(A/N) It's been seven years since I've updated this story. I had writer's block and watching the show kill Carl left a bad taste in my mouth. I want to finish this story. Here's a recap:
Previously on Finding My Way Back: The group split up into 3 prominent groups before somehow making their way to Alexandria. Rick has been separated from Michonne, Carl and Judith for almost 3 years. After finding them he didn't want to let them go. His behavior was unhinged, getting rid of any love interest or obstacle. Michonne was delighted in his return until he tried to dictate her life and make her his wife even though they never even dated. This obsession was born from years of searching, knowing in his heart she kept Carl and Judith safe.
Gabriel adopted a girl named Chenelle and she has a crush on Carl. She's smart and becomes a nurse under Dr. Anderson. Gabriel was dating Michonne and wanted to propose. Things escalate and he has to flee Alexandria because of Rick's homicidal tendencies. Rick and his group do not integrate into the community, do what they want, and eventually take it over once he learns of Dr. Anderson's abusive tendencies. This turns out to be a major mistake since he was their only doctor. Chenelle falls pregnant after she and Carl talk about their first kills.
After Judith has an asthma attack they go to Grady to recruit doctors. They go willingly because of their lack of supplies. On the way, Michonne and Rick truly bond. When they return to Alexandria they find that the Saviors have taken it over. They raid a satellite base which makes Negan come, kill Glenn and cut Rick's hand off. Rick starts cooperating with the Alexandrians and their allies/neighbors.
Knowing they can't overpower the Saviors, they decide to poison them. They pretend to cooperate, but things get complicated when Negan shows special interest in the Grimes family and his wife turns out to be Michonne's little sister.
Chapter Twenty-One: One Year Later
Over a year passed since Alexandria was harassed by the Saviors. Time without them had been blissful. So much time lapsed that if the Saviors did survive they'd think everyone was still on board. In reality, they were far from it. They had a storage container with their "tribute". They took a page out of history. They had blankets and clothes that were infected with respiratory disease, as well as parasites in the food. It took months to find an animal infected with listeria for the fruit and vegetables. It took longer for bacillus to infect the potatoes; thankfully bacillus could survive on dehydrated potatoes. Eugene and Chenelle joked that the mashed potatoes the Saviors cooked would be the best dish they ever made. The poisoning had been a secret. Eugene took great care to keep the tribute infected; as usual, Chenelle was an assistant. It was necessary since Eugene also manufactured bullets. The plan was still confidential and even after a year, there were things the counsel didn't tell all Alexandrians. She wasn't even allowed to tell her father, Gabriel. Lastly, they made a lot of delicious moonshine; the flavor was deceiving. It was sweet and didn't have the burn of typical alcohol, but the proof was very high. There was nothing in the moonshine except the alcohol itself. On the off chance nothing came from infecting the food perhaps latent alcoholism could. Even if the Saviors didn't come, they were prepared for war.
Gabriel and other believers called the storms an act of God. The hurricane destroyed all of the infrastructure, a second followed, then a blizzard in the winter. There weren't clear roads for the Saviors to reach them. Nobody knew the Sanctuary was 80 miles away, and they didn't bother searching. In that time, they did clear a path from Hilltop to Alexandria and the Kingdom. This improved trade, communication and travel between the zones. They'd even started to intermingle. Maggie and Hershel Jr moved to Hilltop for a new start. Carol fell in love with Ezekiel and was close to being the new queen. Tara took a job as a mail carrier; she now had many friends in all communities. Aaron and Eric were still in hospitality and recruitment.
As for the Grimes, Rick was still a constable and a member of the counsel. Daryl, Sasha and Michonne were still scouting. Carl was still a jack of all trades and dabbled wherever Alexandria needed help. Judy became a tyrant telling others exactly how to handle decor and her nephew. Miles was growing, walking, talking and fairly extroverted.
Michonne put her shoulder length locs into a ponytail and bent to secure the toddler in his stroller. She cut her hair for convenience and comfort. Knowing her sister was alive, she no longer felt it was an insult to cut her hair. Michonne wrote her letters over time. She wrote about the past before the turn, stories of after the turn, minor events in Alexandria, and how she was missed. She knew one day Kianga would be able to read those letters; there was no way the Saviors were completely wiped out. Negan seemed to view his sister as a prized possession. There was no doubt in her mind that her sister was alive.
"Mimi!" Miles babbled and smiled at his grandmother. He pointed at a tree. "Twee, aobol" Then he looked and pointed at a house. "House! Casa!"
Miles pointed at a few more things before Michonne responded. "Very good, Pumpkin. You're so smart."
"Lub you"
Michonne smiled and kissed his cheek. "I love you too. Ready to go for our run?"
"Won! Bamos Mimi!" Michonne started her jog. She felt like a suburban mom. Alexandria still had rows of perfect houses; people looked carefree. Their neighbors waved and Miles eagerly waved to everyone they passed. "Hi! Hi! Hi!" His lexicon was better than Judith at his age. They were on the run during Judith's infancy so silence was golden. Miles had many people conversing with him since he was born. He was even bilingual thanks to his mother. They arrived home at the same time as Carl. "Papa!" The baby boy tried to run to him despite being strapped in his stroller. Carl unhooked him and braced for a surprisingly strong hug. He beamed at his son. This was his little twin.
"We went for our daily game of I Spy." She touched a freckled chubby cheek. "You're back early."
Carl's face dropped. "On our way to the Kingdom we spotted new roads being cleared out. If it weren't for the sound of motorcycles I wouldn't be as alarmed. I think they're back." Carl subconsciously pulled Miles closer.
"Good. One more time playing docile and it'll be over." Michonne would ask her sister to stay while nature took its course.
Miles was oblivious to everything going on and tried to get Carl's attention as he spotted Mikey randomly bouncing a ball down the sidewalk. "Hi! Mira papa! Bola!"
Carl gave a soft laugh, still not strong in his Spanish. "Yes, it's a ball. Do you want to play with yours inside?" The boy nodded and Carl took him to a room cluttered with toys on the floor. He could have sworn he cleaned this room before leaving work. His boy was a handful! Carl lingered as he saw Miles bite on his ball. He was still at a stage where things needed to go in his mouth first. It didn't surprise Carl. Baby Grimes talked nonstop. Miles was a Grimes despite Chenelle's ridiculous notion that Miles was a Stokes.
Michonne kissed Carl on his temple. From experience she knew what he was thinking. He was in awe of the life he made, anxious about the future, and happy that his baby was happy and healthy. "Just like your sister we'll shield him from the worst."
"I know, mom."
Michonne smiled. She never grew tired of that word. "I can watch him if you want to hang out with Enid."
Carl blushed. He'd been dating Enid for five months now. Ron broke up with her ten months ago and started dating Chenelle. He made a big show stating how instead of having an emotional affair or cheating, he ended the relationship. At first Ron and Carl were at odds. He assumed his interest in Chenelle was a form of revenge, but he saw them kiss one day when he was on watch. He used binoculars to read their lips and body language. Ron confessed he loved her with emotion in his eyes. She smiled and told him she loved him too. That day he backed off and let her be happy. Carl was truly happy for her. She was an excellent mother and now they had a fantastic coparenting relationship.
"I'm going to meet her later on so I can spend a little more time with him. Do you know what happened to the room? I know I cleaned up his toys."
"Carl, you have a toddler."
"...oh"
Michonne laughed. She thought of Andre. He was atypical because he focused on one toy at a time. She felt a dull throb in her chest. Would he have been right next to Miles playing with a toy car? She liked the image. Andre would've been good uncle, a nice respite from Judith's strictness. Maybe in the future she'd be ready to try again. However, they needed secure their home. She'd protect this.
By the time Rick got home they had a full table. They were having untainted mashed potatoes, cabbage and rabbit. Michonne already had his plate ready as he sat on the table. He allowed himself to soak up the chatter that was family before breaking this happy picture.
"They're back," Rick announced. Today they confirmed the Saviors survival and arrival. Judith and Miles continued to eat, oblivious to the conversation. In fact, Judith stood up to scold Miles for making a mess and helped him get the potatoes in his mouth. "They destroyed The Kingdom." Michonne stopped eating and looked at Rick. "Apparently they didn't heed our warnin' and stopped collecting the stuff. It seems like their place is low on resources so the Saviors lashed out. We and Hilltop took in a few refugees. The King is dead."
"Carol?"
"Was the one to tell us before heading to Hilltop. They're probably next, but I know they prepared." He looked around the table. Nobody seemed worried, not even Carl's love interests. "I expect us all to sit like this once it's over."
Chenelle crunched into her rabbit and nodded. She wasn't worried. She thought Eugene was a genius and they never stopped working. "If they are without medical equipment or medicine, we'll win."
Carl frowned. He knew Chenelle had a job, but he was never informed about it. Even his parents said to stay out of it. Eugene could finally say "that's classified" or "need to know information;" it wasn't a lie now.
"You think Negan is still obsessed with the family? As much as it pains me to say this, Carl and Mad Scientist need to play happy family. Ron can't fight and I could see us dying for ruining Negan's vision."
Chenelle rolled her eyes at the nickname. She still disliked Enid; she hated when she called her PK or Mad Scientist. She didn't say anything because she knew Enid was trying to be friendly. Years ago, the prospect of being Carl's pretend girlfriend would've made her heart soar. Now she scrunched her nose. "We're like siblings now."
"Well, this is the south," Enid quipped.
"Never had strong consanguinity laws, am I right?" Chenelle joked, mirth dancing in her eyes until she saw Carl and Enid's confused faces. She grumbled, "Eugene would've gotten it."
They continued dinner normally.
Later…
Michonne sunk into her bed, the mattress loving how snug and warm she felt. Her home had a light scent of apples and she could smell the mint shampoo and conditioner in her hair. Her locs were freshly retwisted. Best of all, her children were sleeping in their beds after a hearty meal; her husband was in the bathroom. Although she could do without the comforts Alexandria provided, she didn't want them ripped away especially from the children. This was home.
Rick stared at himself in the mirror. He too thought about his family and the threat. His heart raced. He itched to put a hole in Negan's skull. He smiled thinking about what type of bullet he needed to make a nice little hole. Maybe he'd use a semiautomatic and make bloody polka dots. He also had the option of a shotgun to blow his head off. These thoughts made him excited. He convinced himself that he didn't like the fight, but some things needed to be done. The family that he spent years to find would stay safe. He meant what he said when he wanted everyone at the table when it was all over. Even if that resulted in them doing so in a rundown building because Alexandria was destroyed.
Rick got in bed and snuggled next to Michonne. He knew what she was thinking. "One more time."
"I wish it would be the last time, but I know it won't be. People are greedy and evil."
Rick turned her face so she met his eyes. "But they won't ever break us."
Michonne turned her body towards Rick and gave him a soft kiss. Rick gazed at her with eyes full of adoration. Even when he was lost, searching for her and his children, he never imagined a moment like this. A suburban home he could never afford in the past, his children safe and sound, and Michonne peppering his lips with kisses. The final one was slow and long. Rick pulled her closer and he could feel the words she never said. She loved him.
Rick deepened the kiss. Soft moans escaped Michonne's lips. Every time Rick placed a kiss on her skin she would move. Her body was very sensitive in its state of arousal. She straddled him; his hands instantly went to her ass. She was only wearing a white t-shirt that Rick wanted off. The sounds she made caused blood to rush south. He would never stop craving her.
Michone eased her body down until she was met with a tent. She pulled Rick's dick out of his boxers and stared at her prize. She licked her lips, growing excited for his moans and the way his eyes glazed over when it found her mouth sublime. Michonne held the base of his cock and put the head in her mouth. She enjoyed giving head. She enjoyed running her tongue along his veins and the twitches before he came. Rick sat up and watched her work as much as he could. Michonne kept playing with his head until her mouth was sloppily wet. She inched down further, taking more of him in her mouth. When her lips met the top of her hand she began stroking him while bobbing her head up and down. She loved the way his shaft disappeared between her mouth and hand. Her hand was getting soaked in her drool. She looked at Rick to see his eyes glazed and head cocked back. He reveled in the feeling. His balls were getting tight. She knew him so well he didn't even need to guide her. He felt himself about to go over the edge. "God damn," he swore breathily. "I'm gonna cum." Michonne smiled a little, but continued working. Her ego soaked in his gasps of her name. His toes curled. Rick felt euphoria as he released. His wife swallowed every drop.
Michonne let Rick catch his breath before lying on the bed face down, ass up. Rick's dick twitched although he was spent. He loved seeing that pretty pink pussy on display for him. When he got proper feelings in his legs, he moved to Michonne and caressed the sexy arch of her back. His hands moved to her ass before spreading her lips open. He wasted no time sticking his tongue inside. He moved his tongue inside her and felt her walls fondle it. Ridges, he was feeling for ridges, he knew what she liked and he'd give it to her happily and greedily. He wanted more. Rick squeezed between her legs and made her sit on his face. He could feel and here by Michonne's squeal he was where he needed to be. Rick continued to explore her, getting her nice and soaked before he finished her off with her clit. Michonne was so sensitive. She couldn't help but grind on him to get him deeper. Her clit brushed across his nose. She was going to stroke harder when Rick stopped torturing her and finally placed his mouth over her nub. She stopped herself in time before she cried out; that was a con of being a parent. His tongue danced around it before he combined sucking and tongue. "Fuck. Oh God, Rick, oh God…" She leaned forward in a pillow before squirting on Rick's face. Michonne caught her breath and looked back at a smug sheriff. "Damn you got good at that."
"I had a good teacher," he blushed.
Michonne cuddled next to him. They kissed tasting each other and themselves. They faced each other and continued their earlier discussion. "We should hold self defense classes for most of Alexandria. We can't defend everyone and they need to be able to save themselves."
Rick played with one of Michonne's nipples. Her shirt was moist from sweat and drool. Seeing it, he absentmindedly began to touch. "We'll start that tomorrow. We may need escape routes, plan for the worst, wish for the best."
Michonne felt her other nipple harden. She wondered if he was aware of how he was affecting her. "No guns. We need those bullets and weapons for those with experience. Plus, knives are easier to be hidden. …baby I can't focus with you doing that."
He stopped realizing what he was doing and chuckled. He stopped himself from apologizing and instead got rid of that pesky t-shirt. "We can multitask." Michonne moaned as Rick started sucking her neglected breasts. He palmed at the other for his pleasure. His hands would never stop seeking her body. "Go on," he said, mouth still full. He let it go with a pop. "You were sayin'" Before Michonne could even say anything his tongue and mouth were back on her breasts. He took his hand and started rubbing her clit again.
"Rick," she said in a whisper.
"What was that?" Rick lifted her leg and pushed inside her. He grabbed her waist and pushed inside. "Got nothin' to say, 'Chonne."
"Oh God, fuck you…"
Rick grunted. "That's right. Fuck me." They glared at each other, feeling more like rivals than partners. He was torn between talking more shit or just enjoying the ride. Michonne chose to glare. It reminded him of their time in prison. He should've fucked her then. "I should've fucked you then. Fucking mouth always twisted in a frown and that fucking glare." Without clarification, she knew he was talking about their earlier days. All those trips they took together, the mistrust and antagonist air between them.
"You asshole." She flipped them over so she was on top. "Let's get this straight I would've fucked you. Not the other way around."
"Nah" Rick grabbed her waist and took control. "Cause I'm fucking you now. I would've done it then. How messed up was I that I didn't take this ass." He spanked her and thrusted into her. "Don't fight it. Cum for me." She bit her lip. She didn't want him to win, but she could feel herself slipping. Her legs quaked. "So stubborn," he slammed her harder on his dick. "So fucking stubborn."
"Okay! Okay! I-" she couldn't even get out the words as she came hard and loudly. Rick fucked her another minute before following. The couple fell into each other's arms and said nothing as they drifted to sleep.
The Next Morning…
When they woke up, they were juxtaposed. This time Michonne was looking at him while he slept. She looked at the scars on his chest, the stump that healed and his peaceful sleep. Before Alexandria they'd been a team and though she fought their relationship initially, they were a team in Alexandria too. She knew he'd love her until his last breath, death do they part. Michonne touched his stubbled jaw and found herself saying, "Let's get married."
Rick's eyes lit up. Since the day he stepped in ASZ he wanted this. How many times did he ask for her hand? About a hundred? He smiled. "We are married, 'Chonne. Do you want to have a ceremony? A vow renewal?"
"We never said vows."
"Woman!" He pulled her on top of him. "You've been my wife for a long time, but I'd love to see you in a white dress walking down the aisle. Carl'd probably be the one to give you away." Michonne tried to hide a grimace. She didn't want that; she never did. What was the equivalent of an elopement? He tickled her sides. She squirmed and pulled her down so their faces met. "I, Rick, take you, Michonne, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, richer or poorer in sickness or in sorrow, to love and cherish until death do us part."
This was eloping. Instead of unease, she felt right. Even if her life lasted a week there's no one else she'd rather give her life to. "You're going to have to help me with the vows." She hovered over his lips. "I, Michonne, take you, Rick, to be my husband."
"To have and to hold."
"To have and to hold," she gave his lips a small kiss.
He lifted her chin up and deepened it. He smiled, their lips still touching. "From this day forward, for better or worse."
"From this day forward, for better or worse." She caressed his face again, lazily kissing him. Rick beamed.
"Be it richer or poorer in sickness or in sorrow."
"Be it richer or poorer in sickness or in sorrow."
"To love and cherish until death do us part."
"To love and cherish until death do us part." Michonne looked him in his blue eyes and said, "I do"
"I do too." Rick pulled her closer to him and simply held her. He felt his eyes water. Years, he was haunted for years searching for his family. He imagined Michonne being his, but it paled compared to the reality. He told himself he didn't need the words from her. She didn't correct anyone when they called her his wife, but she was no longer indifferent to marrying him. On her own volition, she said the vows. She chose him. They were complete.
"Rick, I love you."
"I know."
(A/N) If you are still reading this, thank you.
Next Chapter: Plague