Hi y'all,

The time has come in that my favourite couple has now come full circle and it's time to conclude this story. This instalment is a little long but I hope you'll enjoy it. I thank you for your continued feedback and ongoing support through out the process of telling this story. It was very much appreciated.

Thanks again zeejack for your contribution and continued guidance.

CQ...

Recap: In the last instalment the crew returned to ASZ in a nick of time to help stop the Allies take down of the ASZ. The Wolves and Spencer have been vanquished. All but one of the former traitors perished but whether citizenship will be granted remains unknown. Rick and Michonne are reunited and they're about to embark on a new journey. Glenn is finally up and about again.

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The Patients

The Infirmary was a buzz with action. Denise and the nurses aids pitched in, Glenn was placed on an examining table, when Rick walked in with Michonne they were redirected to a private room. Shortly after their admission Maggie and Carol showed up with the kids. The women had no idea what to expect they just knew both Glenn and Michonne were hurt. Maggie was frantic so Carol had to manage both kids and Maggie too.

Denise examined Glenn and diagnosed him with a mild case of concussion. He was prescribed rest with little to no physical activity and low light stimuli. Upon concluding her diagnosis Denise released Glenn into Maggie's care with instructions for his care and follow-up visits.

Carol reunited with Daryl in the waiting room and together they kept a watchful eye over the kids. The children were a little antsy because they wanted their mother. Rick heard them but was reluctant to leave Michonne alone just yet.

Upon entering the room Denise greeted both Michonne and Rick but she was a little confused as to why Rick remained in the room so she waited for Michonne's lead. As if sensing her discomfort, Michonne spoke, "Denise, It's okay that Rick stays; I'm fine but can you please do a pregnancy test? We think we might be expecting." Denise could hardly believe her ears she was overjoyed for the couple. Finally, there was confirmation to what most had suspected for a very long time that they were in fact a couple. However, she remained professional nonetheless. Michonne was given a general examination followed by a pregnancy test. The examination determined that she was suffering from acute dehydration and the pregnancy test result was positive. Denise advised them that the diagnosis meant IV fluids with a minimum overnight stay in the Infirmary. The news had mixed feelings because neither Michonne nor Rick were very happy about the prognosis of an overnight stay in the Infirmary but it had to be done. However, they were elated at the news that the Grimes clan would be expanding. "What about the kids? I'd like to see them," Michonne pleaded to Denise.

Both Rick and Michonne noticed the flush on Denise's face, her hesitation was obvious so they demanded in unison, "What is it?"

She nervously replied, "Well, I was wondering if y'all would mind if first, I did a scan to hear the baby's heartbeat? You know, it being the first pregnancy in ASZ and all plus it will tell me how far along you are." She gesticulated nervously with her hands not knowing what to do with them, eventually she shoved them into her coat pockets. Excited and speechless they just shook their heads. Denise then excused herself leaving the couple alone to retrieve the IV treatment and the portable ultrasound machine.

"We're having a baby!" They said in unison. In Denise's absence, Rick and Michonne hugged and kissed one another celebrating their amazing news. Their faces ached from the perpetual smile etched on them.

Upon Denise's return, she quickly administered the IV treatment; she then applied the gel to Michonne's stomach and began sliding the wand about within seconds the babies heartbeats were located. Denise smiled at both parents, "Congratulations, your babies heartbeats are strong and they're about five weeks old." Both Michonne and Rick looked to Denise their eyes pleading with her to confirm what they thought they had heard. She obliged, "Yes, I did say babies. Y'all are having twins."

Uncharacteristically, Rick hugged Denise and kissed her forehead which caused her to blush outright. She quickly finished removing the gel from Michonne's stomach when Rick grabbed Michonne into a bear hug and kissed her full on the lips, he didn't care that they weren't alone; tears of joy flowed freely between them.

Denise turned away from the couple to allow them some privacy while she packed up the machine. Rick then cleared his throat and asked Denise not to disclose the status of their relationship nor their news at this time. She agreed to keep their secret. She also agreed that the children could make a short visit emphasizing that Michonne needed to rest. Rick was somewhat concerned about this because he knew neither he nor kids would willing leave Michonne's side that night. Again, as though Denise seemed to understand the dilemma in which he found himself; she told him that he could bring another cot into the room. The fatigue had set in and Michonne began to yawn, but still she asked to see her children.

Rick returned shortly with both Judith and Carl. The latter took one look at his mother and was worried for her. Michonne opened her arms with a smile just for him. He ran to his mother, he was careful to not disrupt her IV tubes. "Mom," he cried squeezing Michonne as best he could with tears streaming from his eyes. Ordinarily, he never doubted that she'd return but this time he was very scared. Carl couldn't believe how tired she looked, it was unlike her normal strong, cool, sword wielding, warrior self.

Rick approached the bed with Judith whose babbling was never ending. Judith reached for her mother calling, "Mama!" A short time after both mother and daughter dozed off to sleep under the watchful eyes of the Grimes men.

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The Grimes Household

It had been two weeks since Michonne's return to the ASZ and life in the Grimes household had taken on a slower pace. Both Rick and Michonne were dealing with severe morning sickness. Denise monitored them closely with regular visits to their house since Rick was adamant that he did not want Michonne treated at the Infirmary because it wasn't ideal for the kids to be there, plus this way he kept visitors at bay. He was not yet ready to share their news.

Based on Rick's behaviour during the medical run the family gave the Grimes family a lot of space. Rick reported for his constable duties and watch duties but he spoke little. To his delight both Maggie and Carol had stayed away and Daryl thank god was a man of few words like himself. On occasion, the latter had witnessed him being sick but never questioned him so he was fine with that. However, he did ask about Michonne and seemed fine when he was told she was fine she just wanted to spend time with their kids.

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Deanna

Rick had just delivered the news to Deanna that an attack on the ASZ was imminent. He was on his way back to the gates so she followed him at a close clip. The attack was being led by Spencer and his Allies so she would be waiting for him. Spencer her son had turned traitor to the ASZ, he was exiled twelve days before and she had mourned him. She had no conviction that he'd survive beyond the walls for as long as he had. In fact, she had mourned them all, they were her family and her friends.

About ten minutes before Deanna watched Rick walked through the gates to fight for his family and community. Rick, a man she hardly knew but she recognized in him the conviction to protect those he loved and his community from the first day they met. A conviction so embedded into his core it placed him at odds with the very community for which he was about to put his life on the line. The irony was not lost on her that a stranger came to embrace that which Reg endevoured to accomplish something a native son took for granted, so she stood just inside the gates with her gun at the ready waiting for the hostiles. She heard them before she saw them. She watched the RV slammed through the gates that Reg installed to protect their little piece of civilization. Behind the wheel was the face of her son Spencer who was now a stranger. He looked possessed, no Monroe would have ever done what he did.

Alexandria was their last stand for civilization, a place to stop the perpetual running; behind these walls was a safe place where they were supposed to be able to rebuild what was and in essence a chance to reboot humanity. In that moment she understood the son she knew was no more. At the hearings, she had come to accept that her very own son was author of the unrest within ASZ. As a Leader, a widow and a mother she knew there could only be one outcome.

The melee ensued, a gun shot rang out but no one fell; it was in that moment of pandemonium that she lowered her gun, drew her knife and plunged it into the heart of the last living Monroe. He was her son but now he was neither son nor foe.

She watched him as her actions registered on his face and the light fade from his eyes and he crumbled to the ground. Deanna the mother followed suit, collapsing to her knees then she sat leaning over his corpse, she lift his head into her lap and caressed it as though he was once again her little boy. Her tears fell freely over him. Her heart broke again when she realized that this was truly the end of Reg's legacy, there no grand-babies to continue his dream. There had never been a baby conceived nor born in the ASZ so she wept for what was, what is and what might have been.

A week later…

Deanna woke in the middle of the night from her current nightmare. The one of Reg's throat being slit open had since been replaced with her plunging a knife into Spencer's heart. She awoke with a start, her breathing was in distress and she was drenched in cold sweat. She reached for the paper bag she kept on her night stand for such an occurrence and blew into it repeatedly until such time her heart rate came to a resting state.

After the crisis had passed she decided it was time… she'd seek Denise out in the morning to finally talk about it.

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Life Goes On...

Life slowly got back to normal in the ASZ. The reconstruction of the gates, the reinforcement of the fence and the expansion were in full swing. New runs were organized and completed without complications.

However, folks in the ASZ noticed Rick was often sick and spent a great deal of time at the Infirmary but noticeably neither Michonne nor the kids had been seen since her return. Denise however, had been seen making house calls to the Grimes household on a regular basis. The fact no one had seen the other members of his family caused the rumour mill to churn; they speculated that either Rick finally went off the deep end and hurt them all or that he had Michonne tied up there so she wouldn't go out on runs because it caused him to lose his mind.

Both Michonne and Rick's morning sickness abated somewhat in that it now happened occasionally. To Denise's delight Michonne was starting to gain some weight. Rick was also happy too because it had taken a toll on him as well; this time was different, the morning sickness he experienced when Lori was carrying Carl was never as severe.

….

Carol had been visiting Maggie when the two naturally started talking about the rumours around the community. Carol confirmed that Daryl had witness Rick being sick on several occasions much like they had when they stayed with him during the medical run. "Did you know that Michonne passed out on that run and later on she was seen puking her guts out when they came up on the traitors? Daryl said she didn't seem like her old self something was off with her the entire run."

"No, I didn't know that because Glenn's memory before he was hit is sketchy but he does remember when he came to... it was only him and Michonne and she was puking her guts out. She claimed it must a been something she ate."

"But that can't be… cause Daryl said they only had jerky for the last few days and she hates that shit." Both women looked at the other and said, "You don't think…..?"

Carol smiled, "The timing would be about right considering when Daryl and I found them together; it all started the night after your last party. OMG! He's got that Couvade syndrome you know … the one where the men experiences the pregnancy symptoms with his partner… no wonder he was being such an ass. The poor schmuck probably had no damn clue what was going on until she came back and now he's hiding her."

"Not for long." Maggie suddenly got up and checked on Glenn who was resting in bed. "Hon, Carol and I are going to run over to check-up on Michonne for a bit, you alright?" Her husband nodded his head because he was glad to be rid of her constant hovering over him.

…

After about four weeks isolation both Carol and Maggie arrived on the Grimes doorstep. They rang the doorbell; they were greeted by Rick carrying Judith on his hip and Carl at his side. The women gave him a deathly stare as they barged their way pass him, "What have you done with Michonne?… she hasn't been seen since Denise released her from the Infirmary."

"Good day ladies, I had wondered just how long it would take before y'all showed up here accusing me of thangs." Rick closed the door after them and followed them into the living area, "Carl go see if your mother wants visitors." Carl looked from his father to both Carol and Maggie a little confused but went in search of his mother.

One look at Michonne confirmed their suspicions, she was a little on the thin side though she was never big to begin with. She was glowing, pregnancy did agree with her.

During their visit Michonne eventually learned the reason most people failed to come around upon her return was due to Rick's behaviour while she was away, which she considered to be a blessing in disguise because they were able to get through most of the first trimester with some privacy. The women eventually left taking the children with them to give their friend a well deserved break.

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Rick & Michonne

In as much as they welcomed the break from the kids, they dreaded it equally; there was so much they needed to address they were overwhelmed at just where to begin. Since her time at the Infirmary, she had not reopened their connection and Rick was at a loss to understand why. He had waited for either her or Daryl to explain what happened on the run but neither came forward; all he had received prior to their return were various images with a range of emotions. Several which caused him worry, her safety was in jeopardy the night she broke their connection… her fear, then she was being held by a strange man whom she later killed and her feeling alone and needing him these were emotions he never before associated with Michonne. He needed her to open up to him again.

After supper, Rick drew Michonne a bath. Later she sought him out on the couch where he was relaxing. "Move," she said causing him to sit up and acknowledge her presence.

"Hey, you alright?" He asked placing his hand on her tummy.

She cozied up to him, "Yeah, hell of a day. Huh?"

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked taking her feet and placing them in his lap effectively causing her to be in a reclining position. Michonne giggled as she was treated to a foot massage which helped her to become even more relaxed. Her giggle was music to his ears.

"Thanks for drawing the bath; I needed that. And just so you know... we're busted, they've figured it out without me saying a word. Babe, I know you're concerned that I haven't reopened our connection … the reason being it requires a great deal of energy to do so and it causes headaches and sometimes nausea so I can't afford to right now but we can talk about the run because I know you have questions about it."

"Glad it helped Babe." He laughed, "I figured as much… how much time do you thing we've got before we're outed?" He furrowed his brows but understood her predicament "Fair enough, I can honestly say I can do without anymore nausea right now. I get headaches when the initial connection is made but then it fades. Are you ready to tell me just what happened out there? I have these images and feelings all jumbled up but I can't make neither heads nor tails of what happened out there."

"It was getting late, we were tired and looking for shelter but we didn't pickup on the fact that there were no Walkers about which would imply humans were nearby. We were being watched and then we were attacked," she explained as she physically shivered as though she was reliving the moment. Seeing her reaction Rick reached over and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head; she then allowed herself to relax in the comfort of his strong arms.

"It's alright now… I've got you Babe!" Rick whispered into her ear. Michonne sat between his legs, her back to his chest with his arms were wrapped firmly around her waist. He watched as her chest rise and fell as she relaxed. His hot breath on the side of her neck caused her to extend her neck granting him access to the sensitive spot at her neck. As Rick nuzzled her favourite spot he watched the smile tugging at the corner of her lips and her hand extended back grabbing his hair combing her fingers through his curls. His tongue slowly danced between her earlobe and neck. A slight turn of her head and his lips crashed into hers. It was sloppy but needed. Their hunger awakened he slid his hand beneath her robe to her slick center, inserting two fingers into her heat which caused them both to moan into each others mouth. Michocnne arched her back to receive him deeper. It had been a while since they were intimate he almost forgot just how tight she was. Pumping his fingers into her and strumming her clit caused her to climax almost immediately, she whimpered "Oh God Rickkkk," her body was a quivering mess. It made him smile as he watched her come undone before him. "Did you miss that Babe?" She nodded affirmatively, her eyes hooded with desire but her words failed her.

It had been a while since Rick heard his name fall from her lips laced with such desire it made his already rock hard cock throb painfully, it needed to be freed. As Michonne came down from her high and her breathing regulated itself, He lifted her up and took her upstairs to their bedroom. He wanted her to be comfortable. He layed her down on their bed and quickly ripped off his tee shirt which flew across the room. Michonne busied herself with his belt ridding him of his jeans and boxers in no time. He pulled open the sash to her robe, pushing it off her shoulders admiring her body. Her breasts were fuller and he noticed from her reaction they were more sensitive to his touch and kissing so he made a mental note to be gentler. "Babe, your body is even more beautiful than before," he pronounced trailing hot kisses down to her stomach where he paid extra attention kissing her there until she guided him back on course.

Rick found his way to his favourite spot and inhaled her essence. His hunger for Michonne was primal. Pulling her knees over his shoulders, his hands firmly latched onto her ass holding her into place, his tongue found its path teasing her outer folds. His mouth latched onto her clit as he worked two fingers into her wet core causing Michonne to moan; her fingers grabbed onto his curls as she arched her back grinding her hips into his face he could feel her cresting so he replaced his fingers with his mouth, his tongue lapping up every drop of her juice as she climaxed.

Working his way up her body, they kissed, tongues collided as he aligned his length at her entrance teasing her until finally she pleaded, "Please Rick, I need you." He could deny her no longer because his thick cock throbbed painfully longing to be swallowed deep within her heat. As his length stretched her out he allowed her time to adjust. He relished the sensation as he slid within her slick walls as though it were their first time again. Each time she screamed he drove harder and deeper, her nails claiming his back it was intense; he was floating losing touch with reality but he wanted her to come so he drove into her faster and harder and as her walls tightened around his shaft once more he lost all control in the final assault they both exploded in unison, her nails biting into his skin as her orgasm ripped through her, she screamed his name and he emptied his seed deep inside of her with a guttural moan. He was so drained he felt as though he were paralyzed.

Michonne cried out in pleasure each time he drove into her and her nails bit into his back with each thrust, each scream spurred him further again and again, discovering new depths with each drive. She could feel her walls clenching again, she knew he was close too when she saw his eyes rolled back into his head. Rolling her hips she clenched her muscles tighter causing him to lose all control and with one final assault they both exploded in unison, her nails bit into his shoulders as her release shattered causing spasms to rip through her body. She screamed his name and his final thrusts emptied his seed deep inside of her with a guttural moan. They collapsed unable to move waiting for their breathing to recover.

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Tobin

After the melee at the front gates Tobin was the last man of the traitors standing. He found himself surrounded by people he considered friends, however, because of his association with Spencer, they now saw him as their enemy and as such, their guns were all trained on him. He found an ally where he'd least expected it to happen in Daryl Dixon, a man he had previously thought of as being a bit off.

Daryl saved his life. He pleaded his case to the citizens at the gate that perhaps they should reconsider as to whether he would be worthy of citizenship again because of his retaliation against the Wolves. Since Deanna was on the ground greiving her son, the decision fell to Rick. The latter nodded to Abraham and Tobin was soon placed under arrest again until such time a meeting could be convened to vote on his status.

Throughout his incarceration he spent his days repairing the gates, reinforcing the fence, going on construction runs and eventually working on the expansion site. At nights, he would think about his life and how he got to the point he was. He no longer thought of Jessie because it was that path which led him to his current predicament as an outsider looking in. He vowed that if he was ever lucky enough to be granted a chance at his family again, he'd never take for granted that which is given. He did however think of Carter from time to time because he considered him a friend.

After three months of incarceration he was granted citizenship. He was now apart of the construction crew. His fate was now that of a hard labourer but he accepted it because it meant he was still apart of civilization. He was given a room in the Rectory under the watchful eye of Father Gabriel.

Eventually, Tobin was visited by his wife Terri who expressed interest in seeking counselling to see whether or not they could salvage what was left of their marriage for the sake of their family. After his exile, Terri and the boys had been seeing Denise to deal with his death but now that he was back and since his citizenship had been restored Denise had recommended family counselling to help them to heal as a unit. He was grateful for the opportunity so he accepted the olive branch.

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The Announcement

Rick, Michonne and Denise sat down with Carl to announce the news that once again he was going to be a big brother. Carl sat between both of his parents. Denise was invited because she was a trained psychiatrist and neither Rick nor Michonne had any idea how Carl would react to the news based on what had happened at Judith's birth.

After the group was comfortable Rick explained to their son, "Carl your mom and I have asked Dr. Denise here because we would like you to know that you're going to be a big brother. Your mom is expecting twins. If you have any questions about this we want you to be able to speak Dr. Denise about it if it's something you don't feel comfortable talking to us about, ok?"

Carl looked suspiciously at his father then scooted away from him and hugged his mother, "Mom are you going to die too?"

Michonne hugged him, "No Sweetie. Here, we have a real Infirmary with a staff. If you're afraid you can also talk to Dr. Denise about it because she's able to explain the process to you better than us."

Looking up at his mother Carl sought confirmation, "So Judith and me are gonna be a big sister and a big brother to the babies?" Michonne shook her head favourably. "Yes baby. How do you feel about that?"

He looked at his mother and a small smile tugged at his lips. "It's cool!"

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The Family

After several weeks of follow-ups Denise finally gave Glenn the all clear and Maggie decided that a party was in order to celebrate the news.

Three weeks after their visit Maggie invited the Grimes to an evening at her place. Maggie, Carol and Daryl knew the truth behind the dinner. It was Rick and Michonne's coming out party and an effort to mend relationships which were strained over a period of time.

Rick was somewhat reluctant to attend because he knew he had ruffled some feathers while Michonne was out on her last run but Michonne coaxed him into attending because it was time he made amends. She was certain the family would welcome him back because despite his shortcomings he had led them here and they were still with him. He acquiesced; there was virtually nothing he wouldn't do to make her happy especially since she's made him the happiest man on earth.

The Grimes family were welcomed at Maggie and Glenn's as though nothing had happened since their last visit. The dinner was reminiscent of the one after Michonne's return following her great escape but the group looked more at peace. It was as though their presence made everything all right their nucleus was restored.

After dinner but prior to dessert Michonne nudged Rick, the two exchanged a look, she tipped her head and smiled at him, "You got this… go!"

Rick stood to address the group, "Look, I just wanted to apologize to y'all for all the times I've been an arse because truth be told there's no finer group of people than this bunch right here that I'm proud to call my family. While we're on the subject of family, Michonne and I are officially a couple and I don't think that would have come about except for y'all meddlesome ways, which got us to see what was right before our very eyes. I personally, wanna thank y'all because I was truly blind. It took me almost losing her to admit that I'm in love with the mother of my children present and future. Yeah, we're expecting twins and needless to say we'll be needing lots of volunteers to babysit." He chuckled, kissed Michonne and raised his glass to the family.

The group was shocked… first, Rick Grimes was a man of few words and the last time he spoke this much was a call to arms; second, Rick didn't share his feelings. After the announcement Michonne, Judith and Carl found themselves in a crush of hugs from all the women in the house and the men took turns shaking Rick's hand and patting him on the back.

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New Arrivals

Twenty-six weeks later, the Grimes family welcomed their twins: a beautiful baby boy and girl. Their births were celebrated by the community being the first children to have been conceived and born within the walls of Alexandria.

Deanna was given the title as the honourary grandmother a distinction which thrilled her. As such, she proudly introduced her grand-babies Alexandre and Artemis Grimes to Alexandria.

Both Rick and Michonne who were standing on either side of Deanna exchanged glances smiling at one another, "I think Reg would've been proud."

She felt his familiar knock and replied, "Yeah, I think so too." He winked at her.

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Their Connection

Rick and Michonne's connection developed overtime but due to the energy required of Michonne the couple agreed it would only be used when they were apart or at events when direct communication was otherwise hindered.

The End!

A/N. Alexandre (The Protector) & Artemis (The Huntress)