Richonne (Short Love Stories) Question of My Heart Part II (Chapter 22)

A/N: A response to a guest review: Thanks for the review. Yes, it's bad to think that way, but there is something a little comical about Michonne moving out and taking the kids with her. Poor Rick. He has no help as everyone is on Michonne's side including his own kids. Thanks for the support.

Also, honorable mention to literaturechick's friend, Elias, as part of this request came from him. Hope you enjoy.

Present Day

Michonne has been splitting her time between the constable's office and the infirmary, filling her days with as much work as possible, so she won't think about the things she doesn't want to think about. She has settled in nicely into her new home with Carl and Judith and she enjoys the conversations she has with Morgan. He is a true friend as he told her up front that he wouldn't mind pursuing a relationship with her. She had to be up front as well and tell him that her heart belonged to someone else, but she would be most grateful for his friendship.

Speaking of her heart, Rick Grimes is doing much better as she allows them to continue to take dinner as a family and he has taken to spending most nights on her sofa. He respects her wishes and doesn't try to force any type of conversation or situation she will not welcome. They truly are best friends. She makes her way to the infirmary as she and Maggie will be assisting Dr. Stevens today.

Meanwhile, Rick is at Carol's place as he enlisted her help in baking a lasagna casserole. His plan is to have everything already done and set up for Michonne when she gets home. She always takes such good care of him and his kids, despite everything, and he wants to return the favor by taking care of her for once.

He listens intently as Carol reminds him again of the reheating process. "Please don't repeat it again. I got it."

"Well, I hope so. Are you sure going through all this trouble is worth it?" Carol asks.

"What do you mean?"

"She's already moved out, you told her how you really feel, so just leave well enough alone, Rick," she advises.

"How do you know what I told her?"

"Gossip spreads around here like a wild fire. Even your closest friends are talking about your problems with her. I just don't think it would be a good idea to pursue anything." Carol looks at him, trying to give him an innocent smile, but Rick can see through it.

He's not sure what's really going on with Carol, but he needs to let her know that what he pursues with Michonne is his business. "Well, thanks for your opinion, advice whatever it is you're offering, but I don't need it. Don't interfere, Carol. This is between me and Michonne. Instead of being so preoccupied with what I'm doing, why don't you worry about your own relationship….or lack of one?" He grabs the casserole off the counter, giving her a stern look. "Thanks for the casserole. I'm sure Michonne will love it." With that, he walks towards the front door and out of the house.

Carol watches in stunned silence.

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Michonne walks through the front entrance of her home to the delicious aroma of a freshly cooked meal. She cannot feign her surprise as she moves to the kitchen to find Rick and Carl at the stove and Judith in her highchair. Rick Grimes in an apron. Now that's a sight to behold. "What are you two doing?"

"Hi, honey. Welcome home. Dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes, so if you want to sit down and relax or go wash up….the choice is yours. I'm taking care of everything tonight," Rick announces with a smile.

She laughs with Carl as she loves this lighthearted Rick. She is glad that he seems to be so much better than when they first arrived here. She slowly looks around the kitchen, noting that he and Carl seem to have everything under control. She walks over to Judith and retrieves her from the highchair. "Come on little girl. Let's go see what we can get into for 15 minutes."

The dining area is already set up with a nice vase filled with fresh roses in the center of the table. Michonne is impressed as Rick has been most thoughtful. She leans over to get a whiff of the roses, delighting in the wonderful scent. She walks over to the large picture window, looking out over the neighborhood, feeling content for the first time in a long time. "Maybe after dinner, we can take a little stroll, huh Judy? Would that be nice, baby girl?"

Minutes later, they are seated at the dining room table, sharing stories about their day at school and at work. After dinner and dessert, they take a short stroll around the neighborhood, enjoying the cool night air.

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"Congratulations! Oh, Maggie, I'm so happy for you. This is such great news. You and Glenn deserve this," Michonne professes as Maggie has just shared the wonderful news of her pregnancy. She knew they started trying while they were at the prison, so it means so much that it is finally happening for them.

They carry on with their work at the infirmary, shadowing Dr. Stevens' nurse, Connie, for a few hours. Michonne was expected at the constable's office once she completed her work at the infirmary, but she has developed a headache and decides to go home to lay down for a while. Carl is at school and Carol is taking care of Judith, so she has some solitude for an hour or two.

She sits down on her bed after she dragged her way upstairs, wondering at the true source of her lethargy. Hearing Maggie's news today truly made her happy, but it also conjured up feelings she thought she had long ago suppressed. In that moment, she misses Andre so profoundly and wants so badly to have the feeling of a little life growing inside her again. She knows it's silly to even wish for those things in today's world, but she can't help it. Carl and Judith continue to fill a void for her, but some days she just prays for the experience of pregnancy to motherhood again.

She scoffs at her thoughts. You can't even get the man you want, so how are you gonna have a baby? She lays down as the tears start to flow. Today is just one of those days that she has to let it out, so she cries for her son, for the tragedy of losing him and his father, for never being able to have a normal life again.

Meanwhile, Rick is at the constable's office, counting the minutes until Michonne arrives. She is twenty minutes late and he knows that's not like her, so he makes his way over to the infirmary to see what could be keeping her. Five minutes later, he is on his way to her house as she left the infirmary a while ago.

He makes his way inside, utilizing the key Michonne graced him with, calling her name softly.

She can hear Rick calling her name, making his way up the stairs to her room. She tries to compose herself, but has little success as her grief is so palpable she just has to let it run its course.

Rick knocks before popping his head in. He sees her on the bed, her body apparently racked with uncontrollable sobs. He rushes to her side in a panic, taking in her drenched face, her reddened eyes. "Michonne, what is it? What's wrong?"

She is so upset that even if she could answer him, he wouldn't be able to decipher it.

He doesn't know what to do, but he grabs her and hugs her tightly, rocking her as she continues to cry. His heart breaks to hear her cry like this. He continues to hold her, moving a hand in soothing circles across her back, waiting for the sobs to subside.

Minutes later, she pulls away from him and sits up slowly as she gains control of her grief, wiping the tears from her face as best as she can. "It's ok. I'm fine now. Sorry."

"What's wrong? Is it me? I'm…." He trails off as she frowns at him.

"Not everything I do is about you Rick. I had a life before I met you, you know. I was in love with a wonderful man, I had a son who meant the world to me, a successful career, but the change….the change took all of that from me and left me alone with nothing and nobody." She takes a deep shaky breath. "Maggie told me she was pregnant today and Lord knows I'm happy for her, but it triggered something in me because I won't ever have that experience again and I want it so badly." She laughs. "If I had known any of the mess I know now I would've had a passel of children."

Rick swallows visibly, suddenly nervous as he doesn't want to say the wrong thing. "I'm sorry, Michonne. I'm so sorry."

"Some days are better than others. Today was just one of those days, but I'll push through like I always do," she responds.

"Do you need to talk…about him...them?"

She smiles at his offer and doesn't think about it because she'll change her mind if she does. She just starts talking, the memories flowing out of her freely and effortlessly.

Moments later, she tapers off as she realizes she's crying again and tears have gathered in his eyes as well.

"Can I ask you something?" She inquires.

"Anythang." He answers.

"Will you tell me about Lori?" She notices how quickly he tenses up and wants to shut himself off from her as he looks away.

"You don't have to if you're not ready. You've just kept it so close for so long. Maybe if you talk about it, you might unburden yourself just a little. Maybe make room for something else, something a little healthier for you," she places a hand to his chest, smiling as he looks down at her hand, then into her eyes.

She moves over to make room for him to lie down next to her.

Rick sighs heavily as he lays down and looks up at the ceiling, knowing he's going to tell her everything. It just feels right so he begins with the problems he and Lori had before the outbreak, he tells about his injury, waking up in the hospital to realize the world had changed and that Lori and Carl were missing, his quest to find them and the blessing of actually reuniting with them only to learn about her and his best friend Shane. He unburdens himself about Judith's parentage, his guilt for the way he treated Lori during her pregnancy, his guilt about her death and for not being able to put things back together.

"Now you know everythang. Pretty messed up, huh?" He looks at her as if he's awaiting some sort of judgment.

She caresses his cheek softly. "We've both been through the ringer so to speak, but we're still here Rick. That has to mean something, right?"

He nods slowly, realizing that he does feel lighter for having told her all that.

"Let's do something wild today. Something we haven't done in a long time," she suggests.

"Ok. What are we doing?"

She smiles. "Let's take a nap."

Rick laughs out loud at that. "Really? That's what you wanna do?"

"Yes. When's the last time we did something like that?"

He sits up and starts removing his boots. "Alright. It's nap time."

She takes her shoes off as well, then they lay back, nestling closer to each other. He wraps his arms around her and she rests her head against his shoulder. Moments later, they actually drift off to sleep.

Rick awakens to the waning sunlight in the room. The sun is setting so that means he and Michonne slept for hours. I guess we both needed it. He looks over at her, still sleeping peacefully in his arms. He drinks in her beauty, the youthfulness of her face, the smooth skin, the long lashes, and her inviting mouth, slightly open as she breathes in and out softly. He leans over and nuzzles her neck gently, eliciting a moan from her.

She blinks several times before finally opening her eyes. She takes in the lack of light in the room and smiles. "Boy when we nap, we nap, huh?" She looks to him for a response, but no response is forthcoming as he is concentrating his eyes on her lips.

"Rick?"

"Hmmm…?" He cups her cheek as he leans in closer.

Michonne shrinks back just a fraction. "Don't. If you don't mean it….just don't."

He captures her mouth with his, reveling in the contact as it is much better than he anticipated.

She rears back just a little, holding her hands up and away from his body as she is almost afraid to touch him. She shudders as his hands meet at the base of her spine and he pulls her body flush against his. Surrender is what she gives as he opens his mouth over hers and pushes his tongue against her lips, seeking entry. She opens her mouth, inviting him in as she wraps her arms around him, intensifying their kiss.

If there's a question of my heart, you've got it
It don't belong to anyone but you

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Michonne doesn't know what to think. Maybe it was a mistake to kiss Rick and then maybe it wasn't. Confusion can't begin to describe the emotional rollercoaster she is riding right now. He certainly kissed me like he was in love with me. Maybe he was just horny or…hell I don't know. Why did I even let this happen?

"Michonne? Michonne, what gives? I've asked you the same question twice and you have yet to respond. Ignoring me is rude, you know," Maggie complains.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I was thinking about something and got distracted. What was the question?"

She and Maggie continue their work at the infirmary and soon their morning shift is over. She has at least two hours before she has to report for constable duty so she decides to go home and have a light lunch, inviting Maggie with her.

Maggie was about to agree when she notices who is walking their way. "I think you might have other plans." She smiles and nods toward the entrance.

Michonne's eyes pop as she takes in Rick Grimes in his uniform, walking towards the infirmary, carrying a picnic basket. She turns to Maggie in a panic. "Oh my goodness. Maggie, what do I do?"

Maggie smiles as she grasps her friend's hand and looks directly at her. "Let him love you."

Michonne lets that sink in, but can't help feeling nervous as Rick walks through the door and stops in front of her, wearing a huge grin.

"Hey. I thought we'd go to the park and have some lunch if that's ok with you," he asks.

She is about to agree when Maggie chimes in with "Hey Rick."

He gives her his attention. "Oh, hey Maggie. Didn't see you there."

Coz you only have eyes for Michonne. Maggie sighs, happy that things seem to be working out for these two. She can't wait to tell Glenn. "Well, have a good lunch. I'll see you guys later. Dinner at our place remember?"

They both nod in agreement as Maggie exits the infirmary.

He offers her his arm. "Shall we?"

She loops her arm with his, moving to exit the building. "You know this will probably get tongues to wagging around this place?"

"Let 'em wag."

Michonne is seeing a slightly different man in Rick Grimes. He smiles just a little more, he's taking time out of his schedule just for her. My mother always told me if a man wants to be with you, he's going to find time for you. He's doing what I need him to do, but there's still something missing.

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Later that night, she is sitting on the patio at Maggie and Glenn's place as the family had dinner there earlier. She is enjoying some wine with Sasha, Maggie, and Rosita. She didn't want to discuss Rick, but thought maybe another perspective would help, so she relays to them that he seems to be doing everything right but has yet to tell her that he loves her.

"Michonne, you know Rick loves you," Maggie reassures her.

"Yeah, but she needs to hear it," Sasha chimes in.

"Oh, chica. You know exactly how to get him to tell you he loves you." Rosita wags her eyebrows as she circles her wineglass with a fingertip.

They all share a laugh as Michonne acts mortified at Rosita's suggestion.

"Don't pretend like you haven't thought about it," Rosita says.

"Yes, I have. Too much probably but I can't take that step until I hear it. Everything else is in place," Michonne states.

"Just tell him what you want then," Sasha suggests.

"It won't mean anything if I have to tell him what to say to me," Michonne returns.

Sasha rolls her eyes. "When did this shit become so complicated? You want him, he wants you, just get together already."

Unbeknownst to Michonne, Rick is having a somewhat similar conversation with his son. They're sitting out on the front steps, enjoying the cool night air and appreciating the one on one time together.

"I need to ask you something. I kinda know how you feel already, but I just want to be sure," Rick starts, then moves on with a nod from Carl. "I'm in love with Michonne and I think I'm ready to be a husband again, but I need you to be ok with that before I start making plans."

Carl looks to his father with a smile. "You mean you're going to ask her to marry you?!"

"Shhhh…..not right now, but that's my plan. That's what I want. We're just gonna keep that between us for the time being." Rick lets him know.

Carl throws his arms around his Dad's waist. "That's the best news I've heard in like…forever. So, everything's gonna be ok now? We can all be together in the same house again? She'll be my mom…I mean, my stepmom?"

"We can't get ahead of ourselves. I know I still got a lotta making up to do, but I hope she'll forgive me and maybe think about us getting married." Rick unconsciously starts playing with his wedding band.

"You think she's gonna say no?" Carl asks

Rick laughs. "That's the thang. I never know with her. She keeps me on my toes."

"I think she loves you, too, but whatever you did….I don't think she was mad. I think she was hurt," Carl suggests.

Rick looks to his son with a nod, amazed at how perceptive he is, still fingering his ring.

"Are you thinking about Mom?" Carl asks as he notices what his Dad is doing.

"I've been thinking about her a lot lately, just remembering….good times and bad, but I got the chance to make some new memories, so that's what I'm going to do…..with Michonne…and you and Judith." He takes a deep breath and removes his ring, placing it in his pocket.

"So, how are you going to do this? Do you need some help coz you can't mess this up, Dad," Carl informs.

Rick shakes his head with a laugh. "I'm still figuring it all out, but I promise you I won't mess this up."

They make their way back inside and Carl challenges his Dad, Daryl, and Noah to a game of cards.

Maggie, Michonne, Sasha, and Rosita walk into the house, ready to call it a night.

Beth moves over to Michonne as Judith starts reaching for her as soon as she sees her. "You know you can't walk into the room without her noticing you."

Michonne smiles as she takes Judith into her arms. "She's probably sleepy. Guess that's my cue to leave. I'll see you guys later." She moves over to the dining room table where Rick and Carl are engrossed in their card game. She rests a hand gently on Rick's shoulder, alerting him to her presence.

He reaches up to grasp her hand without even looking back at her, keeping his eyes on the cards.

She looks down at the hand holding hers and realizes his wedding band is gone. Before she can process that information, he turns to her and stands up.

"You ready to go?" He asks.

Carl moans. "But I'm winning. We can't leave now, Dad."

Michonne looks from Rick to Carl and back again, piecing her thoughts together slowly. "It's fine. Stay and finish your game. Judy and I will see you two later." Her eyes travel down to their hands as she realizes Rick has yet to let go.

"You sure?" He asks. With her nod, he leans down and kisses her softly on the cheek. "I'll see you later then." He turns back to the guys who are looking at him with stunned expressions. "What?"

Michonne blinks several times, processing the information that Rick just kissed her in front of their family like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Good night everybody." She turns toward the door, ignoring the knowing smiles on the faces of her friends and exits the house with a sleepy Judith.

If there's a question of my love, you've got it
Baby don't worry, I've got plans for you

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The hour is late as Rick contemplates everything he needs to do in order to make things right with Michonne. He is on her sofa again, staring up at the ceiling. He has wanted on several occasions to confess his true feelings, but is not sure of her receptiveness, especially after he made such a mess of things. I should march up there right now and tell her exactly how I feel. Make her listen to me. Naw that macho bullshit won't work with her. He sits up with a heavy sigh, wishing he was better at expressing himself, wishing he knew the exact words to say to fix what he had broken.

A creak on the stairs draws his attention in time to see Michonne make her down to the kitchen. She moves over to the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water.

It's now or never. Rick lifts himself from the sofa and makes his way to the kitchen.

Michonne eyes him as she takes a long drink from the bottle. She pulls it away from her mouth, soundly. "I didn't know you two had made it back."

"I figured you were sleeping and I didn't want to disturb you," Rick offers.

"Nope, for some reason I can't sleep tonight," she admits.

"That makes two of us," he returns.

They both lapse into a silence, just standing in the kitchen, looking at each other.

"Are you ever going to let me apologize to you? Explain to you why I said what I said?" He inquires, nervous that she may refuse him.

Michonne places her bottle on the countertop behind her and leans against it. "Ok." She stands up straight as Rick walks directly up to her, invading her space. She looks up at him as he cups her face, looking down at her.

"First of all, I do love you. I'm so in love with you that I can't even think about losing you, but that's what happens in this world….we lose people." He looks up away from her.

Michonne can see his throat working as he tries to reign in his emotions.

He drops his head back down, meeting her eyes again. "I can't….I won't lose you. Lying to you was my way of keeping these feelings of helplessness at bay. I'm sorry. I know it was wrong to cause all this mess between us and I swear I'm going to do everything that I can to make it up to you and I've more than learned my lesson about lying to you. Please forgive me coz I'm fucking tired of sleeping on that sofa."

They both laugh as Michonne drops her head to his chest.

"Seriously, do you forgive me?" Rick asks with caution, not sure what to expect.

She looks up at him. "Just let me hear you say it again."

His voice drops to a soft whisper as he leans closer to her. "I love you, Michonne….with everything that I am."

She closes her eyes, savoring his declaration. Seconds later, she meets his eyes, wrapping her arms around his waist. "That's all I've ever wanted."

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Months later, Rick and Michonne have agreed to get married and are trying to decide which house will be their primary residence. Michonne wants to keep her house, but Rick's argument is that they need the room the larger home, his home, allows.

They are in the larger house as he is showing her some of the changes he has made. He leads her to the master bedroom and she immediately zeroes in on the antique vanity in one of the corners.

"A vanity? When did you put that in here?" She asks.

"I found it weeks ago…." He trails off with her gasp.

"And you didn't bring it to my place? I told you I wanted a vanity," she says.

He smiles. "I know and here it is."

She shakes her head at him. "You're not being fair."

He grabs her hand and leads her to the fourth bedroom. He watches as she walks into the room, looking around.

"Ok, so this house has four bedrooms instead of three. We planning on having a lot of guests stay overnight?" she jokes.

"Well, I was actually thinking we could make it into a nursery," Rick suggests.

"A what?" She swallows nervously. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"Well, I can't promise you that passel you wanted, but I think one…maybe two," he says with a smile. "What do you think?"

Michonne's eyes grow glassy with unshed tears. "I think you really do love me."

"With everything that I am." He takes her into his arms and hugs her tightly.

Baby, I've been making plans, oh love
Baby, I've been making plans for you

A/N: So, I know that was extremely fluffy, but I've warned all of you about my fluffiness and I really needed this. Go ahead and call me out on it. I can take it, but I hope you liked it all the same. Thanks.