AN~~~** I'm finally receiving emails from this blasted site lol I can see your reviews without having to go to the stories page anymore! And, Wow the response is amazing. I'm having fun writing some messy stuff and ya'll are enjoying it… so far lol

Thank you to all my tried and true readers that have supported me for years. And to the newer readers Welcome, glad you are here for this fic and are plowing thru my old stuff too. It all means so much to me! But let's get into a nice long chap and to keeping Richonne Alive. Feb 25th here we come *muah*


~~5~~

Michonne tried to focus all of her attention on the hot stove but she kept turning towards the counter. Every time the screen came to life, she anxiously looked hoping a message or phone call was coming through. In between moments in her cooking process, she'd pull up her last directed message just to double check that sent was actually displayed. But the response she expected hadn't arrived.

She nervously glanced at the three rambunctious boys in her living room watching cartoon network. Andre would turn his head seemingly mirroring her own angst, before his friends thankfully pulled him back into the action performed by the animated superheroes on screen. Listening to the boys create sound effects while duplicating the poses of their favorite characters helped bring a smile to her face. The contentment they evoked was the only thing keeping her from chucking her phone clear across the room.

"They were like uhh, yahh, blast!" Hershel shouted excitedly.

"I love that episode!" Andre now beamed contagious with the energy from his friends.

"We have to read Justice League comics tonight." the new addition added and the boys favorably nodded.

"Let's get them ready now. Then it will be time to set the tent up!" Hershel hopped to standing.

"Yeah!"

Andre quickly glanced at his mother once more then turned back to his friends and shrugged. "Sure."

Michonne covered her pan of baked macaroni with aluminum foil before sliding it into the preheated oven and setting her timer. All the while, the boys sprang into action, searching through their large collective stash of comic books for the ones they wanted.

"When's your Dad getting home? He's putting the tent up for us, right?" Hershel asked not even noticing Andre's growing discomfort while he shuffled through the pile.

"Umm, he's on his way home. He should be here any minute."

Michonne instantly grabbed her cellphone and strode into the dining room for a bit of privacy. She scrolled to the favorites tab in the phone app snorting at the irony. With the button roughly dabbed, she waited as it rang and rang. The sound of his voice nearly made her hopeful until she realized it was in fact the voicemail message, she already heard a dozen times tonight.

Contemplating whether to leave a nasty, curse latent message was at the tip of her tongue. But then she thought what if there had been an accident? What if his battery died? What if…?

What if he was just full of shit like usual? Michonne hung up with a heavy huff thinking of her next move. When she walked back into the kitchen, she saw the boys now hustling the tent pieces to the backdoor. Hershel and Andre began a lively conversation about the best placement for the tent from outside of the sliding screen door. Their hands on their hips as they surveyed the large backyard.

"Well, I'll go grab the flashlights. For when we are ready to read."

Michonne vaguely heard the other boy stating while her cell phone was still in hand. She wavered on whether to call T-Dog for his Southern outdoorsy knowledge. But she knew he and the other guys would still be at the shop picking up any late night stragglers that suddenly planned on hitting the streets for the weekend.

Instead, she opened a browser typing in tent setup instructions and was about to hit go when she was startled by the freckle faced tyke standing before her.

"Everything okay, Ms. Michonne?"

She was taken aback from not only the fright but from the boy's apparent awareness. "Everything's fine. Are you having fun?"

"I am. Andre and Hershel are so cool. I'm glad they are my friends."

"That's such a nice thing to say. Don't tell Andre but… he's really happy you are his friend too."

They both smiled warmly at the not so secrets they just shared with one another. After, there was a moment of quiet where Michonne thought he'd venture back outside but he remained.

"So… you are okay?"

Self-consciousness overcame Michonne again with his persistent line of questioning but she was also curious. "Why do you ask that?"

"It's just that…" he hesitated and Michonne nodded letting him know it was okay to continue. "…my dad used to make the same face when he was upset. Upset about my mom."

"Oh."

"Yeah." he hung his head for the briefest moment then a small smile peaked out. "They are still working it out. But things are much better."

"Well, that's good. For them and you." Michonne was surprised at the emotional maturity this boy was displaying at nine years old. She obviously wasn't going to spill her guts to a child but she figured some honestly was due in exchange for his concern.

"I am worried about setting the tent up. But I was just about to search for a bunch of YouTube videos to figure it out." she showed him her phone screen and they snickered.

He paused in thought before a bright smile lit up his face. "You know what- I should call my dad. He can help."

"Oh no, I don't want to bother him. After all, he thought he was going to have a night free. Him and your mom probably have plans together."

The boy shook his head side to side with a grin. "Nope, my mom was driving back home after she dropped me off here. My dad was at work but I can probably catch him before he goes over to-"

His little face showing that he was calculating something, before shaking his head agreeing with his decision.

"I'll go grab my phone."

"Okay. If you think it'll be okay." Michonne replied as she watched him scamper over to his book bag.

"Sure, it will!"

Andre and Hershel walked back in with curiosity on their faces but their friend clued them in before they could ask. "I'm calling my dad. He's going to come set up the tent."

"Really?" Andre smiled with relief as his friend nodded enthusiastically.

"Dad! I need you to come to Andre's house. We need help setting up the tent."

"Yes. Now."

Michonne listened to half the conversation with a smirk on her face while she returned to her cooking duties. She needed to cut up the chicken wings in order to begin frying them soon.

"Grab your keys and I'll text you the address."

Before Michonne could even say anything the phone call was disconnected.

"Ms. Michonne, what's your address?" the boy presented her his phone with Wakandan glyphs as his home screen making her smile.

"My hands are in the food. Andre, can you send the information to his dad."

"Sure thing." her son gleefully trotted over to take the phone from his friend typing in the address quickly and hitting send before giving the phone back.

"How about while we wait, we watch another episode of Justice League?"

"Yeah!" Hershel shouted in his usual hyper state before racing back to grab the television remote with Andre swiftly on his tail a lightness returning to him that Michonne was grateful for. The new boy started to jog away also but she called out to him so he stopped in his tracks.

"Carl. Thank you."

He tilted his head and grinned. "It was nothing, Ms. Michonne."

His response left Michonne with a bewildered smile as he rejoined the boys in watching cartoons. But her focus needed to be on preparing tonight's meal, grateful that her sons backyard camping wouldn't be ruined.


Rick previously sat in the double wide trailer that was his temporary office at the new construction site. A business card in hand, being flipped over and over while in contemplation. A quick glance at the smudged mirror hanging on the wall across the way confirmed his hair had grown out. His beard even more so. It just made sense that he'd have a routine upkeep service. It was just a haircutting appointment after all.

He typed in the web address and scrolled the site, searching the available barbers in the drop down feature. Clicking on the barber's name caused a page to load with descriptions of various services. He didn't even bother to look at his schedule when he found the next available spot in the afternoon of the following week. His hair would grow out even more by then so this made perfect sense he reasoned as he booked.

Besides, it would give him the chance to get his shit together before seeing her again. The crowded barbershop with all the prying eyes around would be the perfect place to risk it. Enter, get your services then depart. Simple.

Rick hadn't gotten a chance to put his phone away before his sons smiling face covered the lit up screen. He answered rapidly a bought of anxiety coming on wondering what it could be since he was at his new friend's home for the weekend.

"Dad! I need you to come to Andre's house." Carl's frantic voice had him raise to standing ready for action. "We need help setting up the tent."

And just as quickly, Rick huffed in relief at the actual request. His heart slowing from the start his son inadvertently gave him.

"What? Carl, right now?"

"Yes. Now."

"But-"

"Grab your keys and I'll text you the address."

Before he could even get a word out, the call ended. Rick looked at the screen incredulously to confirm what had indeed occurred. Clearly another conversation was needed regarding manners but his boy would avoid that for the weekend. Carl was lucky that Rick wanted him to have this fun filled outing because he had half a mind to tell him to be ready to leave when he arrived. But he grabbed his keys and locked up.

A chime on his phone had arrived after he slid into his car, providing him the address of the home he currently parked across the street from. Rick cut the engine and crossed the tree lined street and climbed the short set of steps of the townhouse. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently thinking about what he could do with his free time once he'd completed this task.

However, before he could think too deeply, the door opened. His eyes were clearly playing some kind of trick on him and he blinked. His stomach began a battle of nervy sinking while simultaneously fluttering with elation.

Before him stood…

Michonne

Her face displaying that she was equally baffled by his presence as he was by hers. They stood there confounded for a minute with their mouths opening and closing a couple times. Ultimately, Rick took a step back looking at the numbers on the side pane of the doorframe to double check that he had the correct address. He tentatively stepped back forward hoping he'd not made a mistake in some way he couldn't imagine. If he had, then he'd have to depart and that was the last thing he wanted.

"You're Andre's… mom?"

Michonne nodded just as muddled. "I spoke to and met Carl's mom…"

"Lori. My ex-wife."

Rick didn't miss that the beautiful woman before him fought to keep her coquettish grin under wraps. Her being unsuccessful at it only made him smile more.

"I missed your call while I was busy at work. Lori told me Andre's mother called her also about the sleepover." Rick chuckled at the knowledge that he had Michonne's phone number all week without even knowing it.

Michonne leaned forward and whispered. "Don't let them hear you say sleepover."

"Right, backyard camp out." Rick chuckled unable to drop his grin at the turn of events.

The clomping sounds of little feet grew announcing the eminent arrival that would pause this dialogue. The three boys came racing around the corner to the front door. Their faces jubilant knowing the tents were going to be set up shortly.

"Dad!" Carl shouted and hugged his father tightly around the waist almost surprising Rick.

Before he could properly rub his head to return the affection, Carl had his hand tugging him into the house. Michonne giggled, waving a hand letting him know it was okay for him to enter. Andre and Hershel began to pepper him with questions as they walked through the open kitchen and living room combo to the side door of the house.

"How do you know how to set up a tent?"

"My father taught me when I was a boy."

"Do you and Carl go camping a lot?" Hershel inquired.

"Not as much as we should."

"Out in the woods? Not like a backyard, right?"

"Yeah, in the woods."

Andre's eyes were full of wonder. "Wow!"

"Cool!"

Carl stood proudly as his friends asked their questions and Michonne smiled at Rick being overwhelmed by exultant energy.

"Maybe one day if it's okay with your mother…" Rick glanced at Michonne "and your parents Hershel, I can take you both along with Carl and I."

"That would be awesome!" Carl shouted and the boys bounced with enthusiasm.

"Can I Mom?"

Michonne grinned at her son. "Why don't we see how well Mr. Grimes can really pitch a tent first."

Rick snickered at the double entendre that went right over the kids heads. Or was his mind just in the gutter. He puffed his chest a little then rubbed his hands together. "Yeah, let me get to work."

"In the meantime, I'll go check on dinner. Have fun."

Michonne's dazzling, white smile was hard to leave but the youngsters dragged Rick to the sliding door. He glanced back at her trying to express with eye contact how pleased he was in this moment. But the boys demanded his attention so he gently broke the connection and dove into the work before him.


Michonne was lucky she didn't have to do any convincing. Andre boasted about her cooking and his friends were sold on eating her meal instead of ordering fast food. She'd fried up some chicken wings, prepared a cheesy baked macaroni and even made an assorted vegetable tempura to sneak something a little healthier in. With dipping sauces on the sides, kids fell for it every time. She of course had the usual snacks and juices available courtesy of Sasha's kept promise. She too wanted to make everything ran smoothly for Andre with his two best friends.

Giggling to herself at the turn of events that put things back on track. While cooking, Michonne watched the kids belly laugh, attempting to help Rick set up the large tent. Him patiently instructing them how to assist him as he too cackled. All the while, he regaled them with his own mischievous and adventurous stories of camping while growing up. They hooted at him once being sprayed by a skunk and having to bathe in tomato juice for a week. His story had the boys reconsidering a trip to the real outdoors.

Right after the tent was up, they filled it with their sleeping bags, flashlights and anything else necessary for the night outside. It was perfect timing as Michonne was placing the last pieces of fried chicken on a wired rack to drain and cool. She called the boys in to wash up so they could eat.

An episode of goosebumps played on the television in the background while they hungrily scarfed down the warm meal. Michonne and Rick snickered at the ravenous ways they consumed the food. Cautioning them to slow down as to not choke. But the tikes were impatient to get back to their fun.

And in this time, the two adults shared glances of enjoyment in seeing it all play out. The ease of it all especially after unexpectedly reuniting was not lost on them. Her appreciation coupled with her manners had Michonne offering Rick to remain and eat. He unconvincingly tried to turn down the offer at first. But she told him there was plenty of food and he should think of it as a repayment for the last minute help. Then he graciously accepted.

Now, Michonne and Rick sat at her dining room table, him at the head and her to his side allowing them a field of vision through the glass doors. The light of three flashlights beamed from inside the zipped up tent in the dark backyard. It was the surefire way the parents knew each child read the comic books they dived in the outdoor shelter with.

Michonne nibbled at her food unusually tense at the handsome man's presence now that he was in her home. Funny enough, they both wore faded black jeans and button up shirts. Hers grey and his, a sort of dim taupe. But his sleeves were rolled up above the elbow to show off his strong arms. He carnally moaned at his first bites of each selection triggering something in her core. A satisfaction inexplicably grew as she watched him consume her preparations. They didn't need to converse to relay the appreciation they both felt.

Rick sighed once finished, leaning back in his chair with a stomach full looking to her with such pleasurable gratitude. "The boys were not exaggerating about your cooking."

Michonne tittered at the compliment watching Rick suck his fingertips for the last drops of flavor. She tried to keep the wayward thoughts from bubbling up with his lips in focus until he mercifully used a napkin to finish the job.

"This was something quick and easy for the kids. I can assure you, as you like to say... this was nothing." they both chuckled.

"Maybe I'll get to try something else another time." Rick's eyes deepened as they rolled over her conveying further wants. Michonne reached for her glass of ice tea taking a big gulp, hoping it cooled them both down somehow.

"Thank you again for the help tonight." she gestured to the backyard to avoid answering. "They would've taken over my living room with sleeping bags if it was left up to me."

"It was noth-" Rick and Michonne laughed again at him immediately reusing the phrase she'd already realized was his norm so much so his son had picked it up.

"Then what was the original plan?"

Michonne shifted in her seat knowing Rick watched her body language change. She had her own confession to make and a part of her oddly worried about his reaction. But with a deep exhale, she explained.

"Andre's father was supposed to come home in time to help."

Rick tilted his head a bit confused. "Home?"

"Yes. Home." Michonne chewed her lip anxiously before rambling. "I'm- I'm married. Separated is probably the better term. Maybe, working on it is more accurate."

The disappointment was plain in his now dimmed eyes. She imagined it had to be the same look she had after hearing about his girlfriend. But she let him process it while she played with the food on her plate.

"I tried that for a while with Carl's mother."

"Didn't go well, I assume."

Rick smirked. "No. No, it did not. How is yours going?" he looked to her with earnest concern.

"He didn't show up tonight even for his son. I think that tells all anyone needs to know."

Michonne thought she saw a fury spark in Rick's eyes before he hesitated moving his hand forward. He slowly reached over and gently placed it on top of hers.

"I'm sorry this happened to you. And Andre."

A small squeeze of comfort was applied as they locked eyes but then he just as quickly moved his hand away. That same current ran between them at this touch. But the weight of both of their revealed situations had them questioning whether it was right.

Rick was equal parts furious that any man let alone Michonne's husband would squander this time with his beautiful wife. That a father would not show up for his child during any but especially the simplest of times. He longed to wash away the pain she and no doubt Andre were hiding.

But, he had to admit he was also jealous and he had no right to be. She needed to go through whatever was her process just the way he'd done. Besides, he had his own relationship he should be concentrating on.

"I should be going." he hesitantly proclaimed seeing the discontent on her face.

"I can fix you a plate to go."

"I'd like that."

Michonne rose from her seat and entered the kitchen to start fixing a container of leftovers.

"Were you finished with your plate?" Rick asked.

"I think I'll save it for later when my… appetite returns."

Rick nodded understandably then took his plate to the garbage dumping the chicken bones. He downed his glass of iced tea before heading to the sink. Michonne expected him to simply put the dishes in but he began to wash them along with the ones from the kids. She couldn't help but grin at his unrequested and unanticipated helpfulness.

"Should I put your plate in the microwave until you are ready for it?" Rick asked after he was done at the sink. He casually maneuvering around her so at ease in her home that it took her second to reply.

"Yes, thank you." she responded while putting his to go containers in a tote bag.

After, Rick opened the fridge while she carried the pans of leftovers to be stored. She marveled at how in sync they were until she noticed Rick looking at the back door. The lights were out letting them know the boys were more than likely fast asleep after a long day.

"I want to thank you for everything. Having Carl over. And me. You don't know how much it means to us."

"Don't forget you saved the day also."

"Right. It seems like they are sleeping so… I guess I should be going."

"Yeah."

They paused apparently waiting for some opportunity to arise that would require them to remain in each other's presence longer. But when nothing happened in the quiet house, Michonne picked up the packed bag prompting Rick to head for the front door. They unhurriedly strolled together stopping in the entryway before the door to face one another.

Their open truths now out for them both to digest. He had a girlfriend. And her a husband. Their children had become fast friends which meant they had to navigate these feelings that neither could deny or endorse. They'd have to maintain a basic acquaintanceship.

Barber and client.

The memory of their first meet flooding back. As strong willed as Michonne was, her fingertips tingled letting her know she awaited the opportunity to see him again. She examined his slightly longer curls warranting her newfound fixation for wanting to touch him.

"I think you may need a cut soon." she reached up running her fingers through his hair and he stepped closer so she didn't have to stretch so far. His eyes watching the satisfaction play out on her face. Her chest rising and falling just the same as his.

"When Carl called, I had just finished setting up an appointment for next week."

"With everything, I hadn't had a chance to check my emails yet. But, I will accept the appointment."

Rick coyly grinned his thanks, remaining in close proximity to her. His feet unwilling to move back even when she lowered her hand. Yet the air became thick with probabilities and hopes they'd each kept hidden inside. Whispering out on the sounds of their baited breaths.

The weight of the bag of food reminded Michonne she needed to hand it over and she did. Rick took it gratefully letting his fingers linger on hers longer than necessary. His next response being so natural that before he could think he leaned in, planting a soft kiss on Michonne's cheek. It felt so good that he placed a second one to her subtle skin even closer towards her lips.

A moment passed before he leaned back needing to see her reaction. Both their chests both rose and fell rapidly. Her eyes searched his until he looked to her parted lips and he lost himself once more. He went back in, ready to feel just how pillowy they really were. The closer he got, he could feel her breath trembling out onto his lips.

But just before he could make contact, Michonne slipped a hand up laying it lightly on his chest. She didn't push him away. She didn't back away. She just wedged a small space between them.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"It's- it's okay." her voice whispery displaying her confliction.

"No, I shouldn't have." Rick finally stepped back giving them both much needed room to clear their heads.

"I should go."

"Okay." was all Michonne could muster because the other parts of her wanted to tell him not to leave. To stay and press his soft pink lips against hers. To taste the spices of her cooking in his mouth. But she remembered where she was, what her and his situations were. His departure would be for the best.

She reluctantly took hold of the door handle, pulling it open. The rush of cool night air helped to dissolve the spell they were both under. And Rick sheepishly stepped out onto the stoop.

"Goodnight Rick."

He turned back to bid her adieu, his nerves getting the better of him causing her name to come out in a shortened manner. "Goodnight Chonne."

Her fresh blush not helping him in the least. But he pushed himself to take each stair step away from her. His body screaming to ask if he can try again. But his mind kicked in to save him from further dejection. Michonne had given him her answer and he would respect it.

His booted steps heavy while walking to his car and climbing in. He sat the aroma filled bag securely in the passenger seat. Then he started the engine before glancing up to see the front door was closed. Michonne had already gone in. And Rick had to admit that it pained him that she was able to retreat without a second glance.

The familiar ringtone of the Bee Gees song broke the dreary hum of the engine. Rick exhaustively sighed while Spicks and Specks played because he couldn't deal with another thing right now. The thing being guilt.

He quickly yanked his phone out of his pocket trying not to glimpse the blonde's image on the screen. He silenced the call then turned do not disturb mode on. He chucked his device onto the dashboard to his right and pulled off. More than anything, Rick just wanted to go home and wallow in remorse and misery.