Thanks everyone for reading and responding. I really appreciate the support!
Chapter Six
The bottle spun round and round, passing potential victims to be put on the hot seat of truth. Laughter, so much laughter and drink. Michonne wasn't sure which one was fueling the other, but it was so rare in this world of death and depravity. It was now a commodity. The ladies knew they could only do a few bottles of wine and they would use it well in celebration of the events for the day to come. This wouldn't even be a game played if alcohol weren't involved. They'd first had dinner enjoying one of Mrs. Edward's fabulous casseroles. They'd talked love and happiness, everything and nothing, before moving into the living room to continue the party. They'd settled for an innocent game of Spin the bottle, Truth No Dares. It was refreshing. The bottle finally stopped, landing on Sasha who sat up straight and focused on the lady, Michelle, who was to ask the next question.
What is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to you?
Sasha thought for a minute, then answered. It was before Abe and I were together. He'd gone through something really heavy one day, and came to see me. He told me…that we could be here thirty years and our time together would still be too short.
The room instantly filled with a collective Aww with some ladies holding their hands to their chests, while others took another swig of their wine.
So what happened next? Someone asked.
I'm sure we can all guess. Someone answered and they all laughed before the bottle was spun again and this time landed on Francine. Sasha smiled mischievously. Then asked the question. How many guys have you slept with?
Who's to say I'm into guys?
Yowling and laughter reverberated through the room with some even clinking their glasses together at the response.
Ok ok, let me rephrase. How many PEOPLE have you slept with? Sasha corrected.
The woman took a swig of her drink and looked around the room. Then proudly stated Forty.
What?! Seriously? How many were men and how many were women? Many exclaimed different responses at once, none judgmental, but curious in tone. All were a little shocked due to the woman's apparent conservative demeanor.
I dated a lot alright. The woman defensively explained with a laugh. What's your number? She then asked.
Nobody's judging. Agreed. I've slept with 14 guys. I've slept with about 20. I think my number is around 6. I've only been with 2. All eyes immediately went to the woman who made the last comment.
My husband and my boyfriend from High School. She said, a little embarrassed. Unlike Francine, I didn't get out that much.
How about you Michonne, bride to be, what's your number? Someone asked, putting her on the spot.
Michonne took a swig of her wine, feeling way more relaxed than she'd normally be in this setting and thus comfortable with sharing what any other time she'd keep private.
Ten. She confessed. And they weren't all boyfriends.
The ladies all cheered and laughed, many again clinking their glasses.
Who says sex has to mean love. Someone said.
Right. Another lady agreed.
Let's just say I had a great time in college. Michonne revealed, and all the ladies hooted and cheered again, before Francine feeling good and less defensive about her high number, spun the bottle again with it landing on Michonne.
Screaming and clapping ensued with the ladies excitedly awaiting the question that would be posed to the guest of honor.
The future Mrs. Grimes! Someone exclaimed.
Argh! Haven't I said enough. Michonne joked.
No nearly. Maggie lightly countered.
Ok, ask away.
What is the sexiest part on the male body, or rather what is the sexiest part on Rick's body?
Everyone excitedly clapped and cheered which caused Michonne to helplessly smile, shaking her head as they waited on pins and needles for her to respond. Wow, that's a hard one….
I bet it is. Someone said, inciting chuckles throughout the room.
I think everything about him is sexy. She answered.
Good answer. Ah, yeah
But, if I had to choose, I'd say…his hands. She shyly stated, thinking of what he'd done with those hands just hours before she'd arrived at the party.
His hands? Well I wasn't expecting that. Francine said. Hands? Some exclaimed with bewilderment. Hands aren't bad. Sasha interjected.
Right! Michonne pointed at her. Hands can do some pretty amazing things. She let slip and all began Oohing and applauding.
Do tell? Someone urged. We'd love to hear what Rick can do with his hands. Someone else said.
No kiss and tell. Michonne rejected, to some disappointed laughter and groans, before she then spun the bottle again….
Everyone leaped at once, all going for the same things, trying to get there first and thus get control of the game. They'd been at it for a while, a surprising suggestion by Abraham to give Rick a bachelor's night before the wedding. Now the score was tied, but they didn't have much time left with the skies quickly growing dark due to the setting sun. Rick amazingly won the battle, grabbing the ball then bouncing it with skill as he ran opposite the basket, dribbling with his left hand while he tried to catch his breath, watching as the others did too. He was surprised at his skill at the game. He never played in his past life, but when Carl got shot, they'd used it along with a tennis ball to hone his hand eye coordination. One day while practicing throwing baskets they'd decided on a game, and from there his skill at the game had grown.
Ten more minutes and we should wrap this up. Rick stated as he briefly looked towards the darkening sky then returned his eyes to Darryl, who had the ball.
You afraid we gone show you up. Abraham challenged as he attempted to protect Darryl from Rick and Morgan.
No, we got this. Rick countered, blocking Darryl's shot which succeeded in preventing it from going in and watched as Aaron got the ball, ran away from the goal, then back around the end of the drive before starting toward the others.
Did you forget we're winning? Darryl pointed out.
Only by four points. Morgan said.
By six now. Darryl said as he stole the ball from Aaron and sunk it in the basket.
It ain't over. Rick warned, immediately getting the ball and shooting it again. This time hitting the basket, to the excited roars of his teammates.
Who's been teaching you? Abraham questioned.
Ain't nothing to teach, just bounce and shoot. Rick retorted, demonstrating his skill again to the shock of his opposing friends, who couldn't help but yell at another shot he made, after swiping the ball from Gabriel.
Argh, can't go home to the wife with a loss.
Speak for yourself. Rick refuted.
You ain't married yet. Gabriel reminded him as he shadowed Morgan in an attempt to keep him from being passed the ball.
This has nothing to do with Michonne. Rick then added, ignoring Gabriel's comment. This is about kicking your ass.
The guys shouted in excitement and frustration at the basket that tied the score while simultaneously the light faded from the sky. They all stood around the court their hands at their waists cursing the darkness, then finally accepted that it was over. The men shook hands and congratulated each other on the great game, vowing to pick up where they left off the next time they had a chance.
I'm ready for something else. Aaron excitedly said, looking around at the guys.
Too bad ain't no sports bars nearby. Morgan stated.
Or Magic City. Abraham joked which prompted a side eye from some of the guys. Come on y'all know y'all would be down.
I got it covered. Darryl exclaimed ignoring Abe's comment. It ain't a sports bar but I think ya'll will take it. Intrigued they all followed Darryl who led the way to what was next.
Maggie you're up. Someone said to the woman who was busy nursing her wine and hadn't noticed that the bottle had landed on her.
Go ahead. She replied.
What was the most awkward romantic encounter you've ever had?
I wouldn't call it romantic, but I had a one-night stand in an alleyway. It was the worst sex I've ever had. I never did that again.
Ouch. Someone exclaimed. Too much alcohol? Francine asked.
Pretty much. Maggie confirmed which gave everyone a chuckle.
One night stands never live up to the hype. Rosita chimed in. There's all this build up but when it goes down I'm like that's it.
I don't know who you were sleeping with but my one night stands never went down that way. Someone countered
The ladies all laughed again. While someone mentioned they were always too afraid to have a one- night stand, another mentioned it wasn't there thing, while others said they never had the chance or they were afraid to do it due to fear of pregnancy and/or disease.
Believe me, you didn't miss anything. Rosita said. Now a friends with benefits is a different story.
Yes! Several of the ladies shouted in agreement. At least the sex is always guaranteed to be good. Sasha piped in.
Not necessarily. Someone said.
Well if ain't good why would you be sleeping with him? Sasha asked.
Something to do? Michonne answered for the woman, to which she immediately agreed and everyone hooted and hollered.
After the laughter calmed some and the ladies were back focused on the game, Maggie gave the bottle a whirl and it landed on Michonne.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done for a man?
How much time do you got? Michonne asked, to which quiet giggles spread around the room. Run into a herd of walkers with nothing but determination and my sword. She said with seriousness recalling the memory from a couple of years before when Alexandria had been overrun by walkers, and Rick, in frustration and grief, ran out to fight a horde of walkers, after Carl had been shot. It had been yet another turning point in her and Rick's relationship. It was insane. She continued. But I'd do it again without a second thought. Most of the ladies uttered a quiet Aww while others recalled moments they'd had to deal with walkers to save a loved one.
Leave it to the bride to be to turn things serious. Rosita reproached in a light tone, spurring an anemic chuckle throughout the room.
The question was asked. I answered honestly. Michonne defended. But I can lighten the mood with a more agreeable answer. She said. Another crazy thing I did for a man… I stripped naked and ran into the ocean. The room instantly burst with chatter and excitement.
What?! That's crazier than running into a horde of walkers! Was it daylight? You're kidding! Several ladies exclaimed at once.
It's not a lie. It was daylight and on a public beach and yes I was arrested. Laughter exploded in the room. With someone stating their disbelief that Michonne had once been arrested.
Satisfied with the somberness being successfully lifted from the room, Michonne gave the bottle a swirl...
What do you think they're doing over there? Darryl asked as he and the other men, looked down the way towards the house where the women's get together was being held. They'd all been relaxing after their basketball game and had been joined by a few other men in the community who'd wrapped up their security shifts. They were all enjoying the night air, having what Alexandria seemed to always have in abundance – alcohol.
I have no clue. Rick said as he took a swig of his beer.
Whatever it is, they sure got us beat. Abraham stated.
I don't know. We had a dam good basketball game. Darryl countered.
Which we would've kicked your ass had it not been for the sunset. Rick scoffed.
We told ya'll we can pick it back up at any time. Darryl challenged.
I'm holding you to that. He said, pointing his beer towards Darryl, then took a swig and looked towards the sky taking in the stars that years before hadn't been there. Unseen by the naked eye due to the pollutants in the air.
We should plan a game night, maybe once month, when the time can be spared. Morgan suggested.
I'm game. That'd be cool. What would we do? All the guys commented at once.
We'd need more to do than basketball. Rick stated.
I've got a deck of cards I picked up last month on a run. Darryl said.
The Monroe house has a pool table in the basement. Aaron added.
Really? If I'd known that I'd been spending my free time over there. Rick teased.
You don't have no free time. Darryl contended, thinking how if Rick wasn't busy with Michonne, Carl and Judith he was doing work inside or outside the community, all for the community, to keep it sustainable and safe.
The ole ball and chain already got you locked down. Abraham laughed.
There's nothing old or clingy about Michonne. Rick countered.
Alright man! She rockin it?! A couple of the men said, picking up on the inference in Rick's statement and tone.
Dam straight. Rick seriously answered one of them.
My bad. No ruffled feathers intended. Abraham said, raising his hand in mock surrender then took another gulp of his beer.
No feathers ruffled here.
You know that's something that changed with the end of the world, no more nagging and complaining women. I don't miss that. Too much shit going down. Abraham voiced.
You obviously haven't spent any time with Ms. Simpson. Aaron declared, to which they all laughed. Those who'd had interactions with the woman nodding in agreement.
What's her issue? Morgan asked.
Issues. The dam sun rising. The oak tree in her yard. The noise from the work on the east gate. The men chimed in.
Seriously? She complained about the noise at the east gate? Darryl asked in disbelief.
Every chance she gets. Gabriel confirmed, causing the men to again scoff and laugh, appreciating to a degree that some things were still with them in this new world.
The men then all became quiet some staring into the darkness or at the sky while taking occasional swigs of their drinks, thinking.
You know something I do miss is Sunday night football. Abraham suddenly exclaimed out the blue which spurred instant agreement from the others, followed by a long conversation about professional sports and the best championship games from their previous lives.
So we gone do the game night? Darryl asked once the conversation died down. It ain't the Superbowl but it'll be something.
An occasional reprieve would be nice. It would give the people something to look forward to besides the usual. Morgan stated.
I like it. Rick shrugged. You plan it we'll be there. He said looking at Morgan, who'd originally presented the idea. The man then nodded accepting the directive.
This was a good idea. Rick declared, turning his gaze to the men around him. Thank you.
It was the least we could do considering all you, and Michonne have done for this community. Aaron sincerely responded. You deserve a celebration of your happiness.
Well it's not just a celebration of me and Michonne. It's a celebration of all of us, what we've built here in spite of our failures and losses, what we'll build in the future.
And what a hell of a future it's gone be. Abraham proclaimed.
To the future. Gabriel suddenly asserted, lifting his bottle of beer.
To the future. They all repeated then lifted their bottles to the air before taking a swig of their drinks.
Hey! Rick smiled, greeting Michonne as she left the house where her gathering was held, then slipped his hand into hers.
Hey! She beamed, feeling a comforting warmth at his touch.
How was your party? He asked.
It was fun.
We heard. He smirked.
Heard what? Michonne questioned with a hint of alarm.
The laughter. Rick clarified. You worried I heard? He curiously asked. What did ya'll talk about?
Nothing.
Really? He lightly scoffed.
Really. Michonne innocently replied. How was your game?
Ah, changing the subject. Now I'm really curious.
Michonne cut him a side eye and smirked, then returned her eyes forward.
Did you tell them I snore? He joked.
You don't snore. Michonne laughed, shaking her head.
You told them about my gun belt during our first time?
Rick! Michonne exclaimed, stopping their trek to give him an amused look of disbelief.
Struck a nerve?
I'm not answering that. She said as she resumed their walk.
You did tell them!
I'm not talking about it.
You sure about that? Rick asked after stopping them again, then kissing her deeply.
I'm sure. Michonne breathlessly uttered, then took his lips once more. You never told me about your game. She then whispered.
It was good. He softly conceded, his mouth lingering against hers.
Good. She uttered then kissed him again, passionately hotly, before moving forward, pulling him along when he gently tugged her hand, stopping her.
What?
I can't come. Rick revealed.
Why not? Michonne queried in confusion.
The groom can't see the bride before the wedding. It's tradition.
You're not serious.
Rick held her gaze, unwavering and earnest.
You can come tonight and leave before morning. Michonne uttered.
I'd love to, but I can't. He said, which caused Michonne to laugh, after catching the innuendo in the tone of his response.
You sure I can't convince you. She quietly questioned, then kissed him slowly, tenderly devouring his tongue as her hand slid down to his butt, gently squeezing its cheek at the cusp of his inner thigh. Rick passionately groaned and took control, kissing her deeper, hungrily, driving her to moan, before he gradually pulled away.
No. He huskily replied against her mouth, causing her to sigh in heated frustration. They stood there a moment, quiet and breathing heavy, their lips inches apart, when Rick finally found the strength to speak.
Rest well. He breathed then kissed her forehead and stepped back, his hand briefly lingering on her cheek, before leaving her feverish, longing and happy.