A/N: For the Richonnefics' Richonne Married Life Challenge.

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

December 22, 2016 (Day 180)

"I miss you," she tells him through the phone.

"I miss you, too and I promise I'll be home before Christmas. We only have one more class. I know the timing sucks but….." He trails off as she interrupts him.

"You don't have to keep explaining. We talked about it and this was the best fit for you. I understand."

He'd been away for almost two weeks at a training class in North Carolina. This training was the last requirement for his promotion to Chief Deputy and the next class would not be available until the summer of next year. He almost turned it down but Michonne knew how important it was to him so she advised him to attend, ensuring that she and Carl would be fine. The latter is spending his Christmas vacation with them and the guilt of being away while his son is visiting and his wife is over five months pregnant is eating away at Rick.

"Please tell me you're able to concentrate and pass all the tests," she teases.

"I've passed them. One more to go and it's a tough one but I'll get it done."

"I know you will. By the way, I thought we said no gifts for our six month anniversary," she reminds him.

"I know but it's killing me that I'm not there with you so I had to do something," he states.

Early that morning, she received a huge floral arrangement and an edible arrangement and dissolved into tears in the living area after closing the door behind the delivery guy. Carl witnessed it but was accustomed to her emotional swings.

"Thank you for thinking of me. It absolutely made my day. I love you," she offers.

"I love you too. Happy Anniversary, babe."

"Happy Anniversary."

They spend the remainder of the conversation discussing the baby and the next doctor's visit, he speaks with Carl, and promises to see them soon before bidding them good night.

The next day flies by as she and Carl join her mom and Rick's, traveling from store to store ensconced in the holiday melee. They were shopping for last minute Christmas gifts and snacks for game night on Christmas Eve and dinner on Christmas Day. Rick was expected to land in Atlanta tomorrow morning and she could not wait.

Of course, their parents refuse to allow her and Carl to drive to Atlanta alone on Christmas Eve so they pile into Shane's borrowed Suburban and make the trip. Only Rick's flight does not arrive on time and they are now in wait mode. An hour goes by before they finally hear the announcement of his flight landing. She and Carl smile at each other with excitement and watch the exit expectantly.

Her heart practically skips a beat when she gets a glimpse of him after almost two weeks of missing him. They all stand and Carl rushes to his dad, grabbing him in a bear hug. Michonne wanted nothing more than to run and jump into his arms but her balance is becoming a challenge nowadays so she plays it safe and walks to him hurriedly.

They smile happily and he surprises her as he pulls her into his arms, lifting her up off her feet as they hug each other.

"I missed you so much," he tells her quietly before kissing her soundly.

She returns his kiss, wanting more but the parents surround them, welcoming their son home.

The car ride back to King County is buzzing with conversation and they arrive at Michonne's parents' house for game night. They spend three hours with friends and family before announcing they are going home. Carl opts to spend the night with his grandparents, giving his parents the alone time he is sure they are craving.

Rick has barely turned the lock on the door before he pulls his wife into his arms and kisses her the way he has dreamt about for the last several days. He rests his forehead against hers and palms her stomach gently. "Is it me or did he get bigger in less than two weeks?"

"I think he got bigger," she laughs. She caresses his forearms. "It's so good to have you home." She steps closer, growing serious as she moves in for another kiss.

They both want to take their time but discover they can't as they start pulling at each other's clothes and walking towards the staircase. Minutes later, they are completely nude and kissing passionately on their bed. He lifts himself to hover above her, allowing his eyes to rove her changing body, loving her even more as their child grows inside her. He leans in and captures an erect nipple in his mouth, trying to be gentle but pulling firmly as he rolls his head while suckling her. He gives just as much attention to the other breast before trailing kisses down her body until he is burying his face between her legs.

She gasps and shudders as he touches his tongue to her core, circling lazily before latching on and flicking his tip against her with purpose. She arches her back and rolls her hips as the sensation builds quickly. He is going for the gusto immediately, not letting up for a moment. All she can do is match his rhythm as he brings her to the brink and sends her over the edge in record time.

She wants to scream he is making her feel so good but she fists the comforter and moans out her release, begging him to stop. He ignores her, lapping at her until she slowly comes back down, her shivers at a minimum. She watches as he lifts up on his knees and takes his long, thick manhood into his hand and starts stroking it.

"What are you doing?" She asks breathlessly.

"I'm about to burst," he tells her.

She smiles as she sits up and scoots closer to him. She drops her head, putting her mouth on him, replacing his hands with hers. She pulls once, twice before he starts pulsating and throbbing, spilling his seed with a strangled groan. She continues to pleasure him with her mouth, determined to draw out every last drop.

He falls to his back in a weakened heap, his chest rising up and down rapidly with each breath. "Is the bed spinning?"

They both laugh as she crawls toward him and drapes her body on his. "It's bouncing too."

She splays her hand across his chest, kissing his cheek and his neck. Her eyes pop as she notices his semi erect sex jerk, springing to a rigid hardness once again. No words are needed or spoken as she straddles him with a smile, both releasing contented sighs as they connect in the most intimate and sensual way.

They make love until they fall into an exhausted slumber.