A/N: Hi all. This is the final instalment in this story since we are gearing up for 6B and I want to explore other scenarios. I wanted to thank you all for your support with this story. I appreciate every single favourite, follow and review. You, dear readers, are amazing! This is short but sweet, I think. Enjoy!


Michonne stared at Rick a moment; it was the first time that they had shared a kiss. Even though it was languid and innocent, it still caused a shiver to course through her body. He wore a small smile and looked at her adoringly while waiting for her to respond. She had not pushed him away, so he guessed he had done the right thing. He moved in to kiss her again, this time Michonne blinked quickly and pulled away.

"We shouldn't do this now," she said quietly.

Rick looked at her with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Why not?" he asked, as she drew her hand away from his and stood.

"We still have things to sort out, Rick," said Michonne as she averted her gaze. Rick sighed and scratched his head.

"So you don't want this?" he asked, gesturing between the two of them.

"Want what, Rick? Why can't you say it?" asked Michonne, growing frustrated.

Rick sighed and sat Judith down on the floor before he stood and walked over to Michonne.

"I'm not good at talking," he said, standing close to her.

"You can literally give a speech to a group of people to fire them up, ready for battle, but you can't tell me how you feel or what you want?" said Michonne incredulously.

Rick shrugged. Michonne placed her hand to his chest; she felt his heart racing.

"Just tell me what's in here," she whispered.

Rick placed his hand over the top of Michonne's and stared deep into her eyes. Rick cupped her face and drew his closer; he had every intention of pressing his lips to hers once more.

"Rick," she said softly. "I need to hear you say it. I need you to tell me you care for me."

"I do care for you, Michonne," he said, running his thumb over her bottom lip. "I've always cared for you, even when I wasn't sure what it meant. I was just afraid to say anything."

"Why?" she asked, feeling electricity from him touch. "You know you can tell me anything."

Rick sighed.

"I was so afraid that I'd lose your friendship; that I'd mess it all up if I told you I was fallin' for you. I didn't think you'd want me," he said in earnest. "I know I don't deserve you, not by a long shot so I guess that held me back as well."

"You deserve happiness. We all deserve something more, Rick. Maybe we can find it together," Michonne said quietly as she leaned in and kissed his mouth softly.

Rick wrapped his arms around her body, drew her closer and deepened the kiss. Breathlessly, they drew apart and offered one another coy smiles.

"That's what I want, for us to be together," Rick said with sincerity.

Michonne nodded.

"Me too," she said before pressing her forehead to his just as Judith spoke again: "Da-ddy."

Rick looked from his daughter, to Michonne and then smiled.

"Stay for dinner?" he asked.

She nodded and grinned; "Okay."

xXxXx

Rick, Michonne, Carl, Judith and Morgan sat around the dining table and ate their meal; laughter was in abundance as they recounted light-hearted stories from the week. Carl was busy relaying the details of some incident or another that occurred at school to Michonne. She laughed uproariously and threw her head back as Carl swore what he was telling her was true. Rick smiled warmly at them and felt a sense of contentment fill his being.

He felt a contentment with his life, regardless of how difficult and dangerous it had become to live in the world in its present state. He was happy with the life he had fought so hard to preserve and new life her promised to build; he had gone to war and was scarred by his battles, and now, after the dust had settled and wounds had healed, he was ready to live. He felt a warmth inside of him as he looked around the table at his family's smiling faces. So long as he had them, he would be okay.

…..

Rick and Michonne stood out on the front porch and watched as Carl took Judith home; they had both agreed to talk a little more after their evening meal. Rick leaned against the wooden railing and looked out into the shiftless street. The sun was just falling behind the treetops as the last rays of sunlight washed over him and Michonne. Rick took the opportunity to admire her beauty as the soft sunlight caressed her smooth skin; he stood mesmerized a moment while Michonne spoke.

"Sorry?" asked Rick, missing what she had said; totally enchanted by her elegant features.

Michonne shook her head amusedly; she had become accustomed to Rick's intense stare which indicated his mind had yet again wandered.

"I asked are we really going to do this?" said Michonne as she stood up straighter and turned to face Rick directly. "I know it's what I want, but I guess I need to hear you say you want it to."

He reached down and took a hold of her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before rubbing his thumb over her slender fingers.

"We're doin' this," said Rick as he stepped closer to Michonne; his heart swelled at the look of adoration and an inkling of fear in her eyes.

He knew exactly how she felt, because he felt it too; so in love but afraid of making yet another mistake. Rick lifted his other hand up to caress Michonne's face; she exhaled silently as relief washed over her.

"This is what I want. I want to be with the woman I love, Michonne. I want to be with you. I want one more day with a chance," Rick said as he stepped closer, sealing it with a kiss. He knew, regardless of what might lie ahead, he would face the challenges, weather the battles and feel renewed, supported and strengthened while he had Michonne by his side.

The End.