Forget Me Not

Rick looks around sadly, wondering how things ended up this way. It was their anniversary yet he is at a bar with his friends and Michonne is off on some exotic girls' trip with her friends. She was so excited about going away that he didn't have the heart to ask her if she'd forgotten their anniversary.

He feels like the biggest softie on earth. Most guys would be glad their wife forgot a special occasion as it lets them off the hook and frees up their time for other activities. He knows she is more than likely having a good time with her friends, so he'll try to do the same and just present her gift another day.

He is almost glad when Shane walks over to tell him they've been called in for duty. "Diane knows we're together so…"

They say their goodbyes and walk out to Shane's car.

"Drop me off and give me about 15 minutes to change and meet you at the station," Rick informs.

"Naw man. She said we could come in as we are. Something about a new case we've been assigned that can't wait," Shane answers.

Twenty minutes later, Rick starts questioning Shane about their destination. They should've been at the station by now.

"I'm just going where Diane told me to go," Shane states.

"And where is that?" Rick can't help feeling a bit agitated. He thought he was going into work which would help to take his mind off what was really bothering him. He hopes this new case isn't a bear in somebody's log cabin as they are driving further and further away from the city limits.

He is ready to explode when they actually pull up to a log cabin and Shane tells him to secure the premises.

"What the hell is this? Some kind of joke?"

"You really want us to go back and tell the sheriff we didn't follow through on his orders?" Shane asks. "I'll take the front while you bring up the rear."

Rick lets out a soft expletive as he exits the vehicle, checks the weapon his partner provided and moves to the rear of the cabin. He grits his teeth as he stealthily makes his way up the stairs and peers through the back window. The inside is pitch black save for a slant of light that might be from an open door. He tries the doorknob and is surprised to find it unlocked. His inner alarm is sounding loudly as he enters the cabin, cringing with the slight creak of the door.

His eyes adjust quickly as he hones in on the only light in the darkness, allowing it to guide him. The soft, romantic music drifts to him and his frown grows even deeper. "Hello! Sheriff's Department! Is anyone in here?!"

He looks to the front of the cabin, wondering where Shane could be then decides the hell with it as he splays his hand across the door and pushes it open. He enters the room, leading with his gun and frowns as he takes in the scene before him.

A bevy of candles illuminates the room, giving off a soft glow, curtains of chiffon drift from the ceiling, rose petals are scattered across the hardwood floors, and the most delightful sight of all is his wife lounging in the middle of the huge king sized bed. She is surrounded by rose petals, sipping from a flute and wearing nothing but a strategically placed bow and ribbons.

He drops the weapon to his side then quickly secures it in the back of his pants. His chin lowers to his chest and he clears his throat before asking, "What is all this?" He lifts his head to look into her dancing brown eyes.

She gives him that million dollar smile he loves so much. "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!"

Your Position or Mine

"Well, are you just going to stand there staring at me all night?" Michonne asks her handsome husband. Her eyes rake him from head to toe, admiring his loose fitting white button down shirt and dark jeans.

"I'll be right back."

Rick shakes his head and quickly exits the room to lock the doors. He moves into the living area and pushes the curtain aside to view the front area where he and Shane entered. As suspected, Shane's car is gone. He scoffs at his own gullibility but loves that his wife went through all of this to surprise him.

He returns to her with a smile and puts his gun on the nightstand as she places her flute there as well and lifts up on her knees, splaying her hands across his chest.

"Did I surprise you?" She asks.

"More than you'll ever know."

She unbuttons his shirt, pulling the tails from his pants before pushing it off his shoulders and removing it. She smiles as his hands come up to her arms to caress her. "I just want you to relax and enjoy everything I'm going to do to you."

He shivers with the seductive lilt of her voice, relishing in the feel of her soft hands on his bare skin. He drops his hands to his side as she unbuckles his belt and starts to remove his pants. He steps back to toe his boots off, kicking his pants and boxers to the side before lifting his feet to remove his socks. His wife licks her lips as she takes in his naked form. He licks his lips as well, loving the bow and ribbons. That's turning him on even more for some odd reason.

Her hands and lips are all over him, touching, squeezing, caressing, kissing. Every time he reaches for her, she gently pushes his hands away, smiling at his huff of frustration. She loves to drive him crazy like this. She finally takes his mouth with her own, pushing her tongue inside, relishing in his taste, a taste she will never tire of. She lowers a hand and starts to caress his manhood, her movements increasing with the urgency of her kiss.

She squeals when she feels herself being lifted then placed gently in the bed on her back, her husband's familiar weight atop her. They continue to kiss as Rick reaches in between their bodies and removes the bow, pulling the ribbons with it. She smiles right before he lifts his hips and enters her with one smooth thrust.

He breaks their kiss and drops his head to her shoulder, relishing in the feel of her body encasing his. Her hands at his back, her thighs at his waist, her lips peppering kisses on his shoulder….all of it makes him wonder how he got so lucky to find a woman as incredible as she is. He lifts his head, seeking her eyes. "I love you….so much."

She pushes a hand into his hair, her love for him swelling in her heart. "I love you, too." She kisses him lightly before lifting her hips, gasping as he slides in deeper, filling her up. They make love well into the night, celebrating their anniversary unburdened and undisturbed.

From You to Me

Rick and Michonne smile at each other as they unload the back of his pickup truck outside the nursing home. It's their anniversary but they have found that giving back to their community is the best gift of all. They started visiting the nursing home to complete the community service requirements for their jobs, him as a sheriff's deputy and her as a local dentist. They both enjoyed the visits and decided to do it more frequently than required.

They unload boxes of toiletries, books, canned foods, DVDs, and clothes. Some of the staff meet them and help them to carry the items inside. They can't help but smile as the faces of the elderly residents light up when they see them. Those who still have the ability to talk start doing so, wanting to relay the activities since the couple's last visit.

Michonne and Rick sit and listen, being as attentive as possible. They can't help but enjoy themselves as some of the seniors are truly lively with their stories of recent events as well as stories of yesteryear.

Mr. Charles and Ms. Althea round the corner, her pushing him in a wheelchair. They make a beeline for Rick and Michonne and join in all the fun. The topic soon turns to marriage as it always does and Rick proudly tells them that it's their anniversary.

"Well what the heck are y'all doing here?" Mr. Charles asks. "You should be off on a trip or at home in bed…." He stops as Ms. Althea taps his hand.

"Congratulations, kids. That's wonderful. You really should be spending this time together…alone," Ms. Althea reminds them with a smile and a wink.

Rick and Michonne nod with understanding, the latter wondering if she and Rick will still be together like this in their old age. Mr. Charles and Ms. Althea still appear happy after all of their years together. She grabs Rick's hand while she says a silent prayer for them.

The visit ends all too soon and the Grimes say their goodbyes and promise to return soon. Mr. Charles and Ms. Althea walk with them to the exit and the former gestures to Rick so he can whisper in his ear.

Ms. Althea moves over to Michonne and takes one of her hands in hers and speaks quietly. Five minutes later, Rick and Michonne are in the truck and driving away. She looks to her husband and says, "Well?"

Rick smiles as he knows she wants to know what Mr. Charles told him. "He just said 'you be sure and take that pretty gal on a date tonight. She deserves the best and don't you forget it'." He gives her another look and she knows he wants to know what Ms. Althea said to her.

Michonne returns his smile. "She told me to always respect you and support you no matter what." She sighs with happiness. "I'm glad we decided to do this today."

He reaches over and grabs her hand. "Me too." He brings her hand to his lips and kisses her softly. "I love you. Happy Anniversary."

"I love you too. Happy Anniversary."

Romantic Adventures

Carl crouches down in the dark, covering Judith's mouth with his hand. He is so excited that Maggie, Glenn, Sasha, and Daryl were more than willing to help him plan a surprise party for his parents' anniversary. Everything had come together fine as far as he could tell and now they're waiting for them to walk through the door.

They were preparing for the cruise they were scheduled to take on tomorrow. He can't help but be happy that his Dad found someone like Michonne. He has never seen his Dad so happy. He freezes as the key sounds in the door and then Michonne is stepping across the threshold and switching on the light.

"SURPRISE!" Everyone yells. Carl lifts to his full height, holding Judith's hand as she stands by his side. He laughs at the looks on Michonne's and his Dad's faces, knowing they are truly surprised.

Glenn switches on the music as everyone wishes the couple happy anniversary. Maggie is sure to tell them that it was all Carl's idea to throw them the surprise party.

Rick and Michonne move over to their children to give them tight hugs and sound kisses, thanking Carl for the party.

"You two deserve it. The cruise too. Judy and I will be real good for Glenn and Maggie won't we Judy?" Carl asks.

"Yes. We're gonna be very good," Judy states, moving over to her Dad to cling to his pants leg. Rick lifts her up into his arms and moves off to mingle with some of the guests.

Michonne loops an arm through Carl's. "This was really sweet of you. Thank you."

"Well, you are always so good to me and I see how happy Dad is now and I just wanted to do something nice for you guys." He looks down at his shoes, shyly. "I'm glad I have you for a stepmom."

Michonne smiles as she gives Carl a hug. "I'm glad too."

The party continues seamlessly into the night and everyone enjoys the time together. Carl was sure to retrieve his camera for plenty of pictures.

The next morning, Rick and Michonne pile into Maggie's van with Maggie, Glenn, Judith, Carl and Little Herschel. Carl is sure to get more pictures of his parents before they board. They say their goodbyes at the loading docks and Rick and Michonne wave fondly from the cruise ship.

Memory Lane

Rick and Michonne lounge on their queen sized bed in their cabin on the romantic cruise they've embarked on for their anniversary. He is feeding her strawberries while they sip champagne.

"This is really nice. Aren't you glad you agreed to come?" Michonne asks.

"Yes, I'm very glad. We've had a wonderful time. It's going to be hard going back to the real world," Rick answers.

"You're right but it'll be good to see the kids. I miss them. I didn't realize I'd miss them this much," she admits.

"They've really captured your heart, huh?" Rick smiles as he remembers when he first laid eyes on Michonne.

"They really have." She notices the slight faraway look in his eyes. "What are you thinking about?"

"The first time we met. Remember?"

She laughs. "How could I forget? Judith refusing to get her teeth cleaned because she thought I was going to pull them all out. I still can't get over Carl telling her that."

"And I had no idea. I was really stressed that day but you made it all better," Rick remembers.

Michonne dips a strawberry into her champagne and puts it to his lips, watching intently as he bites into it. "Glad I could be of service." She smiles as she remembers the random meetings after that. "I guess I should've known there was something about you since we kept bumping into each other over and over again. I had almost convinced myself you were following me."

Rick bursts into laughter over that admission. "Following you? So I'm a stalker?"

"A girl can't be too safe these days. I had to consider all the possibilities but the more I saw you, the more I realized that you were someone I'd like to get to know."

"Really now?" He smiles at her, lying back, resting his head on the pillows. "So it wasn't me changing your tire in the middle of a rain storm that won you over?"

"That was a big help but I think I knew you were a keeper on our first date. You brought flowers, held doors for me….I forgot that men still did those things. It was a very nice reminder. What's even better is that you haven't stopped doing it."

"And I won't stop. I love that I've learned so much from you…..you've shared your love of art. I think I've traveled more since you came into my life. I read more." He laughs. "You've been a very good influence. Most of all, you love my kids and take care of them just like they're your own…."

"They are my kids, Rick."

"You're right. They are your kids and that leads me to another question."

"Shoot," Michonne encourages.

"How do you feel about having a baby?" His look is one of seriousness as he awaits her answer.

Michonne lifts up and puts her champagne aside. She brings her attention back to him. "You….really? I mean….we talked about it before but I thought you meant a few years from now."

"I want to experience everythang with you. Why wait?" Rick inquires.

She can only stare at him with a half-smile playing at her lips. "Why indeed," she answers as her smile grows wider and she gives a small giggle, elated at the prospect of a baby.

He takes her into his arms, careful not to spill his champagne. "This has been an incredible anniversary, hasn't it?"

"Yes. Whatever will we do to make the next one even better?"

He kisses her lightly on the nose. "I'm sure we'll think of somethin'. How about we get started on that baby?"

All Michonne can do is laugh as her husband drops his lips to hers.

Canvas of My Heart

Michonne is so proud of Carl. He has taken his photography very seriously. Even gifting her and Rick with portraits for their anniversary. She smiles proudly as she showcases his photos by placing them on the mantel.

He had captured them in a quiet moment at home, their neighbor Morgan over for a visit. He had recently lost his wife and needed to occupy his time more now than ever. Rick and Michonne didn't mind. They wanted to help in any way they could.

She studies the photos, noting the expressions on her face and Rick's. Both were mixtures of happiness and a bit of sadness as they knew what their friend was enduring. None of it could be easy and it makes her even more thankful for the love and family she has acquired.

She smiles as Rick walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, dropping his chin to her shoulder. She lifts a hand and plays in his hair softly. "Our son is getting really good with this photography thing. I believe it's time we take a look at that really expensive camera he's been eyeing."

Rick groans as he ponders the practicability of purchasing such an expensive item. "Do you really think that's a good idea?"

"I do. Just last week Herschel Greene paid Carl for some of his shots of the kids at the playground. He said he was going to frame them and put them in his office. We should go by there and take a look. He even asked him about coming out to his farm and getting some photos of the landscape, the animals and the house." She turns to look at her husband. "Aren't you excited about that?"

"Of course I am. We can take a look at this camera. You don't have to push so hard," Rick counters, admiring her enthusiasm for Carl's hobby.

She turns in his arms to face him. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

"I think I know but I don't ever get tired of hearing you say it."

She places a soft kiss to his lips and whispers, "I love you." She showers him with kisses all over his face as she repeats those three words over and over again.

The Chords of Love

A/N: So I had more than one idea for this prompt, therefore three different scenarios were written. The songs used are All of Me and Tonight by John Legend.

Scenario I

The familiar tune drifts through the air of the ballroom as Rick looks to his beautiful wife and notices as she immediately starts to sway to the music. She loves this song. He knows it because she has played it at home during one of her many nights of being in the mood for music and maybe some living room or kitchen dancing. The last time he heard it, he really listened to the lyrics as she sang along and he couldn't help but be moved by them.

He stands and offers her his hand. She looks up at him and gladly accepts as they move onto the dance floor. It's their last night on the cruise and they attended an elegant dinner for guests. Even dressing in semi-formal wear for the occasion.

They wrap their arms around each other and move rhythmically to the music. Michonne looks to Rick as he slowly mouths the words to the song. She smiles, feeling the weight and meaning of those lyrics deeply. She has truly found her soul mate and she has never been happier. He takes care of her like no other, always there no matter what she needs. I guess it's true when they say love is something that finds you.

Rick drops his forehead to hers as she joins him in singing along. All those moments he'd heard the song, he never realized that she was voicing it about him. He can feel it on such a major level right now, her body language, her eyes….everything about her is telling him how much she loves him. He feels compelled to give it all right back. He places his lips against hers softly, giving her the lightest of kisses as they continue to move together.

Scenario II

Rick and Michonne are on grocery aisle number 7 looking for a particular cooking oil they'd like to try. An upbeat 80s tune is playing over the PA system and Rick only smiles as his wife bobs her head to the music. He takes a look towards the end of the aisle, wondering what was taking Carl and Judith so long.

Michonne gasps as one of her favorite songs starts playing. She closes her eyes for just a moment, a brief sigh escaping her lips as she begins to sing along. She feels a soft touch on her forearm as her husband calls her attention to him.

He pulls her into his arms right there in the middle of the grocery aisle, moving their bodies from side to side in tune with the music.

Carl and Judith step onto the aisle with boxes of cereal in their hands and come up short with the sight of their parents slow dancing right next to their shopping cart. Judith looks up to her big brother as they share a knowing look, both hoping the song is almost over.

Scenario III

King County Middle School is teeming with activity as the spring dance is in full swing. Rick and Michonne Grimes watch diligently as parent chaperones, their son, Carl, attending his first official dance with his first official date.

"What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out." Those lyrics float through the air and propels Michonne to grab her husband's hand and lead him to the dance floor. Rick can only smile as they wrap their arms around each other and get lost in the song if only for a little while.

Carl feels a nudge in his side and looks to his date, Ariel, a petite Asian girl. She points toward the floor and asks, "Isn't that your Mom and Dad?"

The tall teen searches for only a matter of seconds before he spots his parents wrapped around each other like they are getting ready to make out. He drops his head with a huff and utters, "Sorry."

Ariel smiles and asks, "Why? I think they look cute together and they're drawing other couples onto the floor." She was hoping Carl would get the hint since they hadn't had one slow dance all night.

"Cute? Really?" He inquires.

"Yeah. It's obvious your Mom and Dad are really in love with each other. Do you know how many kids wish they still had a Mom and a Dad who were actually together and liked each other? You're lucky," Ariel explains.

Carl considers her words and realizes how right she is. The floor is actually crowded and he knows his parents had a lot to do with that as the slow songs weren't popular for dancing at all tonight. He offers Ariel his hand and asks, "Would you like to dance?"

She smiles with delight and accepts graciously.

Bonus:

It's a typical Friday night at the Grimes household and Michonne is in the kitchen taking care of some cleaning duties while listening to a little music. Rick arrives home from work and makes his way to her to plant a kiss on her cheek as they greet each other.

"How was your day?" They both ask simultaneously and then laugh.

Michonne goes first, giving a short synopsis of her work day then listens intently as Rick relays the events of his day.

"Oh, I found an awesome song too. It's that same guy you like so much. John Legend. I think I want it as my special song just for you," Rick says.

"Special song for me? Well, let's hear it," Michonne encourages.

Rick grabs his cell phone and searches through his apps to pull up the song. Michonne is most impressed that he is utilizing the device more and more these days.

She gasps as the song starts to play and she recognizes the tune. A blush colors her face as Rick pulls her to him and sings the lyrics with gusto. Well, I know what we'll be doing tonight.