses with a soft glow to go along with the party music fading in the background and the sound of crickets chirping all around her. The house Rick directed her to was at the end of the street and was a tidy white ranch home with a neatly trimmed lawn. Curiosity more than peeked at the neat lawn, Michonne quickened her pace, anticipation getting the best of her.
As she approached the front door, it opened and Rick appeared in the doorway, his gaze warm as surveyed her in the dwindling sunlight. His casual lean against the doorway belied the intensity in his eyes and Michonne felt her already rapid heartbeat speed up even more.
"Hey." Rick's greeting may have been simple but his tone along with his small smile was that of a man with a secret.
"Hey back. What are you up to? Why the cloak and dagger stuff?"
Rick's smile turned into a grin at her questions and he straightened up and pulled the door wide to let her in. "Come on in and see for yourself."
Michonne walked into the house and surveyed the rooms as she heard the front door shut and lock with a soft click behind her. From her position in the open foyer, she took in the pristine living room with its gleaming hardwood floors and white walls that looked freshly painted. The large sofa with its oversized colorful pillows took up half the room along with a huge chair and ottoman built for two. Michonne took a few more steps into the room and caught her breath at the two paintings on the main wall. They were a matching set of Kandinsky reproductions and their colorful, abstract lines made her heart feel full with memories of her life before. Without thinking, she walked up to the paintings and lifted her hands to trace the beautiful swirls, her throat clogging with emotion.
"Do you like them?" Rick's gruff whisper came right over her shoulder. Not trusting herself to speak, Michonne nodded and then walked into the kitchen. She took in the gleaming countertops and stainless steel tea kettle on the stove along with a rack stocked with tea. She guessed they were her favorite flavors. The rooms had a lingering smell of fresh paint along with the pleasant aroma of being recently cleaned and aired out.
Rick watched with bated breath as Michonne took in the fruits of his labors these past few weeks. He wanted everything to be perfect for her. Everything. He tried to think of every detail and hoped he didn't misstep with any of it. Watching her run her hands along the paintings and now on the countertops made his heart race as he imagined those beautiful long fingers touching him. God, he wanted her with a force he'd never felt before. Actually, now that his eyes had been opened to this amazing woman, he couldn't imagine a moment not wanting her. He loved everything about her. Her beauty, yes, but also her strength, her intelligence, her generous, giving spirit and even her ability to call him on his bullshit.
When Rick had finished his plans and knew the time had come to bring them all to life, he felt moments of trepidation and fear. He had only been with one other woman his whole life and he had met Lori when they were just kids. The only experience he had with intimacy was with his wife. Michonne was so much more sophisticated than he was. He knew she was better than him in so many ways. What if he failed to excite her or give her pleasure? What if he disappointed her? Watching her walk towards him on that walkway tonight allayed every fear he had and he felt his confidence grow with each step she made. This beautiful woman was his best friend. This strong, smart woman was his partner and his family.
All he had to do was love her. And he knew how to do that.
Michonne turned from her survey of the house and looked up at Rick who was standing right behind her. Her breath stopped at the warmth in his gaze and she put her hand to her heart in wonder.
"You did all this for me?" Her words barely whispered past the tears in her throat. She was overwhelmed. The fresh, clean house, the tea, the art, the furniture. It was all to her taste. Down to the sheer curtains billowing in the breeze. Rick had thought of everything and it humbled her. How did he do all this while rebuilding a town and helping his son recover? Her face must have given her away because Rick chuckled as he shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and surveyed the house with her.
"I did it all for you. And, yes, I had lots of help, trust me."
"Who helped you? I don't understand...I..." Rick smiled and shook his head at her confusion and led her to the sofa in the living room where they both sat. Continuing to hold her hand, he explained.
"I decided weeks ago when you gave me your..uh...conditions for our relationship that I would use that time to do this for you. It was important to me. This was going to be a first for both of us and I wanted it to be perfect. And by perfect I meant perfect for you because my needs are simple. To make you happy." As Michonne opened her mouth to most likely protest his efforts, Rick laid a finger gently on her lips, holding back from caressing them fully like he wanted to. There was a time for everything. When she had settled again, he lowered his hand to hers once more.
"I wanted a house that hadn't been occupied before so I spoke with Aaron and he showed me this place. It was in pretty good shape and just needed some touching up and cleaning. A few of the ladies were more than happy to help as it got them out of the heat and labor of building walker traps so it was a win for everyone. I asked Aaron if there was any modern art in any of the empty homes and he told me about those paintings that had been in storage and that no one had claimed yet. And before you get nervous, I just told everyone that I needed a house separate from the one I shared with my family in order to do my work and to hold meetings. No one questioned me."
Michonne stared at her hands intertwined with Rick's, his words washing over her and warming her from the inside out. All those months of being alone and living just for the memory of her son. Those terrible months of walking among the dead and just surviving had led her to this beautiful man who had needed her and befriended her and who was now laying rose petals at her feet in the guise of white walls and beautiful paintings.
Michonne looked up and into Rick's eyes, blinking tears from her own to see him more clearly. This handsome, wounded warrior had done so much for her and she didn't know if there were enough days left on earth to repay him. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Rick. I truly don't. But I thank you. For everything. Thank you."
Rick shook his head, his thumb caressing her hand clasped in his. He ducked his head to meet her eyes head on, mere inches from his. His gruff whisper filled the quiet room.
"When we met, I was in a bad place. A real bad place. I had to get through that and it took me a long time. Meeting you, being your friend, that was everything. I'd never known anyone like you before. Not even close. Then when I got to know you, fight beside you, experience loss beside you, I knew that you were the person I was supposed to meet. You weren't just a woman with a sword. You were the woman who was gonna help me beat this thing. You were the woman who was gonna drag me out of the dark just by being you. And you did. I'm out here now with you and this is exactly where I want to be. Tonight. Tomorrow and all the days after that that you and I have left. Me and you. As long as that's the truth of it, we'll figure the rest out. Whatever this world throws at us, we'll figure it out."
Rick took a deep breath, emotion getting the best of him but he had to say the rest.
"I want to be a better man, a better father and leader so you can have the best. I want to be there for you, love you, be your friend, your lover, everything.
You deserve it all Michonne. Every last bit of it."
Michonne knew she looked a mess with tears streaming down her face and she didn't care. This beautiful, strong, fierce man had just humbled himself before her and there was only one way to respond. She closed the distance between them, cupped his face between her hands and kissed him with everything she had in her heart. Rick wrapped his arms tightly around her and returned her kiss with a groan, his lips moving fervently with hers. Michonne pulled back slightly, her breaths coming fast in tandem with Rick's. As her eyes gazed into his, she whispered, "I love you Rick. I love your strength. I love your courage. I love that you choose life and the future and you're willing to fight for everything you have."
One more gentle kiss and then Michonne leaned back and clasped Rick's hands in hers as she continued, "I love that you want to be a better man but I need to make one thing very clear...Love doesn't come with conditions. You love who you love, okay? You're my best friend and you're my family. You think I deserve the best? Well guess what, I've found him. And I'm not letting you go."
Rick stared at Michonne for a moment as he wanted to commit her beauty to memory. He didn't want to forget any part of this night. With a small smile, he ran his hand down her arm and his smile grew as he felt her shiver. He loved that he effected her so strongly. He knew they were going to be good together. Their bodies were as in tune with each other as their minds and hearts were. He clasped her hand lightly and led her to the master bedroom down the short hall. After almost two years of celibacy and feeling like a hormonal teenage boy this past month, he wasn't sure how long he'd last but he was going to try like hell to give her the attention and loving she deserved.
The bedroom was clean and beautifully lit with two lanterns on either nightstand and the white bedspread gleamed in the twilight. Michonne could feel Rick behind her and she shivered in anticipation. After all of these weeks of waiting for the right moment, the moment was here. It was now. Stopping near the bed, Michonne turned to face Rick who was an inch behind her. Looking into his heated blue eyes, she smiled and slowly ran her hands up his muscled chest then over his shoulders to loop behind his neck. Standing on her toes, she whispered into his ear, "Make love to me, Rick Grimes."
Rick placed slightly trembling hands on Michonne's hips and drew her in close, her whispered plea sending a jolt throughout his body and made him even harder than he was when he first walked into the room. He looked into her beautiful eyes as he slowly drew his hands up her sides, pulling her camisole up with the motion. He continued to look into her eyes as he drew her top completely off and as she stood back to start unbuttoning his shirt. While their hands unclothed each other slowly, their eyes made promises that caused them both to start breathing heavier and faster. When Michonne was standing before him in her skimpy underwear and he was bare-chested with his jeans unbuttoned, Rick couldn't stand it anymore. He cupped Michonne's face and kissed her with all of the heat and wonder and love he had in him. Her lips met his with equal force and their lips parted as their tongues twined in a mating dance as old as time.
Michonne cupped the back of Rick's neck and drew him onto the bed with her, her eyes never leaving his. She loved that the room was lit so she could watch his beautiful face above hers every moment. She wanted to see what he felt when they came together. She wanted to capture every emotion, everything so could tuck these moments away for herself. As Rick rose above her on his elbows, her hands unzipped his fly and she shoved his jeans and boxers down in one smooth motion. Rick gave her the sexiest grin she'd ever seen in her life as thanks and she thought she'd come apart right then and there. God, she wanted this man.
How the hell was he supposed to make this last when he was hard as a rock at the sight of this gorgeous woman splayed out underneath him like an offering? It had been too long for him and these past weeks had been a build up to the point where he was about to burst. Rick looked down at her full breasts barely covered by her bra and then down further at her flat stomach and the curve of her hips. Mine. She is mine. Kissing her parted lips with his, he kneaded her breast and rolled her hardened nipple between his fingers. Michonne moaned softly and her legs fell open on either side of his as her hands stroked his ass. Working purely on instinct, his body took control and Rick kicked off his jeans and unclasped Michonne's bra in quick fervent movements. Her panties came off next and they were finally touching unfettered, unencumbered.
Oh God...everything felt so good, so right. His callused fingers left a trail of fire down every inch of her skin he stroked and his lean body covering hers made her feel protected and cherished. Michonne never felt as consumed with need for another person as she did right now. She wanted Rick inside her, his thick cock filling her until nothing separated them, no space, nothing. Breaking away from their kiss, she looked into his blazing eyes and listened to his rapid breaths. "I need you. Please." At her words, Rick bit his lip slightly, lowered his forehead to hers and whispered, "I love you Michonne," as his cock entered her wet heat in one hard thrust. Michonne threw her head back in pleasure as he filled her and then whimpered as he slowly withdrew almost completely before thrusting forward again in a delicious rhythm that made her see stars.
Rick wanted to scream to the heavens that this woman was his. He never thought he was a possessive man but looking down at Michonne's beautiful face and her throat as she arched in pleasure, he knew he was staking claim to her. He smiled at the thought, knowing Michonne was staking her claim as well. They were one in flesh now just as their hearts had been joined in love and their minds had been joined in friendship. Now that he had her, he was never letting her go.
Michonne drew her legs up over Rick's hips to push him in even deeper and as her back arched with the movement, she moaned as he took a nipple in mouth and laved it lovingly. Michonne opened her eyes and met his looking at her over her breast. She should have been embarrassed that he was watching her but instead she felt empowered. She felt beautiful, loved, sexy, everything. She gave him a small smile and bit her lip slightly and was elated to watch his eyes heat even more at the sight. He growled and buried his face in her neck as his thrusts came faster and harder. Michonne matched his movements with her own and clenched around his cock, feeling it get even harder inside her. She was so close. So, so close. Her hands stroked his curls, reveling in their dampness. She arched her neck and her eyes flew open as she felt Rick's teeth lightly graze the tender spot where her shoulder met her neck. With Rick's next deep thrust, Michonne came apart with a cry as her legs tightened around his hips. Through her lowered lids she barely made out his face above hers as he watched her come. She held nothing back and let him see it all, every sensation, everything.
Michonne was beautiful as she came, her dark skin glistening in the lamplight, her full lips parted with her cries. God, he loved this woman. Rick felt her heat pulse around him and on the next thrust, he found his own release, remembering just in time to withdraw and spend on her stomach. His breathing was still rapid as he looked down at Michonne and took in her sated expression. He wished he was an artist so he could capture her slightly closed eyes and parted lips. He would simply have to rely on his memory. Rolling off of her, he laid on his side and propped his head up with his hand. With his free hand, he gently drew a finger down her arm and caressed her long slender fingers. Her hands were so beautiful, capable of such strength but delicate at the same time.
"Rick."
Rick looked up from his study of her hand to find her observing him with a smile. Oh and what a smile it was. He knew a satisfied woman when he saw her and that smile made him want to kiss her all over to keep it there. He smiled back and traced her lips with his fingers, "You okay?"
Michonne felt her smile turn into a grin at Rick's dear face. God, he was unreal. Such a gentleman, even after what they just did. He was a keeper, that's for sure. "Yeah, I'm okay. I'm um...more than okay actually." Rick's grin answered hers and they sat there smiling like idiots for another minute or two before Rick realized he'd forgotten one last detail. With a muttered expletive he bounded off the bed and grabbed a hand towel from the bathroom. Walking quickly back to the bed, he reclined next to Michonne again and started to clean her stomach off. Michonne stayed his hand, "Rick you don't need to..."
"Yes I do. Let me take care of you."
Michonne relaxed and watched as Rick gently cleaned her off, turning his ministrations into caresses that got her going all over again. "Rick..." His name came out on a wispy pant, "I think you can stop now..." Oh lord help her, she was getting wet again...
Rick tossed the towel to the floor and ran his hand up her belly to her breasts and then down to where was wet for him. With a cocky grin, he murmured into her ear, "Oh sweetheart, I'm not even close to stopping..."
And with those words, Rick showed Michonne just what a man coming off of two years of celibacy could pull off in one night.
Rick came out of the shower the next morning to find Michonne standing by the large bedroom window, clad only in his button down shirt, her beautiful long legs on display for his viewing pleasure. He admired them for a long minute before traveling up to take in her beauty as the sunrise beamed into their room. She was a woman thoroughly and completely loved and he didn't think it was his imagination but she appeared softer, more vulnerable and he loved her even more for it. She had given herself over to him completely last night and he would treasure it always.
Michonne felt Rick's presence behind her the moment before his arms wrapped around her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder. She felt completely enveloped and safe, something she would have considered impossible even just a couple of months ago. Loving Rick had opened her eyes to all the possibilities this world still had to offer. She leaned back against him and laid her hands on his as they watched the sun rise together.
While there was still horror and death in their world and they didn't know what tomorrow would bring to their door, Michonne knew they would fight it together with everything they had in them because they had so much to fight for.
They would fight for their love. Their friendship. Their children. Their community. They would fight for a safe haven in a world gone to hell. They would fight for moments of laughter and lightness. For beauty that still remained in the world. They would fight for the chance for Carl to grow up and love someone of his own. For Judith to grow and learn how to navigate this world as a child of the apocalypse.
They would fight for each other because they were two halves of a heart and together they would conquer this world through their love.
Rick gave Michonne a hug, his heart full and his mind racing with all the possibilities loving this woman brought. He wanted to start making plans and building dreams and living and breathing and just being happy. As he watched the sun rise higher into the sky with the woman he loved in his arms, he whispered.
"You ready?" and let his smile stretch across his face at her response.
"Bring it."
While this may be the end of 'Something Else' I just can't say goodbye to these characters. Please look for a series of one shots in 'Something More' that will continue Rick and Michonne's story as we peak into their life as a couple in the apocalypse. There will also be a continuation of Carl's story as he learns how to live with the loss of his eye and memories.