A/N: So yeah, I'm still writing a holiday story when its nearly spring lmao Sorry, it's taking me so long to get this complete but you know I won't leave you guys hanging for too long. Currently working on the following chapter as well as an exciting collaboration that may just be controversial. But we will see soon *wipes sweat from brow* lol I'll be back to Endured shortly, plus figuring out space for another three fics I already started writing as well. Going to keep Richonne Alive while we wait for 2024 & beyond! Thank you as always for your reviews, support and away we go!

"Shit."

Rick huffed under his breath as a blonde woman across the way made animated eye contact with him. Smiling brightly and waving from the opposite side of the crowded restaurant. Then she steadily began to make her way over, sending him into a mild panic.

This was the last thing he needed after the day he'd had. He had managed to turn a corner with Michonne after providing rescue from the paparazzi on the ski slopes. They shared some personal moments with one another. But his confession as to why he was even there derailed everything. He wasn't sure where he wanted it to go but that ending sure wasn't it.

Sitting at the bar after dinner, sipping whiskey seemed as good an idea as any. A glass or two would have him off to bed, hoping tomorrow would find him keeping his foot out of his mouth. But instead a woman he attempted to let down as gently as he could a couple days ago, was approaching. He wasn't sure what to do and she was drawing nearer. He scanned his surroundings in hope of some answer to this dilemma when he spotted…Michonne. She was absentmindedly headed to the bar he currently sat at.

"Shit." he cursed to himself again because there was no other option. Another quick scan confirmed this, just as his unsolicited visitor was caught behind a family being escorted to their table in the restaurant. As the woman excused her way around, he swiftly tried to get his only hope's attention.

"Michonne." he muttered, catching her eye.

She was taken aback by his unexpected presence. But she recovered, taking the only space available at the crowded bar that happened to be next to Rick. With a sigh, she plopped her clutch on the bar top and waited for whatever he had to say this time.

"I need your help, please." he begged.

"Why would I-" she started but he swiftly wrapped his arm around her waist.

He could feel the tension in her body and he hoped it didn't register to the woman that now stood before them. The newcomer looked puzzled and glanced down to be assured of what she saw before she finally spoke.

"Hi, Rick."

"Hey, uh…"

"Don't you remember? Jessie." the woman shyly twirled a chunk of her hair.

"Yes, I was just about to say that."

Rick knew he'd pay dearly if Michonne would even play along. But he leaned into her a little bit more, feeling that tension renewed.

"I thought you left with your company. This is a welcome surprise." Jessie glanced at their close proximity but maintained her ground.

"Who's this?" the spritely woman was persistent if nothing else.

"Sh- she was held up with a delayed flight. But she's here now." Rick stuttered. "This is my, my girlfriend."

His peripheral vision noted Michonne's head pivot to look at him. His heart pounded and he was trying to think up his next move once this plan went to hell. Instead, he shockingly watched Michonne extend a hand forward.

"Hi, I'm the girlfriend."

Dumbfounded, Jessie awkwardly shook Michonne's outstretched hand. She stood silent as did Rick when Michonne leaned back into his side. He noted her body was relaxed this instance and dare he say comfortable. But when she turned, smiling up at him coquettishly it threw Rick off balance with how alluring she was when not ill tempered.

"Babe, aren't you going to introduce me properly?" she batted her eyelashes and Rick's pulse unwillingly accelerated.

"Yes, Chonne." her name slipped out in a shortened version from his nerves. He could've sworn he saw something lustful flash in her eyes. But she was playing this game, a little too convincingly and all his senses were being alerted. He just managed to pull his eyes away to return them to their company who still waited.

"Ah, Jessie this is my girlfriend, Michonne. Michonne, this is Jessie. We crossed paths here at the resort once or twice." he felt the inexplicable need to explain to the woman snuggled at his side.

"I didn't expect to see you here still. And I just had to come say hi." Jessie was repeating herself, showing she was clearly flustered from the new information.

"Hi." Michonne cutely wrinkled her nose but the puzzled woman was not conceding.

She gave a doe-eyed look to Rick. "You never mentioned a girlfriend before?"

"Well-" Rick started to stumble but Michonne swooped in.

"I like to maintain a level of privacy and he obliges me." Rick grinned.

"Oh." was all Jessie got out.

"But that was very nice of you to come over. You probably figured he was all alone…" Michonne snuggled into Rick making him nervous when her hand rubbed down the front of his chest.

"…but like my boyfriend said, my flight was delayed but we are looking forward to sometime all alone. Isn't that right, honey?"

Her eyes seared into him and his arm reflexively tightened around her waist. "Yes, just the two of us."

Michonne grinned seductively before returning her gaze to the bewildered woman. "I do appreciate you looking out for him though. But I think it's time we get going." she smiled waiting for Rick to complete this charade but he said nothing.

"Rick-" she gently nudged him, knocking him from his stupor. He removed his arm, leaving a cold spot on her lower back but quickly laced his fingers with hers.

"It was nice seeing you…uh-"

"Jessie." Michonne completed Rick's sentence before he picked up her purse and without a word from the shocked and now crestfallen woman, they strolled out the restaurant and towards the hotel's lobby.

They continued down the hall after glancing back to make sure the ruse was still working. Another glance for safekeeping had them stopped in front of the diamond sculpture in the center of the hotel's living room. Facing one another, they started to mischievously chuckle. The twinkling holiday lights surrounding them adding to the merriment of their naughtiness. They had worked together smoothly and it kind of astounded them as to how fun and easy it truly was.

After a moment, they calmed but bright smiles still shined on their faces. They didn't quite know where to go from here and glanced down to realize their fingers are still interlocked. Michonne abruptly released them and Rick tried to keep the look of disappointment from his face, not knowing where it sprang from.

"Thank you for that. She was-"

"I get it. You are on vacation, looking for a good time. It happens." Michonne shrugged.

"Oh, no. I'm not looking for a good time. I mean, I wasn't."

Michonne's eyebrow raised at his use of past tense. "You weren't?"

"We just talked in passing a couple times when the others from Milton Marketing were here."

"Rick, you don't have to explain to me." she smirked satirically. "You can do whatever you want."

"I wasn't interested is all I'm trying to say."

Michonne nodded and stepped closer to him so he had to tip his head down to look at her. His Adams apple bobbed so he swallowed to try and disguise its excitement.

"You know this means you owe me." she whispered towards his ear.

Then he felt her purse being removed from his hand and she stepped away. The absence felt too sudden and before he could think clearly words were coming from his mouth.

"I owe you a drink. From back there…at the bar."

"Mhm, that you do. But, I can't let you get off that easily." she stepped backwards. "I'll need time to think of what I really want."

He stood there watching her retreat to the elevator bank. His eyes suddenly heavy, leading to what his arm rested on top of just minutes before. Her plump ass in tight jeans, swaying further from his view. Curiosity had his hand flexing at the imagined squeeze of the shapely bottom portion. The desirous twitch in his own jeans freezing when she turned back around after pressing the call button. She smirked as though she had sensed his eyes on her behind.

"See you tomorrow, Rick." she stepped in the elevator.

Day Three

Old Mannlichen gondolas sat outside the hotel where two guests could share an authentic Swiss cheese fondue. A warm soup was the alternative to counter the chilly weather in the cozy and rather romantic furnished cabins. Appointments were set for the afternoon and evening, leaving them available for this early shoot. As Michonne patiently waited, she was glad to be more sensibly dressed. Winter white cashmere scoop neck blouse and matching long skirt, simple yet classic. Knee-high black boots with a stylish white wool blend wrap coat elevated to chic.

With makeup and hair complete, Michonne relaxed on the seat inside the closed doors, allowing her to observe Rick while he readied himself. She'd purposely gotten the jump on the day, surprising him while he conducted what she assumed were the final checks of his equipment. Each of his cowboy-booted steps drew her attention to the bowlegged strut highly visible in his snug jeans.

She'd snuck reluctant peeks before, but today she had a clear view as he moved about distractedly. Freedom of not having to focus on the work for a moment allowed Michonne's mind to replay last night's events. Events that flustered her so much she'd decided to return to her room without the libation she departed for in the first place.

At the bar, Rick's stance was cautionary at first, but once she began to play along, a level of comfort took over. She felt, dare she say, safe and protected pressed against him. A remnant from his earlier heroics on the ski slopes she convinced herself. But what startled her was her body releasing any tension and their movements becoming easy and comfortable. So at ease that the sham hand-holding wasn't recognized until it had lasted longer than necessary.

The glass in the gondola was coated or it would be gradually fogging with each of her exhales. Michonne closed her eyes to dissuade her body from betraying her with butterflies. Lustful flutters increased as Rick directed the crew with his confident commands. Specks of light permeated her shut eyelids and she could swear she began to see a color. Blue from the sea. No, it was clearer…

'tap, tap, tap'

"Michonne, I'm ready."

Rick stood at the doors when she opened her brown eyes. A deep exhale was used to hide her surprise that the color she'd just seen was indeed his eye color. And her heart skipped a beat at his words as though they had a deeper meaning. Michonne shook it off, then stood after he pried the doors open, allowing her to exit. She noticed the team that helped set up was departing as Rick must have dismissed them. Only Magna and the makeup artist remained to assist.

"Where do you want me?" she asked hoping it didn't sound too suggestive but she saw the twinkle in his eye.

"May I?" he asked before approaching and she nodded her acquiescence. He took her hand directing her body to be placed slightly to the right of the cable car's entrance. He gradually freed her hand as though reluctant to sever the connection.

"Start how you think and I'll advise if necessary. But I don't think I will need to."

"Okay." she damn near whispered as he examined her face.

Rick hesitantly backed away, quickly grabbing his camera as Michonne's limbs instinctively moved into artful forms. The shutter flicked, continuously capturing her elegant arrangements. His trust in her skill strengthened her confidence, nerves shedding as her fun and playful side emerged. It influenced her poses but she remained modish.

In her room, she admitted to herself she'd indeed been flirtatious with Rick yesterday. Mike was even further out of sight and out of mind. The photographer was simply filling that neglected space was all it was. Yet, he was definitely sending her signals too. She was used to men tripping over themselves to get her attention. Rick's ogling of her body during and after the photo shoot was all too normal. But she enjoyed his eyes on her even now, heating her skin against the cold.

"I think we are actually even." he spoke disrupting her thoughts.

"Huh?"

"What you said in the lobby before you left me, last night."

"I didn't leave you. I went to my room to rest after you involved me in your farce." Rick chuckled between presses of the trigger but she continued. "But how do you figure?"

"I tackled a guy."

"And?"

"And that actually means you owed me with my situation last night with…" he gestured in the air as he searched for the name.

"Jessie. Why can't you seem to remember her name?" Michonne smirked devilishly.

Rick snickered. "Thanks to you, I can forget it forever."

Michonne nearly bit her lip, forgetting she was all made up and would need the makeup artist to correct her error.

"Either way, my math says we are even."

Michonne pretended to be going over her own calculations. "You seem to be forgetting how you stood me up day one."

Rick stepped closer than she expected looking deeply into her eyes. "I would never stand you up on a date."

A pulse emanated in her core as she watched him slyly smirk before he started snapping again. The red undertones of her brown skin were sure to show in the captured images. But suddenly, a weird ruddering sound sprang from his camera, making them both look to it in confusion.

"Give me one sec."

"No problem."

The malfunction was quite annoying to Rick. It's timing coming at the worst time, while he and Michonne were having a flirtatious moment. Last night, he wasn't completely sure if she was just playing the role to help him out a little too well or if something he was feeling was being reciprocated. His attempts to fix the mechanisms of the camera became fumbles when thoughts of her finally calling him Rick came to mind. The sound of it rolling past her lips tantalizing, as though it was the first time anyone had called him that. As though it was a nickname she'd bestowed on him on the spot in the lobby. He yearned to hear it again. Perhaps whispered or carried through a moan. He was getting ahead of himself here. He shook his head to clear the incoming imaginings from inundating and focused on his task.

A look back showed she was patiently waiting so he continued his work on the shutter. But the next glance, only moments after, revealed Michonne now had company. A man, slighter taller than himself, with an overly confident smile grinned at Rick's muse. She was undoubtedly beautiful and this was commonplace for her, so he tried to ignore the attempt. The camera would be fixed and he could step in to dissuade this folly.

But suddenly he heard her giggle, it was delightful and light. Rick's jaw tightened and before he knew it he'd cast his camera aside. Stomping his way over to stand directly in front of the man, startling him a tad. Rick enjoyed the look of fright that this man quickly tried to wipe away with a puffed chest.

"This is our set. We are working." Rick stated sternly and a bit menacingly.

The man chuckled nervously but didn't budge as he stared back in defiance.

Michonne interrupted the near pissing contest. "Weren't you working on the camera?"

"I was." Rick replied even though his eyes never left the man's face.

"You know, I couldn't help but take advantage of the moment your equipment failed to introduce myself to this exquisite woman." the uninvited guest extended his hand with a cocky smirk. "I'm Spenser."

Instead of shaking it, Rick tilted his head then clasped his own hands together firmly in front of himself. He wasn't going to allow this idiot's insinuation drive him to violence but he was sure as hell tempted. Spenser uneasily chuckled and put his hand down.

"Michonne, we should get back to work."

She pivoted to Spenser with a look of apology. "He's right, we do have work to complete."

Last night, the bouncy blonde who pretended she meant no offense but wouldn't back down at first glance had Michonne wanting to lay claim to Rick. She'd convinced herself it was not out of jealousy but some primal desire for dominance. For possession. But when her body was pulled to his, she felt them mold together in a way she had never felt with someone she dated before. She wondered if Rick was feeling the same or was this just a base-level attraction to her. She normally didn't play games like this but a bought of curiosity sparked in her. She chastely touched her new admirer's arm causing Rick's nostrils to flare.

"But thank you for coming over." she added sweetly and Rick's cheeks caved in at the pleasantness being displayed to this asshole.

"Any time." Spenser grinned at her, pretending he wasn't being hostilely leered at before he wisely retreated.

"We don't have time for any distractions." Rick stated to Michonne before the irritated expression he'd become all too familiar with returned to hers.

"What's your problem?" she placed her hands on her hips with a bit of amusement. "Jealous?"

Rick let out a snort combined with a cough, all while shaking his head. "I only stepped away for a second then this guy…"

Michonne waited and he huffed. "I can't have you getting distracted by every person that finds you attractive."

"You can't?"

Rick nodded then abruptly turned to head back to the makeshift workstation to retrieve his other camera. Suddenly, he was hit from behind with a pummel of cold and wet. It took him a second to realize what had occurred. When he turned, a second snowball was already headed his way and he was too slow to duck it. It landed at his neck so the wintery flakes melted down his shirt. He couldn't believe this was happening until Michonne bent down to gather more snow in her hands. And he thought two can play at this game. He scooped up a handful, pressing it firmly.

Michonne's eyes widened. "Don't you dare!"

"You put yours down first!" he warned, pointing to the ground.

"Don't tell me what to do!" she hurled her ball at him and he dodged it before he retaliated.

It landed with a white explosion against her stomach and she looked down in shock. Rick's eyes widened as well, surprised by his own activity. But Michonne quickly recovered, grabbing a larger chunk that she broke in two. She launched one after the other, one of which caught Rick as he bobbed. He deftly got his next ball as Michonne squealed and began to run. Caution was thrown to the wind and he chased her around one of three gondolas, trying to find a good angle.

Michonne was positioned on one side with Rick on the other. Them each trying to decipher which way the other would go. She got an idea and scooped loosely packed snow from the cabin's top. When Rick looked the next time, she landed it squarely in his face. She burst out laughing at it hitting its mark, powdered snow clinging to his curls, mustache and beard. Rick laughed also after shaking himself free before he upped her idea and swept loads of snow from the top in her direction.

Again she squealed as she took off, running into the snowfallen field with Rick hot on her trail. She expected to be pummeled with ice from behind but instead, she was lifted around the waist. Perhaps the snow was too high or the force with which he lifted her counteracted and they pair tumbled in the snow. They laughed harder than before not having the energy to stand. A lightness the pair hadn't felt since either arrived in Switzerland was overtaking them. Michonne's back was partially on top of Rick's chest but he made no move to adjust this. The chill was beginning to set in as their laughter was dying down to giggles.

"Are you two okay?" Magna's curious yet amused voice travelled over from the gondolas.

Michonne looked back to Rick's reddened face and they both chuckled again at the show they had inadvertently put on.

"Yes, we are fine." Michonne shouted out as Rick warmly grinned at her.

"I've probably ruined this outfit." she snickered trying to downplay the flutters he was creating inside her with the gentle look in his eyes.

"It's just a little bit of snow, it should be fine." Rick guaranteed with a smirk. "If it's not, Pamela can afford it."

Michonne giggled again and Rick was elated it was produced by him. Michonne started to move to stand after realizing she was perhaps too comfortable against him once again.

"Let me help you up."

"You are under me, how is that gonna happen?" she reminded him.

"You're right."

"Always am." she clambered her way to her feet then offered a hand to Rick. He smiled and accepted, even though he didn't really need her help. He admitted to himself he missed the physical connection and wanted it back somehow. A grasp of her hand would have to do.

"Thanks."

"No problem. I guess we should get out of this snow. Get back to work."

Rick coyly smirked. "I actually think I already have the perfect shots from today. But let me help you."

He wasn't ready to let her hand go and he guided her back to the gondola area, only releasing it once they stepped into the plowed section to stomp and dust off the snow that clung to them. They stood there for an awkward moment before Michonne noticed Magna holding her phone.

"It was going off." the assistant handed it over.

A couple of texts and a missed call notification were on the screen, all from Mike. Michonne exhaled, her mood inexplicably brought down. She wavered on how to proceed when a new call came through. She huffed, ultimately deciding to answer. She gestured to Rick and Magna that she needed a second and they both stepped away to begin packing up.

"Mike?"

"Hey uh, Michonne. I wanted to call you personally to let you know that the news should be out soon."

"You could've had your people call mine, as was the plan, but I appreciate the heads up."

A silence lingered and she wondered if he was still there but he spoke up before she could ask.

"You know that I hate that this happened. I wish we could've found a way to work this out. But I think this is for the best."

Michonne glanced at Rick who was nearby putting things away. She couldn't help but grin. "I think you are right. This is the best thing for us, going our separate ways. Mike, I really wish you all the best."

"Really?" Mike was in a state of confusion.

"Yes, I think we will both find happiness. But, I'm in the middle of something right now…"

"Oh, for sure. I'll let you get back to it. It was good hearing your voice, Michonne."

"Bye Mike."

"Bye."

Michonne ended the call and breathed a sigh of relief. She thought this call would unleash some underlying emotion she'd let lay dormant. But instead, a weight was lifted from her shoulders and she gazed out on the beautiful scenic town with the mountain landscape as its backdrop, and smiled. She'd of course have work to find herself again, but it wasn't a task she feared any longer.

He knew he shouldn't have, but Rick eavesdropped while putting the equipment away. Not to invade her privacy, but to make sure she wasn't in any distress. He assumed by her change in demeanor after first examining her phone that it must've been the call she'd been preparing for. Now he watched her, breathing and taking in the spectacular views to balance herself, before he eased his way over.

She turned to him briefly. "It really is something."

"It is, but I kinda thought you'd be used to all this."

She grinned at him so his stomach flipped. "You know better than anyone. Location shoots are much rarer. We are usually stuck in some plain, white studio in front of a backdrop."

"Easier and cheaper to Photoshop the background in later."

They both snickered. "Now you know why I took this gig in particular, Rick."

The use of his requested name again had him flustered in the best possible way. But he tried to remind himself he was here to sustain her, not the thoughts that filled his head while lying in bed.

"Hope everything went well on the call."

"It did." she smiled.

"That's good. I'm still glad you have some support coming, just in case."

"Me too."

They stood there for a few minutes just breathing and existing in each other's space without any friction.

"Well, I guess we are done for today." Rick sighed.

Michonne wasn't ready to part yet either and the ease of their conversation had her going out on a limb before she could think too deeply about it.

"You know, I was planning on walking around, doing a little sightseeing. Maybe some shopping. Will I see you out there?"

"Why would you?" Rick's brow rose, needing clarity.

"Don't you have to report back to Pamela regarding my well-being?"

Rick snickered then slowly looked her over, causing her body to warm. "You look good to me."

Rick was currently kicking himself for not realizing that that was in fact an invitation. One delivered with gutsy trepidation. And he'd completely missed it, focusing on his own nerviness, that he'd somehow derail their newfound flow with some poorly delivered statement, as had become his ill-begotten pattern.

With the equipment stored and him back in his room, the conversation replaying in his head, it struck him. He could've been hanging out with Michonne at her request, but he fumbled the opportunity. He needed to rectify this situation and after a quick shower, he changed into dry clothes. His trusty boots along with worn-in black jeans, a Henley and his fur collar lined jacket. Then he once again called on Magna, hoping against all odds she had any details to Michonne's current whereabouts. She didn't.

Rather than wallow in his foolishness, Rick decided to go search for a few Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Michonne mentioned shopping and he secretly hoped that he would run into her. But after a few stores and no sightings, he'd all but given up, figuring she must've traveled to a neighboring town or province. He currently examined a shelf with varying treats wondering which to pick.

"These chocolates are my favorite." an arm reached past him to grab the bar he was just about to pick up.

Rick snickered as he watched Michonne toss it into her basket. He was overjoyed to see her. Simultaneously happy her comical move allowed him the opportunity to turn red with the guise of laughter. She'd cutely worn a cream puffer vest on top of a sweater with a pair of snug denim jeans and combat boots. He didn't even pretend that he wasn't checking her out this time.

"I must have good taste." Rick coyly replied before snagging his own bar.

Michonne smirked before she strolled away, knowing he would follow. "Didn't take you for a candy guy."

"From time to time I have a taste for something sweet."

Michonne's core pulsed as she walked. She hoped that cocky grin was on his face and she chanced a look back to see him salaciously staring at her plum ass. Her hips, of their own fruition, began to add a little twist with each step. Her mind drummed up all these equally teasing replies but she tempered herself.

"Thought you didn't plan on coming to town?"

"I realized that was dumb." he was being forthcoming and she was relishing it.

Michonne had been kicking herself for going out on a limb to invite him out. She'd started to think she was misreading the signals between them. But now, Rick tailed her into the store's toy section like a moth to a flame. They both paused to look the assortment over with giddy excitement.

Michonne definitely didn't like her first impressions of Rick. He'd clearly had a plan to kiss her ass just to get this job done as easily as possible. But now, he stood close, examining toys and trinkets, a delighted smile spread across his face, it just hit her. It was days to Christmas and of course he wanted to get home…for Carl. His initial distress must've been created by the worry he'd miss out on building memories that would last a lifetime with his young son.

"Where does Carl live?" she interrupted his examination of the shelves so he turned to face her. His face showed pleased amazement that she was inquiring further about his child.

"Georgia. That's where I'm from."

Michonne grinned. "I kind of figured from your accent."

"Really?"

His disbelief was commonplace for her and she answered his unasked question. "I grew up in Georgia before I moved to New York."

Rick hadn't pegged her for a southern girl, Michonne exuded big city. He gleefully smiled at her as she coquettishly avoided his eyes. He was getting just what he wanted, to know her better and she was volunteering the information willingly. A charge of energy was building in the quiet between them. Rick had studied the rosy undertones hiding in her cheeks in his photographs from yesterday. But now he was witnessing it grow more profound. His fingers tickled with the urge to caress her cheek but Michonne quickly pivoted, reaching for a toy squad car with blinking lights displaying it to Rick.

"I think Carl will like this."

"I'm not sure." he looked down at it with skepticism.

Michonne gasped at his audacity. "Did you forget-"

"Three-year-olds find you extremely funny. Doesn't mean you can pick a gift." Rick playfully challenged her.

"Call him then." she rose an eyebrow.

"What, right now?"

"Scared you'll be proven wrong?" she grinned but didn't back down.

Rick pulled out his phone to check the time. He was six hours ahead of Carl's time so that wouldn't be an issue. "Fine."

He proceeded to video call while Michonne smirked and continued to look over the shelves. After a few rings, Lori's stern face appeared.

"Are you headed back yet?"

"Not…just yet." Rick sighed and Michonne noticed his immediate tension with who she assumed was his ex-wife. "Can I speak to Carl quickly? Need his opinion on something."

"You need the opinion of a three-year-old?"

Rick bit back a hiss but his eyes darted upwards to avoid the screen. Michonne's hand moved on its own accord, gently squeezing his arm. His blue eyes locked on her soft brown ones as she relayed a message of understanding that generated buoyancy.

His eyes moved back to the screen. "Please."

"Carl!" Lori called the boy.

While Rick waited, Michonne offered him a comforting smile then removed her hand. She was about to take a step back to grant him some discretion but Rick's eyes told her to stay. Her minute act of compassion had stopped his irritation in its tracks and he needed her near. From the phone, the increasing sound of joyful squeals could be heard, adjoined with the tipper tapper of little feet.

"Daddy!"

"Hey Buddy!" the tension all melting away when his son's cherub face appeared. "I miss you."

"Miss you!" Carl giggled.

"What were you doing?" Rick beamed.

"Cocomelon!" Carl answered with glee.

"Oh, you were watching Cocomelon. Daddy won't keep you then, I just want to ask you something." his son nodded eagerly.

Michonne extended her arm to present her toy suggestion but Rick surprised her when he moved to her side. She could now see the little freckled face smiling brightly at her from the phone.

"Hi." He waved happily at her and she returned it with her own grin.

"Hi, Carl."

"This is my friend, Michonne and she found a toy she thinks you will like. Wanna see it?"

Carl's face lit up even more and he nodded ecstatically. Michonne presented the car and then pressed the button so the lights flashed. The boy's eyes could scarcely be seen since his face was bobbing around as he was surely jumping up and down.

"I guess that means you like it." Rick snickered.

"Yes! Can I have it, Daddy? Pleaseeee?" Carl dragged the last word out so Rick and Michonne chuckled.

"Of course. Hopefully, this will give Santa some ideas on what else you would like."

"Will you tell Santa?" Carl stared in excited wonder.

"I'll make sure he does." Michonne chimed in so Rick turned his attention to her. "We are close to the North Pole. It will be easy to get him a message."

"Wow! Thank you."

"You are very welcome, Carl." Michonne smiled before she felt the buzz of her own phone in her pocket. She fished it out to see her mom was calling. She sighed vacillating over whether to answer or not.

Rick whispered to her. "Go ahead."

And with a nod of her head, she turned back to Carl who waited while he wiggled a happy dance. "Nice to meet you, Carl. Bye!" she waved.

"Bye Mit-own." the boy sang his mispronounced version of her name and waved back. Michonne snickered in shock that the toddler had even come close or remembered it at all. With her phone's continued vibration, she finally stepped away to answer.

"Bye Daddy, don't forget about Santa! I go watch Cocomelon now."

"Bye Carl. I love you." but his son was already passing the phone back to his mother so he could scamper off to the television.

Lori's face reappeared on his screen but Rick was overhearing what he could from Michonne's conversation. "Slow down. Cousin who wants to come now?" she asked her mother.

"Rick?" Lori called to pull him from his preoccupation but it wasn't working and he continued to listen in.

"Uh no, there are no more rooms available. They will have to share with someone and Momma I'm sorry, it's not me."

"Rick, are you listening to me?" Lori interjected.

"Yeah." he responded distractedly.

"You never answered my question and now you aren't even paying attention. Who was that-" Lori grumbled clearly having heard Michonne's voice.

With a lowered voice, Rick finally returned his attention to his ex-wife. "I'm working on getting home as soon as I can."

"That sure isn't what it sounds like."

"We keep having this conversation and it's just going in circles." Rick hissed.

"I'm owed an update. It's the least you can do. Or I can make the other plans."

"Make other plans?" Rick pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, you know what I should give you an update. Just give me a second." he pressed mute before turning back to Michonne to hear her next statement.

"Well, maybe the hotel has rollaway beds or someone is checking out during our stay…Fine, fine, I will go talk to the manager and let you know."

Michonne looked to Rick with a sigh. They both smirked disbelievingly at the inconvenient turn of events, both reluctant to complete their individual tasks at hand. They had only just found each other.

"I need to-" Rick gestured to his phone.

Michonne nodded. "I've got to run back to the hotel and hope the manager can assist me."

"Go ahead and handle your thing."

"Sorry." she whispered and a small smile played on Rick's lips glad for her hesitancy to depart.

"It's a smaller town than we thought. Even smaller hotel." he snickered. "We'll bump into one another sooner than later."

Michonne giggled. "I can't lose you, it seems."

"No, no you cannot."

"See you later, Rick."

"Thank you." he gestured to the toy currently in his basket even though he meant so much more.

"Carl's welcome." Michonne beamed. "You're welcome too."

Rick watched as she returned to her call while making her way to the register. He took a deep breath and went back to his own, determined to remain in his current elated state.