It's About That Time

Hour Two

"Pacing around the room isn't gonna make this happen any faster. You know that, right?"

"I'm not pacing. I'm staying active so when its go time, I'm ready."

Michonne giggled at Rick's excuse for his nervous and eager anticipation.

"Why don't you go check on everyone out there?"

He stopped circling and looked at her quizzically. "Naw, they'll be fine. I need to be here with you."

"Well, you are right about that. Since this is your fault." she rubbed her belly and they both snickered as he walked over to her.

"I do recall you agreeing."

"You can be very convincing when you want to." she patted the bed, letting him know she wanted him to sit.

After an apprehensive look, Rick carefully sat next to her, grinning with wonder. His fiancée sat upright on the small mattress and he gently placed his hand on her curved stomach. The monitors beeped every so often, causing him alarm but she assured him everything was okay. He was almost shocked she was taking this so well. He'd been ready for her to go through all the emotions he'd seen in movies and on television. The birthing videos had traumatized them both a bit. But she was calm and confident, inspiring his composure.

"You know what you are doing, it's supposed to be my job. I'm meant to comfort you through all of this."

"You are." Michonne lovingly gazed at him, placing her hand on top of his so they both felt the baby's movements.

"But you were starting to make me nauseous with the back and forth." they both giggled.

"Sorry, I just wish I could do something more."

"I know but this could take hours or even days. I don't want you to wear yourself out. I need you with me."

"You don't have to worry. I don't care how exhausted I get, I'm with you." he raised her hand to his lips, placing a kiss there making her sigh before she caressed his bearded cheek.

"Okay, so we agree to rest whenever we can throughout this process." Rick reluctantly nodded so she continued. "You should go briefly update everyone while I call our parents."

"Fine, but I'll be right back." Rick kissed her forehead.

"And I'll be waiting."

Rick paused in the doorway. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"I know I said I would help with Duane today but my back is so achy."

Michonne and Nora sat at the breakfast nook watching Jenny grin as she walked into her kitchen. She'd just returned with a baby monitor in hand after laying her son down to sleep. The scene made Michonne smile that she too would soon be on the same mommy train.

"Girl, it's okay. I remember exactly what that feels like. I'm just happy to have some adult company."

"Does he usually go down for a nap so easily?" Nora asked Jenny. Once she moved to Georgia, Michonne introduced the two and they had become fast friends as well.

"Thankfully yes." they giggled. "He'll wear himself out and then pass out after eating pureed veggies and drinking a full bottle. It's the key to sneaking my nap in."

"Noted. I hope this one is the same, but I doubt it." Michonne rubbed her large stomach so she could calm the baby's rapid movements.

"Don't worry, once there's space and opportunity outside of the womb, the acrobatics should slow down."

"I hope so."

"Well, enough of the baby talk. Give me all the tea, I've been missing." Michonne and Nora laughed at Jenny's curious face after she sat with them.

"Not much tea to spill besides baby stuff. It was a bit strange not going back for the spring semester. No lectures and lesson plans to create. No students asking for assistance or having to stay up late reading and grading papers. I miss the work even though I'm enjoying being home to nest."

"Do you plan on going back in the fall?" Jenny sipped her iced tea.

"I considered it but once the baby is home, I can't imagine leaving them so young. I was a little worried about my career but the time with this one is something I can't get back."

"That's right. They get big so fast, I can hardly believe Duane is ten months already."

"And you shouldn't worry at all Michonne. Rick has it all handled, him and Shane were talking about it not too long ago." Nora added.

Michonne could see the intrigue shine in her friend's eyes from across the table. "So how are things going with Shane?"

"Good, really good. Maybe too good. I'm not sure yet." Nora blushed but also fidgeted.

"What's that mean?"

"Shane told me he's…fallen in love with me."

Michonne and Jenny shared a look.

"And you don't feel the same?" Michonne wondered from the antsy look on her cousins face.

"No, no I do." they all released the breaths they held. "It's just…it's too soon for us to feel this way, right?"

"I'll admit. Shane is…was, a love them and leave them type of guy. The fact that you two have been together all this time is almost shocking."

"Jenny!" Michonne eyes widened before she turned to her cousin. "What our friend meant to say was, clearly he wasn't ready for a relationship before and now he is. I saw it from the moment he set eyes on you on the beach."

"You did?" Nora nervously chewed her lip.

"Yes, Rick saw it too and he's known him almost his whole life. I think he's really ready this time, with you."

"Is that your only hang up?" Jenny asked.

"It's just that, I just moved here across country to reconnect with family. Started a new job. Making new friends and before I even began all of that, here's this guy that is funny, cocky and sexy. I don't know if it's too much too soon?"

Michonne gazed off into the distance as a memory over took her. "I thought it could only be lust what I felt from the moment I first laid eyes on Rick. I watched him from a distance figuring it would subside with time. But the urge to be near him, to know him only grew stronger. It truly was love at first sight."

"Aww." Nora and Jenny sighed.

"You are not on anyone else's timeframe but your own. You two can take your time, enjoy this honeymoon phase." Michonne reassured her.

Jenny closed her eyes and grinned. "Oh, I miss that phase. Before the diaper changes, breast pumping and sleepless nights."

They giggled. "Well, Rick and I don't plan to leave that stage even when the baby arrives."

Jenny smirked at her and patted her hand. "You tell me how that's works out when you are covered in poop, spit up and haven't managed a full night's rest."

"I will." Michonne stuck her tongue out before turning back to her cousin. "But really, just be with Shane and the rest will come when you are ready for it."

Nora nodded. "I will. Thanks. Enough about me, lets fill Jenny in on everyone else."

"Yes." Jenny grinned while leaning her chin on her hand making them laugh.

"Well, Daryl moved into Connie's place. She says there's been some…challenges." Michonne revealed.

"What, why?"

"He's messy and she keeps a very, very tidy place."

"When we were kids, she kept her dolls on shelves and in the box." Nora balked at the recollection and they snickered.

"But Daryl's learning to adapt to it. He's head over heels for her and he'll do whatever he needs to, to make her happy. Even his ASL has improved so much since he started taking lessons." Michonne smiled, happy that the couple was working through a rough patch.

Jenny beamed. "Aww, I'm so happy for them. First, Sasha and Abe take the plunge, and now them."

"Sasha was the hold out there because Abraham was suggesting at it for a while. But she's letting her guard down."

"It really feels contagious." Jenny mused.

"But you and Morgan were the first." Michonne reminded Jenny.

"That's true that Morgan demonstrated it for Rick. But once Rick found you, he took it and turned it into something bigger. He'd already created a family out of his childhood friends. Only for decades later to have them be welcomed by the woman he loves family also."

"He did. Shane says so too." Nora agreed before Jenny continued.

"Morgan told me that wouldn't have happened if Rick wasn't a guiding light that people could and would follow."

Michonne's eyes grew glassy, touched by her friend's words. "Rick's the glue. He's good at it."

They all smiled warmly in agreement.

"All of our friends and family falling in love, back to back. Next thing, more kids that will grow up together." Jenny glanced at the baby monitor. "And speaking of, Duane is awake."

She turned the screen so Michonne and Nora could see the baby crawling around his crib and they smiled sincerely.

"If no one appears for him in a few minutes, he'll plan his escape and when that fails, he starts the screaming."

"Well, let us get out of your way. I wanna get home so I can see what the men have done to my house." Michonne announced as she struggled to stand and they chuckled and stood too.

"Yeah, let me get her home and go enjoy the honeymoon phase some more." Nora smirked and the woman giggled before embracing.

"Just pull the door behind you. And thanks for spending some time with me." Jenny smiled before going up the stairs, leaving Michonne and Nora to see themselves out.

"I can't believe Michonne is due any day now and you are just getting around to doing this." Morgan stood on a ladder with a roller in his hand.

Rick chuckled as he poured more paint in a tray. "Yeah, she couldn't decide on a color. All the trips to Lowes and Home Depot collecting swatches just made things worst. Pink, blue, green, yellow, and every other color was her final decision for a few hours until she'd change her mind again."

The men all snickered as they rapidly moved through their work of painting the baby's nursery. A smile was plastered on Rick's face as he thought about his decision to purchase this house when he first moved to Statesboro. Four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, home office and a large backyard. It made no sense when he was just a bachelor and had no prospects. Even the realtor didn't think this was the place for him. But the house called to him, telling him to prepare for a future he hadn't yet perceived.

The nights that Michonne spent here with him made the blur lessen. Museums, parks, movies, concerts and restaurants filled their long weekends that always ended in bed. When she would depart saying she should go home, his unrest reappeared like a fog. He knew he needed her to remain here with him so that vision would remain clear.

And now it was 20/20. Horribly drawn but cute artwork would cover the fridge, rambunctious kids would run up and down the stairs, arguing with one another about who touched their stuff and music he didn't quite understand would blast out of bedroom doors. But there would also be breakfasts at the kitchen table, achievements celebrated, barbeques with the sprinklers going and movie nights snuggled on the living room sofas together.

Their kids would ultimately grow up, departing but return as often as they desired. Maybe with spouses and kids so the house would feel small yet again. He couldn't wait for him and Michonne to grow old together. They would look back at all this house that was too large for him in the first place ended up providing them. A safe place for his future love to grow.

"Man, I can't believe how much has changed since that guy's weekend in the woods." Shane said after chugging a bottle of water, now that they had completed the task at hand.

"You?" Rick smirked.

"Oh no, I saw this coming for you and Michonne. Now, Shane and Nora that came out of nowhere."

They all laughed before Shane sobered. "I know what you mean. But there's something about Nora. She's smart, kind, amazing and shy but man when she's behind closed doors..."

"Whoa whoa, we don't need to hear all of that." Morgan stopped him and Rick shook his head pinching the bridge of his nose.

"I didn't think I'd even be considering settling down. Kids, white picket fence and all that. But she's got ole Shane to thinking."

Rick and Morgan raised eyebrows at him, somewhat shocked.

"What? A man can change."

"But that's how it is. The minute I met Michonne, I knew. I just didn't know if she knew." Rick snickered.

"It was the same with me and my Jenny. You'll saw. I couldn't stop smiling when I thought about her. Same damn goofy look on my face, just like you." he motioned to Shane who rubbed the back of his neck, trying to hide his face.

"But even though I told her how I feel, I sense she's holding back a bit."

"Words only mean so much. Now you've got to show her with your actions. Once she knows you are laying the foundation for something real and honest, that's all she'll need to open up and move forward." Rick suggested.

"I think you're right." Shane snickered. "I'm telling you, Mama Patty has an eye for these things."

"How so?" Morgan asked.

"Can you believe I was too nervous to approach a woman? Mama Patty was the one that bridged the gap between me and Nora in South Carolina."

"So you want my mother to have a bigger head then she already does?" Rick asked before they all chuckled.

"You have to admit she knows a thing or two. I know you are relieved she saved you from…Lori and Jessie. Those two were doozies." Shane and Morgan burst out laughing and Rick couldn't help but to join in, even though his face turned beet red.

"They were. And you two were no damn help. Shit, Glenn was even worst."

"Not my fault you didn't learn from watching me as a young prodigy. Considering settling down with women you should've been having fun with, that's on you."

Rick and Morgan threw daggers at him. "Rick wasn't an asshole like you."

Shane feigned distress at the insult, making them laugh. "But brother it all worked out for you and we are happy for you."

"Thanks. We are happy for you too. Welcome to the in love club." Rick snickered.

The sound of a car pulling up to the curb outside the house made Rick look out the window, opened for ventilation from the paint fumes. Nora's blue Honda CRV was parked in front and Michonne and her were exiting the vehicle.

"Shit, they're back. Can you two finish cleaning up in here and close the door when you come down?"

"Sure thing." Morgan affirmed, his friend already departing.

Rick hustled down the stairs to find Michonne and her cousin had already entered the house.

"Chonne, why didn't you tell me you were on the way home? I was coming outside to help you."

Michonne's compact baby bump had fully developed into an almost watermelon sized proportion. She constantly held the bottom since it dropped, a signal her mother and aunts were confident meant the baby would be arriving soon. Rick kissed her soft lips then helped her remove his tan coat and her greyscale scarf. She shuffled in her combat boots to go sit on the couch, with her outie bellybutton pressed against the cream material of her sweater.

"Baby, I can still walk…for now." Michonne grinned.

"Well, waddle is more like it." Nora snickered, garnering a glare from her cousin while Rick did his best to hold in his giggle.

"I know, but I just want to take care of you whenever I can." Rick warmly smiled at her as he kneeled to gently remove her boots, making Michonne swoon.

"You two are so cute." Nora grinned.

"Well, we are gonna give them a run for their money." Shane came up behind Nora, surprising her a bit when he wrapped his arms around her waist before planting a kiss to her neck.

Nora blushed. "We are?"

"Oh yeah. Let me ask you a question, how does dinner cooked by me, at my place tonight sound?"

"You don't want to come to my place so I can cook?"

"Naw, I figure it's been my turn for a long while. Time I start making it up to you."

"That sounds honestly amazing."

"It does, doesn't it." the newfound couple shared a moment of intimate eye contact before Nora remembered their audience.

"Um, I think that's my que to get my boyfriend out of your house. If you're done?"

"Yep, I would say our work here is done for the day." Morgan announced from the doorway before he and Rick glanced at each other knowingly.

"Michonne, I'll call you later." Nora ushered Shane to the hall.

"Michonne, don't wait by the phone. That call might take a while." Nora giggled from Shane's promise for tonight's possibilities.

"I'll walk you out so we can put these garbage bags in the cans." Rick followed them before Michonne called out, stopping the last man in his tracks.

"Oh Morgan, got a sec?"

"Of course." he strolled over and sat across from her, wondering what it could be she wanted to speak to him about.

"Duane was just up from his nap when we left. And thanks to us, Jenny missed hers."

"Sure thing, I'll take him off her hands once I get in. I've missed him today and her." Morgan smiled blissfully.

Michonne whispered even though they were alone. "Well, maybe during his next nap time…you could show Jenny just how much you've missed her."

Morgan's eyes shot open and he wiped at sweat that wasn't visible on his brow. "I-I get what you are saying. And it sounds like an excellent plan, thanks."

"No worries." Michonne smiled as he stood. "And thank you for helping Rick today."

"Of course. You know, maybe once you two get the swing of things with the new baby, you'll take Duane for a night so Jenny and I can have some alone time."

"We'll call it Operation Baby Drop."

"Yeah."

Michonne smiled and nodded as Morgan shyly departed, just as her fiancé entered their home. Rick sauntered over to her, collapsing closely to her and began to lovingly caress her stomach.

"Daddy and your uncles got the painting nearly done for your bedroom today. Now, I've gotta tell you something. It is the smallest of the bedrooms but the closest to me and your mother. And when you get bigger we'll gladly move you to a larger room down the hall since your new sibling will need the room." Rick spoke directly to their baby, making Michonne beam while playing in his haphazard curls.

"When can we see the nursery?"

"In a few more days."

"A few more days, huh?"

"Yep." Rick pecked her lips but she placed a hand on his neck so she could deepen the kiss. His skin was speckled with random droplets of paint splatter. The thought of her man working hard to build something for their family was an absolute turn on. She pulled him closer still, sucking at his lips before he gently pulled away looking down at himself.

"Uh, I could use a shower." Michonne giggled. "Do you want to join me?"

"I would love that."

Rick took her hand and helped her up, leading her up the stairs. When they passed the closed door, Michonne paused and Rick gave her hand a gentle tug which made them chuckle.

"Good things come to those who wait."

"Really? But I want something now."

A growl emanated from Rick's throat at her suggestive tone and he took her to their bathroom. Michonne watched as he swiftly discarded his white t-shirt and unbuckled his old worn in jeans. He turned the shower on to warm and came to assist her in removing her clothes. Her arms were up so he could skillfully slide her sweater over her head.

Michonne's heart sped up from the fact that his eyes still lustfully captured her body, even at its current proportions. She watched him kneel to shimmy her black leggings and panties down her legs. She swallowed at the touch of his hands skimming up her body to unclasp her bra. Her breasts were heavy now and he took caution to remove the material gradually.

She simply stood still and enjoyed the hungry look in his eyes before he unzipped his jeans and quickly pulled them and his navy blue boxer briefs off. She wondered just how much bathing they'd get done when his already hardened dick sprang forward.

Rick guided Michonne into the shower stall then stood himself under the water so his hair and body was dampened. She stepped under the stream also and one of Rick's hands came to her waist to stabilize her while the other circled her areola. Their lips found either other again and their tongues flicked against one another. Her hands grasped at his hair slicking it back while keeping him in her reach. Her belly did present a challenge for the closeness they desired.

Michonne released him to turn around, her ass pressing against his thumping cock. His hands cupped her full breasts, softly pinching her nipples making her moan. Rick left a trail of wet kisses down the skin of her neck so she moistened more than she already had. The gyration of her waist had him slip between her cheeks. The tip hitting her right where she needed him to be but she couldn't quite get the right bend to grant him access.

Rick pulled her mouth to his again, sucking at her lips eagerly over her shoulder. His hands traveled her body until one rounded her stomach to find her apex. His deft fingers strummed her clit making her knees weak. Her moans increased to bounce off the tiled walls. His dick teasing at her entrance while he worked her from the front had her shiver and yelp into his mouth. A smile on his face from the quick climax he was able to give her.

Rick nipped at the skin if her neck and whispered. "I think we should do this next part old fashioned, in the bed."

Michonne grinned as her heart rate increased again. "That works too."

She grabbed his washcloth and lathered it with soap, turning to swiftly suds his upper body. Rick hissed when she paid special attention to his cock and balls. She may have been intending to cleanse him, but she was just pushing him to the edge. He had to slow her jerks down, so he took the cloth and continued washing his lower half. Michonne grabbed her loofah and scrubbed herself expeditiously so they could both rinse off at once. Rick turned off the water, then carefully assisted Michonne in stepping out.

Now, out of the shower they hastily toweled off before kissing their way to the king sized bed. He had her sit and scoot back to the center before he climbed on the bed. Michonne was ready for his body to maneuver itself on top of hers somehow, but instead he began to kiss and lick his way up her legs. Her back immediately arched and her juices flowed freely.

Rick nipped at the skin of her thickened thighs before he hoisted one up so her foot rested on his back. He roughly pushed the other out of his way, licking her from the bottom to the top. His destination was her jewel but he couldn't resist getting a taste of her honey. Since Michonne had become pregnant, he swore she tasted even better, if that was possible. She was definitely wetter and the honey coated his beard as he lapped at her. His thumb tapped at her engorged clit so that more poured out as she quivered.

Her hands couldn't reach his hair anymore so she grabbed at the comforter. Her cries growing louder to compete with his moans of appreciation. Rick was literally making a meal of her, one he was thoroughly relishing. Michonne's eyes crossed from all the sensations he presented her. She couldn't even tell what he was doing anymore but he was doing it well. Too well. Her body flexed and the blood pounded in her ears until her body couldn't take it anymore and she exploded on his tongue. His slurps letting her know he was indeed drinking it in.

When she managed to open her eyes, she saw that swaggering grin on his face while he kneeled between her legs. His dick still bobbed, waiting for its satisfaction. As Michonne's body changed over the past months, they would chuckle at the challenges it presented to their lovemaking. Finding variations on positions that would work as her stomach grew became exciting. But doggy style was still a very viable option, so Michonne rolled to get there. Firmly planting her hands and knees into the plush mattress.

Rick loved the sight of Michonne on all fours, her ass in the air. With the baby weight her behind, hips and thighs were even more full and inviting. He'd have to spread her cheeks to expose the pink and brown folds for him and only him. His cock grew almost painful as more blood stiffened him. Michonne not only tasted sweeter, she was slicker and gripped him tighter. Fucking under these conditions began an exercise in how long he could truly hold out.

A satisfying groan left her mouth when he coated his head in her cream. After a deep breath he pierced her entrance, taking her slowly. Bit by bit, until he was in. Once she relaxed, he gave her one more hard thrust to go deep.

"Rick."

"Chonne."

There was a part of him that wanted to take her harshly and another that wanted to be gentle, so he split the difference. Melodious yet powerful plunges had them both crying out for more. Each connection deeper than the last. His fingers pressing into the skin of her waist while she pushed back onto him. Looking at himself enter her was going to be his downfall, so he closed his eyes.

When Michonne took over most of the work, she knew she'd have him on the ropes. It invigorated her spirit to own him, so she dug her toes into the sheets to get more traction. Bouncing her ass into his pelvis so its ricochets created an ovation. She knew Rick was holding on for dear life and it turned her on more. Then he adjusted, placing one of his feet flat on the bed.

"Fuck!"

She knew this new angle would hit her spot. She had to admit she reveled in him taking back over. Commanding her body only the way he could. Each drive making a new garbled curse slip from her lips.

"You gonna come for the me?" he gruffly asked.

"Yes, Professor Grimes!"

"Shit!"

With the very next thrust they both came apart, barely able to keep the motions going. Rick's toes cracked and he saw spots before his eyes. Michonne's body shook uncontrollably, tightening around his dick so he couldn't escape. He had no plans on it as the euphoria set into his quaking body. They both panted for air to fill their lungs.

"You are going to have to help me." Michonne muttered.

"You okay?" Rick looked her over suddenly worried he'd done too much.

"I'm fine. But I don't think I can get out of this position on my own." they both snickered.

"I'm serious, you are gonna have to push me over." they laughed even louder now.

"One sec." Rick eased himself carefully from her body and Michonne relaxed her arms.

He smoothly scooped her knees to the side so she softly came down to lay on her side. She burst out laughing again and Rick joined her once he squeezed behind her little spoon. His leg wrapped around hers as he moved her locs so he could get close to her cheek.

"This is it. This is your baby's eviction notice."

Rick chuckled from his pregnant fiancée's exacerbation. "My baby? We are having a baby." he pointed between them.

"I see we are French again." they continued to laugh. "Until this baby vacates the property, this is your baby."

"It's okay Pumpkin. Your mother doesn't mean that." Rick rubbed her stomach to feel a gentle pressing against his hand.

"I'm sure we are well into the watermelon stage. And I do."

Michonne laughed harder and squirmed when Rick began to tickle her. The baby joining in with its increased movements. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." she apologized until Rick stopped and the baby instantly calmed.

"I love this." Rick smiled down adoringly at her glowing cheeks.

"I love it too."

A/N~~****

The Professors have returned for the next part of the Anthology after The Hunger one shot. This will be four chapters so give it a follow so you don't miss out. Plus, I'm working on the next Richonne story and I'll have a Donnie one shot coming in the next couple days. Everything is coming up apples lol

My writing jones is back and I want to keep the content coming. Thank you all and I hope you enjoy this one. Please review and let me know what you think and hope for in the future with these two. Keeping Richonne Alive!