A/N: The cat is out of the bag! Thank you for the comments! I absolutely did NOT want an "other woman" situation. We are GROWN and relationships are complex. We are exploring these very complexities in the Richonne universe and having fun (hopefully) along the way. If you wondered what Rick thought about all of this, well, here you go!

~ Kivonshe

RICK

Rick awakened early to the first crack of sunlight, mind racing from last night's confessions and, possibly, revelations. As he watched the sun kiss Michonne's deep skin, he traced his finger along her arm replaying every moment, every word.

"I want her to take me." Rick's morning wood stiffened as he heard Michonne's words in his mind. "I wanted her mouth on my breasts, sucking on my nipples while you took me from underneath—." Rick cleared his throat, stifling a groan. He couldn't believe it.

Michonne.

Him.

Amethyst.

And it was something Michonne timidly brought to their marriage. He could tell she was afraid but he wasn't blind to all that happened underneath his roof.

Rick's mind went back to interrogation day. When Michonne first placed her strong, yet soft hands, on Amethyst. He knew Michonne was just helping Amethyst get the hang of breastfeeding, but he saw Amethyst's subtle reaction to the feel of her nipple between Michonne's fingers as she helped Ruby latch. Amethyst's breathing hitched and her stare lingered a little longer than it should've. Rick wanted to chastise her but he found himself entranced by the same action; at the tender way in which Michonne handled Amethyst. Her care and tenderness, even in the midst of feeling controlled by her own hormones, made Rick love her that much more. He would oblige her request because he knew helping Amethyst was important to Michonne.

Over the past six months, Amethyst moved within their family unit as if she belonged. She never felt out of place or acted awkwardly around the children. Even after Alexander moved out, Amethyst said she felt more at home now than she had in over a year. Rick and Michonne discussed her place in their home with both Judith and Rj, who were also trying to find their own independence within the family, and they both had grown to love Amethyst.

Amethyst even comforted Michonne when Judith finally confessed that she'd gotten her period right before their return. Michonne was a wreck.

Rick smiled at the memory as he stared at his wife. A warrior, his Michonne, undone because she missed her baby girl's first period. Judith was genuinely apologetic, having explained that with everything that happened, it slipped her mind to bring it back up. Amethyst was there for the both of them and they began sharing their own experiences with one another, bonding over womanhood.

Rj especially had a fondness for Amethyst. Rj was quiet yet keenly perceptive. Amethyst had a skill for sitting in silence with him and he never showed signs of feeling uncomfortable. Four months ago, while Rick cooked dinner, Rj had come in from his and Judith's detached unit in the backyard. He looked around and found Amethyst sitting on the couch reading. He never said a word, just walked up to her and nestled against her chest and continued to read his comics. Rick watched as she adjusted her hold on her own book and kept reading, undisturbed by the somewhat rude act from Rj. They never said a word.

Rick hated to admit it but she was family. Letting out a slight chuckle with the shake of his head, Rick drug his hand across his face and eased out of bed. He decided to let Michonne sleep in while he made sure Judith and Rj ate breakfast and left for school on time.

Rick came down the stairs and found Judith making breakfast for her and Rj, to Rick's surprise.

"What, dad? Who do you think was responsible for keeping him fed?" Judith teased. Rick smiled, shaking his head at how grown up his baby girl was.

He held up his hands, "I'm not saying anythin except to throw an extra egg in there for mom. She had a long night."

"I bet" Rj retorted, peeking his face above his comic book with a slight grin on his face.

"Gross! Now I have that image in my head! Thanks, Rj!" Rick laughed at the sibling banter while making a mental note to have the sex talk with Rj. His boy was way too perceptive.

"What we do as husband and wife is norm—." Rick began, but Judith cut him off.

"Okay! Breakfast is ready. Rj, here, take this to go. I can't stand to hear another moment of dad explaining to us what husbands and wives do" she said, moving around the kitchen like her mom, a young woman on a mission. This time Rj joined Rick in the laughter.

Rj was in the 'gross your sister out' stage and Rick had to admit he found it amusing. Judith gave back just as much as she got. He loved watching them and their relationship, their friendship, that Michonne cultivated within his children.

He missed her already. He wanted her to wake up to enjoy this moment with him.

"Dad! We love you, tell mom we love her and that tonight's movie night. Our pick! I can't do another night of Meet Me in St. Louis" Judith exasperated. Judith and Rj placed quick kisses on Rick's cheeks.

"Do you have—." Rick started.

"We have our weapons dad. Only use them in case of emergencies" the kids repeated, knowing the daily drill. Rick could never risk their safety, even in the current peaceful time.

"Just making sure. I love you both." They yelled back their 'I love you's' as they darted out the door. Rick checked the time, it read 7:33am. Michonne is normally an early riser, and he wanted to awaken her in the most devilish way, but he decided to let her rest. From the moment she was comfortable being intimate after Mj, Rick hadn't let her take a break at all. To his delight, she'd wanted him just as bad.

Unable to shake thoughts of waking Michonne to his tongue between her legs, Rick decided on a shower. He crept down the hall toward his bedroom, making every attempt not to wake the twins. He stopped just before crossing the doorway of the guest room.

Her room.

Michonne's words came rushing back to him fast.

Amethyst and them.

Them and Amethyst.

As a country boy, this type of dynamic was never a thought. In fact, it was heavily frowned upon. Rick never judged anyone. Hell, Shane was his best friend and he loved him, flaws and all. But he never saw this as a scenario for his life.

He knew it didn't mean that Michonne didn't love him, or that she was trying to replace him. Looking into her eyes he knew she felt deep conflict but the fire she held for him still burned hot and bright.

This was different. This was…

More.

An opportunity for them to have more, to be more; to grow as a family, to grow in strength and community, whether it was a mutual understanding or something else… a relationship between all of them.

Rick shook himself from his thoughts and tiptoed past Amethyst's room to his own. The stirring from Michonne let him know she'd be rising soon so he decided to hastily make his way into the shower.

Inside, Rick allowed the hot water to run from his head to his feet. Eyes closed, images and sounds assaulted him, impaling him to the imagery of his own making.

Rick stared at Michonne's perfect ass, hands on her hips as he winded her in circles on his dick, meeting her center with deep thrusts.

Rick licked his lips, the water cascading on him replaced by memories of last night, enveloping him in a trap he didn't want to leave. He took his right hand and slowly began to stroke his pulsing cock.

He watched as her cream coated his dick, her ass bouncing faster and faster. Michonne was moving differently, a new fever taking over her, a woman possessed. Rick felt his toes curl. He would release inside her soon if he didn't take control of the pace. Rick stilled her hips, pummeling into her from the bottom, positioning her so that he could piston her g-spot over and over.

Rick gripped his shaft harder, reminiscing on Michonne's grunts and moans as he pounded her over and over again.

"Ooohh" Michonne moaned as she came all over his dick, the sound of her wet pussy against his balls sending him over the edge, unleashing all he had into her canal.

"Mmmmppp" Rick bit his lip so as to not wake her, finding sweet release from memories of his wife. "How'd I get so lucky finding you," he mumbled to himself before washing away his carnal thoughts.

I've got sunshiiiiine

On a cloudy daaayyy

When it's cold outsiiiiiide

I've got the month of May

WELL!

I guess you say

What can make me feel this way

My girl

My girl

My girl

Talking bout my giiiirrrl

My girl!

Oooohhhhh

Rick got out of the shower feeling renewed, refreshed, and rejuvenated. Michonne did that to him everyday. The rustling in the room alerted him to Michonne being awake. After he brushed his teeth, Rick came out to find her deep in thought, no doubt about her confessions from last night.

He walked behind her, wrapping her tight within his arms, willing her to give into him, to allow his body to receive all her self-doubt and second guessing. "Chonne, stop worrying."

Rick did his best to relieve her trepidation. He knew she hadn't felt like herself since Mj and he would never make her feel any less than the Queen she is. He even went back to the doctor and got books on how to be a partner to a woman with postpartum depression. He would never undermine her pain or try to relate because he couldn't. But he was determined to understand what postpartum was and how to be the best partner during this time.

Rick even had the kids read it so they could learn more on how to love their mom in their own way and in her new way. Rick noticed that Amethyst was really good at easing Michonne's tension and stress as well, even if it was just to cry about how beautiful their babies are or by watching Meet Me in St. Louis for the millionth time.

Amethyst.

Rick allowed his thoughts to settle as he and Michonne swayed slowly, foreheads pressed together until Mj's cries entered the room.

"I'm gonna bring you your daughter before she wakes up Ruby."

"Thank you, Mama." Rick playfully slapped Michonne on the behind before she headed out of the room. He wondered how Michonne would break the ice. He hoped to God she didn't mention Amethyst's nipples. Rick chuckled to himself at the memory.

Since he had the day off, Rick opted for gray sweats that hung low on his hips and a black crew neck t-shirt. It was Michonne's favorite and he'd hoped she got the chance to show him just how much she loved it.

"Isn't that right, Mj?" Rick cooed at Mj who sat calmly in her Bumbo floor seat chewing at a teething ring. He picked her up, tossing her lightly in the air just to hear her sweet giggles. "Mommy loves daddy in his bum clothes doesn't she? And daddy loves you with all your spit up." As if understanding, Mj giddily spit out a stream of bubbles in response, clapping her hands as she responded to Rick's energy.

Rick lightly bounced a happy Mj, using her bib to clean her face. "Let's go see what mommy, Amethyst, and Ruby are doin shall we?" Rick made his way down the hall and into the kitchen. He briefly saw Michonne and Amethyst off in the den and heard them talking to someone. Rick grabbed food for Mj and headed into the den with his wife and their guest.

"There she is! Hi little Michonne. Wanna hang out with Auntie Maggie today?" Mj excitedly reached for Maggie's outstretched arms.

Since their return, Michonne and Maggie had many long talks to not only repair their relationship but, to develop a sisterhood. Through all the years, losses, gains, and pain, distance was the last that each wanted. It pained Rick to find out everything that happened in his absence but he would follow Michonne's lead until the end. While there are some things he's not quite over, her making up with Maggie made him happy. Made the family happy. His children had someone he could trust with their lives because he trusted Maggie with his own.

Rick eyed Michonne and Amethyst suspiciously but not obvious enough for Maggie to notice. "She is full of energy this mornin so you all should have fun. Here's her breakfast." Rick handed Maggie the canned baby food and she placed it in the diaper bag. It seemed Michonne already planned for this.

"Now that we have you we are all set for our girls day out" Maggie squealed. Both Mj and Ruby responded with high pitched squeals of their own. They loved their time with Auntie Maggie. What she did with them, he had no idea. However, they always came back fed and sound asleep so he never complained. Maggie gave all three a hug before heading out the door with the twins.

The door shut and immediately they were engulfed in silence.

Amethyst stared at the ground. It was one of the few times he saw her look unsure.

Afraid.

Rick wondered what happened that prompted a last minute sitter call.

Michonne reached for his hand then slowly reached for Amethyst's hand.

She looked up, chewing her bottom lip nervously between her teeth.

Michonne was the first to speak.

"Let's sit…talk." She squeezed their hands and they all sat down facing one another.

Rick couldn't help but notice they were in this same position six months ago. This time, however, more was on the line than just taking in a stranger. This would alter their lives, his children's lives, and he couldn't jeopardize any of them.

Rick noticed Amethyst shrinking in front of them. This was unlike her. Rick looked at Michonne and she nodded.

She knows we know, Rick realized. Her behavior now made sense.

Rick sat between two strong women who were now so shy it was suffocating. Rick didn't know what to do or how to respond but he knew he needed to be the one to cut through the tension in the room.

Placing one hand on Michonne's thigh, Rick leaned forward with the other, gently lifting Amethyst's chin upward so her eyes met his.

For the first time, Rick saw her. Saw her past, saw her present, saw her future. He saw her strength, but now he saw her fear. He saw some of his wife reflected in her eyes and he softened.

He stared for what seemed like an eternity. He could see Amethyst hold her breath, waiting for him to say something. He looked back at his wife, his lifeline. He saw the encouragement in her eyes and, only then, did he knew exactly what he needed to do.

Facing Amethyst once more, Rick took a deep breath and spoke.

"Welcome to the family."