Pouring

A/N: A combined offering for richonnefics on Tumblr and their promotions: Rick Grimes Fanfiction Appreciation Week (Farmer Rick) and March Rainy Day Prompt Table.

The soft patter of raindrops was a constant sound that made Michonne feel sleepy as she put socks on Judith's small feet; the crackling of distant thunder startled her suddenly. She was safe inside of the home she shared with Rick and the children; she felt at ease. They were away from the outside world with its uncertainty and horrors; they had a comfortable life that was hard-fought and a long time coming. Michonne was thankful for the rain; it gave her an excuse to slow down and appreciate the home that they had found.

The quiet rhythm on their rooftop seemed to grow louder as the rainfall grew heavier. Michonne stood from where she was seated on the couch and walked towards one of the windows. As she peered out into the street, she sighed and wondered if Rick would be returning home any time soon.

…..

The raindrops that fell coolly on Rick's warm skin did little to slow him down out in the community garden. His button down shirt clung shamelessly to his slight body as he forced the shovel into the ground once more; the hole he dug was beginning to collect rainwater. He had been out on the plot of land with a few others trying to get the fruit trees that they had found on a nearby farm replanted. They had hope that the plants would take root and continue to flourish inside the walls of Alexandria. It was early days, but the community was steadfast in their pursuit of becoming self-sufficient. The sky was growing dark, thunder rolled somewhere in the distance, and the rain had forced everyone else to take cover and retire to their homes earlier, yet Rick remained in the yard.

It had been months since Alexandria had gone to war with the Saviors; months since his friends had died. Months since he had killed countless nameless in an attempt to continue feeding his people. Rick stuck the shovel into the ground and glanced down at his hands; the rain caused the soil that covered his palms to fall away. He clenched his fists and gave silent thanks that all he was washing from his hands these days was dirt and not the blood of strangers and of those he loved.

He turned his face up to the sky and let the droplets force his eyes to close; he felt heavy and tired as he let his thoughts become cloudy, much like the heavens above him. The quiet moments alone were the ones that troubled him. He knew that he should pack away his tools and go home to his family, to his children and Michonne, but he was doing this for them. The longs days planting or rebuilding or expanding; they were all so that the people he loved most in the world would be safe. So that their community would survive and so that there would never be a repeat of what they had done before.

The carnage flashed before Rick's eyes as he recalled the death and screaming that occurred as a result of his choices. His choices as a leader of his people; his choice to enact a pre-emptive strike against Negan and his people which resulted in a long, brutal and arduous war between his people and the Saviors. There were many a casualty on both sides, but now, as Rick stood in the rain, he could only recall the pain that was inflicted on his friends, his family.

Dark thoughts and cruel memories had encompassed Rick as he felt neither the rain, nor her gaze as she approached. Her rich, comforting tone drew him from his reverie as she spoke his name just loud enough to be heard over the downpour.

"Rick?" said Michonne.

He turned to look at her and he could not help but offer her a smile, albeit a weak one that scarcely reached his eyes. She held a dark blue umbrella and wore matching galoshes as she was cautious with her steps.

"Come on in, it's pouring," she said.

"Hey," he said; his voice gravelly from disuse. "Yeah, I was just finishin' up here."

Michonne tilted her head to the side, much like he did; she gave him a dubious look as she did not believe he what he had said.

"Let me help you," she offered, surveying the immediate area.

He still had a number of trees to plant and the rain had increased in frequency; Michonne stepped closer to Rick and held the umbrella over his head.

"It's okay," said Rick, referring to the umbrella and the trees. "I got this. Head on back home."

Michonne did not move, but reached her free hand towards Rick; she brushed his wet curls from his face before stroking his cheek gently. They stared into one another's eyes so intensely; the sadness that filled Rick's a moment ago slowly disappeared when he saw the love that shone in Michonne's. She let her hand fall and then took hold of his.

"You don't have to be out here all day; especially not in this weather," she offered.

"I have to do somethin'," said Rick. "I'm responsible for this place. I'm responsible for what happened. I…"

"Rick," Michonne interjected. "You're not the only person responsible for our home. We all are. Not everything should fall back on you."

He looked at her and understood what she was saying, but still, he was a man of action; of duty.

"I know, I just…"

"You're just worried and want to do the right thing. I get it. But you don't need to be at rain or hail. Remember that I need you, and so do the kids. So come on, let's go," said Michonne.

Rick sighed; he knew she was right, he just did not want to feel as if he was shirking his duties.

"I know, and I'll be right there. You go on ahead and I'll catch up, no need for both of us to be out in this weather," he said.

"Not without you," she whispered, stepping closer to him.

Rick smiled in earnest this time and looked down at her mouth; before he could act on his swift thought, Michonne leaned in and pressed her lips to his. They drew apart and Rick needed no more persuading. He followed along behind Michonne as she led him towards the warmth and shelter of their home.