XII

Michonne awoke to the smell of something wonderful wafting through the air. She looked around to make sure she was actually in her apartment. She was, the sunlight was dimmed by her drawn window shades and all her decorative throw pillows laid haphazard on the floor. Rick's actions last night giving more credence to the term throw pillows when they clambered into bed. She giggled but the scent of a freshly prepared meal continued to play tricks with her senses. She sat up and slipped on her satin chemise just as Rick walked into her room wearing just his black boxer briefs.

"Good, you're awake. I whipped up breakfast. Pancakes, eggs and bacon."

"That was in there?"

"Yes." he chuckled as he sat next to her on the bed. "I didn't see any coffee or tea in your cabinets."

"I just grab coffee on my way into the office most mornings or my assistant Nora brings me tea in the afternoon. I haven't had time to make a home cooked meal in quite a while. I've been eating out or ordering in a lot."

"Hmm…"

"There's a coffee shop on the corner, I can run down." she attempted to get out of the bed but Rick stopped her.

"No, you stay here in bed. I'll go." before Michonne could get any words out of her mouth he silenced her with the twinkle in his eyes. "I can manage."

"Okay."

She watched his cute ass with that bowlegged walk strut out of her bedroom. She blissfully sighed after she propped up her pillows and relaxed against them. In a few short moments Rick returned with a bottle of water, a plate of food, silverware, napkins and syrup, all carried on her laptop tray. She giggled at his ingenuity as he placed the tray on her lap.

"Bon appetite!" he announced before going over to grab his jeans from the chair.

He quickly stepped into them and slipped his t-shirt on covering his chest much to her chagrin. He sat and rolled on his socks then walked over to Michonne who watched his every move with titillation, unable to touch her food. He caressed her cheek and leaned in to suck her lips. He had to giggle and pull away when she tried to deepen the kiss.

"Behave."

If he didn't leave now, she wouldn't have a hot beverage to accompany her meal. He walked to her dresser and grabbed her keys before backing himself to the threshold.

"Eat." he ordered before leaving the room.

Rick grabbed his coat from the hall closet and headed out into the brisk air. Unexpectedly, the streets were already noisy and filled with people on a Sunday morning. As he walked to the corner towards the coffee shop he remembered passing yesterday, he couldn't wipe the grin off his face. Thoughts of his and Michonne's night on the town played over and over in his mind.

They rode the subway uptown and walked past the American Museum of Natural History since it was already closed and they couldn't go in. A quick meal of a couple slices of pizza, which Michonne made him fold in half followed once they found a park bench to sit on. Holding hands and strolling through The Highline while Michonne explained its renovation from old abandoned train tracks to an elevated public park came next. She pointed out various places as they walked along the West Side Highway and he could see the Statue of Liberty down river.

Stolen kisses and light groping happened whenever they found themselves away from the crowds. He hadn't been one for public displays of affection in the past but the sexy woman beside him warranted it. This experience with Michonne had become more satisfying then that weekend in Colorado. Each time he thought about their horrible meeting, he kicked himself for wasting quality time he could have had with her. But he couldn't be too upset with himself, he reasoned it was necessary to get them together. Realistically, they haven't solved any of the issues that kept them away from each other, but it somehow felt better.

Rick was just about to open the door to the coffee shop when his cellphone rang. He stepped to the side so he wouldn't block the other caffeine starved patrons from their entrance before he took the call.

"Morning Tammy."

"Rick! Good Morning! I have wonderful news!"

"What's going on?"

"We've got an investor for the lodge!" she animatedly shouted.

"What?" Rick was astonished.

"You don't have to take that deal in New York. You don't have to sell the lodge to that awful man. You and Carl can stay here in Colorado."

"When did this happen?"

"Just yesterday. Aren't you excited?"

Relief washed over Rick and he began to chuckle. "This is amazing news."

"It is!"

"Does Carl know?"

"Earl and I didn't tell him, we thought you should be the one that lets him know. Carol and Tobin know though, but they won't say anything to him or anyone else until you give us the go ahead."

"Okay, but how? Who?" Rick scratched his head while he racked his brain for an answer.

"Don't worry about that now. When you get back he'll meet with you and go through everything. We have a meeting set up for Tuesday morning since you come back Monday."

"But-"

"But nothing. Rick, now you can focus on getting your girl instead of the whole lodge fiasco."

Tammy Rose was right, this lifted a burden off his shoulders if it was true. He could alleviate his and Michonne's fears about selling to Negan and focus on what would be the next step for them.

"You're right. Thank you, Tammy."

"Of course, we're family. I'll see you Tuesday since Barbara is working the late shift on Monday."

"Okay, see you then."

"Bye."

Rick disconnected the call and chuckled to himself again. The New Yorkers around kept right on with their day, not paying a man standing alone laughing to himself any attention. But he was too happy to care either way. The lodge was saved and he finally could come to Michonne with his part of their agreement nearly complete.

Their break last night was just what they needed to simply enjoy each other's company without all the questions floating around. Today, he was planning on convincing Michonne that him and Carl moving here would work. Not having to sell changed things, but he still wanted to show her they would figure the logistics out. Now, he'd have to modify plans and persuade her that a new one would work.

When a couple walked out with piping hot cups of coffee in their hands, Rick remembered his original task. He loved to take care of Michonne and breakfast in bed was an easy decision after he wore her out last night in bed. She'd said that home cooked meals were not something she got to have often, so cooking for her was a simple solution. Rick got another idea and pulled his phone out to google supermarkets in the area. One popped up a few blocks away and he smiled then headed that direction. He decided to grab their coffee on the way back so they'd still be hot. He snickered to himself again, he'd return to Michonne with a couple more surprises.

After Rick departed, eating this meal was the last thing on Michonne's mind. He had incited a completely different appetite with his sexiness and pampering. Once she heard her front door close she knew he was gone, but he'd return shortly. She decided to scarf down as much of the food as she could that way she'd be able to give him the thank you he deserved when he came back.

She liberally poured the warm syrup over her pancakes then cut a piece off with her fork. The minute the fluffy, buttery cake hit her tongue she melted from how delicious it was. Rick wasn't even here and he'd managed to make her moan in appreciation again. The bacon was crispy and the scrambled eggs were light and savory from the hint of cheese he'd obviously added. This man was spoiling her in the best ways. Sex, chivalry, thoughtfulness and now a breakfast in bed.

Her phone rang interrupting her musings, she picked it up and saw Yumiko's picture on the screen. She wavered as to whether to answer since Rick would be returning at any moment. But she remembered all the business they were conducting and slid to accept.

"Morning, Yumi."

"Good Morning."

"I'm here too." Andrea chimed in, her voice still sleepy.

"Morning, Andrea."

"Morning. Apparently, Yumiko has something to share with us at this ungodly hour of the day." Andrea whined making Michonne snicker.

"What's up Yumi? Rick will be back any minute."

"Rick is at your place?" Andrea butted in and Michonne could imagine the slick grin on her friends face.

"That's not why Yumiko called."

"It's probably not, but we want all the dirty details later."

"We?" Yumiko questioned and all three of them giggled this time. "I called to let you both know I spoke to Luke."

"What did he find?" Andrea asked as Michonne sat up straighter.

"That's the thing. He was looking into things like we requested and he stumbled on a few things. Then poof, they were gone."

"What?"

"How?" Michonne scrunched her face up.

"He doesn't know. He secretly bookmarked a few files so he'd be able to retrieve them quickly. But when he went back in overnight, he says everything was behind a firewall."

"He's a computer technician and he couldn't break it?" Andrea asked.

"Apparently, it's very complex and will take him quite a bit of time to break it."

Michonne pondered. "Wasn't Luke a hacker that got arrested when he was a teenager?"

"Yes, that's why Gregory and the executives hired him. They figured he'd be the perfect person to keep the company safe."

While Michonne and Andrea absorbed what they just learned, Yumiko went on.

"At first, I thought Gregory might have been on to us and he'd somehow locked us out. But when I thought on it further, how would he get a new hacker so quickly?"

"Could it be Negan?" Andrea questioned.

"I don't think so. This has to be something much larger. The person didn't remove the files, simply blocked them." Michonne mused.

"You're right. What do we do now?"

"You said Luke was still working on bringing the firewall down, so there isn't much more we can do. We just have to wait and see."

"I know but hopefully he'll break through soon." Yumiko sulked.

"Did Luke tell you what he found before the files became inaccessible?" Andrea inquired.

"It was just what we had thought, missing funds. Money being transferred to accounts for businesses we don't have any known dealings with. But get this, Smith Hospitality has been paying Barrington House three times as much as it should be."

"Huh?" both women responded.

"Exactly. I don't know what's going on but it's huge and more than likely, illegal."

"Now, I'm starting to be thankful we were never promoted." Andrea replied.

"You can say that again..." Michonne deeply exhaled.

"Well…now that Yumiko has gotten that all out, how are things with Magna and Rick?"

"How are things with Eduardo?" Yumiko countered.

"I've never been more sore."

"Really?!"

"Andrea!" her friends responded before they all burst out laughing.

"You asked." Andrea snickered. "Now, stop avoiding my question."

"Magna and I are having a splendid time. But I got a little break, she went to visit some of her old friends from when she lived in a group home. She'll be back tomorrow."

"Oh, that sounds lovely. Wait, what? Group home?" Andrea affected a terrible British accent to make her joke land and had Michonne cackling.

"Yes, I told you two she had a bit of a rough start but she's turned herself around. She's trying to help others she had to leave behind and I commend her for it."

"That's good, if you are happy then so are we. So Rick's at your place, Mich? I guess you are thoroughly enjoying his surprise."

Andrea and Yumiko giggled but Michonne didn't mind since she couldn't wipe the sly smile off her face.

"I just finished eating the breakfast in bed he prepared."

"He cooked for you?"

"This man is defying all logic." the trio laughed.

"He just popped out to get us coffee, he should be back any minute."

"Aww." her friends sang.

Michonne considered whether she should bring up what was on her mind because it would only draw more questions she didn't have the answers to. But she couldn't help herself and decided to spill. She closed her eyes and rushed her words out.

"Rick took his wedding ring off."

"What?!" Andrea exclaimed.

"Wait, what does this mean?" Yumiko asked.

"I have no idea. I've been too scared to ask him about it."

"What are you waiting for?"

"What if I'm overthinking it? Am I ready for something…more? Things moved so quickly that weekend at the retreat, then they slowed with the distance. Now, he's here and things have ramped back up again. We still haven't figured out the location issues that are holding us back. Colorado, Georgia, now maybe New York. Shit, where will I need to be for our company? Maybe he's just taken it off as a sign of respect since I'm his girlfriend now." Michonne rambled.

"Girlfriend? Did you agree to go steady and everything?"

"Andrea!" Yumiko snickered.

Michonne blushed and covered her face even though they couldn't see her. "Right? I'm behaving like some love-struck teenager."

"Love? Have you two-"

"No, no…no."

"Oh, do you feel like it's going to happen soon?" Yumiko asked.

"There was a moment in Colorado, when I thought he might have said it. It was during sex and it was way too soon. I think he could feel my apprehension and he held back. But it happened again, last night. We strolled down the pier then stopped by the water to take in the ambience and our eyes locked, but some rowdy kids came past. Spell broken."

"Bollocks!" they collectively sighed. "You're talking about Rick's frame of mind, but is that what you're feeling?"

"I…I-" Michonne faltered.

"Mich, you don't have to make any confessions to us, but you should really search your heart and talk to Rick." Andrea advised.

"Search your heart? Have you been reading harlequin novels again?" Yumiko jested.

"I can be profound also." they chuckled then calmed.

Michonne sighed. "I know you are right but I haven't really allowed myself to be buoyant. I've been let down before when love was involved. I've thrown myself into my career and that's all I know now."

"We understand, but you have to be willing to risk your heart being hurt, it's the only way." Yumiko counseled.

"Okay, we are going to leave you to it since he'll be back soon. But we're here if you need to talk things out." Andrea offered.

"Thanks."

"Later." both her friends said before the line disconnected.

After Michonne got off the phone, she was still stewing over all the details that Yumiko had revealed when she realized quite a bit of time had passed. She was about to worry but then she heard the sound of her keys turning the lock over then the unmistakable sound of Rick's boots tapping against her wood floor. She wondered if he got caught up in a long line at the coffee shop while she listened to the sounds of him walking through her apartment. He finally entered her room with two cups in his hands.

"Sorry, it took me so long." The steam rose off both cups as he carried them over to her side of the bed.

"I was just about to put an APB out." they both smirked.

He carefully handed one sleeved cup to her and she took a small sip just to cleanse her palate. The sweet vanilla infused brew warmed her, just not as much as the sight of him returning did. There was a look of excitement on his face that couldn't just come from getting her coffee.

Rick sat on the edge of the bed. "I've got good…no great news."

"Okay?" Michonne grinned and stopped drinking, placing her cup on the nightstand to pay attention.

"I don't have to sell the lodge after all. Somehow Tammy and Earl found an investor."

"What? That's amazing, I'm so happy for you."

Michonne started to move her tray and Rick took it placing it on the floor. She shimmied down so she could embrace him in a tight hug. They giggled and squeezed each other before Michonne sat back.

"How did this happen? Who's the investor?"

Rick shrugged. "I don't know. Tammy says they got it done and I'll meet the mystery investor on Tuesday when I return."

"You deserve this." Michonne leaned forward to peck his lips a few times.

"Thank you."

"Carl will be so excited!" Michonne exclaimed with a small grin.

"I think so too." Rick responded, matching her grin.

"So we wasted all that time going over this meeting." They both chuckled. "I'm just relieved you don't have to sell to that asshole."

"I should probably call Negan or Gavin and let them know the deal is off."

"Or…"

Rick's brow furrowed. "…you could tell them at the meeting tomorrow. I would love to see the look on Negan's face when you turn him down."

Rick laughed. "Take him down a peg?" Michonne nodded while mischievously grinning. "Works for me."

Rick took the last few sips from his cup before he walked over to the chair so he could remove his socks and t-shirt.

"How did you like the food?"

"You have definitely been holding out on me."

Rick paused to raise an eyebrow at her.

"You could cook like that, this whole time?" Rick laughed and continued to undress. "I would've been down in your place every morning."

"That's good to know, I'm glad you liked it."

"I think I'd like anything you put in my mouth." Rick could feel his cock jump in his pants from that insinuation.

Michonne slowly crawled to the end of the bed and Rick forgot his task, walking to meet her there. She hung her open legs off the edge so that he could stand between them. She demurely smiled then proceeded to unbutton and unzip his jeans.

"Did you get to eat?" she asked as she reached a hand in to grasp his already hardening bulge.

Rick couldn't help but to smirk at her welcomed, brazen act. "No, but we can fix that right now."

Michonne lost her breath from the unexpected velocity with which Rick grabbed her face. He crushed his lips to hers, sucking hungrily all while she massaged him through his boxers. She entangled the fingers of her other hand in his hair, tugging him further towards her. Rick followed her command and they fell back on the cushy mattress. Their tongues tangoed but they managed to scoot their bodies higher on the bed.

Michonne had reluctantly removed her hand from his crotch, instead using it to push his jeans down. With the layer in the way, Rick could still feel the heat coming from her and promptly assisted in getting the offending items blocking their connection off. Michonne panted once Rick had to release her in order to unleash himself. She lavishly took in his body after he kicked off his clothes and grasped his upright dick. The voracious look on his face only caused her to cream more.

"Turn over. Get on all fours." he ordered.

Michonne swiftly obeyed and her body shook with anticipation. She was all ready for Rick to mount her but he stunned her by laying on his back. He slid his body up so his face was right at the apex between her legs.

"Sit."

She could've come on the spot if he instructed her to, but she followed orders and lowered herself. Rick latched on to her clit and hummed, making her body tremble. Her eyes squeezed shut when he began to feast on her slit but she fought to open them, wanting to watch. His firm hands held her cheeks forcing her lower still. The comforter balled in her hands and constant moans came from her lips. She found her body reacted instinctively and wined on his face, his beard tickling her inner thighs.

Michonne was flooding Rick's face and he loved it. He balanced between drinking it in and moving his tongue in her slick folds. Each time she cried out, his dick jumped and he briefly reached down to jerk it. Then he smacked her ass hard, making her yelp.

"Shit!" she screamed.

"You taste so fucking good."

He could tell she was almost there from the shaking of her legs and he wanted it. Rick whacked her ass again then quickly slipped two fingers inside, putting pressure on her g-spot. He stiffened his tongue on her jewel and sped up until he felt the climactic grip on his digits before the rush of honey coated them.

"Fuck!"

Michonne was seeing stars as she rode the wave with her mouth agape. But Rick was relentless as he got from under her. She could hear the sound of a condom wrapper being torn, next thing she was being flipped on her back. The ravenous look on his face meant business as he climbed on the bed. He raised her legs up straight in the air and nipped at one of her ankles. A cocky grin played on his lips when Michonne looked lusciously overawed. He teased them both while running the tip against her folds until he found his entry. In one solid thrust he dove in, impaling her.

A jumble of curse words and gasps erupted from both their mouths. Michonne thought he'd need a moment to calm himself but instead Rick began an onslaught on her pussy. His dick slammed into her rapidly, the sound of slapping could be heard. Her breasts jiggled under her satin nightie creating satisfying friction for her hard nipples. She couldn't control how loud she was, but her headboard hit the wall regardless.

The sheen of sweat covered his body and dampened his curls so he released one of her legs, just to wipe them from his face. Michonne took the opportunity to lower her leg, using her heel on his back to pull him down towards her. He suddenly realized she still wore clothes as he leaned his body over hers.

"Take this off."

She raised herself and he helped her pull it off all while they were still connected. The site of her chocolate mounds and pebbled nipples made his mouth water more. He steadied his plunges so he could pull one into his mouth. Michonne whimpered and began to pinch her other nipple, making him covetous. He moved to that one and she laced her fingers in his hair keeping him there. The all too familiar feeling was building again and she wrapped both her legs around him.

Michonne's hands kneaded his back when he positioned his body directly on top of hers. Their rhythm in sync as he kissed up the side of her neck and jaw. She was in a daze, staring at the ceiling, her body too overwhelmed by the euphoria. Rick moved his face into her field of vision, his eyes carrying an earnest message. It was too penetrating, too intimate so she tried to look away but he followed her.

"Chonne…stay."

Rick's plea made her eyes well up unexpectedly and her heart beat madly. Their bodies still rocked together towards a common goal. His plunges seeming deeper each time, pushing her closer to the edge. His eyes still seeking an opportunity, but her body abruptly contracted as an orgasm claimed her. Michonne closed her eyes and welcomed the back arching waves that rolled through her. Tears rolled to the sides of her head right as Rick cried out. His body joining hers in the shuddering dance of sensual release. They both trembled and gasped for breath in the now too warm bedroom.

Michonne quickly and stealthily wiped her eyes before Rick could recover, then returned to massaging his back until he came down. He carefully withdrew from her still clinching walls, now that her leg lock no longer confined him. After rolling to her side, he tested his legs then hesitantly got up, heading to the bathroom to remove the condom.

When he returned with a washcloth, Michonne was snuggled on her side with her eyes closed. He sat the wet cloth to the side not wanting to disturb her. Instead, he gathered the flat sheet, knowing they'd soon grow cold. He draped it over them after he got back in the bed and she sighed in appreciation. He pressed his body against her back and wrapped an arm over her to cuddle. When he placed a few kisses to her shoulder, she sleepily moaned. Her breaths were relaxed and he just laid there, looking at her beautiful profile.

"I love you." slipped from his lips but she didn't stir.

Rick tightened his hold on her and laid his head on the pillow. He closed his eyes and allowed sleep to overtake him.

"You're just full of surprises this trip." Michonne grinned before taking a sip of her wine.

"Honestly, I didn't think there'd be this many."

Rick chuckled as he added the tomatoes he'd chopped along with the fresh ingredients and ground paste for the masala. He was planning on making something simple for dinner, but when he got in the supermarket and saw all of the ingredients he'd need to make curry were readily available, he had to purchase them. Wowing Michonne on this trip was the plan and tonight would be no exception.

She sat at her kitchen's floating island watching Rick prepare Indian chicken curry for her. The white rice was in the steamer and he was now adding boneless pieces of chicken thighs to the sauté pan so they could hear them sizzle. The aromas that filled Michonne's nostrils were delightful and she smiled to herself when she thought about the fact that it was her boyfriend creating it, just for her. Him moving around her space with ease, spoiling her with the simplest of household tasks was a bonus.

"I should be making you the celebratory dinner."

"There's more than one way for you to congratulate me." he winked making her giggle. "Besides, I like it."

"Oh, me too. But I do know how to cook, just in case you were wondering."

Rick smiled cheekily at her from across the island. "I don't think there's anything you can't do."

Michonne helplessly blushed. "So what do you plan on doing to the lodge now that your circumstances have changed?"

"First, I've gotta meet this secret investor and see what they are interested in doing."

"Right, but…Carl's family built the lodge decades ago. And since you are deciding to stay and run it, you should get to reorder somethings, right? I mean, if it's something you wanted."

"I don't know. I have been thinking about it being Carl's legacy, maybe I should rename it too?" he shrugged and she listened.

"I don't really know beyond taking your advice. I mean, I've got an investor now. But you have the knowhow until I learn more. You've already come up with so many ideas for the lodge and getting it where it could be."

Michonne shook her head. "I've just made suggestions, it's up to you."

"No…you and me reordering things together, I want that."

Michonne's bright white smile beamed since she couldn't relax her cheeks. "Yeah."

Rick came around the counter to grasp her face as he leaned in to suck on her full lips. They sighed after they pulled away, Rick walking back to the stove to check on his dish.

"Once my firm is up and running it will be so much easier then. I'll be able to travel to Colorado for a few weeks at a time. Andrea and Yumiko will be able to have zoom meetings with me to keep me abreast of the operations here. Or maybe we will be able to hire some support staff by then and I can designate some of my workload to them."

Rick turned around perplexedly but Michonne wasn't paying attention as she rambled. "Huh?"

"It'll be easier for us to plan things since we know you will be in Colorado permanently."

Rick was taken aback and he stared off blankly, a bit dumbstruck by Michonne's words.

"Carl wants to visit too, when's his next break from school?"

"I-I thought..."

Michonne realized she'd read the situation incorrectly from the baffled look on Rick's face. He took a step towards her.

"You know, I'm not saying we have to get it done tomorrow. If we go another week, another one after that, it's fine.

"Rick…a couple weeks isn't enough time. It could take months, but even with the distance we'll still make it work."

"But we agreed it was hard for us to not see each other, to not be together when we don't have to."

"It's different now, you have your part technically complete. We are closer to making us a reality."

Rick scratched his head. "I didn't think us being together was still a question."

"Rick, that's not what I meant. Now that your plans are solidified we can take a little time is all."

"We've been taking our time." he gestures between them before he walked over to her. "Chonne, I want you to come back to Colorado. Move to Colorado."

Michonne's mouth opened then closed then opened again before she finally spoke.

"Rick, yesterday you wanted to sell the lodge and move to New York. Now you want me to drop everything and come to Colorado?"

"Not drop everything. You hate working for Gregory, you could quit. Come to Colorado while you are working out the rest of the details for your business."

"But my apartment, my friends, my business…they're all here."

Rick stared into her eyes, pleading. "What we did back there, what we're doing now, we could be making a future for Carl. For us."

"But how do you know?"

Rick needed to gather himself, he rested his left hand on the counter and it drew his attention. One finger paler then the others, the vacant space standing out against the tanner skin of the rest of his hand. He thought about explaining to her what it meant for him to remove it since he arrived. That he had a reason to take it off now. A motivation to let go of the past. He'd do it all for a future with her.

He figured by now Michonne had to have noticed his band was gone. He thought she'd bring it up at some point this weekend, but she hadn't. He assumed she just hadn't gotten up the nerve yet but it would happen tonight from the renewed connection he tried to share with her earlier. He'd asked her not to run away but maybe she couldn't do it. Maybe she wasn't as firm about them as he believed.

Rick's eyes became glassy and he looked away. "I thought we both knew."

He took several steps back, putting space between them and Michonne grew nervous.

"Rick-"

"You know what, maybe you are right. We really haven't known each other all that long. Wanting you to abandon your life here is a big ask."

"That's not-" Michonne stood up, anxiety building in her chest.

"Umm, I think I'm gonna head back to the hotel."

"You don't have to leave-"

"I need to clear my head and some fresh air would help."

"Rick-"

Michonne watched helplessly as he went down the hall to her bedroom. Her chest pounded knowing that he was retrieving his things so he could leave. She didn't know what she could say to convince him to stay. She had a business to get off the ground, she couldn't just go run off to Colorado on a whim. If she could just get him to take a beat, then she could explain her position. She heard him returning to her location.

"We can talk about this." she pled as he walked over to where his boots sat.

"I don't think there's much else to say."

Michonne felt her heart aching in her chest. She'd broken his heart in an instant and she didn't know what to say to fix it. She helplessly watched as he stood and retrieved his coat from the closet. He began to walk in her direction and she thought he'd maybe changed his mind but she knew better. He went to the stove, turning off the burner.

"You should eat while it's still warm." He suggested and started to walk back towards the front door but she got in his path.

Michonne opened her mouth but didn't know what to say to get him to stay. Her arms hung at her sides and she despondently gazed at Rick's woeful face. He stepped closer to her refusing to make eye contact with her. Instead, he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead then quickly continued on his path to gather his belongings.

The sound of his boots clicking on her floor increased the ache in her chest. The distance between them growing with the gradual softening of his footsteps until there was silence. Her door was now closed and he was gone.

She looked to the meal that sat on the stove and was taken back to earlier that day, where eating was the last thing on her mind after setting sights on Rick. But this time her lack of appetite was for a completely different reason.

Michonne stood alone in her kitchen with only her tears to keep her company. The sensation of his lips against her skin rapidly fading from her overwhelmed nerves reacting to her sudden solitude. Rick was gone.