Richonne (Short Love Stories) It Might Be You (Chapter 8)

A/N: This was written at the request of fellow writer Oreganofox who asked for specific scenes and suggested the song "It Might Be You" by Stephen Bishop. Hope you like it.

Scenario I

The three of them sit in the car silently. Michonne is in the driver's seat, Rick is riding shot gun and Carl is looking out of the back seat window, watching the outdoor scenery. They are on a much needed supply run for guns and ammunition as a visit from the Governor seems eminent.

Rick decided to bring Michonne along after hearing Merle exclaim how she took on the Governor all by herself and managed to take out one of his eyes with a shard of glass. That only reiterated what he already knew. He wasn't dealing with any ordinary female. There was definitely something about her.

They arrive in Rick's hometown after driving for 2 or 3 hours away from the prison. Exiting the car, they make their way cautiously through what used to be a decent downtown area. They walk the short distance to the sheriff's department where Rick was a deputy.

Disappointment is an understatement to describe the emotion they feel as they walk into an extremely empty gun cage. Rick displays his frustration by running his hands through his hair distractedly. He kicks the cage, shoving his gun back into its holster.

Michonne moves further into the cage, picking up a lone bullet as she continues to look around. "Got any other police stations in town?"

Rick turns to look at her. "I was the police here. Me and a few other guys. It ain't a big town." He sighs heavily. "There's other places to check. There may not be as many guns as were in here, but…."

She interrupts with, "We need as many guns as were in here. Ammo, too."

"Yeah, we do, but right now, I only got a line on a couple. There's a few places out on Main St. Bars, a liquor store. Always had a gun or 2 behind the counter that people didn't know about. I did. I signed the permits. They might still be there," Rick concludes as he contemplates what she may be thinking. "Do you have a problem with that approach?"

She finally gives him her full attention. "No, Rick, I don't have a problem. Would it matter if I did?"

"Hey, if there's something you need to say, then by all means, get it out," he tells her.

She considers him for a few seconds, perusing him just as he is perusing her. "Do you happen to know if there was a National Guard armory or something similar close by? Maybe we should try there as well."

Rick looks at her with something akin to respect. National Guard armory. She's really thinking. Smart, beautiful, and a fighter. What else will I learn about this intriguing woman? "Umm….yeah, I think there was one a few miles from here. We can check there after we hit Main St."

She approaches him slowly and hands him the single bullet she located moments earlier.

Carl looks from one adult to the other. Why are they looking at each other like that?

Rick reaches out slowly to accept the bullet. Their fingers touch momentarily as he lingers just a second too long. Her fingers are warm. Lori's hands were always cold. He swallows visibly as she continues to watch him.

Michonne awards him with a ghost of a smile as she eyes him, then walks off, preparing to exit the building.

Rick watches curiously as she walks by, appreciating her shapely form. What was that all about? Did she just smile at me? He places the bullet in his front shirt pocket as he and Carl follow her out of the station.

Scenario II

The night air is cool as they sit on a couple of logs in front of the small fire after their meager dinner. Carl is persuaded to get some sleep in the abandoned vehicle they found earlier. He offers to help keep watch, but the adults insist on him getting some much needed rest. He quietly watches Michonne and his dad as sleep soon overtakes him and he falls into a comfortable slumber.

"That was one small rabbit," Rick concludes.

"It was something. I've got to hand it to the thing. It traveled well," Michonne returns as she and Rick share a knowing smile.

Rick sighs softly. "Have you noticed? It's all we talk about anymore. Food." He hesitates, then continues with, "I forgot what this feels like."

Michonne agrees. "Me too. I hope we're able to forget again soon."

He nods. "We're close. Just gotta make it through another day." He kicks dirt over the small fire to extinguish it. "Folks there are taking people in. They have to be strong. They have to have a system."

"I wonder if the whole thing's legit," Michonne contributes.

They both start as they hear a twig snap in the woods. Michonne instinctively reaches for her sword as Rick does the same with his gun. Looking in the direction from which the sound came, Rick moves to a standing position, ready to face whatever threat may present itself. He listens intently and is slightly reassured when no additional noise is forthcoming. He returns to a seated position on the log.

He looks to Michonne, picking up their conversation where they left off. "We let people in."

"We did," she agrees. "So did the governor."

They share a look as Rick nods and says, "Yeah, it's one of those thangs we don't get to know until we know. Maybe this place isn't even there anymore."

Michonne scoffs. "Let's hope you're wrong there. We really need a place right now."

"Well, we'll find out in a day or two what Terminus is all about," Rick assures.

"Do you think we'll ever be able to find something to make our own? Like we did with the prison?" Michonne asks.

"That would be ideal, but I don't want to put too much stock into something that may never happen," Rick tells her.

"Pessimistic much?" She jokes.

Rick gives a slight laugh. "Not pessimistic. Just realistic."

"That's one way of looking at it, but I have to believe there's a place for us. Carl deserves a home. I want him to be able to still do kid stuff. That's only fair and if anybody deserves a fair shake, he does. He's been through too much for a kid his age," Michonne states.

Rick listens intently as she speaks lovingly of his son. He watches her, his heart swelling with happiness and something else he doesn't want to identify as he realizes the love she has for his child. "Thank you."

Michonne frowns. "For what?"

"Just for being there. For taking care of Carl…..and me. I know you could've chosen something else, but you didn't and I'm grateful," Rick discloses.

"You don't have to thank me, Rick. I know how you feel," she returns.

"You do?" When she nods, he asks, "How?"

"Because I feel the same way." She smiles as they both continue to stare at each other.

Rick finally averts his eyes, afraid that she can read something in him that he's not ready to reveal.

Scenario III

The church is abuzz with activity as the group works to fortify it. Tyreese and Daryl are taking apart the organ, using the pipes as spikes to surround the church entrance. Sasha has taken an axe to the pews in an effort to make wood planks to board the doors and windows.

The others are outside, boarding up the windows soundly.

Rick and Michonne are working together as he takes a pause to observe Carl.

He turns back to face Michonne. "He wants to go to Atlanta. I can't have that."

"Then you stay. I'll go," she offers.

Rick smirks slightly as he says, "I owe it to Carol."

"We all owe Carol," she returns with a slight smile.

"I owe her more." He looks directly at Michonne, communicating much more without words.

She nods as the two of them return to their work.

An hour later, Michonne is seated in Father Gabriel's office with Rick, Carl, and Judith. She listens quietly as Rick explains to Carl that he will be staying at the church to help Michonne protect his sister and to keep an eye on Father Gabriel.

"But you know I'd be more useful….we'd be more useful going to Atlanta with you," Carl returns.

"You know the city is no place for any of us, let alone your sister. I'm depending on you. So is Michonne," Rick tells him.

"This is Beth, Dad. And Carol. How can I just sit by and do nothing?" Carl asks.

"Protecting your sister is everything, Carl. Remember that," Michonne reminds him.

The teenager drops his head, quietly acknowledging that she is right. They had just gotten Judith back after thinking she had died at the prison. He would do anything to keep her safe. He looks up at his dad. "Michonne is right. I should stay here and protect Judith."

Rick pulls him in for a hug. "Thank you, son."

Carl takes the toddler from his Dad. "I'm gonna take her outside for a little sunshine. She really likes the outdoors."

Rick nods as he watches his children exit the room, Carl closing the door behind them.

He sighs with relief, then looks to Michonne. "He was ready to fight me tooth and nail. I could see it in his eyes. But you speak and he listens. What kind of power are you wielding woman?"

Michonne laughs as she stands to face him. "Carl is a good kid. He knows right from wrong and he loves his little sister more than anything. There's nothing he wouldn't do for her."

"I know that, but my mention of Judy didn't work as well as yours. Something's telling me it might be you and just the way you are with him." Rick concludes.

"A little talent of mine I guess," she smiles.

Rick returns the smile, then grows serious. "Thank you for doing this for me. I'm gonna do my damnedest to make it back to you, but…."

Michonne interrupts him. "You will make it back. I won't accept anything else. You hear me? Besides, we have some unfinished business to attend to."

"Are you talking about what I think you're talking about?" he asks.

"You need a reminder?" She smiles as she places her hand on his chest and slowly leans in to kiss him.

He laughs as he tastes just a hint of chocolate on her luscious lips. "You and Carl been eating stale M&M's again?"

"You know it's one of my weaknesses. Some things I just can't resist." She cups his face as their lips meet again. She savors the taste of him as he slips his tongue inside, sliding it against hers.

Rick wraps an arm around her waist, pulling her closer as his desire for her grows. He groans into her mouth as he turns their bodies, moving her toward the worn and weathered sofa. He lays her down gently and admires her beauty as he removes his gun belt, placing it on the floor. He smiles as he covers her body with his own, resting comfortably between her legs.

She rests her hands at his waist as their lips meet again in an impassioned kiss. Feeling his body grind against hers brings forth a moan from deep within as she can detect just how much he wants her. She hears his sharp intake of breath as they rock against each other, their clothes a barrier yet not hindering them from the pleasure they seek. "I want you so bad, Rick."

"I want you, too." He grasps her hips as he slowly kisses his way to her neck then her chest. He eyes her cleavage as her breasts seem to swell, inviting him in for a taste. He traces her skin with his tongue, mesmerized by the tang and the smoothness.

Michonne reaches between them to unzip her vest and pull her tank top and bra aside, revealing one of her well-rounded, perky breasts. She watches as Rick smiles in satisfaction before dropping his head to pull her nipple into his mouth. She throws her head back, reveling in the way he makes her feel. She places her hand to the back of his head, holding him to her as he suckles, then circles with his tongue, drawing an audible groan.

He leans back, looking into her eyes as they continue to rock against each other, unable to stop even if they wanted to. The sensation was too overwhelming.

Michonne continues to cradle his head as she returns his gaze. "We…we should stop before….oh, oh, right there, yes. That feels so good."

Rick slams his mouth against hers as he increases his rhythm, their bodies moving in unison. Moments later, he feels her stiffen, her body rolling up into his even more as she finds release. He's close, so he continues to move his hips, squeezing her ass as he jerks against her, signaling that he has reached his peak as well. He collapses against her, their breathing uneven and fast.

They laugh as he moves his body to the side, holding her to him. She turns slightly to accommodate him as they take time to permit their breathing to return to normal.

"Did that just happen?" she asks while adjusting her clothes.

"I can't wait until we can do this properly." They share a look and a soft kiss as they continue to hold each other, wanting to keep the outside world at bay for just a little while longer.

Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. "Hey, Rick. You in there? Time to go, man." They recognize the voice as Daryl's, both thankful that he didn't barge in on them.

Rick sighs deeply. "Guess that's our cue." They reluctantly peel their bodies from the sofa, then share another soft meaningful kiss as Rick straps on his gun belt. They exit the office to join Daryl and the others.

Moments later, Rick is saying his goodbyes to Carl, Judith, and Michonne as he prepares to leave for Atlanta with Daryl, Tyreese, Sasha, and Noah. He cradles Judith in his arms, giving her a soft kiss on the head before releasing her to Michonne. He places a hand on Michonne's shoulder, giving her a gentle squeeze before turning to Carl to give him a hug.

"I'll be back soon," Rick tells his son.

"I know," Carl returns.

The three of them move towards the entrance/exit. Rick shares one last longing look with Michonne before they close the doors.