This is a Richonne flash fic set in the Kingdom immediately following the first meeting between Rick and King Ezekiel. I was dying to see Rick smile and couldn't get this scene out of my mind.


The couple gazed upon the thriving community, hands resting on their hips, their brows knit with distrust.

The surreal community was a bittersweet reminder of their past, a hopeful glimmer of their murky future. They understood its fragility, painfully aware of its fleeting existence. Yet, the air was calm, untainted by fear or uncertainty. Its inescapable light seeped into their thirsting souls. Rick fell under its lulling peace, easing the tension that had pervaded his thoughts for weeks.

He glanced down at his scuffed boots, squinting up at the woman before him. Lightness crinkled at the corners of his eyes. A quip tumbled past his lips, piercing the dissipating fog of worry.

"Least I know now you're not into guys with pet tigers."

Michonne arched her eyebrow, acknowledging his accurate assumption. "Definitely not tigers," she conceded but then gently tilted her head in further consideration, "Lions, on the other hand…"

He searched her teasing eyes, a bashful smile finally spreading across his long-awaiting lips.