Richonne (Short Love Stories) Out of Order Part III (Chapter 30)

A/N: WARNING! My fluff-o-meter is in overdrive with this update. So let's fluff away!

"Hi. I'm Michonne. You are….?" Michonne inquires of the female deputy.

The deputy's eyes grow with recognition as she says, "Oh, I just work with Rick. We work together."

Michonne looks her up and down. "Obviously. Your name?"

"This is Sherri," Rick supplies. He looks to his co-worker. "Let me get that book for you." He moves over to one of two bookshelves and promptly removes a textbook and hands it to Sherri. "Sorry it took so long."

Michonne watches Sherri during the entire exchange and notes how her eyes follow Rick. She scoffs silently.

Sherri takes the book from Rick slowly. "No problem. Well….thanks." She lingers for a second too long.

"Don't you want to stay for dinner? I wasn't expecting company, but I'm sure I can scrounge up something for you," Michonne offers.

Rick frowns at her as he walks over to the door, opening it. "I'll see you tomorrow, deputy. Good night."

Sherri moves over to the door. "Good night." She looks to Michonne. "It was nice to meet you."

Michonne simply waves as Sherri nods and exits the house.

Rick is almost afraid to close the door. He's not sure what to expect from Michonne. "That was rude."

"Inviting your co-worker to stay for dinner was rude?" She rolls her eyes, feeling her anger rise. She's not even sure what she's angry about. "Looks like I interrupted something anyway, so I guess I should leave." She moves into the kitchen and grabs her purse.

Rick stays planted by the door as he is not going to allow her to walk out. "You wanna tell me why you're here?"

"As a matter of fact, I don't. Not now, anyway." She sighs as she notices Rick standing in front of the door with his arms folded across his chest. "Would you move please?"

He simply shakes his head no.

"Ok, you really want to do this? Fine. How long have you been seeing her?"

"I'm not."

"Then why was she here at your house after work? Did you have plans with her?"

"No. She is actually considering the exam for a position with the FBI. I took the exam a couple of months ago, but never followed through."

Michonne laughs with disbelief. "So Rick Grimes is the only person in all of King's County who has a study guide for the FBI exam? Try again."

"What has gotten into you? Why are you acting like this?"

"Are you smiling? You think this is funny?" She marches for the door and grabs the handle, brushing against his rear in the process.

Rick uses his hip to nudge her hand away from the knob while he gently grasps her upper arms and moves her back a step or two. "Michonne, you're being ridiculous. I have nothing going on with my co-worker."

"Well, she wishes something was going on. I saw how she looked at you," Michonne returns.

"And why do you care?"

That question causes Michonne to flinch as she deflates quickly, realizing she is acting like a jealous girlfriend and really doesn't have that privilege. She turns her back on him as the tears start to form. The confusion sets in and she wonders about her reaction to seeing him with someone else. Suddenly, it dawns on her. The pregnancy and her hormones must be affecting her behavior. "I…I'm sorry. I came here to talk. To try and make things right again. I wanted to do something nice for you to show you that I never meant to hurt you. I made dinner, so….I'm just going to go now."

"What about our talk?" Rick asks.

"I just want you to forgive me," Michonne answers.

"That's it. Just forgive you, so we can go back to being best friends? Am I supposed to forget the fact that I'm in love with you and that you're in love with me?"

Michonne gasps as she turns around to face him. Locking eyes with him was a huge mistake as she searches his face and realizes she does love him. She may even be in love with him, but she can't give in to it. She shakes her head. "That is not what's going on here."

"Then why are you here, Michonne? Why is it so important that I forgive you? Why did it upset you that another female walked through that door?" He steps closer to her. "If I'm just your best friend, if you're not in love with me, then none of that should matter to you. You came here, you cleaned my house, you made dinner for me….I think that says you care an awful lot."

"That's what best friends do for each other," Michonne states.

"Really? Shane has never come over and cleaned my house and made dinner for me. When's the last time Andrea cooked and cleaned for you?"

Her heart rate continues to increase with each minute. All of Rick's words are sinking in little by little, making her truly examine her feelings. She opens her mouth several times to say something, but can't get the words out.

"What was that? I didn't hear you."

She drops her eyes to her peep toe pumps, admiring the new polish she tried at the salon last week. "I…my mind is made up. I've accepted the fact that I won't find love again or get married again. It's just not meant for me. I'm going to have our baby and be content."

"What are you so afraid of?"

She looks up at him, allowing the tears to fall down her cheeks. "You….mean…everything to me. If we tried this and it didn't work out, I'd be…..devastated. I don't want to have to face anything like that, so it just works better the way things are."

"I'm not happy with the way things are….not completely." He drops down slightly, looking directly into her eyes. "I would never hurt you. I love you too much. We can make this work. I know we can."

Michonne wants to believe him. Rick has never let her down, he is always there for her no matter what, she loves Carl, Carl loves her, she gets along with Lori, they already have a life together, they already love each other. All she has to do is let go, accept it, and allow him in. She gasps as he places a hand on her stomach.

"This is all the assurance you need. Our baby was conceived in love. I'm not going to deny it and I wish you'd stop denying it," Rick implores.

Michonne covers his hand with hers and feels her body finally relax as she allows herself to stop fighting. She takes a deep, calming breath. "I do love you." She leans in and kisses him softly, closing her eyes in contentment as Rick takes her into his arms.

"Do you forgive me?" She whispers. "I never meant to hurt you."

Rick pulls back to look at her. "I forgive you. Stop worrying about it, ok?"

She nods and glances away from him shyly. "You….you make me feel things I've never felt before and I don't know how to handle that….but when I think about a life without you, none of the fear is worth it." She brings her eyes back to his. "I can't stand not talking to you or not seeing you. I didn't want to admit it, but….I need you. I want you."

Rick sighs with relief as he thought Michonne was going to continue to fight him. He smiles as he embraces her again, realizing that everything is falling into place for them. Now, he just has to convince her to marry him.

"So, when were you planning to tell me about the FBI exam?" She inquires.

He sighs, realizing this woman doesn't miss anything.

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

Two months later

Michonne is a nervous wreck as Rick has invited his parents (Ms. Gladys and Arthur) and her parents (Ms. Mae and Walter) over for dinner. He thinks it's high time they knew about their relationship and the fact that they are going to be grandparents. They've all met before, but never under these circumstances and she's unsure of everyone's reactions.

She is trying her best to prepare everything, but keeps running to the downstairs bathroom, her nervousness culminating into nausea, and the nausea culminating into vomiting. She can hear Rick returning from the grocery store and quickly pushes the door closed as she doesn't want him to see her hovering over the toilet yet again.

Minutes later, she groans as he opens the door. He grows concerned and moves to her side immediately.

She can't help but smile as he is right by her side on his knees, rubbing her back in slow, comforting circles.

"You think I picked a bad time to do this?" He asks quietly.

"I'll be fine. I think it's a combination of nerves and morning sickness." She wipes her mouth with a hand towel and sits back. "I never considered my parents in any of this…let alone yours. I know how old fashioned they are and I already know they're not going to agree. I was hoping we could just show up on their doorstep with a bundle in hand already."

"Really babe? You were deliberately planning not to see our parents for 9 months? What if you ran into my mom at the grocery store or something?"

"She wouldn't have known it was yours," Michonne returns with a smile.

Rick shakes his head. "Well, your plans always leave something to be desired, so we're going to try it my way this time around."

She gasps as Rick just made a dig about her and her infamous plans. "I know one plan you didn't have a problem with."

He gives her a stern look before kissing her cheek and helping her off the bathroom floor. "Are you feeling better now?"

She nods. "I'm just afraid that cooking is going to bring the nausea back."

"How about I just grill some steaks?" He offers.

"But you know how much they all like soul food."

Rick nods. "I know, but they'll be fine." He leads her to the stairs. "I'll take care of everything. Why don't you take a nap?"

Michonne's eyes grow big with excitement at the mention of a nap. "Really?"

He nods with a smile.

"Oh, thank you so much babe. I promise I'll be right as rain in about an hour." She moves up the stairs and disappears into their bedroom as Rick goes to work in the kitchen.

Hours later, they are in the middle of dinner when Rick grabs Michonne's hand and gives her a quick squeeze, letting her know that everything is going well. She smiles at him and wonders why she was ever nervous. Both his parents and hers seem to take the news that they were together quite well. They didn't comment much about the pregnancy which was a complete surprise to Michonne. It was almost like they knew something she didn't.

Weeks ago, Rick had an initial talk with Carl and then he and Michonne talked with him together. Michonne was over the moon that he was ok with it and actually excited about being a big brother.

The sun has finally gone down and the night is much cooler so they decide to have dessert and drinks out by the pool. Ms. Gladys comments on how beautiful the lighting and decorations are for the patio and Michonne thanks her graciously.

Rick waits patiently for Michonne to excuse herself. He knows she's due for a bathroom break pretty soon. Five minutes later, she leaves the table and moves inside the house and up the stairs. He shares a look with Carl and the parents before moving off to follow her. He grabs her as soon as she exits the bathroom, giving her a sound kiss on the mouth.

She giggles with surprise. "What was that for?"

"Just because. Have I told you how much I love you today?" He asks.

"Not as much as I love you." She smiles up at him, genuinely happy. She takes his hand and prepares to leave the room.

"Hold on a minute." He wraps his arms around her. "Think we got enough time for a quick one?"

She gasps. "With our parents and Carl downstairs? Rick please."

"Well, since you're begging…." He starts guiding her to the bed.

Michonne bursts into laughter. "Stop it. You can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am." He says as he leans down to kiss her neck.

"You're just going to have to wait until later tonight after Carl falls asleep." Michonne dodges his next kiss and moves to the door.

Rick beats her there and stands with his back against the door. "Just one kiss then?"

"What has gotten into you tonight?" Michonne smiles, almost blushing as he stares longingly at her lips. "Ok, fine. Just one kiss."

Rick's eyes seem to glaze over as he peels himself from the door and approaches her. He leans down, tilting his head and places his lips softly against hers.

Just as Michonne is about to break away, he grabs her ass and pulls her to him, deepening the kiss and stroking her tongue with his. He is satisfied with her groan as she throws her arms around his neck.

Moments later, he allows her to come up for air.

She shakes her head, blinking rapidly. "Ok. Ok. Downstairs. We have to go downstairs."

He smiles, loving the affect he has on her then turns and opens the door. "Downstairs it is." He follows her out quietly.

Almost down to the last step, she frowns as she hears soft instrumental music drifting in from the patio. "What are they doing?"

He steps in front of her, grasping her hands in his as he walks backward onto the patio, pulling her with him.

Michonne's eyes pop as she takes in all the streamers, balloons, and hanging lantern lights….all white. She looks around to see Andrea, Shane, Tyreese, Karen, Sasha, Daryl, Glenn, and Maggie have joined their parents and Carl. She greets her friends before turning her questioning eyes back to Rick.

He leans in and kisses her on the cheek before dropping down to one knee.

Michonne gasps and immediately becomes emotional as she realizes what this is all about. She clutches at her chest, feeling her heart swell as the tears come and won't stop.

"Michonne, I love you and nothing in this world would please me more than you agreeing to become my wife." His blue eyes never leave hers as he asks, "Will you marry me?"

She can hear her friends sniffling right along with her as she slowly drops to her knees in front of Rick. She smiles through her tears. "Yes, I will marry you." She throws her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly.

Everyone applauds as Carl steps up and hands his Dad a black velvet box from which Rick retrieves a diamond solitaire and slips it onto Michonne's finger.

Laughter and shouts ring out all around as everyone celebrates the newly engaged couple.

"I got you good, didn't I?" Rick whispers in her ear.

In between her sniffles, Michonne whispers back, "You got me good."

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[

Rick fists the sheets tightly as he tries his best not to yell out. His fiancée has her lips wrapped around his manhood, her tongue gliding up and down his shaft as she sucks him off like their very lives depend on it. He breathes in deeply, exhaling slowly as he tries to control his reaction. He can feel her smile around him as she knows she has him exactly where she wants him.

He can't even form coherent words as her hold is tight and her mouth is warm and unrelenting. He groans as she slows down to a gentle pull, circling her tongue around his tip over and over again. He's not sure which is the most intense, the hard and fast pull or the soft and gentle swirling.

He rocks his hips, pushing into her mouth, matching her rhythm. He lifts his head cautiously, always fascinated to watch her pleasuring him. He should've known she meant business tonight when she swept her hair up into a ponytail to ensure it would not be a hindrance.

The change in pace brings him back to matters at hand and he shudders as she tightens her mouth around him. He continues to watch her until he can't take anymore. He drops back to the pillow, closing his eyes. He fantasizes about giving her the same treatment he is getting, an act he is assured to make a certainty very soon. The combination of her gyrating against his mouth in his head and the reality of her mouth on him, sucking and pulling sends him straight into an orgasm.

She allows him to ride out his release completely before removing him from her mouth. She continues to hold him, moving her hand up and down, enjoying how his body jerks with her movements.

"Please….stop," he manages shakily.

"Are you sure?" She asks with a smile.

He delivers a sound yes and sighs with relief when she relinquishes her hold. He gasps as she starts to kiss her way up his body, finally arriving at his lips. His breathing is still ragged, but he returns her kiss, wrapping his arms around her.

"I love you so much," she tells him once they pull apart.

"I love you, too," he returns as he moves down to her neck, pulling her skin into his mouth. He works his way to her breasts, handling them delicately as they have grown extremely sensitive with her pregnancy. He cups one full, perky breast as he circles her areola with the tip of his tongue. He gives both breasts equal time, reveling in her soft mewls of pleasure.

Michonne never thought she could be so happy, so content. She won't ever be able to thank her friend enough for seeing what she refused to see at first. She has gone from believing she was destined to be alone for the remainder of her life to having a fiancé and becoming a first time parent to Carl and his future little brother or sister. She can feel the tears sting her eyes as her emotions threaten to overtake her.

Rick's hands and tongue bring her out of her reflections as he places soft, wet kisses on her still flat tummy, moving his way further down. She brings her knees up, spreading her legs wide, welcoming him as he starts to kiss her intimately.

She shudders as he laves her over and over again, his tongue stroking her with purpose. She lifts her hips, rocking against his mouth, the overwhelming sensation growing in tempo with each stroke. She gasps loudly as he suckles her gently, then continuously flicks his tongue against her sweet spot.

"Oh, yes…..yes….there…right there, Rick." She closes her eyes and grabs his hands as her body starts to shake, her orgasm vibrating and pulsating at her core. She continues to rock against him, riding out her release, her mouth agape, her breaths pumping out soundly.

He lifts a leg over his shoulder as he starts to kiss her inner thigh, never tiring of the taste and texture of her skin. She is firm and soft and smooth all at the same time and he can't help the overwhelming sensation to take a bite. He nibbles gently and moves to the opposite thigh to repeat the process.

She looks down at him, having regained some of her composure. "Are you gonna stay down there all night?"

He continues to kiss her thigh. "I will if you want me to."

"You know what I want," she smiles as she bites her bottom lip, watching as he lifts up to his knees.

He grasps his manhood, stroking himself lightly, his eyes connecting with hers. "Is this what you want?"

Her eyes zero in on his hand, moving up and down slowly. She moves her hands to her breasts and squeezes them softly. "Yes, that's exactly what I want."

"Then come and get it," he challenges.

Michonne smiles as she moves up on her knees to face him. She reaches out to place a hand at the nape of his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. Her other hand travels down to the back of a thigh, tugging at him gently.

Rick reads her signs well as he positions himself on his back, an arm around her waist, pulling her with him. They continue to kiss each other hungrily as she straddles him, rubbing her sex against his. The anticipation grows to a fever pitch neither of them can deny.

She breaks their kiss as she lifts her chest, aligning their bodies perfectly. Brown eyes lock with blue as she sits down slowly, eliciting erotic groans from both of them. She jumps as he slams his hands against her ass soundly, grabbing on as he grinds upward, seeking coveted treasure. Damn. This is going to be a long night.

A/N: I've decided we need a Part IV. What do y'all think?