A/N: Written for Richonne Fics Words Unspoken Challenge on Tumblr.
There were so many things that Rick had grown accustomed to at the end of the world: The perpetual foul stench that reeked of crushed dreams and lost lives; the sense of despair that pervaded the air. Even now, despite loathing himself and the world for it, the pained and plaintive wails from the boy on the ground was something that he was used to; something that he half expected whenever they were out on a mission. Alas, the thing in that moment that shook Rick to his core was the defeated expression that Michonne wore.
As they walked towards one another, their bodies heavy and deflated; their hearts wrenching for Noah's loss, she avoided his gaze. They did not share words, but he could tell she was reaching the end of her tether. That destroyed community offered so much promise and now all of that promise was swept from their grasp, like dead leaves in an unforgiving wind. They were witnesses to yet another tragedy where another person, undeserving of such hurt, had their family and their hopes ripped from them.
While they felt deeply saddened for Noah, Michonne could not help but think of the hopes of the people who had become her family; the hopes that were also being torn asunder. She was unsure of how much more loss she could take. How many more days and nights of uncertainty she could handle. She could feel herself unravelling and as Rick approached her, she dared not to look into his sad eyes.
It was a fleeting gesture; a swift brush from his calloused fingers across her slender wrist. Purposeful, gentle and reassuring; a contrast to the situation they were in. Rick's touch drew her from her tortured reverie and reminded her that while things seemed bleak, he was there for her in any way that she would have him.