A/N: I'm in a glass case of emotion tonight, so here goes a little angsty ficlet. I hope you enjoy!
There was a world of things that Rick could not promise Michonne. He could not promise her that they would always have food, that they would always have warmth, that they would always be safe. He could not promise her a traditional wedding all dressed up in white, couldn't promise her the ring she deserved, the honeymoon he wished for them. He couldn't promise that the walls would hold, that the world would improve, that he could keep them all safe. He couldn't promise her that he wouldn't falter again, would not feel weak, would not collapse under the weight.
There were many things that he could not promise the love of his life, and sometimes, these shortcomings haunted him.
"Michonne," he called to her gently, his voice rife with concern.
She turned her face to him, her cheeks streaked with the remnants of tears. He was by her side in a heartbeat, the mattress groaning as he sat behind her.
"He would have been 5," her statement was so quiet that he nearly missed it. Rick understood immediately.
There were many things Rick could not give Michonne, but she did not seem to mind. Rick pulled her into his arms, holding her close as she tucked her face into his shirt. She was warm against him, her heart pounding a steady beat against his chest. Rick buried his face into her shoulder, pressing his cheek against hers as he rocked her gently. He could feel moisture gathering in the fabric of his shirt, could feel her trembling against him. Rick held her tighter.
The rain poured down against their house as Michonne's tears subsided. Rick did not relinquish his hold on her.
"Thank you," she tilted her head up, planting a kiss on the bottom of his chin.
"Any time," he promised her.