Back To Us (Part II)

Michonne wipes the tears from her face quietly, giving Rick a nod. She is not going to pressure him to talk about their issues, but she's not going to lose him either. She will give him the time he needs, but prays that he won't need much. She decides to talk about the kids as a means of keeping the communication going and also to let him know that she will respect his wishes. No matter what is going on with them, their children will always be their main concern.

"So, what do you think about Carl's wood carving skills? I think he's getting really good at it."

Rick gives her a contemplative look as he realizes what she's trying to do. He knows she won't push him and for that he is grateful. The anger is hard to hold on to with her. "He's getting very good."

Michonne wants so badly to reach out and touch him, but refrains. The fact that he is talking with her will suffice for now. She swallows nervously and jumps when a loud thump is heard from the outside, along with a muffled cry.

Rick opens the door to find Eugene looking horrified at the two by four lying flat on the ground. "Need some help?"

"That was a hazard to my health. That board almost clipped my big toe and do you know what could've happened?"

"No," Rick returns. "But I'm sure you're going to tell me all about it."

Eugene opens his mouth but before he can speak, Rick interrupts.

"You wanna tell me what you need first?" He asks.

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Michonne stares up at the ceiling, wishing sleep would just overtake her. In all honesty, she should be shuffling around just like the undead as deprived of rest as she is. She also knows exactly what is keeping her awake. She is used to Rick being by her side and his absence is truly affecting her. Another day has passed and she reminds herself that she is supposed to be giving him time. She sits up, her legs rocking nervously as her mind is churning. I'm getting some sleep tonight. I don't care what he says.

With her mind made up, she quietly exits their bedroom and pads down the hall to the guest bedroom where her husband is sleeping. The door is already ajar, so she opens it a little wider and squeezes through soundlessly. She approaches the bed cautiously and freezes with the click of the bedside lamp, the room suddenly filled with a soft, glowing light.

Rick sighs when he sees her. "What are you doing?"

"I can't sleep and I swear if I don't get any rest tonight, I'm going to pass out during duty tomorrow," she states, biting her lower lip as she awaits his answer.

He gives her a pointed look from head to toe, taking in her oversized nightshirt and makes up his mind not to think of what's underneath. He pulls the comforter aside, indicating for her to join him.

She gives a slight smile and climbs into the bed, a sense of security immediately enveloping her just being next to him. She sighs with contentment as she looks into his eyes. "Thank you."

His first inclination is to turn his back on her, but her shining eyes pull him in and realizes just how much he has missed her. He is cautious as he leans in and drops his forehead to hers, loving the scent of coconut and lavender that shrouds her. He watches as she takes his hands into hers, holding them between their chests before lifting them to her mouth and placing a light kiss to his knuckles. He reaches over her shoulder and clicks the lamp off.

"Good night," she whispers.

"Good night."

He hugs her to him, relishing in the feel of her chest crushed against his, noticing the slight increase of his heartbeat and hers.

She returns the hug and nuzzles his neck lightly before lifting her cheek to his. She moves her head from side to side slowly, savoring the feel of his whiskered cheek as she brushes her lips against his shoulder. She wants to say something but decides to remain silent, knowing that words may cause unintended harm.

The desire to touch more of her is making Rick's hands itch and his ignored desire strums through his body on the verge of bursting forth. He slowly moves his hands down her back, caressing her gently as he places soft kisses along her neck. He reaches even lower and hisses as he encounters naked flesh, her nightshirt haphazardly twisted almost to her waist.

"Shit," Rick exclaims as he grabs his wife's bare ass and grinds against her.

Michonne pants with excitement as she answers his movements with some of her own, wanting desperately to reconnect with him if only for a short while. She gasps as Rick grabs her nightshirt and pulls it over her head revealing her nude body underneath.

They share a heated look as he quickly removes his t-shirt and boxers before slamming his mouth against hers. He covers her body with his and positions himself between her inviting legs. Tears spring to her eyes as he enters her with one sure thrust, her arms automatically circling him, their lips and tongues continuing to collide over and over again.

The next morning, Michonne awakes slowly to find herself alone. She is almost disappointed but remembers how tenderly and lovingly Rick explored her body and she explored his. Almost like they were making love for the first time again except they kept repeating the process. She giggles to herself and wonders about the time as the house seems awfully quiet.

She swings her legs to the side of the bed and stretches long and slow. She looks over to the nightstand and notices a small slip of paper. She lifts it and recognizes Rick's handwriting.

I'll take care of duty today. Get some sleep. I'd apologize for keeping you up all night but it wouldn't be sincere. Until tonight. R