A/N: I can always count on my fellow Richonners to inspire me. I felt sad writing the last chapter, and what most of you said is right; we need some happiness! And after what happened to Noah on the show, I just need something to pick me up. So, I'm going to try to repair their relationship…
But first, some responses:
Guest: I felt so sad when I was writing it; trying to understand what's happening with them on the show has been an emotional rollercoaster for many of us.
Literaturechick: Thank you! You really do flatter me. I'm so glad you pointed out that every Richonner is feeling this at the moment. It gives me hope that we can get through this atrocious plotline on the show too.
KK: Aww your poor heart; my apologies, I know exactly how you feel though. You're right; pride ultimately leads to loneliness. Let's hope they can sort it out.
CodeName-Me: I so want to see them happy too!
EisleyGirl: As per your request! Enjoy!
HeartoSteel: Thanks. These few weeks have really sucked for our ship. I hope my little contribution makes everyone feel a little better.
Paisley2: Aww how nice of you to say. I'm definitely writing more chapters!
cavalier8503: Oh, I'm not into torturing readers (hmm, maybe a little lol)
Soul93: I'm so glad you think this alternative was better than what they've given us on the show. Someone told me to watch the eps that I didn't like because of the inspiration that would come…and here we are!
Alex311: You are welcome. I just want them to have a place to call home, together with all the nonsense aside!
Severelybabykryptonite: Thank you! Where there's love, there's hope! Ugh, they're so perfect together!
Okay, let's see what's going on…
I mistook the warnings for wisdom
From so called friends quick to advise;
Though your touch was telling me otherwise…
Rick thought he might follow Michonne after she had left Carl's party, but he knew there was nothing he could say at that very moment that would change her mind. He had listened to those around him time and time again saying he should let her go, but he realized now what it was that he needed to do. He needed to make it up to Michonne; to try to win back her favor. He had no idea what that would entail but he needed to show her that he valued her; that he cared for her; that he loved her. He also had to remind himself that she did not need him.
xXx
There was a heavy breeze blowing outside of her residence; Michonne always thought the breeze that blew on a moonlit night seemed somewhat foreboding compared to that which blew in the day. She looked up from the book she was reading and glanced towards the window; the outside shutters made a recurrent tapping sound from the wind. Rick had offered to fix it by tightening the hinges and Michonne had thanked him but declined his offer; she would do it herself, but just never found the time. She sighed, placed her book on the arm of the couch and drew her cardigan tightly around her body in an effort to combat the chill in the air.
As she stepped out onto the porch and shifted the troublesome shutter so that it closed properly, something in the light of the full moon caught her attention. She glanced down the road and saw Carl running in the direction of her house; it had been a week since his birthday party and, like always, he and Judith were at her place every day. She knew something was amiss for him to be sprinting at night towards her abode. Without a second thought, Michonne raced down the front steps, up the garden path and met Carl in the street.
"What is it?" she asked him frantically, capturing his shoulders in her hands in an attempt to steady him.
"It's my Dad. You have to help!" Carl said, short of breath.
Michonne felt her heart sink, placed her arm at Carl's back and turned to run towards their house.
Judith sat on the sofa looking scared and reached her hands up for Michonne. Carl, instead, scooped her up into his arms.
"Not now, Judy. Mimi's gotta help Dad," he said to the crying child.
"Carl, where is he?" Michonne asked as she gently stroked Judith's head in an effort to calm her.
"This way," Carl replied as he led Michonne out into their backyard.
xXx
The back porch light and the full moon allowed Michonne to see Rick clearly on the ground in the backyard; he was whimpering in pain while looking slightly embarrassed at all once. She rushed towards him and knelt down beside him. He cradled his arm and scrunched his face up.
"What happened here?" she asked with concern.
"I think it's broken. Shit! It's broken," Rick said referring to his arm.
"What happened?" she asked again.
"He fell off o' the roof," offered Carl before Rick could say anything.
"What the hell was he doin' on the roof? Never mind. Can you stand, Rick?" she asked, turning her attention to him as he tried to sit up.
"Carl, come help us," she said as the boy placed his sister down and came to their aid.
Once they got Rick to stand, it was evident that he had injured his ankle in the fall as well.
"Fuck! I can't stand on it," he said with a wince as Michonne and Carl stood either side of him and helped to hold him upright.
Michonne quickly dropped down to the ground to examine Rick's foot; he held back a pained groan as she removed his boot.
"I don't think it's broken," she said. "Maybe just a sprain. We'll get you inside and Carl you go get the Doc."
xXx
Rick reclined on the sofa with his arm in a makeshift cast and his ankle strapped; he was heavily medicated and not focussing too much on what was happening around him. He had broken his arm in the fall and he jarred his ankle. The swelling would last for a day or two and he would be incapacitated and uncomfortable. Judith sat on Michonne's lap almost dozing off and Carl sat beside his father while Doctor Buckley explained what needed to be done.
It turned out the break was clean and setting it would ensure it would heal without a problem; Rick was going to have to stay off his ankle for a few days. The doctor handed the pain medication to Michonne and informed them he would be back in the morning and would stop by over the next couple of days. Michonne placed the pill bottle into her pocket as the doctor let himself out of the house.
"Rick, you doin' alright?" Michonne asked; he lifted his head and looked in her direction.
"Yeah. Thanks," he replied forcing a smile through his agony.
"Carl, take Judy; I'll be right back,"
xXx
Michonne had returned from her house with an overnight bag to find Judith deep in slumber and Carl looking tired; Rick had not given in to sleep just yet. His eyes followed her across the room as he proffered a small and thankful grin; she nodded slightly in his direction. Michonne took the sleeping child from her big brother and carefully placed her on the sofa beside her father.
"Hey, buddy. I know you're tired but I need help with one more thing," Michonne said.
Carl knew that Michonne was going to stay at their house that night before she even returned with her bag. Rick would need help with them and Carl knew Michonne was always there for them when they needed her. He nodded his head then followed her up stairs. They sat down on the spare bed which used to be Noah's a moment before they went ahead and stripped it down.
"Now, what happened? Why was your dad up there on the roof?" Michonne asked.
"He was up there trying to saw that branch away from Judith's window. Every time the wind blows, that branch taps her window and makes her scared," Carl said with a smile.
It was contagious, and Michonne found herself grinning too.
"He's so good to you and your sister," she offered.
"Yeah, he is. Judy's been fretting for you at night," Carl said in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. That's why Dad had to cut the branch right away instead of waiting for tomorrow. He can't get her to settle down 'cause she cries for you at night when she's scared," Carl said, his demeanour becoming sombre.
Michonne felt a small tugging at her heart; she knew her pride was putting distance between her and Rick's children whom she loved dearly.
"I wish I could be here for her…" Michonne started before Carl interrupted.
"You can be. You can be here all the time. That's what we want; that's what my Dad wants. Why don't you want us anymore?" Carl asked sorrowfully.
Michonne felt the tears well in her eyes; she sighed sadly.
"I want you guys. Of course I do; I love you. I want to be here to put Judy to sleep when she's frightened and help you with your homework when you're stuck. I want you guys. Things have just been complicated with me and your Dad for a while now."
"Do you want my Dad?" Carl asked outright; Michonne felt her stomach tighten. They had had this conversation before.
"I don't know. He can be such a clumsy ass sometimes," she answered, trying to lighten the mood.
Carl chuckled a little and nodded his head in agreement.
"Michonne, do you love my Dad?" The boy asked finally.
"Yes," Michonne said quickly and honestly. "But, like I said, it's complicated."
"Well," said Carl. "He loves you too so I hope the both of you find a way to make things less complicated. Come on, let's get this mattress."
They say home is where the heart is
If the exception proves the rule I guess that's true
The wind continued to whirl around outside; whistling through the crisp night air. Michonne lay on her back on the mattress that was placed on the floor of the Grimes' living room; Judith snuggled close to her and Rick snored quietly on the sofa next to her. She did not know if it was the pain medication that helped him, but Rick did not stir from bad dreams like he had before; Carl had told her of the nightmares he heard his father having from time to time. He seemed at ease now.
All of a sudden, Rick shifted slightly in his position and his snoring stopped.
"Michonne?"
Rick called to her; his voice was hoarse and tinged with discomfort. She sat up and made sure the blanket was still covering Judith.
"I'm here," she answered, leaning toward his face in the dark as they spoke softly.
"Good. Thank you," Rick said languidly.
"It's okay. Here, take this,"said Michonne as she offered Rick a water bottle; she held it while he let the cool, soothing liquid quench his thirst.
He thanked her once more. She reached her hand to find his and took hold of it giving it a gentle and comforting squeeze.
xXx
Rick blinked several times quickly as the dim light of the early morning crept through the curtains. He had had an interrupted sleep after his pain medication wore off; the pain he was experiencing presently was what ripped him from his slumber. He brought himself up awkwardly and with much difficulty into a seated position while he held back pained noises so as not to wake Judith and Michonne. He had almost forgotten that she had spent the night in his house; but when he turned his head, he saw her sleeping soundly. She appeared to be so serene and he smiled as he took in her beauty. Regardless of his injuries, Rick felt as an overwhelming sense of peace as he watched Michonne; he felt an overwhelming sense of love.
Now every day I wake again
In a house that might have been
A Home