A/N~~~** Thank you all for the reviews and follows! I was really surprised at the enjoyment you all expressed in this fic. Each one brought a smile to my face and it was at a time I really needed it *muah* YlkatDelta aka Nique thanks for another romantic Richonne local inspiration pic. You got me researching Switzerland and translating German this time lol

I can't believe it was 2 yrs ago that I wrote the combo of TWD and Christmas Carol inspired by Andy's play. Check that out if you never did or for a reread and let me know if it still stands up. But this time I'm gonna try to throw in as many cheery holiday movie tropes as possible. Save a few for next yr I guess lol Happy Holidays my sweet Richonne babies!

Day Two

"Ugh! I should've come with you, at least for a couple days. Maybe I can still find a last minute flight?"

Michonne quizzically stared at her cellphone's video call. "Sasha, that doesn't make any sense. By time you would arrive it would be time to go back. The airports are chaotic. And besides, can you even fly right now?"

"Excuse me, I can. I'm not that far along."

Michonne snickered at her assistant that over years had grown to become her best friend. "Well, I don't think Abe would want you going away when you two have that big Christmas dinner coming up either."

"That is true. It's been a lot of work organizing this while keeping out of sight. Surprising our families with the announcement has been trickier than we expected." Sasha lightheartedly sighed.

"Your baby bump is coming in nicely."

"It is." Sasha panned her phone down so Michonne could get a better angle. "I have to go buy new jeans already."

Michonne giggled at her friend's pouty face before there was a gentle tapping on her bedroom door.

"Come in."

"Sorry to interrupt. But we are ready when you are."

"Thank you Magna, I'll meet you down there in five minutes."

"No problem."

Sasha waited a moment until Michonne turned back to face the camera. "Who was that?"

"The wardrobe assistant they arranged for me, Magna. She's local, from Germany."

"That will help with the language barrier. Is she any good?"

"She is and I love her style. She's picked out some fantastic pieces. She even managed to find a makeup artist that knows how to work on dark skin for the shoots."

"Hence your beat face." they chuckled. "What about the photographer?"

Michonne rolled her eyes making Sasha concerned. "That bad?"

"He was an ass yesterday after he was late to greet me. A meeting, may I remind you that he volunteered for."

"He did." Sasha's screen paused letting Michonne know she was looking something up before she returned. "Well, at least he's cute."

"If you say so." Michonne shrugged unconvincingly.

"Wow, it was that bad that you can't even admit that?"

"Fine, fine. He's handsome."

"Hmm, handsome." Sasha raised an eyebrow with a smirk on her face.

"You wanted me to admit it and I did. But it doesn't mean anything. I have bigger fish to fry, not thinking about getting involved with anyone right now."

"Oh, so you were thinking about-" Sasha stopped when Michonne frowned at her. "Okay, okay. I won't push…for now. Go work."

"I will. Sash, let me know when the news is dropping." Michonne deflated so her bestie sighed.

"Don't worry about that now. Go work and remember it's supposed to be out of sight out of mind."

"I know but-"

"Michonne, go have some fun after. That's an order, not a request."

"Fine, fine. I'll give you a call later."

"Later."

Pacing had taken over. It was all he could do while he anxiously awaited her arrival. It was very normal to have to wait for one's subject in these situations. Magna had just returned, assuring him Michonne would be there soon. He knew stomping up to her room was a moot point so this was all he could do. Well, he also grew more irritated once he pulled out his vibrating phone. Another one of Lori's persistent texts arrived, requesting to keep Carl for Christmas. Rick was reaching his breaking point when he thought about this whole situation keeping him from his son. And just as he was preparing to shove his device back in his pocket the screen lit up. A call from his best friend and co-worker, Glenn was coming through.

"Yeah."

"Dude, how are things going?"

"They haven't even begun."

"You better get something done soon. Lance is all up Pamela's ass, vying for that office position."

"I know Glenn. And just so you know, this isn't helping."

"Oh, man. I'm sorry. You've got enough shit coming from Lori."

"No, it's fine. I just need to get this done as soon as possible then I can get back."

"Then you get the transfer and you'll only have to worry about being around the assholes in this building."

The pair chuckled, helping to lighten the mood a bit before Glenn lowered his voice. "So what's she like? Is she just as beautiful in person?"

There had only been two prickly interactions yet Rick's nerve endings began to tingle. The influx of thoughts had an anxious tug developing against his will. He wasn't sure how to answer those questions without unnecessarily blathering.

"She's- She's just..."

Rick stuttered trying to formulate a modulated account that wouldn't include his unanticipated attraction. But just then Michonne emerged, wrapped in a white fuzzy robe and slippers. Everyone jumped to get into place around the outdoor salt water Jacuzzi.

"…breathtaking." he muttered. "Glenn, I'll call you back."

"What? Rick?"

But it was too late, Rick had tapped end. He was stuffing his phone in his back pocket as Michonne sauntered over.

"Where do you want me?"

Rick had to swallow literally and figuratively to gain some control. A very unprofessional yearning he'd not experienced before bubbled to the surface. He had to counter it somehow and he wrenched up his previous frustrations.

"By the water." he curtly responded and pointed.

Michonne nodded and followed directions, taking her place. The makeup artist came to check that his work was still intact. While Rick grabbed his camera, the assistants adjusted the lighting to illuminate her. He stomped his way over, keeping his eyes to the pavers at his feet. Then with camera in hand, he gestured to her that he was ready.

The moment she kicked off her slippers and took off her robe, Rick began to snap. The shutter clicking rapidly, capturing her spectacular body. It was winter but she wore a one-piece swimsuit. Her petite form elevating the white barely-there garment. High cut so her long, glistening legs reflected the light. Her arms and hands moved deliberately and gracefully from one pose to the next.

"Do you want to give me some direction? Or is this good?" she asked.

"You know what you're doing." was an easy thing he could admit. With a double meaning he could easily claim the more innocent version.

At first, the cold temperature helped to focus as his body's attempted betrayal. Until it backfired. Michonne's cleavage was covered by the style of the suit but Rick was beginning to make out the budding imprints of her nipples. He paused looking to the heavens.

"We should take a break. Get her robe so she can warm up."

Michonne waved Magna off. "No, let's keep going."

She smirked before pivoting and Rick went on to get some images from her side. Horizontal strips in the material were missing across the rear to expose her toned yet delicate back. Leading to the curve of her plump ass which she now turned to directly face him.

A pause was needed to remove his jacket because it was inexplicably warm now. Rick traded cameras to begin again as she thankfully faced forward once more. Photo after photo, he began to notice she'd artfully placed her body and hands to keep one shoulder from being completely visible. A small raised scar on the skin beside her clavicle present. Each time she moved he snapped, stepping closer with fascination.

"What are you doing?"

Rick was puzzled lowering his instrument. "What?"

"You know exactly what." she snapped at him.

"My boss wants all the options in every possible angle." Rick tried to persuade her to let him continue.

A model's career was all about being flawless and he understood her being used to hiding it. But each time he managed to catch a snap of it, her face unwillingly revealed vulnerability. An undiscovered elusive part of her he wanted to explore.

"The ones you already took will have to do." Michonne's agitatedly reply putting Rick back on defense.

"It's not like this is your job or anything." he muttered under his breath as he swapped cameras again.

"What did you just say?" Michonne's eyes tightened.

"Nothing, can you please just work with me? I want to get this over with."

"Same here, Richard." her continuous use of his full first name was grating on his nerves.

"Magna, I'm ready to change into the new piece."

"No problem." the assistant carried slippers over so Michonne could step into them but she paused.

"Oh wait, let me get permission first."

Rick sighed, exasperated. "I don't want things to be awkward between us."

"I think we are way past that, Richard."

He watched her departure to change into her next look and whispered. "I hope not."

"The first shoot went great." Rick lied. "Got all the postures on your list. Just like we talked about."

"Good, send the first proofs over, I want the team to examine them. See if you are on the right track."

Rick glared at the phone even though the woman couldn't see it. He fought to keep his composure barely listening to his boss drone on and on. "Where is Michonne now?"

"Skiing."

"What? You let her go skiing?"

"I didn't let her do anything. She's a grown woman."

"She's under contract with us and if anything happens to her we could be held liable. Let alone that the pictures you've already taken may not meet the requirements."

Rick felt like him pinching the bridge of his nose was becoming a daily habit to calm himself.

"Go find her, Richard."

Rick had been looking over the photos caught up in the beauty when his phone rang. He'd snickered to himself as to how looking at Michonne brought him a calm that wasn't translating when interacting. Yet was the word to unexpectedly sprang to mind.

But then anxiety had returned from what should've been a simple update call from Pamela. And after some pleading with Magna, she eventually divulged where Michonne was headed exactly, Eiger glacier. He switched into a dark blue puffer ski jacket and pants with Gore-Tex boots to begin his search.

He didn't even waste his time looking at the bunny slopes. He knew instinctively that Michonne was skilled at anything she did. He wavered at the Eigernordwand chairlift that had multiple stops on its way up and thought of a better plan. Catch her at the bottom in the Grund valley. He hiked his way down to the exit point, sweeping his eyes over the area. Families walked together, giggling over the fun they were having. Couples grinned as they attempted to be near one another with long awkward skis on their feet. Groups of friends high-fived after successful snowboarding runs. But a bright flicker attracted his attention, a stone's throw away.

Someone was rapidly snapping pictures of who Rick was seeking. His feet began to move without him even thinking it over. Michonne was in distress and he kicked into action. She used her arm to cover her face while trying to unclip her boots from the skis. Her shouting for 'No pictures' made Rick's pace quicken with fury. He didn't attempt to slow down and he might've second guessed himself if the man wasn't drawing nearer to Michonne.

He collided with the unsuspecting paparazzo, sending the man sailing into a slushy snowbank. Rick slid to stop and was able to catch himself from tumbling. He took a position protectively blocking Michonne from the plummeted guy.

"This is done."

"I'm just doing my job!"

"I don't think she wants her picture to be taken, pal."

"Who are you? Her bodyguard? Because I'll sue!"

"No, I'm just a guy." Rick stated menacingly.

He watched the man's eyes fall on his camera that had been knocked from his hands. The paparazzo attempted to shuffle in the snow to retrieve it. But Rick charged forward grabbing it just in time. He spun it around popping the memory card from it then tossed it back.

"Catch!"

The man barely caught it, cursing him. But Rick cackled as the man finally stood to scamper away. Once the photog had a little distance, he pulled his cellphone out and snapped. Rick was about to run after the guy but a hand latched onto his arm.

"You don't have to." Michonne's serene voice halted him. A protective desire was blazing in Rick but her gentle sway had him stay put. They both deeply exhaled, watching the guy run off.

"Are you okay?" he looked her over with concern that unnerved her. Hued brown skin hopefully hid that her cheeks were matching the mauve colored ski suit she wore.

"This is par for the course. I thought I was far enough away and it wasn't out yet-" she stopped, turning to Rick who still watched her carefully with now, deepened steely blue eyes. He saw her unease and came to the rescue. His protectiveness had her stomach full of butterflies. Now, he was trying to comfort her. She was softening and had to get back on clock.

"You know this could be considered stalking."

Rick snickered at her lack of answer before she went on. "Is this going to be a pattern?"

His gaze somehow making her belted outfit seem more fitted then it already was under his sluggish examination. "Pattern?"

"Tracking me down to apologize."

"I'll have you know, I ran into you by pure coincidence last night."

"And today? Right now?" she rose an eyebrow and he couldn't help but smirk so his eyes crinkled.

"This is different."

"How so?" her eyes shined with delight, making him wonder who the hell she truly was.

"I don't know, it just is."

Michonne couldn't keep the smile from spreading across her face. "Thank you."

"It was nothing." he bashfully responded.

"I was about to head back up."

"I'll walk with you, if that's okay?"

"Who knows, I may need someone tackled again." they both chuckled before Rick gallantly retrieved her skis then they began to walk.

"I guess you are used to that."

"Depends on where I am. But, I can usually get around without being spotted."

"Really, I think you stand out in the crowd."

Michonne rushed to skip over his flattering statement. "It-…it's just a bit unsettling when you are actively trying to escape."

"I get that. Escape from what?" he dared to pry.

Michonne took a deep breath blowing it out slowly. Rick patiently waited not really expecting an answer.

"The impending news of my breakup."

"I'm sorry."

"For what? You didn't cheat on me." she shrugged.

"Still the same. I'm sorry that happened to you. You don't deserve that."

"I appreciate you saying that."

"Whoever it was is clearly an idiot. Anyone who gets the chance with you should feel lucky." Michonne felt her cheeks warming from his sincerity.

"I came here to get away from the States because the news should be out soon. My best friend and assistant Sasha, whom you spoke to, said she would warn me. But she hasn't said anything yet. That's why I was thrown off back there."

"I understand."

"Mike and I were having problems for a while. Both of us very involved in our own careers. It made spending time together complicated at best." Michonne found herself just letting it all spill out while Rick listened attentively.

"It can still happen when you are both right there." Rick uttered and she caught his eye.

"Someone cheated on you?"

Rick snickered. "Yeah, don't be so surprised. I can be a real ass sometimes." they both chuckled while arriving at some tables and benches sat outside the lodge.

"She found someone else to make her happy and we divorced." he raised his left hand even though it was gloved after placing Michonne's skis to lean against a table.

"We hadn't been happy for a while so it was the right decision for us both. But our marriage gave me something, my son Carl."

"You have a son?"

"I do." Rick's face lit up at the mere mention, brighter than she had seen it.

"Let me see him." Michonne smiled, watching him happily pull out his phone to shuffle through pictures before passing it to her.

"Aww, look at him. He's a cutie."

"Thanks. Takes after his mother, I guess."

"Oh, no. The freckles, nose, and pretty blue eyes, that's all you."

Michonne handed the phone back, a bit self-conscious of her overshare but Rick modestly accepted.

"He turned three earlier this year."

"Three-year-olds happen to find me extremely funny." her smile ear to ear so her pearly white teeth were visible.

"Really? That's something I would pay good money to see."

Michonne's jaw dropped as he laughed openly. "Well, I should take you up on that offer next time I visit a children's hospital."

"Children's hospital?"

"I volunteer whenever I get the opportunity. In fact, it was the one good thing to come out of my canceled flight."

"How so?"

"I planned a quick trip to drop off games, puzzles, books, toys and school supplies. But when five hours grew I had time to visit the children's wards."

Rick grinned clearly impressed. "It's great that you find time for that. That you even want to."

Michonne and Rick stood quietly for a few moments looking around themselves. This was the first non-antagonist interaction they'd had and it was getting a bit awkward. There was usually a reason for one to stomp off in annoyance but that wasn't happening right now.

"Were you planning on skiing?" Michonne gestured to the slopes.

"No, I was still going over the first set of proofs before I came out to look for you."

"You could've just waited for me to return to the hotel to apologize." Michonne gently chortled but Rick looked uncomfortable before he confessed.

"I was actually sent by Pamela to uh…stop you from skiing."

Michonne's hands swiftly went to her hips and Rick knew instantly this was taking a turn. "What do you mean?"

"Look, I told her you were a grown woman that could make your own decisions but-"

"But you still followed orders and came to stop me." Michonne sighed exasperatedly then retrieved her skis. Rick watched as she dropped them on the fresh snow and clipped in her boots. His gloved hand went to his temple, frustrated their pleasant and dare he say, flirty, interaction had flipped on a dime. He watched helplessly as she started off towards the chairlift with her poles in hand.

"Michonne, I'm-"

"Sorry. I get it Richard."