Beautiful Day Part II

A week has passed and the Grimes boys are still enjoying the baseball gloves and ball, engaging each other in tossing the ball around as often as they can, especially for a few minutes right before dinner. Michonne smiles as she has had to practically drag them in each night.

Rick is so thankful for her that he decides he has to do something just as special for her. He's not sure what that will be just yet, but he will determine a course soon enough. He is also ready to have a talk about them and their relationship. He loves Michonne and believes it's high time he admits to himself and to her.

Seeing her persistence to get them to a safe place, to have a home for him and his children brought the realization of just how much she means to him. He's unsure of her feelings toward him, but thinking back to their conversation on the car right before they arrived at the Safe Zone makes him think that she at least cares for him. Caring can develop into love and that's what he is hoping for.

Two days later, he puts his plan in motion. Carl and Judith are visiting with Maggie and Glenn giving him the time alone he needs with her. She is now in the shower and he slowly makes his way to her room to complete his first course of action.

Michonne emerges from the bathroom and her eyes immediately zero in on the basket at the foot of her bed. She glances at the door but it remains closed so whoever was in her room before is gone. Curiosity gets the best of her as she moves over to the basket and lifts the lid. A bottle of red wine and two wine glasses sit atop a plaid blanket. She smiles to herself, knowing exactly who left the basket for her.

She takes her time getting dressed, making sure to lather her skin with a scented lotion before donning a turquoise halter dress and a pair of sandals. She grabs the basket and makes her way out of her room and down the stairs.

Rick is busy at the kitchen island, preparing some sandwiches. He looks up as she enters the kitchen and can't help it as his eyes pop with the sight of her. She looks beautiful in a long flowing dress and he notices how inviting her cleavage appears. He drops his eyes back to preparing their lunch.

"It's a beautiful day. I thought we could have a picnic," he tells her.

"Really Rick? A picnic?" She asks.

He looks to her with concern in his eyes. "What? You don't think that's a good idea?"

"It's a great idea. I'm just trying to make sure you're serious," she returns.

"Why would you think I wasn't serious?"

"I don't know. I guess I didn't take you for the picnic type," she adds.

"Something wrong with the picnic type?"

She smiles. "No, I actually like the picnic type."

He walks over to her and takes the basket from her hands, moving back to the island to pack the food inside. "Good. You ready?" He places the handle of the basket over one arm while offering the other to her.

She looks at him cautiously before looping her arm through his as they walk towards the front door.

They take a leisurely walk through the community before they choose a spot near the lake. Rick puts the basket down and retrieves a blanket, spreading it out neatly before gesturing for her to take a seat.

"You couldn't have told Carl we were doing this. Otherwise he'd be right here with us," Michonne suggests.

"I thought we deserved a little time alone. Don't you?" He asks.

Michonne nods slowly in agreement. She can't help but wonder if there is another reason behind all of this, but decides not to dwell on it. Moments like this are rare and she plans to enjoy it to the fullest.

They proceed to eat and talk about trivial things, launching into community issues after that. Once they are done eating, Rick pours them both some wine.

"I've really enjoyed this. Thank you," Michonne relays.

"I thought it'd be something you'd like," Rick returns.

"So….you're saying you did all of this just for little old me?" She teases with a smile.

Rick's expression is serious as he looks into her eyes. "I don't think there's anythang on this earth I wouldn't do for you."

Michonne's smile falters just a bit as she realizes how serious he is. She gulps down the last of her wine nervously. "Well, that's what best friends are supposed to do, right?"

"Is that all we are….best friends?" Rick asks.

She sighs heavily as she lies back, looking up at the clear blue sky. "I don't know." She glances at him. "Do you want to be more than friends?"

He smiles. "I asked you first."

Michonne laughs then recalls how much he has come to mean to her. She tries to imagine her life without him, but she can't so that's exactly what she shares with him. "I can't imagine my life without you…not now. I'm not really sure what that means, but I'd be willing to find out."

Rick inches closer to her, supporting himself on an elbow as he looks down at her. "What if I told you I already have the answer?" He takes one of her hands in his, marveling at how soft her skin is as he circles his thumb over her knuckles.

"Well, are you going to tell me?" She asks.

"Can I show you instead?" He returns, his hand now moving up her arm, his touch light but thorough.

Michonne finds herself nodding as she cautiously lifts her hand to his bicep, mimicking his caress as she can no longer suppress the urge to touch him. She slowly eases her fingers underneath his sleeve, reveling in the firmness of his skin. She's not sure what she expected but gasps as his hand finds her chin and he leans in to kiss her.

The first touch of his lips to hers sends his mind into a whirlwind. He has imagined kissing her so many times before but nothing prepared him for the feelings the actual act would invoke within him. He tastes the wine and wants to taste more as he opens his mouth just a fraction.

She can't believe they're in the park, kissing but it feels so right and she couldn't stop now if she wanted to. She recalls the excitement of her teenaged years kissing her crush for the first time. That's exactly what this feels like. Her heart races with elation at the pleasure of it all and anxiousness as anyone could walk up and catch them.

He pulls away, resting his forehead against hers as he tries to get his breathing and heart rate under control. "So, did I show you enough or do you need more convincing?"

She inhales deeply and exhales slowly. "I'm convinced, but please show me more."

He leans back slightly to catch her eyes. "You know what this means, right? We're way more than friends now."

"Friends, confidantes…." She moves up, resting her chin on his shoulder, her mouth near his ear. "Lovers."

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day