~ Refreshing ~

Michonne knelt before the patch of dirt just below the porch. Judith, a straw hat shading her round face, waited expectedly beside her. Both had shovels, except the toddler's was bright yellow and made of plastic. Michonne made sure to keep the sharp edge of her shovel away from the curious child. But as Michonne was coming to notice, Judith had a strong intuition and knew how to go just far enough. Since they began their flower garden experiment, the toddler hadn't been scolded once.

A small batch of flower seeds lay before them. Alexandria had a beautiful, planned quality that reminded Michonne of the days gone past, but since this was their home, she needed to put her own stamp on it. The agriculture scene had never intrigued her, but she was determined to see this through.

"Which one?" Michonne asked. "We have violets, marigolds, daffodils, and daisies. Where should we start?"

Judith squatted. Her answer was a mixture of undecipherable noises and a clear, "Ma Ma! This!"

Michonne took the packet of violets that Judith was offering. The photo on the package had the most dazzling shades of pink, lavender, and purple. The petals seemed to vibrate with its stunning hue. Michonne smiled and said, "Good choice."

For the next hour or so, she and her little companion worked together and discussed their task in their unique language of babbles and English. The sun warmed their backs, but it wasn't too much. All around them the sounds of neighbors working and enjoying each other filtered in. Neither refused to be sidetracked. Their hands remained busy, but at times, Michonne could not stop her mind from wandering.

Winter had come and gone since Rick first declared his love. Of course, once spoken he had not neglected in voicing the sentiment repeatedly. Michonne was unsure of what halted her from saying the same. She certainly felt it. She could not remember a time when something didn't buzz between them. Falling in love with him happened quietly and caught her unaware. When she realized that she loved him, it was far too late to stop. But why couldn't she say the words?

Later that night, the house was quiet except for the bedroom she and Rick shared. Michonne pressed her hand to her mouth to quiet the loud moans from escaping. Her back arched with every thrust from Rick's tongue. Her other hand rested on the back of Rick's head, guiding him with tugs on his silken, brown hair.

He lapped at her with gusto. His passion was more fierce than usual. Guttural noises emitted from his throat just as the first wave struck. With more speed than she could comprehend at the moment, he replaced his tongue with his hard, pulsating cock. He aimed straight for the spot that left her incoherent, but he never broke rhythm. In moments, she was on top, his hands spanning her waist.

Wild blue eyes stared into hers. Rick's face and chest were flushed from exertion. A grin parted his mouth as he broke the stare to gaze at her bouncing breasts and down below where they were joined as one. He pressed a finger against her clitoris, caressing just enough for her thighs to tremble.

"Cum for me," he growled.

"Not yet." She grabbed his wrist, but he would not let her move him. "Damn, Rick..."

"My beautiful Michonne," he murmured.

She watched countless emotions flickered across his face. Rick was a strong man and could be brutal at times, but when he was gentle... Tears pricked her eyes. She could not remember her heart ever feeling so full. This—what they shared—was so real that it was tangible. Their energy vibrated with it.

Her movements quickened. His hands returned to her hips and she knew bruises would be left from the way he gripped her. He wanted her to cum for him, and she did. So did he.

In time, she lay curled against him. Their breathing having returned to normal, they engaged in whispered conversation.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," he said.

"You didn't. I'm fine."

"A week away is too long. Daryl can handle it. Glenn, too. Only three days at the most from now on."

She rested her chin on his chest and smiled. "Are you trying to say you missed me?"

His eyebrows arched. "Did I? You were all I thought about. I feel like I'm fifteen again, but better. I'm wiser. I know what I'm doing."

Michonne giggled. "Yes, you do."

"What did you do for seven whole days without me?"

"More training for the newcomers. Planted flowers with Judith," she said. "You know. The usual."

"You? Planted something? You actually dug in the dirt?"

"Hey!" She playfully swatted the hand that was toying with her locs. "Being in the sun like that was relaxing...refreshing."

"I wish I had seen it," Rick murmured, humor shining in his eyes.

"I wish you had. I like making our home beautiful."

"You already do." He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "Just by being here."

She scoffed. "Who knew you were such a romantic?"

"Like it?" he asked.

With all seriousness, Michonne said, "I love it. I love you, Rick."

Just as somber, he replied. "I know."

[Author's note: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Things are progressing, but can we gush over last night's ep? How is everyone? Can you breathe? Are you still floating? Have you worn out your dvr with rewatching all the sexylovinggoodness that is Richonne, which is now CANON? Some of the moments definitely reminded me of a couple chapters from this fic, specifically "Invigorate" and "Joyous." Sigh. TWD made this one a VERY happy shipper! Thanks again and happy rewinding! ]