Little Blessings

A/N: A request from literaturechick about the special bond between Judith and Michonne. Hope you enjoy.

Scenario I

Rick is flustered as he walks up and down the hallway, trying to soothe a crying and upset Judith. He can't figure out what's wrong with her. She's dry, she has been fed, she's not running a fever, she hasn't spit up as an indication of stomach problems. He sighs heavily, rocking her in his arms.

Carl steps out of his room again, looking at his father with sympathy in his eyes. "I don't know what's going on with her tonight. She won't quiet down for you, she won't quiet down for me. What are we doing to do?"

Rick shakes his head. "She'll calm down. Maybe she's just not used to this place yet. I know it's going to be hard but try to get some sleep. I'll take her downstairs, so you can't hear her as well."

Only two weeks ago, his family came to the Safe Zone in hopes of finding sanctuary. So far, things have been going well, but it has taken some getting used to for all of them. They are not accustomed to having a roof over their heads, actual beds to sleep in, food at the ready and in abundance, indoor plumbing. All of this has been like a dream, allowing them to believe that things can be good again.

His daughter's cries bring him back from his reflections as he notices tears streaming down her face. "Judy, what's wrong? Whatever it is, Daddy will fix it. I promise." He continues to walk with her, switching on a lamp in the living room so he can see a little better.

Humming. Humming used to soothe Carl. Rick thinks to himself as he quickly starts to hum while continuing to rock Judith in his arms. He sees a wicker basket filled with some of her toys, most of which Michonne found, and moves over to it quickly. The first two she shows no interest in at all so he grabs the basket and moves over to the sofa. He takes a seat, settling her in his lap and proceeds to take the toys out one by one, hoping one will grab her attention and calm her down.

Moments later, Rick is shaking his head as Judith kicks her legs out, throws her arms up over her head with a reinforced wail, knocking the basket to the floor. He bends down to pick the basket up just as a key sounds in the door. Michonne's home.

Michonne walks into the house, her shift ending a little while ago. She hears Judith immediately and races in, following the cries and stops when she sees Rick and Judith on the sofa. Judith's little face is red, splotchy, and wet. Rick's face is red and splotchy as well. "What's going on? Is she sick?"

"I don't know. This has been going on for an hour. I've changed her, fed her, checked her for fever. She's had a bath, so I thought she'd go right to sleep. She's not even quieting down for Carl. I guess we need to make a trip to the infirmary. She has to be sick."

Judith continues to cry but stretches her arms out for Michonne.

Michonne takes her quickly and starts talking to her softly, soothingly. The baby's breaths hitch as she slowly calms down. She grasps one of Michonne's dreads and lays her head against Michonne's shoulder. "It's ok, Judy. Shh, now."

Rick looks on in amazement as Judith calms down, her eyes growing heavy. Seconds later, she is asleep. "Well, I'll be damned. All she wanted was you."

Scenario II

Two years have passed since the Grimes Family made their way to the Safe Zone. Rick is now leader of the community with Michonne by his side as his wife, co-leader, partner, friend, confidante….she is everything to him and his kids. He is thankful for her everyday which is why he can't stop the tears that spring to his eyes with the vision before him.

He has just come home from a long day at his office, leaving Daryl in charge as Michonne wanted to be home and spend some time with Judy. A girls' day she told him. He sees now what a girls' day consists of.

They are seated at a small plastic table, complete with four chairs, pretending to sip tea. Both are wearing tiaras, gloves and feather boas. He closes his eyes for just a moment, unable to believe how normal and abnormal the sight is to him. In the old world, this is exactly what he would expect Judy to be doing at her age….well maybe not this young but she has a wonderful influence in her life. In the world they live in now, this is exactly what he never expected to see Judy doing.

They both look so happy and content, he almost feels like he is intruding.

"Hi," he greets cautiously.

"Hey da-dee," Judith returns.

Michonne directs a smile and a nod at him, then gives Judith her undivided attention as the little girl leans over and whispers in her ear. She gives Judith an "ok" and watches as Judith walks over to her Dad and grabs his hand.

Michonne's heart overflows with happiness at the sweetness Judith exhibits time and time again. From day one, this little person wound her way into her heart and she hasn't left. If anything, their bond and love has grown stronger each and every day. Judith calls her mom and Michonne knows that's who she is in every sense of the word.

A few minutes later, she looks to the open doorway when she hears Carl enter the house, yelling their names. He must have some exciting news…again. Michonne thinks to herself as her stepson appears in the doorway and stops abruptly.

He takes in the sight before him and immediately grabs his stomach and starts laughing. "Dad?! No way! How could you let them do this to you?"

"Car!" Judith yells her version of her brother's name with excitement.

They all greet each other as Rick politely picks up his plastic teacup and pretends to take a sip. He is wearing a tiara and a feather boa as his hands were too big for the gloves.

Judith gets up from her perch on her small chair and plants herself between her Mom and Dad, whispering to them while Carl rants on about telling everyone in the community about his Dad playing dress up with Michonne and Judith.

He trails off as Judith starts to walk toward him. She grabs him by the hand and leads him into her room, walking to the closet.

She points inside. "You pick yella."

Carl's eyes grow big as he realizes Judy expects him to join the party with the yellow tiara and boa. He looks back at his Mom and Dad and they both smile widely as they lift their tea cups to their mouths.

A/N: What do you think? Should I do more of these?