Reaping the harvest that the Michonne and Rick's love have sown, who better to complete this story of redemption than the prolific Siancore. This heavy hitter of the Richonne fandom perfectly characterizes our favorite couple with nuance and poignancy which is no surprise to the initiated of her many amazing works. Her prose, from AU to canon is incomparable within the realms of Richonne and the talent she brings to conclude this story is nothing short of miraculous.

Be sure to check out her other works on her FF page.

-We're The Ones Who Write


Chapter 5

Michonne had always loved the cooler weather. There was something comforting about nursing a warm beverage in your hands as you watch gray clouds roll overhead and brown leaves being whipped along an empty sidewalk. The chill of the air brought her mind back to a time and place before the world had ended. It reminded her of how she might spend a day like the present one: Lounging around in loose-fitted clothing, and drinking hot chocolate.

A smile graced her lips before she pushed that feeling of nostalgia deep down inside, and focused on the display before her: Judith and a few other children frolicking in a pile of leaves. Their laughter wafting through the small, secluded area of the Kingdom.

She sipped from her tea and watched as Judith scooped up a handful of leaves and tossed them in the direction of one of her playmates. Michonne grinned and then called out, "Five more minutes, Judy!"

After reaching into the pocket of her jeans, Michonne retrieved Rick's wristwatch. He had given it to her when he was set to return to the Safe-Zone all those weeks ago. She smiled to herself when she recalled how he had agreed to give her all the time she needed to do as she needed. Her heart swelled with love for him as she remembered how he removed his watch and handed it to her, proclaiming that he wanted her to hold on to it until she and the children returned to their home; returned to him.

Michonne turned the watch over in the palm of her hand. Her soul yearned for her husband as she recalled his firm hand stroking her face while they stood at the gates of the Kingdom. How he wiped her tears with his thumb when she saw the sadness in his eyes. How she promised him she would count the hours until they would be together again in their home.

Thus far, it had been close to one thousand, five hundred hours since Michonne had stepped foot inside of Alexandria. And now, as she finished her tea, and clasped tightly onto her husband's watch, she was ready, finally, to go home.

…..

"There's three more over there!" Rick called out to Gabriel while he pointed his machete in the direction of a few ambling walkers.

A small herd had gathered by the side of the road that led to the Safe-Zone. The force of those caught in the traps, coupled with those pushing against them, caused a break in the barrier put there to keep them away. As a result of the break, the road was currently teeming with rotted walkers.

Rick and a few others were tasked with clearing the way. A group was scheduled to be traveling from the Kingdom that day. Carl, Judith, and Michonne were with said group. Rick was not going to let a scattering of the dead hold up their journey. It had been a little over two months since his family had been back in Alexandria, he was going to make sure that nothing impeded their homecoming.

The Safe-Zone, Hilltop, and the Kingdom kept in contact through written correspondence that they had perfected during their war with the Saviors. Each community had delegated mail duties to respective individuals and a weekly mailing system was established. It was how Rick and Michonne had kept in touch with one another when he had no time or opportunity to visit with her and their children.

Michonne sent beautifully penned letters to Rick detailing the work she was undertaking. Not only was she helping with training newcomers, but she was also instrumental in setting up a more democratic governing body whereby all decisions did not solely belong to the King and his advisors. She and Carol had organized a buddy system for children and young people who were orphaned by the terrors of their world.

Her yoga classes were still a hit, much to Rick's chagrin, with the local menfolk. She teased him about the moniker that had been bestowed upon him by the residents of the Kingdom: The Famous Rick Grimes.

She also sent recipes, polaroid pictures, and drawings that Judith had created for her Daddy. The occasional short letter from Carl was included in her correspondence, too. She kissed each letter before handing it over to be delivered.

Rick wrote about how the repairs, fortifications, and expansions were going. He spoke about the tenacity of their fellow survivors; how everyone was committed to making their lives work. It gave him more appreciation for what his wife had done in the Kingdom.

He detailed how much he was missing her and the kids. How he had tried the recipes she given him. How he had hoped that she liked the baggy workout clothing he had sent just for her to wear during her yoga classes.

He wrote about how beautiful she looked in the photos. How he missed her kisses and their lovemaking. How he could not wait to kiss her all over her body; to taste her sweetness; to make her come. How he kept her panties from each new tryst under his pillow for his private enjoyment.

He told her about how the time spent apart had afforded him time to think and reflect. How he was working through his issues daily; how her absence spurred him on. How even in her absence, he had never felt more in love and connected to her.

"Rick! Behind you!" called Gabriel.

Rick spun around just in time to have the walker clasp onto him and drag him down. His machete was knocked from his hand because of the force of the fall. He wrestled with the walking corpse for a moment as he tried to gain the upper hand. The creature had little weight to it, but the two of them had fallen awkwardly.

The adrenaline coursing through Rick's body had masked the pain in his ankle. He did not realize that he had twisted it. After pushing the walker backwards, his hand was free to reach for this machete. As soon as he got a firm grip on it, he slammed the blade into the cranium of the creature, causing it to flop down on top of him. Blood, brain matter, and bits of skull dropped onto his clothing. It registered in his mind that he would need to get cleaned up, once again, before his wife and children returned. As he tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through his ankle.

…..

The fields that they passed were shades of gold and brown, highlighted by the rays of the autumnal sun. Judith slept soundly next to her mother in the back of the horse-drawn cart while Carl rode up front and kept a look-out. All things considered, it was a peaceful journey. The breeze held off its usual chill and was mild against their faces. The clouds disappeared from the cobalt sky the closer they got to the Safe-Zone.

A small smile graced Michonne's face as they passed familiar landmarks. Soon she would be reunited with her husband. She was content with where they were in their relationship. Rick was doing much better emotionally, and she had made a difference in their neighboring community. There was no longer anything discordant between them.

They had taken the opportunity, and the time, to do what was needed. They were ready to move forward. Michonne was eager to enter the gates of Alexandria and be greeted by the love of her life. She leaned back and closed her eyes, hoping a small siesta would expedite the trip.

…..

Judith squirmed excitedly on Michonne's lap as they came to a halt inside the walls of the Safe-Zone. After her mother had told her to keep an eye out for her daddy, the little girl was eager to see her father's face.

"Mommy," she said disappointedly. "He's not here."

Michonne scanned the area once more, and realized her daughter was right; Rick was not there to meet them. Carl turned back to look at them, wearing the same concerned expression as his mother. They both knew Rick had been waiting for the longest time for their return; he would not miss it if he could help it. Michonne climbed out of the cart, and lifted Judith down, before she approached one of the residents who was guarding the gate.

"Hey," she started. "Have you seen Rick Grimes around?"

"Yeah," the young man replied. "He's in the infirmary."

"What? Why?"

"He went out with the crew that cleared the road and got hurt…"

Before the man could explain what had happened, Michonne had told Carl to watch his sister, and then sprinted off in the direction of the hospice. She ran up the steps, and bolted into the building, not offering an amicable greeting to one of the Alexandrians tasked with caring for the sick and wounded.

"Where is he?" she asked, almost completely breathless. "Where's Rick? Where's my husband?"

…..

The sounds of Rick's laughter wafted into the hallway, even though his and his wife's bedroom door was closed. They were preparing for bed, after reuniting and sharing a meal together with their children. Michonne continued her nightly routine, as her loving spouse waited for her.

"You can keep laughing all you want," she said, as she wrapped her hair in the new scarf he had gifted her with. "But I thought you were hurt badly."

"You rushed in there like I was on my deathbed," he said before chortling once again. He was enjoying teasing her very much.

"Well, forgive me for being concerned about my husband," she retorted, not at all sorry for overreacting to the news that he was injured.

"It just goes to show how much you missed me," he smiled, adjusting his foot from where it was set elevated against two cushions.

"I did miss you," she agreed, as she glanced down at him. He was wearing only his boxer shorts, though there was a slight chill in the night air.

"I was hopin' to be in peak physical condition for when you got home," Rick half-joked as he reclined on their bed and watched Michonne, dressed in her peach-colored nighty, apply lotion to her lovely skin.

"I'm just happy you're okay," she said with a smile. "You don't have to go out with every road clearing team, you know."

"I know," he replied. "I just wanted to make sure nothing got in the way of you and the kids comin' back to me."

She placed the bottle to the side table next to her cat sculpture, and then leaned down to kiss his temple, before saying, "And we appreciate everything you've done for us."

Swiftly, Rick took hold of his wife and drew her nearer to him until she was straddling his lap. He sat up, cupped her face and then pressed a passionate kiss to her lips. Hungrily, he deepened the kiss as his hands searched her body. He was already set hard by the time she broke the kiss and leaned her brow against his. Discreetly, he reached under his pillow and found her panties that he had held on to when she had first left. He held them up and said, "Put these on for me."

"I am not putting on dirty underwear, Rick," she said. "Even if they are my own. I mean, come on, we've gotten used to a certain standard of living again."

"I've washed 'em since you've been gone," he said with a wicked grin. "They got me through a lot of lonely nights. Just wanted to see you wearing them while I blow your back out."

She felt a quiver snake its way through her body at the change in his tone. She brushed his curls away from his face, stared into his eyes, and said, "Daddy, you're hurt. You won't be blowing anything out."

Rick brought his lips to her neck where he kissed the spot that he knew drove her wild. He then brought his mouth to her earlobe, sucking it between his pink lips.

"It's okay, Mama," he said, whispering in her ear. "I might be hurt, but my dick still works. Hmmm, can you feel it?"

Michonne was throbbing as she felt his rigid length between her thighs. She ground against him, feeling every inch of his manhood. She had missed him so very much. She kissed him once more, and then took the undergarment from his hand. She lifted herself from his lap, found her balance by resting a hand on his shoulder, and stood on the mattress; Rick gripped Michonne's hips to steady her.

She stepped into the panties, and drew them slowly up her thighs, giving her husband a seductive show. She then pulled her nightie up over her head, freeing her breasts, before straddling Rick's lap once again. The couple shared another deep, needy kiss as Michonne rolled her hips and rubbed her covered pussy over Rick's covered dick. Her arousal drenching the fabric of both of their underwear.

Rick let out a growl before thrusting upwards, trying to gain as much friction as he could. This teasing they were both engaging in was driving him wild; he was trembling with need. Even though he was injured, and knew he could not have Michonne exactly how he wanted to, he was going to make sure he would last for as long as she needed him to.

He brought his lips to her bare clavicle, kissing and sucking at her smooth skin. His mouth then descended to her breast; his moist, pink tongue lapped over her stiff, brown nipple before he sucked it between his lips.

"Hmmmm," Michonne moaned as she continued to grind against Rick.

Somewhat impatiently, he removed the pillows, tossing them to the floor, and reclined in the bed, flat on his back, while simultaneously lifting Michonne's hips. She let out a little squeal, but did not resist. He drew her hips up over his chest so that her bountiful backside was sitting against his pectorals and his face was close to her sex. He could smell her piquant, enticing aroma through the scant fabric of her panties.

Michonne shifted so that her legs were in a comfortable position with her feet tucked slightly underneath of her husband, and extended one arm to balance against the head of their bed. She smiled down at Rick as he drew her damp panties to the side and licked the length of her slit. She moaned loudly and he repeated the action a few more times before sucking her clit into his mouth.

"Oh, Rick," she whimpered, before rolling her hips. He gripped her waist with one hand, and massaged her breast with the other, all while continuing to devour her pussy. The action of her swaying hips, coupled with his deft lips and tongue brought Michonne to orgasm quickly. She called out his name once more as she came in his mouth.

Rick lapped up all of her juices and smiled to himself before he shifted and lifted her off of his chest. She parted her legs and slid down the length of his body; her arousal leaving a wet trail over his firm abdomen. She quickly found her balance and straddled his lap once more. Her bare skin met his, as Rick had drawn his boxer shorts down, freeing his erection. Her softness met his hardness as he guided his cock inside of her engorged lips.

"Fuck," he murmured as she enveloped his rigid dick with her warm, tight sex.

He ran his hands over her smooth skin, cupping her breasts, and rubbing her sides. He could not stop touching her as she rocked on top of him; her own hands pressed to his chest for leverage as she leaned forward to kiss him. She faintly registered her own taste on his lips; knowing how much he loved to pleasure her with his mouth urged her on. She wanted to make him feel as good as he did her.

Michonne clenched her walls around Rick as she slid up and down his impossibly hard cock. They each let out pleasured moans between their quick, keen breaths.

"Hmmm," Rick breathed. She smiled to herself and repeated the gesture, this time clenching tighter and moving slower, causing her husband to curse loudly.

"Fuck," he cried as his eyes rolled shut, while he pushed upwards. "I've missed you so much."

"God, I've missed you, too," she managed, as she continued to ride him, meeting his fervent thrusts with equal enthusiasm. They clasped their hands together and persisted with their grinding and thrusting until they each reached the apex of their pleasure and release washed over them.

…..

The satisfied lovers laid naked in one another's embrace; their eyes were closed and their breathing was even. Michonne rested her head against Rick's chest while he traced invisible patterns against the skin of her back. He felt her smile, and then heard a little laugh.

"What is it?" he asked, rubbing his thumb against her shoulder.

"Just thinking," she offered.

"About what?" he queried.

"You," she admitted. "The Famous Rick Grimes."

He feigned annoyance, and said, "Don't you start, too."

She chuckled. Her body trembled slightly against his as the joviality of the moment rang through her being. Her hand stroked his chest as she said, "If only they really knew you, Rick Grimes. How amazing you are."

"You're the amazing one," he replied, with a smile of his own.

"Shhh," she offered, before drawing him into a tighter embrace. "Let me compliment you, okay?"

"Okay," he offered happily.

They fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying the company of the other, and being wordlessly grateful to be together. He placed a kiss to the top of her head and then spoke.

"You know, that day at the prison fence, when I got you out there, I didn't realize that you'd be this important to me," said Rick; Michonne smiled at him sweetly and listened while he continued his admission. "You were changin' me, bringin' me back to who I was before the whole world changed. Before I was full of anger and resentment. Even when I was stupid enough to even consider handin' you over that time, when I didn't deserve it, you were makin' me better. That whole time when you were just there, you were healing me; makin' me stronger and smarter; you were bringing the best out in me. And you've done that for me, whether you realized it or not, this whole time. Your choice to leave, to give me space to process everything that was building up for so long, that's what I needed, even if I didn't like it. I'm a better person for it. I'm a better man because of you. And I know now that I started to heal the moment that I carried you inside those fences. Even now, you're healing me. You're bringin' out the best in me; causing me to reflect on who I am, and the decisions I make."

Michonne felt tears welling in her eyes. All she ever wanted was for Rick to be the best he could be; for him to be at peace. For him to be happy.

"It's what a wife does," she offered humbly, reaching up and sweeping a damp curl away from his brow.

Rick smiled at Michonne, and ran his hand up and down her back before saying, "I've had to make a lot of choices in my life. I got a lot wrong; got some right. But best decision I made was lettin' my heart open up to you."

"Same here," she whispered, before the pair of sated lovers shared a loving, languid kiss. "In all of this, you and the kids were my best decision."

"I love you," Rick proclaimed with all of his heart and soul.

"I love you, too," Michonne answered.

"Thank you," he added. "For always having my back."

"Always," she replied. "Thank you for the sacrifices you make every single day. And for the past few weeks. I know it wasn't easy for you. I'm proud of you."

"There's nothin' in this world I wouldn't do for you," he whispered. "I'd do anything for you."

"Anything?"

"Yes," he responded with sincerity. "Because you've done so much for me; you saved me when I didn't even know I needed saving. You loved me when I didn't deserve it."

"You deserve all the love," she offered, somewhat shakily, as her heart swelled with adoration. "When I told you we needed to be apart, it wasn't to hurt you..."

"I know," he replied softly.

"It wasn't for the community," she admitted. "It was for you. I saw that there was this rage and resentment inside of you. I didn't want that to eat you up."

"I would never resent you," he whispered.

"I know, Rick," she said in earnest. "But you would beat yourself up over things that are out of your control. I wanted to show you that we could be apart, and still love one another completely. I know you've lost people in the past; I know you've been betrayed before, but you don't have to ever question my loyalty, Rick. You don't ever have to be afraid of losing me, okay?"

He smiled and kissed the top of her head, before replying, "Okay."

"Because after everything," she whispered while nestling her body closer to his. "I'm still with you, and I always will be."