Author's Note: Hi! How are you doing? Are you staying safe and healthy? I've been laid off so I'm at home (Michigan rules). I have tons of time to write. so there is my silver lining. I really appreciate all the support and love I've been getting on this story.

Also just a little heads up things get a little hot and heavy this chapter (Finally!) so get ready for that.


It turns out that trying to get laid on a family vacation is damn near impossible. Michonne and Rick wanted to include the boys in everything they did during this vacation, trips to the lake, hikes up the mountain. Wherever they went the boys went. But of course, sex wasn't one of those things.

There were a few close calls during the first week.

A time on the couch when Carl and Andre we're playing catch in the backyard. But Carl running in to sing Andre's praises cut that short.

There was another night, in bed, that was so close but Andre's nightmares put a halt to that real quick. They slept with him wedged between them.

Currently Michonne had snuck away from the group during their trip to a flea market to get advice from her sex guru.

Andrea.

She FaceTimed her friend with a straw cowgirl hat Rick had picked for her and some turquoise earrings she just purchased at a stand. With two long braids on each side of her head she looked like a true mountain girl.

"Oh my God you've gone country on me," Andrea answered her worried face filling the screen.

"Rick picked it out," Michonne explained with a wide grin, adjusting the phone so Andrea could see the hat in all its glory.

"Oh I bet he did. How's the family vacay going? I've been getting all the pictures you sent me.. all five hundred of them." Andrea deadpanned and Michonne laughed.

What could she say? She had a cute family.

"Good. Really good- just what everyone needed. We're going horseback riding tomorrow."

"Speaking of riding… Have you taken your stallion out for a ride yet?" Andrea asked as she wiggled her brows and Michonne turned down the volume on the call.

She coughed and looked over at an older couple who suddenly seemed very interested in her conversation. They stared at her with slightly judgemental looks on their faces.

"You haven't, have you?! Why the hell not?" Andrea chastised and Michonne's cheeks burned.

"Well it's not exactly easy with a sixteen and four-year-old running around." Michonne defended weakly and Andrea rolled her eyes.

"Please there are plenty of times ya'll could have been getting it in. First thing in the morning, bam shower sex. Kids out playing in the yard? Bam quickie in the supply closet. Lull at family dinner? Bam toilet sex."

Toilet sex?

"Andrea I don't think you understand I kinda want this to be special.." Michonne murmured as she walked away from any noisy customers.

She made her way behind a booth and away from people and found an empty crate to sit on. "This will kind of be my first time in a while.."

"How long is a while?"

"About a year and a couple of months."

"TWO YEARS!" Andrea screamed and any privacy Michonne had found quickly went away.

"A year and 4 months!" Michonne quickly corrected her but Andrea was already on a roll.

"2 years without sex.. and if we're counting good sex it's been even longer. You're practically a virgin!" Andrea hollered and Michonne seriously considered hanging up the phone.

"I did not call to be shamed." Michonne pouted and Andrea continued on her Tirade.

"Oh honey, no wonder you've been so uptight all these years. You've never been properly dicked down.."

"I'm hanging up."

"No don't! I'm sorry. I just never knew that Andre was an immaculate conception."

Michonne hung up the call promptly and pulled her hat over her face as she let out a deep breath. She wasn't sure why she decided to call her sex-crazed friend for advice. She knew Andrea would react like this.

A FaceTime call from Andrea rang in and Michonne peeked at it from under her hat. She swiped the call and Andrea's regretful face filled the screen.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to tease."

"Yes you did."

"Yeaah I did. Ten years is a lifetime of bad sex. And I am deeply sorry for that."

Michonne fought a smile and shook her head.

"So what do I do?"

"Honestly Michonne? When the time is right it will happen. Everything is so organic and natural about your relationship with Rick. Why should this be an aspect of it you try and force?"

And for the first time since they started this conversation Andrea made sense.

It infuriated Michonne.

"What if… what if I'm not what he wants anymore? You know, after..?" Michonne whispered her insecurities getting the best of her.

"Oh honey.." Andrea could kill Mike for all the damage he did to this magnificent woman. "Why would he not want you? You are the most amazing woman I've ever met. And if we're going off of looks alone why wouldn't he smash that cookie to smithereens?! Your breast… your breasts are like two hefty scoops of Haagen Dazs double fudge ice cream. And that ass.. that ass is a three-layer coca-cola cake."

"Are you hungry?" Michonne asked, through laughter. Andrea never made so many food puns unless she was hungry.

"Starving. Just pulled up to Catherine's bakery."

"Carol's sweetie."

"Of course. Anyways just uh-, take your pants off and sit on Rick's face. I dunno babe, I haven't been a virgin since 1920. Bye-bye now I see cake."

The call disconnected and Michonne doubled over laughing her hat falling onto the ground.

She could always count on Andrea for a good laugh.

"You know a piece of cake doesn't sound too bad." A man Michonne didn't recognize said as he bent down in front of her to pick up her hat.

"Oh- uh, thank you." Michonne stammered as she stood up and took the hat from the man.

She was a little wary of him as it seemed he heard at least some part of her explicit conversation.

"May I just say you are stunning. They don't make em' like you out here, you must be a visitor." The stranger praised and Michonne raised a brow.

"Thank you." She replied curtly not really in the mood to entertain strange men. When she noticed he was still staring at her she gave him a small smile and began to walk away.

"Where are you from?" He asked, trailing behind her and Michonne let out a breath.

"Down south." She answered from over her shoulder as the man caught up with her.

"Like how down south?" He asked, licking his lips and eying her legs.

Lord help her.

"Uh Georgia." She answered looking around for Rick and the boys.

"I love a good Georgia peach…" he mumbled staggering a bit behind her trying to get a look at her-

"Hi baby." Rick greeted as he came to Michonne's side seemingly out of nowhere.

"My hero," Michonne mumbled into Rick's shoulder as he wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. He pulled back to look at her before his eyes darted over to the strange man.

"Can I help you?" Rick asked none too kindly and Carl snorted from behind his father.

Flirting with Michonne? Big mistake.

"Uh no. I was just making conversation with your-."

"Wife," Rick said as he pulled Michonne closer. And while public displays of possessiveness usually drove Michonne mad, she was glad Rick was acting a little cave man-ish.

Even if the wife thing wasn't exactly true…

"Oh I see." The man grumbled as he stomped away but not before Rick caught up to him.

"Watch for the eyes narrowing.." Carl said quietly as he came to stand next to Michonne. "Then comes the head tilt."

"Classic Rick Grimes." Michonne smiled as Rick did exactly as Carl said.

Rick trotted back over to them with a smile like he didn't just put the fear of God in that man.

"He didn't bother you, right?" Rick asked his voice low and his hands coming to rest on Michonne's shoulders.

"Nothing I couldn't handle. I invited him over tonight is that okay?" Michonne joked with a wink and the slight twitch in Rick's jaw grew her smile.

She stood on her toes and kissed him before bending down to speak with Andre.

He was decked out in new boots and a cowboy hat (courtesy of Rick). Slowly but surely Andre and Michonne were turning into mini Rick Grimes.

"Are you doing okay peanut?" Michonne asked knowing that shopping trips and large crowds could be a lot for her son.

"Yes mama. Look." He answered as he stuck out his foot to show off his boots.

"Yes baby like mama's," Michonne said with a wink and Andre stood up a little taller.

"So one of the vendors told me about a local fair in town. There are rides and food… I was thinking maybe I could take Andre and Jerry's kids tonight?" Carl suggested timidly and Rick and Michonne looked at each other with raised brows.

"Yeah that sounds like a good idea just have to ask-."

"I already spoke with Nadia and Jerry. Ezekiel said he would drive us." Carl explained quickly and two adults were impressed.

"Well it sounds like you don't even need us." Rick laughed lightly and Carl smiled.

"We don't. I was thinking we'd spend the night over at Ezekiel's after. He has a home theatre and the new Call of Duty."

Finally Michonne caught onto what Carl was trying to do and she wondered if anyone put him up to this.

"Carl you know Andre gets nightmares…He can be a lot to handle." Michonne began and she wasn't sure why she was looking this gift horse in the mouth. This was guaranteed time alone with Rick tonight, this was exactly what they wanted- then why was she so scared?

"I think I know that song you sing to him by heart. Don't worry I've got him. Andre's a big boy right?" Carl assured her as he ruffled Andre's hair and Michonne gave him a tense smile.

"Big boy mama," Andre repeated and Michonne took a deep breath.

"Well, then I don't have a problem with it. Just call if you-."

"I live just up the hill Michonne. We could just holler and you could hear us."

When did Ezekiel get here?

"Urikuitei mukoma?" Michonne asked through gritted teeth glad for the language barrier. What are you doing brother?

"Enjoy your kid-free night. Courtesy of King Ezekiel." Ezekiel said with a wink as he collected Andre into his arms. He adjusted Andre's hat and smiled at Rick.

"Very nice." He complimented referring to everybody's matching choice of hat.

"I'll text you guys later," Carl promised with a quick hug to both Michonne and Rick.

"You're not slick Rick Grimes…" Michonne grinned as she turned on her heel and walked towards a pretzel stand she had her eye on.

"Wait you think I had something to do with this?" Rick laughed as he caught up with her, intertwining their fingers.

"You mean to tell me you didn't?"

"I wish I was that slick. This was all Carl. And apparently Ezekiel."

Michonne stopped at the booth and stared up at the big menu of treats.

"Looks like we have the day to ourselves. So, what's next?"

Michonne just smiled at Rick and rested her head on his shoulder.


Three pretzels and a few other "essential" purchases later, Michonne and Rick found themselves on the couch in the cabin, both deeply engrossed in Michonne's favorite movie.

Kill Bill Volume One.

Michonne had her legs thrown over Rick's lap and Rick had long abandoned his mission to distract her. After one quick makeout session that caused Michonne to miss one of her favorite monologues she made Rick promise to be on his best behavior.

It seemed she had found a new fan of Quentin Tarantino's over the top film style.

"This movie is fucked up Michonne." Rick laughed nervously as O-Ren Ishii's tragic backstory played out on film. He cringed at the crude animation.

"We still have half of the movie left." Michonne reminded him, keeping her eyes on the screen. She reached over and grabbed a handful of popcorn, stuffing it into her mouth.

"And this is your favorite movie?" Rick asked again and Michonne nodded with a smile. "You're a lot more twisted than I thought Michonne Renée Gavins."

Michonne paused the movie and glared at Rick from across the couch.

"I never should have told you my middle name. You've just used it against me since I told you."

"Oh please like you haven't used my full name to your advantage. Richard Allen Grimes if you don't-." Michonne cut him off with a quick pop to the head with a pillow.

Stunned Rick stared at her with his mouth hung open before he reached behind himself and grabbed the pillow that was behind him, hitting Michonne across her arm.

She gasped and that was what initiated one of the wildest, funniest pillow fights either of them had since childhood.

Rick had the advantage for a while getting her a few good times on her side but he quickly yielded when Michonne begged for him to stop. He did so immediately and while checking to see if she was okay Michonne managed to climb on top of him, pinning him to the couch.

"I've got you," Michonne whispered slightly out of breath.

Rick gave her a tired smile and his hands found a home on her hips.

"Yeah I guess you did." He whispered back and just as he leaned in for a kiss Michonne reared her pillow back and smacked Rick right in the face.

Instead of laughing like she expected Rick groaned and turned his head to the side hiding his face from Michonne.

"Oh my God are you okay?" Michonne cried when she noticed the presence of bright red blood. "Oh Shit Rick, you're bleeding!" Michonne called out the obvious as she scrambled off of Rick's lap and onto the floor. While trying to get off Rick she also managed to knock the popcorn and lemonade to the floor.

"Shit!" Michonne mumbled as she tried to get to her feet slipping on the wet floor.

"Are you okay?" Rick asked through his hands as he tried to stop the flow of blood from his nose.

"Uh, yeah. Let me just get you some ice." Michonne replied as she managed to stand up. "I spilled all the stupid lemonade," Michonne admitted and Rick removed his hand from his face to look at her. The gush of blood that followed made Michonne gag.

"Oh God just hold on!" Michonne pleaded as she made a quick run to the freezer.

"Frozen peas or carrots- what the hell Michonne? It doesn't matter!" Michonne chastised herself as she grabbed both bags and hurried back to Rick.

"Here you go baby I'm so sor-." Michonne's words caught in her mouth as she slipped on the forgotten lemonade, falling onto her back.

"Michonne!" Rick yelled as he sat up from the couch still holding his nose.


"Well we had to cauterize a vessel inside your right nostril. You will have to stop taking some blood-thinning medications for about the next week- I'll be sure to print you off a list." The urgent care doctor, Doctor Reese, explained as she wiped any residua; blood from Rick's face.

"And Michonne? You're not worried about her passing out?" Rick asked as he looked at Michonne who was sitting in a chair next to the exam table.

"I did not pass out Richard. I slipped." Michonne reminded him not wanting to cause any alarm to the doctor.

"Hitting your head is bad." Rick amended and Michonne rolled her eyes.

"No worse than bleeding from your nose for 18 minutes straight," Michonne mumbled and Nurse Elis laughed.

"Tell me again how this happened?" Doctor Reese asked out of pure curiosity. It was a pretty slow day until this bloodied nose man came in with his very embarrassed girlfriend by his side.

"We were having a pillow fight," Rick answered fully aware of how ridiculous it all sounded.

"Oh sure a 'pillow fight'." Nurse Elis laughed with a wink and Rick blushed.

"Does she need a CT scan?" Rick asked and Michonne glared at him. Rick ignored the heat of Michonne's stare and waited for the doctor's answer.

"I don't see what for. She didn't lose consciousness. Now, if she gets a headache or any blurry vision then we worry." Doctor Reese advised with a smile.

"Also Doctor's orders uh, just take it easy on the pillow fighting." She instructed sternly and Michonne wished she could sink into the floor.

"But besides that you two are free to go. It was a pleasure meeting you two." Doctor Reese said as she shook Rick's hand and then Michonne's.

Rick laughed as soon as they left and Michonne frowned as he held onto his stomach laughing harder than she'd ever seen him. Michone thought he finally lost his mind.

Oh no she broke him.

"Rick this is not funny! You got hurt because of my dumbass!" Michonne moaned as she buried her face in her hands.

"Hey, hey. Don't talk about yourself like that. And you don't have a dumb ass you have a great ass." Rick said, pulling Michonne's hands away from her face.

"Look at your shirt!" Michonne cried pointing at the blood-covered denim button up.

"This? Babe, we're in Montana I'm sure I can get a six-pack of these for a dollar somewhere." Rick joked and for the first time since they arrived at the urgent care Michonne smiled. "There it is. Been waiting for that smile." Rick rubbed his thumb on the apple of Michonne's cheeks and she sighed.

"This is not how I expected this day to go."

"When has anything in this life gone how we expected? I certainly didn't expect you Michonne Renée Gavins."

Michonne couldn't help but lean in and kiss Rick. He had a way of saying the simplest of things but exciting the deepest emotions.

"How about we go back to the cabin and take a shower. Go see Uma Therman kick some more ass?" Rick suggested and Michonne liked the idea greatly. "Yeah? That sounds good?" Rick smiled as Michonne smiled and nodded.

"Yeah that sounds good Rick."

Rick hopped off the examining table and in one swift motion had Michonne off her feet and in his arms.

"Rick put me down! You're the one who got hurt not me!" Michonne reminded him as he kicked the door open with great flourish.

"Ssh just let me have this." Rick hushed her and Michonne smiled, burying her head in his shoulder.


It was probably one of the least sexual showers either of them ever had. There was a lot of stumbling and apologies as Michonne tried to accommodate Rick's bruised nose. Luckily there was a built-in bench in the shower which allowed Michonne to sit while Rick tended to himself.

While Rick washed his hair Michonne proclaimed he had the cutest curls she had ever seen.

And while Michonne scrubbed down her legs and Rick declared she had the best legs he'd ever seen.

"So I made us reservations at a steakhouse in town. Ezekiel said it's the best."

"Ezekiel is a vegetarian." Michonne reminded Rick with a laugh and Rick smiled as he stood under the stream of water.

"He said they make a good portobello steak. Now I have no idea what the hell that is but I figured we could try it."

It seemed their day wasn't completely lost after all.

Michonne began to stand up and Rick was at her side instantly, she smiled at his attentiveness and allowed him to help her. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close until they were pressed against one another chest to chest.

"Help me under there?" Michonne requested and Rick lifted her a bit to put her directly under the water. "God. remind me to buy one of these when we get back." Michonne mumbled as the water trickled down her head and over the plains of her body. Jealous of the water's path Rick's hands did some exploring of their own.

He started with her hair, sinking his fingers in the roots and then proceeded to roll a few locs between his fingers with a thoughtful frown.

"You have questions?" Michonne assumed as Rick studied her well-kempt locs.

"Ezekiel started his before mine. But of course anything he did I had to do."

"And better I bet," Rick whispered as he dug his fingers back in her scalp causing Michonne to moan and throw her head back.

"It took me years to get them this long. But I loved the journey." She smiled as Rick collected her waist-long locs into his hand. Once he got a firm grip of her hair he pulled it back giving her only a brief moment of discomfort before he latched onto her neck.

The unexpected pleasure caused Michonne to back away from him and back into the shower wall. And the sudden loss of contact confused Rick and he took a step forward only to slip on the forgotten bar of soap.

Rick fell forward and Michonne miraculously caught him before he knocked himself out.

"Jesus we are a mess." Rick laughed as he managed to stand up straighter, collecting Michonne in his arms.

"Some cosmic force does not want us to get laid today." Michonne giggled as she gripped Rick's soapy biceps.

"Seems that way huh?" Rick laughed and Michonne rested her head on Rick's chest.

"Well I think we've done all the damage we can do in here today. Let's get out before we bust our heads open." Michonne said as she shut off the water. Rick left the shower first and retrieved the towel. He helped Michonne lean against the counter and began to dutifully dry her off.

Michonne watched in amusement as Rick patted and rubbed each inch of her skin down.

Michonne returned the favor, taking the lush towel and drying him off gently.

By the time she was done drying him off and "inspecting" any other injuries Rick he was painfully and quite obiously hard.

"I'm sorry." Rick murmured as he took the towel from Michonne's hands and wrapped it around his waist.

"It's okay Rick-."

"How about you take a nap? I'll clean up downstairs and wake you up when it's a little closer to dinner."

Rick turned his back towards her and Michonne scooted over to the toilet. She sat down on top of the seat and frowned at Rick's sudden change in mood.

"Rick I don't want to take a nap." Michonne protested and Rick smiled at her weakly from over his shoulder.

"I know, but you should. Don't worry I'll wake you up before our reservation." Rick left a naked, confused and very horny Michonne brooding on the toilet.


Michonne wondered would it be incredibly rude to tell Rick she would rather skip the dinner and get straight home? She was feeling nervous again. She tried to FaceTime Andrea earlier but she denied every call and text her the same thing every time.

Don't worry.

As she stared at Rick cut into his T-bone steak she prayed she could make it through the night. Her stomach was doing cartwheels and her foot tapped obsessively under the table.

Rick would cut a piece of the steak into a small piece, and then into an even smaller bite before he would lift it and inspect it like he was a judge in a cooking show.

"This is good," Rick grumbled as he slid another bite of his perfectly cooked steak off the fork. He offered Michonne another taste and she smiled shaking her head no.

"How's yours?" Rick asked again as his hand found its place on her knee under the table.

Michonne jumped so high at the contact she hit her leg on the table. With a curse she pulled away and mumbled a quick apology.

"I'm sorry," Michonne repeated quietly as she rubbed at the quickly forming bruise. Her nerves were like a frayed wire. There was no guarantee that they were even going to have sex tonight. With how this day began they'd more likely end up in the ER.

"Hey take it easy." Rick chuckled as he held his hand out to keep Michonne from scooting even further away from him. "What's going on?" He was genuinely confused by Michonne's behavior.

"Too much wine." She blew off with a hand wave and Rick smiled.

"You've had about half a glass." He pointed out and Michonne frowned.

"I'm a lightweight." She retorted and Rick scooted in even closer.

"You are not. Don't forget I picked you up from Andrea's '21st' birthday party." Rick's smile grew and Michonne let out a frustrated breath.

"I'm nervous." Michonne finally admitted and Rick's smile instantly softened. "No please don't look at me like that, it's not helping."

"Look at you like what?"

"Like this confident, sexy guy who knows exactly how tonight is going to go." Michonne huffed as she folded her arms over her chest. She was fully aware that she looked like a 3-year-old throwing a fit but she couldn't help it. Wasn't he worried at all?

"You don't think I'm nervous?" Rick let out a laugh and drained the last of his Scotch. "I've already called Daryl about three times asking him what to do. And he said and I quote, 'I really don't want to get in the middle of you and Chonne's sex life. That's some hetero bullshit I don't know anything about.'"

Rick held his head down and laughed while Michonne held her hand over her mouth and shook with laughter.

"I called Andrea. She told me to sit on your face and get it over with." Michonne said through her laughter and Rick's smile left his face.

"Why are we so nervous?" He asked and Michonne sighed. "It's you. It's us. I don't think I've ever wanted anything as much as I want you. So if we're scared.. or nervous.. let's do it together." Rick proposed as he held her hand and Michonne downed the rest of her wine.

"Get that dessert now." Michonne insisted and Rick raised a brow.

"Now?"

"Now," Michonne said as she guided Rick's hand under her dress.

Rick coughed and flagged over the waiter with a strained, "Waiter!"


Eating the dessert was a real practice of patience for both Michonne and Rick. As much as they both wanted to skip the dessert and get to the real treat the dessert was prepaid and delicious.

It was a dessert that was made to order, it took hours for the chef to prepare so you had to call at least a few hours in advance to order it. They required that you pay for it and couldn't take any leftovers home (the chef was weird that way). It was creamy and decadent and had the perfect amount of fresh mango.

"Do you think you could learn to make this?" Rick ask around another spoonful of the dessert.

"I dunno I could try." Michonne laughed the wine flowing through her nicely.

"Good cause I never want to eat another thing for the rest of my life," Rick said with a wink and Michonne was enjoying how playful Rick was. "Although there is one other thing I wouldn't mind eating for the rest of my life," Rick said lowly and Michonne paused.

"The steak?" She concluded with a laugh and Rick joined her.

"Yep the steak." Rick agreed with a laugh and Michonne shook her head as she took another spoonful of the heavenly dessert.

Rick cleared his throat and Michonne stared at him with a confused smile as he unbuttoned the top button of his shirt.

"You okay?" Michonne asked and Rick nodded clearing his throat again. "You're sweating." Michonne pointed out and Rick nodded again.

"It's hot in here." He mumbled as he indulged in another taste of the dessert.

It really wasn't. In fact Michonne had taken Rick's jacket, it was so chilly.

Rick's sudden sneeze made Michonne jump back and frown. It was graceless and loud and he did not cover his mouth.

Before Michonne could ask what was going on Rick downed his water before clearing his throat again.

"Rick?" Michonne asked as Rick reached for her water, emptying it in record time.

"I don't," Another loud, obnoxious sneeze, "Uh my throat and nose."

"So do you guys love this dessert or wh-oh my." The waitress paused when she saw Rick unbuttoning the second and third button on his shirt.

Michonne's sharp look caused the young waitress to look away from Rick's chest and at the floor.

"Michonne," Rick mumbled looking and feeling worse by the second.

Michonne looked back in horror as Rick's usually perfect face began to swell.

"What's in the dessert Erin?" Michonne demanded as she fumbled in her purse.

"Uh…" Erin mumbled nervously and she jumped when Michonne began to slap random contents of her purse onto the table.

"What. Is. In. The. Dessert. Erin."

"It's Emily, babe." Rick coughed out and Michonne hushed him.

"I don't know. W-why?" Emily stammered and Michonne rolled her eyes.

"Oh I don't know Emily. Because I think my boyfriend is having a reaction to something he ate." Michonne explained frustratedly and Emily began to back away from the table.

"I'll go get the chef," Emily said as she hurried back into the kitchen, bumping into another table as she did.

"Here take this," Michonne instructed as she unscrewed the bottle of children's Benadryl, sticking the small straw from Rick's scotch in it. She kept it in her purse for Andre if his grass allergy ever got worse and she was grateful to have it now.

"How much?" Rick mumbled as Michonne placed the straw to his swollen lips.

"All of it." She instructed as she pushed the pink medicine towards him.

"You're- you're… dramatic." Rick complained as he took a leisurely sip of the bubblegum medication.

"I think I'm gonna call an ambulance," Michonne announced ignoring Rick's glare.

"You're very dramatic."

"Okay and you're in Anaphylactic shock.".

Erin-, Emily came back with a very irritated Chef trailing behind her.

"What is the problem?" The chef asked through her very heavy French accent.

"What is in this dessert?" Michonne asked as she rubbed Rick's arm soothingly.

"No. I cannot tell a customer my recipe! It is a family secret!"

"I don't give a shit about a family secret." Michonne hissed and Rick let out a little laugh from around the straw.

"Okay," The chef said, her accent suddenly disappearing, "It's simple really. Sugar, cream, water, gelatin, and mangos."

"That's it?"

As far as Michonne and Rick knew he was only allergic to walnuts

"No nuts?" Michonne clarified and the haughty chef rolled her eyes.

"No nuts." She confirmed and Michonne looked back at Rick who was about halfway done with the bottle of Benadryl.

"Okay… Well, something he ate is making him like-," She cringed as Rick gave her his best smile despite his obvious discomfort, "Like this."

Michonne scooted out of the booth and grabbed Rick's hand.

"You have his credit card on file?" Michonne asked as she turned towards Emily.

"Uh, yes when he prepaid for the dessert."

"Alright then charge it for dinner. And give yourself a 25% tip. Any more and I have a mean, blonde lawyer who will come for you." Michonne warned as she pulled Rick out of the restaurant.

"So dramatic." Rick giggles as he stumbled behind Michonne, still sipping on his Benadryl cocktail.


"Ookay. Certainly wasn't expecting to see you two back here so soon." Doctor Reese said as she shut the curtain behind her.

"Are you the only doctor around here?" Michonne asked not caring how rude she sounded.

Like she predicted she and Rick were spending the night in the ER instead of in bed together.

"Small town," Dr. Reese smiled as she washed her hands at the sink, "How do you feel, Mr. Grimes?" She called out over her shoulder and Rick smiled as he continued to serenade Michonne.

"Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin 'world go round!" He sang with a goofy smile as he attempted to grab Michonne from the hospital bed.

"He's been singing that for the last thirty minutes," Michonne informed her and Dr. Reese laughed.

"What, not a fan of Queen? Remember he had two bottles of Benadryl." Dr. Reese said as she pressed her fingers to the sides of Rick's throat.

"I've broken him haven't I?" Michonne mumbled miserably and Dr. Reese grinned.

"Quite the opposite. If you hadn't acted as quickly as you did, tonight could have ended up much worse."

Worse? Michonne didn't think that was possible.

"Good news is we figured out what the culprit is. Mangos are not your friend Mr. Grimes. Say ah please." Dr. Reese requested as she flashed a light in Rick's mouth.

"Ahhh-oh my God mangos! Michonne the dessert!" Rick cried and Michonne let out a little laugh.

"You're welcome to rest until the medicine wears off but if not, just stay away from overpriced mango desserts."

"The dessert." Rick sighed happily as he leaned back onto the pillow. At least the swelling in his face was going down.

"Thanks, Doc." Michonne smiled sadly as Dr. Reese walked out of the room with a squeeze on her shoulder.

"Don't look so sad Chonne. It's only 1in the morning. We can still you know." Rick said with a wiggle of his brows and Michonne couldn't help but laugh.

"No sir. We're going to rest here for tonight." Michonne said as she slipped off her shoes and climbed into the bed with Rick. He instantly wrapped his arms around her trying to accommodate her on the tiny bed.

"I'm sorry tonight was a bust," Rick said quietly as he took a deep breath inhaling the sweet smell of Michonne's hair.

"Yeah me too," Michonne mumbled into his chest disappointment raining over her.

They fell asleep to the sound of Rick humming the chorus of Fat Bottomed Girls.


Rick woke up first.

By the clock in the room it was currently 5 a.m. He looked at Michonne who despite spending the night in the ER worrying about him, looked as radiant as ever.

He wondered how inappropriate it would be to do what they had planned to do last night right here on the hospital bed.

"It would be very inappropriate Mr. Grimes." Doctor Reece said from across the room seeming to have read Rick's very thoughts.

"You're still here…" Rick grumbled as he sat up in the bed, careful not to wake Michonne up.

"Like I said before. Small town." Dr. Reese said with a wink and Rick groaned.

"These hospital beds are shit." He complained and Dr Reese rolled her eyes playfully.

"I'll be sure to let the board know that at our next meeting. I wanted to ask you, does your wife get night terrors often?"

Rick didn't have the energy to correct the wife slip up but he was worried about the question.

"No not since we've been together…" Rick answered not remembering a time she woke up from a nightmare.

"She woke up a few times screaming. One time a nurse came to check on her and another time you comforted her. You don't remember?"

"No I guess I don't." Rick frowned and Dr Reese hummed thoughtfully.

"My oldest had them well into her thirties. Still does. If you want I have the number of a great sleep therapist."

"Thanks." Rick smiled tensely and Dr. Reece gathered he wanted some time alone with Michonne.

"Mr. Grimes and I do mean this, I do not want to see you again anytime soon." Dr. Reece joked as she shook Rick's hand. She left the room but not before scribbling a number on a sticky note and tucking it into Michonne's purse.

"Hey baby." Rick cooed as he kissed Michonne's eyelids then the tip of her nose.

"Mmm. What time is it?" Michonne whispered, Rick's ministrations successfully waking her up.

"Early."

"Rick what time?" Michonne asked again and Rick sighed.

"A little past five. Are you ready to leave?" He asked and Michonne mumbled something incoherent before burrowing herself closer to him.

She was so not a morning person.

"Yeah c'mon. Let's go." Rick insisted and Michonne pulled away and peaked an eye open.

"Your face." She breathed happily with a small grin.

"It was that bad huh?" Rick smiled as he held his hand on her cheek.

"You never saw it. I spent all night looking at it." Michonne said as she sat up and stretched her arms and legs.

"A whole day without the boys and we wasted it." Rick sighed as he raked his fingers through his messy curls.

"Maybe not. Zeke said he'll drop them off around 11. That's- about six hours from now." Michonne informed him and Rick smiled.

"That's plenty of time." Rick agreed and he jumped off the bed dramatically. "Well c'mon then woman!" Rick said as he collected Michonne into his arms.

"Rick!" Michonne squealed, mindful they were still in a hospital. "I can walk, you know. You were the patient here. Twice."

"You won't walk fast enough." Rick reasoned as he left the room with her cuddled in her arms.

Michonne couldn't find it in her to argue with him.


The anticipation in the car was palpable, they didn't keep much conversation during the drive back. They just listened to whatever local station was playing the best music. Ironically the station they settled on was playing Fat Bottomed Girls.

"We're here already," Michonne mumbled their 30-minute drive seemingly ending in moments.

She and Rick sat in the car for a few minutes until he broke the silence.

"We should go in."

The bewildered look on Michonne's face made him backtrack.

"I have to pee." He added lamely and Michonne gave him a small smile.

They got to the door and Rick dropped the keys, twice.

Jokingly Michonne quipped, "Good thing nobody's after us, huh?"

Silence met with a delayed laugh, Rick stammered, "Right!?" Just as he stumbled through the door.

Before Michonne could tell Rick maybe they should hold off for the day, count their losses, Rick hurried to the bathroom.

Taking a deep breath Michonne made the trek up the stairs and into the bedroom.

She thought about slipping into a lingerie set but decided against it as she thought it might make her look like she was trying too hard.

She settled for one of Rick's shirts that hung a little loose on her and stumbled over to the mirror. Looking down she pulled the shirt over her belly and sighed.

She fixed her hair up, then down, then up again with an even bigger sigh. She flopped onto the bed and quickly began to arrange herself in what she hoped were seductive poses.

"No this is stupid" She grumbled resting her face in her hands as she heard the toilet flush.

Rick was mumbling to himself as he walked up the stairs. Something "manly", he kept telling himself to buck up.

When he got to the bedroom the lights were off.

"Hello?" He calls out inching towards the bed, she responds instantly.

"I'm here."

Steadily, Rick crawled onto the bed and the old springs let out a long creek. His hands found their way to Michonne's legs and she felt her stomach clench at his touch.

"Hi." He whispered and he can barely make her out in the darkness.

"Hello." Michonne breathes out hoping she was coming off more alluring and demure rather than bashful and unsure.

Rick caressed her face and she let out a breath. She knew he would never hurt her.

Mustering some more courage Michonne reached up and kissed him.

What started as a peck became more passionate with each second.

Michonne felt Rick's lips curl up into a smile against hers and she smiled back.

They kissed again, and Michonne's hands ease down Rick's torso and into his boxers. She could feel the fuzz of his bush and slowly her hands moved to his erection.

"Fuck," Rick mumbled his mind going blank at the first touch of a woman he'd had in over a year.

Michone worked her way up the shaft of his cock, settling at the tip.

Rick cried out again as Michonne swirled her fingers around in his precum until he finally took a hold of her.

She smiled victoriously. It seems she hadn't completely lost her touch.

Rick grabbed her waist and laid her on her back. He stared at her for a moment before he scooted off the bed and stood up to take off his underwear.

"Rick? Where'd you go?" Michonne whispered into the darkness.

"I'm here," Rick whispered as he flopped onto the bed next to her.

They giggled for a moment before Michonne climbed on top of him and kissed him soundly.

He thrust his cock against her clit, And Michonne moaned just as Rick attempted to slip off her panties.

She grabbed his hand and pushed him away.

"I-I got it." She stammered nervously as she moved her panties to the side.

Rick stopped for a second, slightly thrown by her response but waited patiently for her next move.

"Hey," Rick called out gently and Michonne found his eyes in the darkness. "I've got you." He assured her and Michonne smiled with a nod. They switched positions so Rick was on top again and Michonne was comforted by his weight on top of her.

He padded his fingers around her clit before dipping one in to make sure she was truly ready.

"I am," Michonne assured in a hurried whisper and Rick smiled against her neck.

Little did she know he was just biding time. He was still so nervous. What if she didn't find him pleasing?

"Please Rick please just-." Michonne couldn't push any words out as Rick entered her in one swift move.

"Okay?" He asked afraid that he had hurt her. She nodded against his shoulder but he still needed her verbal consent to continue. "Tell me you're okay."

"I'm okay." Michonne moaned as she felt her body stretch to accommodate Rick.

"I love you." Rick breathed as he began to thrust shallowly into her. This felt so much better than he ever could have imagined.

"I love you too," Michonne whispered back and she felt herself begin to tear up. How cliche. She could imagine Andrea chastising but she didn't care.

Michonne realized that every pain and heartache she ever felt, every painful memory- if it was the only way she could be with Rick just as she was at this moment she would gladly feel it all again.

The thought both frightened and excited her. She leaned up on her elbows to kiss Rick and he gave her a particularly rough thrust.

"Sorry." He mumbled when Michonne scratched at his back.

"Don't be," Michonne whispered back. No he should never apologize for feeling this good.

They made love until sleep became non-negotiable. And in the few times they did wake up they made the most of the hours they had until the boys would return.

At around 10:30 they missed a text message that came in from Ezekiel.

Gonna take the boys with me to work if that's okay. Nothing too dangerous I promise. Won't be back until later tonight.


Rick woke up around 12 in a panic. He overslept and didn't feel like he had a right to feel so relaxed.

He listened for any sign of the boys being back and frowned when he heard nothing.

"Check your phone. We have another kid-free day courtesy of King Ezekiel." Michonne informed him from the doorway and Rick leaned against the bed frame with a smirk.

She looked delicious in only his shirt and a smile. She had her hair pulled away from her face and was watching him curiously.

"Are you feeling okay?" Rick asked and Michonne let out a laugh.

"I feel," Michonne sighed, not knowing how to quite answer that, "You hungry?"

"Come here." Rick requested ignoring her questions.

"Let's eat first," Michonne suggested and Rick sighed, throwing the blankets off him. He pulled on his boxers and followed Michonne downstairs.

The smell of fresh bread hit his nostrils and Rick laughed in disbelief.

"When did you find time to bake?" He asked as he stood in the kitchen.

"While you were sleeping. Now sit." Michonne demanded playfully and Rick spanked her before quickly taking a seat at the counter.

Rick watched as Michonne picked up a few random avocados from the basket of fruits and vegetables on the counter.

"But seriously, are you hungry?" Michonne asked again and Rick leaned against the counter with a smile.

"Of course. But I'm not hungry for avocados." Rick said with a wink and Michonne rolled her eyes.

"Sit back and I'll make the most instaworthy breakfast you've ever had," Michonne said with a flirtatious smile and Rick watched as his magnificent woman went to work.

She cut off two hearty pieces of bread and threw them into the toaster oven.

Next she took out two large brown eggs and placed them on the counter before reaching under the oven for a skillet.

"Please put me to work. I feel worthless over here." Rick pleaded and Michonne reared her head back and laughed.

"You are not very good at letting people spoil you." She chided and Rick gave her his most charming smile.

"Is that what this is Ms Gavins?"

Michonne Leanedin and kissed him and he hummed against her lips.

"Surely I can scramble an egg," Rick said with a dopey smile when she pulled away from him and she shook her head.

"We're not having scrambled eggs. We're having olive oil fried eggs." She announced and Rick grinned at her excitement. "And I'm using the good olive oil."

"You do spoil me," Rick said with a light laugh and he sat back and let her continue.

He watched as the muscles in her arms rippled as she expertly de-pitted and mashed avocados into a beautiful spread.

She even cut up some fruit for him to snack on while she cooked. She danced around to a song she could only hear and Rick noticed that she did have a little bit of a limp.

Yeaah he was responsible for that.

Rick had to laugh at himself. He hadn't felt this way in years. And if he was being honest with himself he hadn't ever felt this way. He knew this lightness in his heart had everything with the woman in front of him.

"I've got a job for you officer," Michonne said over her shoulder and Rick sat up attentively. "Butter the toast." She said with a wink and Rick got up immediately. He reached inside the fridge and pulled out a roll of butter.

"I'll tell you what I'd much rather butter.." Rick regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.

Jesus, why did any woman let him touch them ever?

Michonne touched his arm and smiled. "I need you full of food for what I've got planned for us today."

Rick paused his work and watched her.

She had the confidence of 100 women now.

Rick turned her around and when she began to weakly protest about the eggs he hushed her with a single look. Rick dropped onto his knees and pulled her panties down, grabbing handfuls of her glorious ass.

"Rick," Michonne whispered and he stared up at her, his blue eyes clearer than ever.

He didn't answer her.

He ate her until her belly was warm and her legs were weak.

The only sounds in the cabin were the sounds of a truly satisfied man and woman.

That and of course the sound of burnt, forgotten eggs.


Woohoo I did it! I was so nervous about this chapter but I'm glad to finally have it out in the world. I hope I did them justice :) I loved writing a jealous Rick and protective Michonne. Anywho I will probably post another chapter soon this week.

Until next time.

Nina