richonneevents

[richonneevents]

Richonne | 1k words | Rated T

A/N: Written for the @richonneevents Richonne Valentine’s Day Bingo - Square Fill: Meet-cute.

There was an excitement in the air, Rick thought, as he and Judith walked hand-in-hand up to the front of the little girl's new school. The excitement certainly outweighed the nerves, he surmised, as he listened to his daughter chatting away happily as they reached the front steps.

Any nerves that she might have been feeling were masked by her curious nature.

She was so brave, considering what they had been through as a family. Carl was, too. Rick was always amazed by his children. They showed this innate resilience, even when Rick thought he was falling apart. His children kept him going.

He loved them so much. He really, truly hoped that the new start in his hometown would be good for them. That they would settle in and find happiness there. That they could start the first days of the rest of their lives. He was already so happy that they were there together, and knew in his soul that things would only get better.

Judith gave him a nice long hug goodbye, and then made her way over to the other student waiting for her. He watched Judith greet her assigned 'buddy', gave her a wave, and watched her head inside the school building before turning to leave. Just then, he was stopped in his tracks by the sight of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

He was struck by how beautiful she was. Actually, beautiful was not adequate to describe her. She was stunning; breathtaking. She stole Rick's breath away for a moment as he took her in.

Her light, white coat was set striking against her lovely dark skin. Long braids cascaded down her shoulders and back, framing her face prettily.

She was standing there with one hand over her heart and the other waving to a little boy who was skipping over to his friends.

"Have the best day, Peanut!" she called out before blowing a kiss.

"You, too, Mama," the child replied quickly before continuing to laugh and joke with his friends.

Not only was Rick taken by her beauty, but he also felt a sense of concern grow for her because the beautiful stranger remained in place, staring off at her son, with fondness but also with some sadness. Rick noticed it for what it was.

"First time he declined a hug from his Mama, eh?" asked Rick as he placed both hands in his pockets.

"Excuse me?" said the stunning stranger as she turned to face Rick.

"Your son," said Rick, gesturing to where the boy was now playing boisterously with his friends. "You looked a little sad just now. Thought it might be the first time he didn't want a hug at mornin' drop-off."

"Oh," said the lady, a small smile gracing her lips as she stepped closer to Rick. "Yeah, Andre's been wanting hugs less and less these past few weeks."

She let out a sigh then and crossed her arms over her front self-soothingly.

"Your little girl," she said. "She looked pretty happy for a morning drop-off hug."

"Yeah, my Judith," he replied a smile crossing his lips. "It's her first day o' school. She's actin' pretty brave, and she most definitely is, but she ain't ready to give up the drop-off hugs just yet."

"How exciting! She's adorable," the lady said with a smile. "And I am so jealous of you right now."

Rick let out a laugh and smiled at her joke.

"I'm Michonne, by the way," she added.

"Rick," he replied. "Pleasure to meet you, Michonne."

"Likewise," she supplied, and her bright smile made Rick weak in his knees; he placed his hands to his hips to try and maintain balance.

"You all just arrive in town?"

"Yeah," Rick drawled. "Me, Judith, and my teenager, Carl."

He tracked her gorgeous eyes as they looked at his left hand, maybe searching for any sign of a wedding band, or lack thereof, he hoped.

"Lovely," said Michonne in earnest. "Is Carl too big for hugs?"

"He still gives 'em when he feels like it."

"Any advice for a single mom with a growing boy?"

Rick's lips turned up into a smile at that very pertinent piece of information, as well as the adorable and hopeful look on Michonne's face.

“I might have,” he offered. “But as a single dad, I’m still figuring out a lot of this stuff myself.”

“Noted,” said Michonne with a bright beam.

A moment of quiet passed between them as they took in each other’s appearance. Rick inadvertently smoothed down his clothes before reaching up and running his hand through his curls. Michonne watched him before clearing her throat.

"Well, Rick, it's been nice to chat with you," said Michonne. "Oh, and welcome to King County.”

"Thank you," said Rick. "Was nice to chat with you, too. Oh, and it's more of a 'welcome back' for me. Hometown boy comin’ home.”

"Oh," said Michonne with a nod of her head and a crooked but attractive smile. "Guess that messes with my plans, then."

Rick returned the crooked smile and asked, "What plans?"

“I was planning on offering to show you around town," said Michonne with a shrug of her shoulder; she then added, rather flirtatiously, "Y'know, show you the sights and points of interest and whatnot."

"Hey, I'm keen," said Rick, his smile so wide that it almost hurt. "I'm more than happy for you to lead me around town like I ain't ever been here before."

Michonne let out a little amused laugh at that. It sounded like the sweetest song.

"Come to think of it," Rick added, as he leaned in conspiratorially. "It's been ages since I’ve lived here. So, you should just go on and keep that plan of yours. I know I just met you, but I'd follow anywhere you wanted to lead me to."

Michonne let out a glorious laugh then as she placed one hand to Rick's forearm, and the other to her lips to stifle the laugh as other nosy parents glanced their way.

"You're funny, Rick," she said while withdrawing her hand after a beat. "Funny and charming.”

"Don't know about all o' that," he replied. "But you sure do bring something out in me."

Michonne bit her lip and then dipped her head, looking up at him through her long lashes; Rick almost fell over. They stood staring at one another for a moment. A beep coming from Michonne's wristwatch broke the reverie between them.

"Darn it, I have to go," said Michonne, looking like she really did not want to leave.

"Yeah," said Rick, not moving an inch. "Me, too."

They held one another's gaze a little while longer before Rick added, "See you back here for after-school pick-up?"

Michonne smiled bright and wide before saying, "I sure do hope so."|

[richonneevents]

[richonneevents]

2025 Saturn Award for Best television presentation goes to The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live!

Took home the best award of the night, I mean of course our power couple did that ♡

"But you two together, You can do anything."

-Jadis

[richonneevents]

Congratulations to everyone involved with The One’s Who Live on winning the best television presentation at the Saturn awards🥳 so well deserved!!!

[richonneevents]

Please join us for our Richonne Valentine's Day Bingo 2025!

About: Beginning first week of February through to February 20. Richonne Events will reblog your creations during this time.

Guidelines:

Must be following @richonneevents

No sign-up required

Square fills can be fanfiction; fanart; headcanons; moodboards; graphics; edits; podfics; fanvids; playlists etc.

Remember to tag @richonneevents in your post and tag #richonnevalentines2025 for reblogs

Get creative and have fun!

[richonneevents]

While AMC has added all of its Walking Dead shows to Netflix at some point or another, its latest addition has set a Netflix record for the franchise.

So far as I can tell, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the six-episode miniseries marking the return of Rick and Michonne after they departed the original show, is the best-performing Walking Dead series we’ve seen on Netflix.

[richonneevents]

[richonneevents]

Please join us for our Richonne Seasonal Bingo 2024

About: Beginning December 1 through to January 20. Richonne Events will reblog your creations during this time.

Guidelines:

Must be following @richonneevents

No sign-up required

Square fills can be fanfiction; fanart; headcanons; moodboards; graphics; edits; podfics; fanvids; playlists etc.

Remember to tag @richonneevents in your post and tag #richonneseasonalbingo2024 for reblogs

Get creative and have fun!

[richonneevents]

Rick: “Don’t dry yourself too much darling. I intend to get you wet again Let’s build for the future 😏Yeah?”

🍁 ☀️ An Autumnal rainy night brought to the world a sweet summer child 🍁 ☀️

Draft clear out: never get to finish this for the fictober challenge sorry 🫣 @richonneevents

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Week 5

Day 27: Underneath The Sky

Day 28: Full Moon

Day 29: Carving Jack o’ Lanterns

Day 30: Costume Party

Day 31: Trick or Treat

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Week 4

Day 20: Festival 

Day 21: First Frost

Day 22: Kissing In The Rain

Day 23: Baking Pies

Day 24: Cemetery Stakeout 

Day 25: Black Cat

Day 26: Dead-End

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Week 3

Day 13: Jumping in A Leaf Pile

Day 14: Warm Apple Cider / Hot Chocolate etc

Day 15: Corn Maze

Day 16: By The Fire(place)

Day 17: Candles 

Day 18: Flannel

Day 19: Nestled Under Blankets

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Week 2

Day 8: Pumpkin Patch Visit

Day 9: Rainy Day

Day 10: Scarecrow

Day 11: Haunted Hayride / Haunted House

Day 12: Horror Movie Marathon

[richonneevents]

THE WALKING DEAD | S6E11: Knots Untie THE ONES WHO LIVE | S1E5: Become

[richonneevents]

How Sweet It Is | Richonne | T | 1.7k | AO3 | FF.net

Summary: In an attempt to get his single dad Rick to meet their new neighbor Michonne, Carl insists they make batch of candy apples to bring to Michonne and her young son. Will sparks fly between Rick and Michonne? Will the candy apples be the only sweetness on that late fall afternoon?

A/N: Written for @richonneevents Richonne Fictober 2024 Day 1: Making Candy Apples

The second batch of candy apples was almost ready to be boxed up with the first lot. Rick was patiently waiting for Carl to find something warmer to wear as the cooler weather was finally setting in. Rick looked at the tray of goodies and smiled. Carl was such a generous, caring soul for his tender age. He had said to his father that he wanted to share some of the treats with the new family that had moved in across the road a couple of months earlier: Single working mom, Michonne, and her toddler Andre. 

Carl had babysat Andre a few times when Michonne had finally found time to herself to catch up with friends or go on a date here and there. Michonne reminded Carl of his dad a lot. A single parent doing the best they could for their son, but who didn’t have a lot of time for other things, namely dating. Carl thought that they were well suited and would get along if given the chance. So, if Carl had encouraged his father to make candy apples and take them over to Michonne and Andre in the hope that they would hit it off, well that was of no concern to anyone else. 

Carl came bounding down stairs and rushed into the kitchen as his father was placing the last of the candy apples into the box. 

“They’re all ready, son,” said Rick as he smiled at Carl.

��You’re wearing that?” asked Carl as he gestured to his father’s outfit. 

Rick looked down at his outfit: A button-down flannel tucked into faded jeans. 

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Nothing,” Carl replied. “But what about your blue shirt?”

“Why the blue shirt?” asked a curious Rick, wondering why his son was now so invested in his sartorial choices. 

“It brings out your eyes, duh,” said Carl before adding, “Go on and get changed so we can head out.”

“Alright,” said Rick with a grin as he made his way to get changed. 

…..

Carl was not as slick as he thought he was. Rick was onto him. While Carl was genuinely a generous and kind kid, Rick knew he had ulterior motives for making the batch of candy apples and bringing them to their neighbors. He knew Carl wanted Rick to expand his social circle, which was already so small. He knew his son wanted him to put himself out there and meet new people. He also knew his son wanted him to start dating again. 

Rick had seen Michonne in passing. He had spoken to her on the phone when organizing for Carl to babysit. But he didn’t know much about her except that she had a small son, was divorced, and had about as much as a social life as Rick did. He had to admit that she was really beautiful as well. And to be honest, Rick wouldn’t mind getting to know her better. 

He smoothed down his blue shirt and checked himself over in the mirror. Carl was right; the blue did bring out his eyes. Rick did some finger-guns at himself, and then shook his head while laughing before making his way back down to the kitchen. 

“Let’s go,” said Carl happily as his father picked up the box of candy apples; the pair made their way outside and over the road. 

…..

Michonne and Andre were enjoying their new life in the new neighborhood. Everyone was friendly and it was a nice place. They had settled in well, and Michonne had even made some new friends. On the rare occasion that she got to go out and spend time with her friends, a couple of the neighborhood teenagers babysat Andre for her. Carl from across the road was Andre’s favorite. He was a good boy who cared a lot about his dad. Michonne let him look through her comic book collection if he showed up early to babysit. She liked Carl, and she would like to get to know his father Rick a little better, too. She and Rick seemed to have a bit in common, being single parents of sons. She had spoken to him on the phone, and seen him from a distance, but was yet to meet him in person. 

The late afternoon had set in, and Michonne had just finished folding laundry in the living room while Andre was playing when she heard the doorbell ring. She got up off the couch and went to answer the door. Michonne was pleasantly surprised to see Carl standing there with a smile on his face, and his father standing next to him, looking somewhat bashful and holding a box. 

“Oh, hi there,” said Michonne cheerfully.

“Hey,” said Carl.

“Hello,” said his father. “Sorry to just drop by like this.”

Michonne smiled and said, “It’s okay. Uh, you’re Rick, right?”

“Shoot, where’re my manners?” he chided himself before holding out a hand for Michonne to shake. “Yes, I’m Rick Grimes. So nice to meet you.”

“Michonne Hawthorne,” she replied shaking his hand. “Lovely to meet you, too.”

“The pleasure’s all mine,” said Rick, smiling at Michonne’s radiant smile. 

Carl coughed beside his father, garnering both his and Michonne’s attention. 

“Right,” said Rick, clearing his throat. “Carl and I made some, uh, candy apples. And he thought you and your boy might like some.”

Michonne’s face lit up as she looked from Rick to Carl. 

“Oh my gosh you guys,” she exclaimed. “That’s so thoughtful and sweet. Thank you.”

“I know how you and Andre both have a sweet tooth,” said Carl gesturing to the box Rick was holding. “My Dad made them, I helped to decorate them.”

Rick held the box out for Michonne to take; she smiled and offered her gratitude once more. 

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome,” said Rick with a courteous smile. 

“Hope you like them,” said Carl, as Rick placed a hand on his shoulder, and they turned to leave.

“Hey, hold up,” said Michonne, causing the pair to stop. “You leaving already?”

Carl shrugged and Rick said, “We don’t wanna take up any more of your time. I heard you’re a pretty busy lady.”

“I’m sure Andre and I can make some time for you and Carl,” said Michonne, sweetly. “Please, come on in. I was about to make some hot chocolate.”

“We wouldn’t wanna impose,” said Rick, suddenly bashful. 

“Trust me,” Michonne supplied in earnest. “You’re not. Please, come in and join us.”

…..

The mug of hot chocolate felt warm in Rick’s hand as he sipped from it and admired the way Michonne’s face lit up when she spoke of her family. It was clear that she missed them, but was settling into King County very well. 

“It’s such a lovely place to raise a family,” said Michonne.

“It sure is,” Rick agreed. “I grew up here. Got married and divorced here. Raising Carl here. My whole life is here, and I can’t say nothin’ bad about it. This town has been good to us. Good for us. I hope it’ll be the same for you.”

Rick’s soft smile made Michonne smile back at him. 

“I know I’ve said this before,” Michonne started. “But you’ve done a great job with Carl. He’s a great kid. I hope I can be as good at this single parent thing as you are.”

“You already are,” said Rick as he placed his mug down near his half eaten candy apple and turned more on the sofa so that he could look at Michonne. 

“Thank you,” she said softly, sipping from her own mug before placing it down next to Rick’s. “I just worry sometimes that I’m not enough. That I’m somehow messing this all up.”

“You’re not. Trust me, I’ve felt the exact same way as you have,” said Rick sincerely. “That doubtful little voice inside your head is a liar, Michonne. I’ve only just begun to know you, and I can already tell you’re a great mother, and person in general. I mean, you’ve given my kid a way to earn some extra money as well as making sure your son is taken care of when you need a little time to yourself.”

Michonne smiled then and let her head dip.

“I feel bad about having time to myself sometimes,” she admitted.

“Don’t,” Rick advised. “I was the same. Didn’t let myself enjoy anything outside of bein’ a dad. But I got there in the end.”

“How?” asked a genuinely curious Michonne.

“Well, I just put one foot in front of the other for a long time,” Rick explained. “And when things felt right, I just leapt in, I suppose.”

Michonne searched Rick’s face and grinned at him before saying, “I like the sound of that.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” said Michonne. “I have been taking one step at a time, one foot in front of the other since Andre was a baby. I think I might be ready to try this leaping thing.”

Rick let out a little laugh and beamed at Michonne as he said, “I’m glad to hear that.”

The grin Michonne returned made her eyes light up and Rick could not look away even if he wanted to. The pair held one another’s gaze for a moment as silence settled comfortably around them. Rick’s intense stare made Michonne feel seen like she hadn’t in so long; Michonne’s pretty eyes made Rick’s tummy flutter. He felt as if there was a shift between them. That they had come to an unspoken understanding that they shared a sameness. Rick cleared his throat and let the daring feeling that had suddenly swirled inside of him rise to the surface. 

He leaned his arm on the back of the sofa and tilted his head to the side, before saying, “Y’know, if you wanted some encouragement or help gettin’ back out there, I’m happy to oblige.”

Michonne hid her excitement well as she batted her eyelids and said, “So, just encouragement and help? That’s all you’re offering?”

“I’d offer to take you out,” said Rick, his drawl coming out languid and confident. “There’re couple’s pumpkin carving workshops down at Tucker’s Farm this weekend. Could be fun to go along to. If that’s somethin’ you’d be interested in.”

“Oh, I’m extremely interested,” Michonne replied, suddenly feeling giddy for the first time in ages. 

Rick smiled widely and said, “Great. It’s a date.”

“You know what?” said Michonne as she picked up her candy apple. “I’m so glad you came over with these.”

Rick picked up his own candy apple and said, “Yeah, me too.”

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Day 7: Bobbing for Apples

[richonneevents]

Richonne Fictober 2024 - Day 6: Overcast Morning