Standard Disclaimer: I don't own TWD or TOWL or any of the people mentioned here.
Day 9
She noticed it almost immediately as she got ready to prepare dinner, the tiny dish by the sink.
It hadn't been there yesterday or the day before or even this morning, but it was there now.
"Rick?"
"Yes," he answered, coming in from the living room to move behind her and place a kiss on her neck.
"What is this?"
"What's what?" he asked between soft contact, nuzzling deeper into his third favorite spot.
Michonne held up the small dish, the detailed pattern and intricate lettering catching in the light.
"'Place here'?" she read aloud, the question in her voice tinged with curiosity that turned into a gasp as she was pressed into the countertop. She used her free hand to steady herself and giggled from his maneuvering.
Rick placed one more kiss, this time on her cheek, before shifting from her back to lean against the marble. His eyes warmed as he faced her and held her gaze.
"It took a little longer than I'd hoped to have it made, but it's for you."
She suddenly felt shy.
"But baby, what is it?"
Rick smiled as he took the dish from her and placed it back where she'd found it before reaching for the hand that was still holding onto the countertop. Her left hand.
With his eyes still on hers, he lifted it and slowly pulled off her wedding ring before placing it on the dish.
"I noticed you take your rings off and put them here when you're at the sink. This is your dedicated spot."
Michonne smiled at her husband, touched that he noticed even the most inconsequential details.
"Thank you," she said, leaning in for a kiss and smiling when he pulled her in closer, deeping the moment.
They stayed that way, getting lost in each other in the way that only they could when a voice cut through.
"Oh god, RJ, don't come in here."
She broke away with a laugh as she turned just in time to see Judith backing out of the kitchen with an apple in hand.
Embarrassed, she buried her face into Rick's chest, feeling him shake with laughter, too.
"Upstairs?" he whispered in her ear.
"Upstairs," she answered, lifting her face to kiss his chin.