And…I'm back! I started a new job and life is just hard, but I've read just about all the Richonne that is out there (check my favs) and decided that I needed to continue my contribution to the fandom! I'm going to try to finish this story up soon (fingers crossed) because I have another story that's in my head that I am really ready to write, but I don't want to put this one off because it might never get completed. I hope you all enjoy this time jump while we FINALLY get the ball rolling towards an actual royal wedding lol. Please make sure you leave a comment and share, share, share! Not only my story, but share fandom works that are coming out! It's so important to support writers who are dedicating their time and energy to entertain those who love Richonne.
s/n: everything that has been recently going on with H&M most likely will not be included in this story. I hate what she has had to endure on her own and what they have had to endure as a couple. No one should be scrutinized for falling in love and living your life how you see fit. I am so happy that the two of them are carving out their own path to secure a loving and healthy future for themselves and Archie. This story was created in love, to represent love and that is all I plan to write about. I draw the line at Meg's dad because honestly the man just can't possibly be real, but I digress. This isn't meant to be a political statement, but I did want to add some clarity in case anyone would be looking for it in the future.
Chapter 12: "Fall for You"
"Will you promise to be there? Stay by my side always? Whenever I need you, don't let me down." Leela James 'Fall for You'
It's been a whirlwind 8 months since last October. Shooting for Michonne's final season ended which is set to air this upcoming fall. Rick has been the doting boyfriend who traveled when his schedule permitted to be there for Michonne during a very emotional time of her life. Through this experience the two have been able to grow more and more deeply in love with one another. Every time Rick would head back to London, he would take items with him until her apartment was down to the last two boxes ready to be shipped off to her new home as she packs her suitcases to head off to San Diego for her last Comic Con. She's been spending the last two weeks boxing up her memories from the place that's been her home throughout so many monumental moments in her life. As sad as closing this chapter has been so far, she can't help but think of where she's going and whom she will be journeying these next chapters with. If this past year and a half, and past eight months in particular are any indication of what is in store for her future with Rick then she is truly in for the time of her life.
"I can't believe how empty this place is now" Sasha says as she finishes zipping up one of Michonne's bags.
"I know," Michonne states as she sighs taking a look at all the empty walls. "We've had some good times in this spot." Michonne thinks of the countless girls' nights hosted in this apartment, the secrets that have been shared, the laughter, the love, even the tears. Not only she, but her family built a life in this apartment.
"Yeah," Sasha states as she too takes a second to think about all the good times, they've shared in Michonne's home, "but there are plenty more good times coming our way in your new home."
The pair can't help but to smile thinking of the memories that await them on the other side of Comic Con. Michonne and Sasha agreed to keep their business relationship going even though she will most likely be taking on a title sooner rather than later. Regardless of the stipulations, she couldn't possibly imagine embarking on this new journey without her family. Sasha will stay in New York and keep representing Michonne until she has to give up her celebrity title for a more official one, and even then, she'll make sure that Sasha has a role in her camp. Her relationship with Abraham has heated up as well in the past few months as well. Michonne would never voice it aloud, but she foresees Sasha joining her and Rosita in London sooner rather than later.
Yeah, that's right. Rosita made the official move before Michonne did. That lovesick hard ass and her rugged mechanic made the decision to take a leap of faith and Rosita packed up her things 2 months ago. From what Michonne has heard Rosita is truly enjoying herself, and her relationship with Daryl has really developed. She'll continue to take on the role as Michonne's assistant in London which works out perfectly for the two to have a friend to take on this journey with. As much as she loves Rick and can't wait to start a life with him, Michonne couldn't imagine doing this without her people. Maggie has already claimed a room in Frogmore for her, Glenn, Junior and the newest addition to the Rhee family Lexie. Michonne's mother even traveled with her on her last visit to move some things in and found a cute flat in the downtown area that she ended up purchasing when she comes to visit. Both Rick and Michonne insisted that the purchase wasn't necessary, but Angela reminded them that, she knows good and well these two wouldn't want her stumbling upon them in compromising positions.
"So…I know we are packing you up, and I'll be in London in a few weeks, but do I need to start getting wedding ready?" Sasha asks breaching the subject that everyone is truly curious about. The status of Rick and Michonne's relationship hasn't died down in the least bit, in fact once paparazzi caught her picking up moving boxes, and then traveling to London more frequently, everyone has been tuned in to see when they will finally take that next step in their relationship. Her family doesn't harass her about it much, but after a year and a half of dating she knows that they are all anxiously waiting for the phone calls announcing that Rick has gotten down on one knee.
"You want to know something strange? We don't really talk about it much. I mean, once we decided that I would move over there, I think we just naturally assumed it would be the next step we would take. At this point, I'm just waiting for him to ask." Michonne states a little sheepishly.
"You don't talk about it at all?" Sasha asks a little confused. She's genuinely shocked that it's taken this long for Rick to even put a ring on her finger. Secretly she's asked Abraham, but he isn't giving anything away.
"It's not a big deal is it? I don't want to be that nagging girlfriend, you know. There is so much I'm going to have to learn once I get over there, things he's been putting into place, I'm just not sure it's something we should even jump into right away…don't you think?"
Sasha can only nod in agreeance, never wanting Michonne to go back to that insecure girl like she was with Mike waiting for the man to determine the fate of their relationship. If Michonne is comfortable with where they are now as a couple, then Sasha will support in whatever way she can.
"Honey, I was just asking. You and Rick were made for one another, no one can deny that. I just know marriage is something we've spoken about. You've always wanted to be a wife to show that the sanctity of marriage is real."
"I know Sash, but honestly, I don't think about labels with Rick. All I think about whenever I'm with him, is just being with him. Maybe it will change when I'm waking up next to him for more than a week at a time every other month." Michonne says with a smile attempting to remove some of the pressure and seriousness from the conversation.
It's not that Michonne hasn't thought about marrying Rick and being his wife, she wants that more than anything in the world, however, the idea of how much her life will change once she makes those vows, and even before so has given her some anxiety. What if she isn't cut out for this world? What if everyone is supporting them now because deep down, they don't think they'll actually make it? What if once she says 'I Do' she and Rick end up like other celebrity couples who have to fight for one another everyday against online trolls? These are the thoughts that plague her mind and are the exact reason that she can't put too much thought into it.
In London…
"It's absolutely gorgeous Rick! She's going to love it" Angela states over facetime trying her best not to get choked up looking at the stunning, modern yet elegant ring that Rick has been working on for months. This is something that only his Father, Grandmother, and Michonne's mother know about. When Michonne initially agreed to move in with him last October, he immediately called the jeweler to begin designing the gorgeous 3 stone ring. The middle diamond was his mothers, a beautiful oval shaped diamond that sparkles all on its own and makes a statement by itself. He always dreamt of his future wife having his mother's ring, but then he met Michonne, and knew that she deserved a ring that was all her own. The two additional diamonds that surround the main stone are just as impeccable coming from one of his grandmother's crown jewels to represent their past and present. Rick loves the symbolism that the ring holds beyond the past, present, and future, but also that it gives her a something borrowed aspect as well. When the ring was dropped off to him earlier this week, he couldn't help but marvel at its beauty. Much like his baby the ring left him speechless.
When he called tonight to show Angela, he also wanted to have the ring in his possession as he asked for her daughter's hand in marriage. The two have grown extremely close since their initial meeting some months back and have been able to build an inseparable bond. Rick isn't sure what it is about these Anthony women, but they both seem to have the ability to have wooed him with their charms, and now he truly can't imagine his life without the mother and daughter duo. Seeing them together makes his heart soar, and he can't help but to think about adding to the lineage of gorgeous, strong, independent women.
"Thank you, Ange," Rick beams knowing that he did a good job of getting the perfect ring for Michonne all on his own. "Now that I have it, I can finally start putting things into motion."
"Have you thought about how you are going to ask yet?" She inquires.
"Have I," he chuckles "I have thought of it since our first date, I've thought about whisking her off somewhere like Africa or Hawaii again to come full circle, or even doing something this weekend at Comic Con, but none of it seems right and I want this to be perfect for her."
"I know you do sweetie, and it will be. You know our girl; she'd be happy if you dropped down on one need in the middle of the street on a random Wednesday. She'd say yes to you even if you didn't have that gorgeous ring to give her. Your heart knows what to do so just follow that. It hasn't led you astray yet."
Rick beams at that bit of advice from Angela, because she's absolutely right. Michonne doesn't require all of the glitz and glam, she doesn't need nor want anything more than Rick's love, and he thinks back to one of their favorite pastimes and decides in this moment that he knows exactly how he is going to propose to Michonne.
He and Angela speak a little bit more and plan to have dinner as a family in San Diego at least once to celebrate Michonne's accomplishments before the two head back to London together. The idea of he and Michonne being able to be in their home together and genuinely start building their future without the worry of her having to catch a flight back to the states makes his heart flutter. Following their call, he takes a second to look around their master closet as he packs his bags to head to California tomorrow. He takes a second to appreciate how the room has truly turned into their closet with her clothes and shoes now adorning the walls alongside his. He thinks about the many times they will get ready together in this space, how they'll share intimate moments in the attached master bathroom. How they will make sweet, hot, passionate love in their connected bedroom. Even in her absence especially these past few weeks being the longest they've been apart, her presence is strong. He takes ahold of one of her hanging tops that still smells like her 'Good Girl' perfume which he loves so much. Each time she's come she leaves her little touches, reminding Rick that she'll be home soon. To think that this house started off as just that, a house. But soon it will officially be a home.
Rick is preparing to surprise Michonne for her final walk as a star of her show in Hall H. She told him not to worry about coming for security purposes, but there is no way he would miss this moment. His team and the convention organizers set it up where he would be incognito the entire time, while also being able to be there for her as she does her final cast panel. His flight leaves tomorrow afternoon, and he should be in San Diego the following morning, if he's timed it right, he'll get just enough alone time with her before she has to head off to get ready for the cast panel. He knows this is a very big weekend for her and isn't anticipating seeing her more than a few moments at a time, luckily the entire gang will be there. Daryl "graciously" volunteered to fly in with Rick instead of with Rosita, but in reality, Daryl didn't want to sit in the hotel by himself while Rosita worked, and he waited for Rick to arrive.
After shutting down the house for the night, and preparing for bed, Rick sends Michonne his daily goodnight text, as he rests his phone on the nightstand, he can't help but chuckle thinking of what an idiot he was almost two years ago when he almost didn't get out the car.
San Diego…
The atmosphere in San Diego is absolutely ferocious. From the moment Rick left the tarmac he could feel the energy of the patrons from all over the world coming together to this hallowed weekend. There was signage everywhere reminding anyone who might live under a rock that this weekend was for super fans of all shapes and sizes to come together and celebrate the achievements of their favorite cast and crews. Rick had never thought to attend this event in his life, but he's so glad he's able to be here to witness such a monumental event. It isn't until he gets closer to the convention center grounds that he realizes what a big deal Michonne's show is for this year's con, and what a big deal her exit is going to be as he sees his love displayed on posters and flags all around.
Speaking of his love, she's not very happy with him at the moment. He turned off his 'find my friends' location so she can't see where he is. When she inquired about it this morning, he all but told her to mind her business so she would drop her interrogation. Let's just say that he will have a lot of making up to do even after he surprises her. He sent her an 'I love you' text about 20 minutes ago just to remind her of the simple truth…she just responded back. And to add to the level of petty she turned off her location as well which is making his job much harder than it should be. He had to recruit Rosita to keep him up to date on her whereabouts for his surprise to be successful. She just got back to her hotel room from her morning jog and was getting into the shower before hair and makeup, which is perfect because he is 15 minutes out from his hotel. Abraham was able to secure a room key for Rick so all he has to do is sneak in through the private entrance and up the service elevator to reunite with his woman.
Michonne honestly can't believe that joker turned off his location and couldn't tell her why. It's not that she doesn't trust him, because she does. It's just that it's weird that he would turn it off without giving her an explanation. She's always liked to know where he is, to know what time zone he's in so she can plan her calls to him accordingly. He didn't let her know that he'd be traveling this weekend, so why is it so hard for him to say that he's at home? It's stress that she doesn't need right now. She woke up this morning with a load of anxiety that her run didn't help alleviate. This is her last Con, her last panel discussion and a feeling of disappointing her fans has risen to the surface and she can't help but feel extremely emotional about what is happening today and this weekend. So, for the one person that she wants to talk to, to be acting this way towards her, it is only making matters worse.
Rosita and Sasha told her not to worry about it and to enjoy a nice long hot shower to relax her. She knows she's on a time crunch today but once the scalding water hit her tense muscles, she couldn't help but to start feel better physically and emotionally. She and Rick would have their time to discuss his behavior from this morning, but today was about her fans and her cast mates. Today was about celebrating all of their hard work and the fans many years of dedication. With that in mind, she decides its finally time to start getting ready for the day. As she hops out of the shower, she can hear Rosita speaking quietly with whom she can only assume is Paul there to start her hair and makeup. So, once her body is fully moisturized with her coconut oil infused lotion, she heads out of her bathroom in full on boss mode.
"Babe, I think I want to keep it simple today," she states looking down at her arms as she continues to rub in the last bit of lotion, "my dress is pretty simple for Stella McCartney but so I don't want my hair and make-up to take away from that. Have you seen it? I forgot to send you a picture, but if you haven't you are going to…HOLY SHIT!" She screams as she finally looks up to realize that it isn't Paul who was waiting for her to come out the bathroom.
"Does this make up for our conversation this morning?" Rick chuckles as he embraces Michonne who has jumped into his arms after realization hit her.
"OH MY GOD! What are you doing here?!" Michonne asks through her tears of excitement. Her shower was great, but she knows what she really needed to get through this day and he's giving her all the strength she needs as he hoists her up into his strong, secure arms.
"Hi baby," Rick says as he soothingly rubs her back as she attempts to reel in her emotions "you know I wouldn't miss this for the world." He states lowering her to the ground so he can get a better look at her. Once her feet are secured, he cups her face to not only wipe away her tears but so he can indulge on those gorgeous, plump lips that he's been missing since the last time he physically saw her. The kiss is full of passion and promise. She immediately grants his tongue the entry that it seeks as he leads her towards the bed fully disregarding that Rosita told him they would have about 10 minutes before she let Paul in so he could start getting her ready for the day. He's trying to be good as he lowers her down to the bed neither one relenting on this steamy kiss, but he's also making out with the love of his life after weeks of separation with only a towel as a barrier from her sexy body. The savage beast in him wants to make an appearance so, so bad, but the clear sound of the room key granting entry to Rosita, Paul and his team reminds him that she has a job to do today.
Michonne has been on cloud 9 since she and Rick left her hotel heading towards the convention center. They held hands right up until she had to get out of the car to go meet up with her cast mates. Rick would be escorted through another private security entrance where he would be escorted by his security team and an event organizer to the room where he would be able to watch Michonne's entire interview. Only authorized personnel would know where this room was, Michonne included so she could enjoy her down time with Rick in between cast interviews. Though they both wish he could be sitting front row watching as she takes this stage for the last time, she feels his presence, knowing he's only a room away gives her all the comfort she needs. As her castmates each take the stage one by one with her being the final one to make her entrance, she takes some calming deep breaths. It's right as Aaron is called out to thunderous applause by fans that she feels her phone vibrate.
Rick: I'm right here with you baby, just breathe.
"…and now for the main event of this panel, you know her, you all love her, and we are sad to see her go, HALL H GIVE IT UP FOR OUR FAVORITE LEADING LADY MICHONNE ANOTHONY!" She doesn't even have time to digest how it is he always seems to know when she needs his comfort, but he as usual was right on time. She let out a deep breath as she steadied her legs to walk across the stage of Hall H for one last time. Her eyes take in the bright lights that darken the faces of the crowd but up front she can she an entire row of her support system. She takes a second to take it all in as the crowd continues their standing ovation, making it impossible for the tears to not slowly run down her face.
Rick backstage can't help but wipe a rogue tear away from his eyes as he watches his woman receive the well-deserved praise from years and years of hard work. She has gone through so much in the entirety of her career that she truly does deserve to bask in this moment, and he is so blessed and honored to be able to witness just how much people love her.
"I can't believe you are actually here" Michonne states as she runs her fingers across his strong chest as they lay sated reeling in the afterglow of one of their most intense lovemaking sessions to date. The excitement of the day and being back together must have really got their endorphins going, because neither can recall ever coming as hard as they did tonight. Rick is still so high off of her that all he can do is kiss the crown of her head in response.
"I'm just happy that I was able to be here for you today," Rick states readjusting their intertwined bodies so that Michonne lays beneath him now as he adorns her body with kisses "that's all I ever want…is to be there for you…to love you…provide for you…cherish you."
Michonne is so lost in his words and actions that all she can do is surrender her body to him once again for Rick to prove just how serious he is about loving and making love to Michonne.
Back to London…
To say the weather is projecting how Michonne is feeling deep down inside would be an understatement. The overcast perfectly represents her internal emotions about closing this chapter of her life. It's not that she'll never be back to the States, but she won't be back to the States as Michonne Anthony: esteemed actress, philanthropist and human rights activist. Though she is hopeful that she'll be securing new titles soon enough, this is the identity she's held, the one she's worked so hard for. She knows she should be grateful, and she is. But she gives herself the grace to be a little emotional about the changes that are coming as well.
As if on cue, like his radar to her internal feelings goes off, Rick reaches for Michonne's hand interlocking their fingers. A silent reminder that he is always right there with her, whenever she needs him to be.
"You ready?" He asks as they stand at the bottom stair of their plane preparing to embark on this new journey together.
"Yeah," she smiles at her future, "let's go home."
A/N: Proposal next? Maybe drop some hints on how you all think Rick is going to propose? I'm so excited to start writing about their wedding!
