Richonne (Short Love Stories) Grimes v Grimes Part II (Chapter 26)
A/N: Guest review: Two stubborn mules. A: Yes, they are. So glad you surmised that as that is exactly what I was going for. LOL! Thanks.
Present Day
The counselor looks to Rick, gauging his reaction. "Do you have something to say, Rick?"
He turns his attention to the counselor. "I love my wife. I always will. Nothing has changed that."
"Thank you for your honesty. Michonne, would you like to respond to that? Do you still love your husband?" The counselor inquires.
Michonne nods sadly, trying to control her tears. "I do. I'll always love him, but this anger is consuming me and I'm blaming him for everything and if I don't get past this, I don't see a future for us."
Rick attempts to respond directly to her, but the counselor stops him. She wants the couple to talk to her first in an effort to encourage them to talk freely without judgment. In her experience, if they engage each other too soon in the session, the honesty falls to the wayside as they feel like they have more of an audience.
"To be frank. That's a good start for the both of you. You have established that there is still love in this marriage and if there is still love, then there will be an effort to save what you have. Now, let's talk a little more about what brought you here and then we'll discuss your assignment for the week." The counselor smiles as she directs a question to Rick and he readily answers it.
Their first week entailed reconnecting as friends. They could discuss world events, politics, work issues, their kids, entertainment, but nothing about their problems or what they expected from each other if that could be avoided. Most of all, no sex, although the counselor was sure to say that would be at their discretion. The only problem with reestablishing their friendship is it reminded them of when they first met and Michonne wanted to throw caution to the wind and reconnect completely with her husband. They both refrained reluctantly, wanting to genuinely give this process an honest chance.
The following week with the counselor, they discussed their feelings about their problems and if any changes had occurred. The counselor is proud to notate some progress. Her next suggestion is a couple of dates, one with just the two of them and one as a family with the kids. It is to help remind them of what they've considered important in their lives.
Rick makes an effort to recreate that wonderful night he and the kids shared at the Kid Zone, only this time he wholeheartedly includes his wife. They haven't had that much fun as a family in a while and the two of them vow quietly to do this more often. The kids are over the moon with happiness. Once they arrive home, Rick prepares the boys for bed while Michonne takes care of Judith.
The couple is now in their bedroom, preparing for bed themselves as they laugh and recollect about that evening's family night. Michonne shyly gazes at her husband, the emotions and feelings of attraction very strong tonight. She misses the connection sex provides and it's all she can think about, but she really wants the counseling to work and doesn't want anything to jeopardize the effort they put into repairing their marriage.
Rick watches his wife hungrily, willing to do anything and everything she wants just to get a taste of her. His eyes follow her as she moves over to the dresser, collecting a silk nightie, preparing for a shower. He walks up behind her, their gazes locking in the mirror.
She drops her clothes as Rick places his hands on her hips and pulls her back against him. Her hands automatically reach behind her, grabbing onto his hips. "We shouldn't….."
He pulls on her locs gently, moving them aside as he drops his mouth to her neck. "She didn't say we couldn't." He opens his mouth and suckles her skin, drawing a deep moan from her.
She brings a hand up to his head, running her fingers through his short curls. "Rick, we have to consider other things. I….I want to respect your wishes…about the pregnancy, so….." She gasps as her husband turns her around to face him.
"Then just let me taste you. I'll be satisfied with that." He swoops in, connecting their lips, immediately opening his mouth searching with his tongue.
She accepts him readily, sliding her tongue against his as she wraps her arms around his neck. They kiss as if they haven't seen each other in weeks. Moments later, they move off to the shower where they satisfy each other orally and end the night wrapped in each other's arms, both sighing with contentment before they drift off to sleep.
Saturday night arrives and they call on their neighbor's teenage daughter, as they have before, to babysit the kids while they go out on a date. Rick won't tell Michonne what he has arranged so she sits on pins and needles with excitement. It's not long before she realizes they are headed to the city. She gasps in surprise as Rick parks in the square near the restaurant where they had their first date. Her eyes sting with tears as she recalls that wonderful night.
"Hey. You're not supposed to be crying," he tells her.
She gives a light laugh as she dabs at her eyes. "Sorry. I just….remember that night so vividly. It was one of the best dates I ever had."
"Well, let's see if we can make this date even better."
This is so much better. Michonne is thinking to herself as she and Rick laugh and gyrate on the dance floor to a cheesy 80's tune being belted out by a live band.
He wanted them to remember how good it was when they first met, so he enlisted Shane's help in finding this place. He was more than surprised when he realized they hosted an 80's night with a live band. He knew his wife would love it and he was right in his assumption as he watches her laugh and dance, looking beautiful and carefree.
Hours later, they are in the car, making their way home when Michonne leans over and kisses her husband sweetly on the cheek. Rick looks over at her quickly and realizes she is definitely in a mood. He can barely keep his eyes on the road as his wife starts to cup her breasts and squeeze them.
"Babe…I need to drive and I can't with you doing that."
She lowers her hands to her thighs and slowly pulls her skirt up, exposing her toned, beautiful thighs inch by inch. "Maybe you should pull over."
He frantically makes a detour, finding a deserted parking lot, puts the car in park, snaps out of his seatbelt, and adjusts his seat, moving it back as far as possible as well as reclining it. He watches as his wife smiles, releases her seatbelt and quietly removes her panties. His hands automatically reach for his belt buckle and he breathes shakily as his wife assists him in unbuttoning and unzipping his pants to allow his manhood to spring forth freely.
She straddles him, sinking down on him with no words spoken between them. Just deep, throaty moans and heavy breathing. She leans forward in an effort to prevent her head from hitting the roof and moves up and down on her husband as if their very lives depended on it.
Rick grabs her ass, matching her frantic movements as they both seek release. He leans up slightly and captures her mouth with his, sucking her tongue into his mouth with a groan. All the problems, the anger, and the angst are forgotten in that moment and they are just two people in love, sharing their bodies in the most primal way.
His body jerks with his climax, his seed pouring out of his body and into hers, but he keeps moving determined that his wife will get a release as well. Seconds later, she cries out as her body stiffens and her sex clenches around his over and over again.
She drops her head to his shoulder with a laugh. "Did we just fool around in our car?"
He laughs with her, squeezing her butt gently. "Yes, we did and it was so fucking good. Damn, woman you never cease to blow my mind." He kisses her cheek. "I love you. I'm still….in love with you."
She lifts her head to look into his eyes. "And I'm still in love with you."
The following week, they are spending Friday night in King's County at Michonne's suggestion, attending a high school football game at Rick's alma mater. He has talked about attending a game for years, but never made the time to do it. Michonne thought it was time that he did, so she made all of the arrangements and even invited Shane, Andrea, Daryl, Sasha, and Rick's parents.
Rick is having the best time as being home and at his old school is bringing back some wonderful memories. He is even more surprised when he and Shane are recognized as former football players during the half time show.
The weekend turns into one for football as Rick travels to Atlanta with Shane and Daryl to take in a college game on Saturday and a professional game on Sunday. Michonne opted to remain home with the kids and allow her husband some time with his friends.
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"I messed up, Andrea. Oh god….he's going to be so upset." Michonne is at her best friend's apartment, spending the weekend with her on the pretense of planning for Andrea and Shane's upcoming wedding.
"Michonne, you and Rick have always been able to talk to each other. Just tell him. Besides, it takes two to tango. You didn't do this all by yourself."
"But this is what we went to counseling for. I put all of that pressure on him…" She stops as Andrea interrupts her.
"Wait. Counseling? The two of you are in counseling? What's going on? Why didn't you tell me?" Andrea asks.
Michonne sighs. "Because I knew if I told you, you'd tell me how unreasonable I was being."
"You wanna back up and tell me what's really going on?"
Minutes later, Andrea is shaking her head at her best friend, but decides not to judge or chastise her.
"I'm sorry things got so bad between you two but I have to say, Michonne….can't you see how much that man loves you? There is nothing in this world he wouldn't do for you, but he put his foot down about this because he was afraid he'd lose you." Andrea stares into her friend's eyes, hoping she can understand what she has with her husband.
Michonne looks away out of guilt, knowing that Andrea is right. "I know. I realize that now. I see how unreasonable I was being and honestly, it all boiled down to the fact that he wouldn't give in. We only have two sessions left and things are going so well. I'm going to put us back at square one if I'm pregnant."
She rubs her forehead, anxiously. "He's going to think I did this on purpose. That everything we've done for the last few weeks was for nothing."
"Come on. We're going to the drug store. You'll take one of those at home tests and at least know for sure," Andrea suggests.
Michonne agrees as they grab their purses and exit the apartment.
The next day, Michonne arrives home and is a nervous wreck. She exchanges a kiss and greeting with her husband, trying her best to hide her emotions but he picks up on it immediately.
"Everything go ok with Andrea?" He asks as she bends down to shower kisses and hugs on the children, telling them how much she missed them.
She stands, but avoids his eyes as she says, "Of course." She moves off to the kitchen. "I'm gonna start on dinner."
Rick eyes her bags by the front door with a frown. She always unpacks her bags after a trip or overnight stay. That's the first thing she does after greeting him and the kids…always. The other thing he noticed is that she parked the car in the garage, but took the time to walk from the garage to the front door instead of taking the garage entrance to the kitchen which is the norm and the closest entrance. Was she trying to prolong coming into the house?
The boys return to watching their DVD while Judy is entertaining herself with some blocks. Rick picks her up and places her in a sectioned off corner in the living room, child proofed just for her. He tells the boys to keep an eye on their sister and makes his way to the kitchen.
Michonne is so intent on slicing up some vegetables she doesn't hear his approach. She jumps with a gasp when Rick reaches out and touches her arm. A hand goes to her stomach. "You scared me."
"You wanna talk about it?" He asks.
"About what?" She returns.
"Come on, something's bothering you. I can tell. What's going on? You and Andrea didn't agree on your dress for the wedding?" He laughs, but tapers off as his wife looks at him with a serious expression.
"I'm…late. My period's late…and I took a pregnancy test, but it didn't read right, so I guess I need to go to the doctor," she ends with a deep exhale as she places the knife on the cutting board and turns her body to fully face her husband.
Rick closes his eyes as he pinches the bridge of his nose. He drops his head as he runs a thumb across his bottom lip, appearing to be deep in thought.
"I'm sorry. I know this is what I wanted, but I swear I didn't plan this. I didn't trick you." She pauses, waiting for him to say something. "Please…don't be angry."
He looks over at her, everything in him wanting to be angry, but he pulls from memory all the great advice from the counselor, the moments he and his wife have shared over the past several weeks, and he realizes that maybe this was just meant to happen.
He pulls her into his arms and holds her gently, smiling when he feels her physically relax against him and wraps her arms around his waist. "I'm not angry. Maybe a little scared, but we'll go to the doctor and find out and just go from there." He leans back and lifts her chin with a finger. "Ok?"
She nods and agrees with "Ok" as she accepts his kiss gratefully.
Two days later, they're sitting in the car outside of the doctor's office. Rick is holding Michonne while she cries softly.
"Am I to take it you're disappointed?" He asks.
She nods slowly with a sniff. "Disappointed….and relieved." She pulls back to look at him. "I really did want another baby, but not if it's going to put us at odds with each other. We have three beautiful children and I'm happy…with them, with you. I don't need anything else." She pauses with a sigh. "I'm sorry for being unreasonable. For not taking your feelings into consideration, but I understand now and I'm willing to forego my plans to give you that peace of mind."
Rick inhales and exhales deeply. "I'm probably going to regret this, but…babe, if you want another baby, we can try for another baby. I want you to be ok and if that's what you need…."
She interrupts him with a sound kiss as she hugs him tightly. The tears continue to come as she giggles with happiness. All the anger, the angst is forgotten with those words spoken by her husband. That's what she needed. Just for him to "say" it was ok, but the counseling sessions helped to bring them to this place and she is most grateful. They have two more sessions to complete and she is going to do it proudly.
"I love you so much, Rick Grimes."
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They are attending their last counseling session and Dr. Prescott is proud to announce that their marriage has been saved and appears stronger than ever. She wants to make one last suggestion before they depart.
"I just want to congratulate you both as you worked really hard and did everything required of you to contribute in bringing your marriage back to a peaceful place. I have one more suggestion and I've been pondering over this for weeks, especially when I would study your case file. A lot of this inconsistency began with the potential of another pregnancy. I understand both of you have come to an agreement on that which if fine, but have either of you ever considered adoption? It truly is a wonderful experience. My husband and I adopted our daughter 5 years ago and we were very happy with the process. I will warn you. The process is lengthy, but it was worth it." She smiles as the couple look to one another, contemplating her words.
She hands a business card to Michonne. "Please. There's no pressure from me. Just something to consider to bring this process full circle so to speak. It really has been a pleasure getting to know both of you and don't take this the wrong way, but I hope to never see you again."
The trio laughs as Dr. Prescott adds, "At least not on a professional level."
Epilogue: Eighteen months later, Rick and Michonne welcomed a beautiful baby girl to their family by means of adoption.