Letting Go

A/N: This is in celebration of Richonne Fanfiction Appreciation Week (RFAW) on Tumblr. Hope you enjoy.

Rick holds Michonne tightly as she cries herself to sleep again. She lets it all out in front of him as she doesn't want Carl to know just how much his choice to move to the Hilltop is affecting her. She knows he's grown now and he has to make his way in their world. She just wishes he'd do it from home.

He kisses her shoulder, wishing there was something, anything he could say to make her feel better. Tomorrow is the day. They both insisted on taking the journey with him so she's letting all of that emotion out now in hopes that she can see their son settled in his new home minus the water works. He knows she'll be glad to spend a night or two with him before they return to Alexandria so that's exactly what they'll do.

The next morning, everyone is up early, excitement and dread filling the air. At least they will see Maggie, Glenn, Little Herschel, and Paul again. Michonne is distracting herself with packing up some food for Carl, Rick and Judy are finishing up breakfast and Carl is gathering the last of his things from his room.

"He'll be in Barrington House where Maggie and Glenn are. They already have a room ready for him," Rick reminds his wife.

She only nods as she continues to pack with a heavy sigh. As soon as she hears her son on the stairs, she perks up and plants a smile on her face.

The journey to the Hilltop passes all too quickly despite Michonne's repeated glances at Rick, warning him that he was driving too fast. Maggie, Glenn, Little Herschel, Paul, and several others are at the gates to welcome them, everyone exchanging warm hugs and excited greetings.

Later that night after dinner, Michonne walks out onto the front balcony to overlook the land and bask in a slight moment of solitude. The sadness and uncertainty are ever present but she suppresses them, realizing that she has so much to be thankful for. This world is unreasonably cruel and yet she has a family…..again.

The doors swing open as Carl makes his presence known. He gives her a small smile as he steps up to the rail by her side. "I've always thought this place was nice but it's going to be different living here."

She looks at her son, noting that he is just as tall as his dad now. "You can always change your mind."

He nods. "Would that make you happy?"

"What?"

"I know you have mixed feelings about this but if it's going to make you sad, I'll stay home."

Michonne frowns just a bit. "Did your Dad say something to you?"

Carl shakes his head. "No. I know you almost as well as he does. Remember?"

"I just….I don't know what I'm going to do not seeing you every day but this will be a good move for you. Just promise you'll try to visit at least once a month." Her eyes shine with unshed tears as her son envelopes her in his arms.

"I promise." He steps back. "Just be sure to look after Dad….and Judy. He tries to be strong for you but I know he's having a rough time too."

"We're so proud of you and we knew you had to grow up but seems like it happened a lot faster than we anticipated. And Judy's getting so big…."

"Maybe it's time for you and Dad to have a baby."

Michonne gasps. "Carl!"

"What? You mean you haven't even thought about it?"

"Thought about what?" Rick asks as he and Judy walk onto the balcony to join them. He hoists his five year old daughter onto the thick oversized rail, holding her around the waist as they look into the night's sky.

"I was just telling Michonne that you two should have a baby," Carl relays to his Dad.

Rick's eyebrows shoot up immediately as he looks from his son to his wife. "Huh?"

"Our son is just full of surprises isn't he? Let's not take him seriously."

"Mommy's having a baby?!" Judy asks excitedly.

Rick and Michonne answer "no" simultaneously then look to Carl with duplicate scowls.

"Hey Judy. Let's go see if Little Herschel wants to play a game. Mommy and Daddy need to discuss some things." Carl retrieves his sister from his Dad, smiling widely and ignoring Michonne as she calls his name.

Her husband looks at her with a shy smile. "Your son may be onto something. A baby would take your mind off of how much you miss him."

"Rick Grimes, we are not having a baby…are we?"

He laughs at her uncertainty, knowing her mind is turning with the possibilities. He leans forward and kisses her cheek softly. "Well it sure will be fun giving it a try."

"Are you serious?"

"Are you?"

Her eyes grow round with excitement. "Do you want to?"

"I do."

"Really Rick?"

He steps even closer to her and takes her into his arms. "Let's just see what happens."

She returns his hug eagerly, breathing him in deeply. "How did we get so lucky with Carl? He always knows how to make me feel better."

Unbeknownst to them, three faces are peering through the window, witnessing their embrace and eventual kiss. Carl, Judith, and Little Herschel smile at each other then continue to stare at their mom/aunt and dad/uncle.