Chapter 4: Conversations

Disclaimer: I do not own The Walking Dead

A/N: This instalment has a different feel, there's been so much angst and worry for our heroes, so it's a little lighter than what I have previously written. Thanks for the reviews, it's always nice to hear people are enjoying the story.

Present Day

"I've missed you." He whispered as he alternated between squeezing and rubbing Michonne's backside, his voice heavy with desire. Michonne placed her leg over his, reached for his face and gently stroked it.

"I'm here now."

She replied quietly in the dark. Still fully aware of the feeling of Rick's hardness. She kissed his lips slowly, chastely and gently. He relished in the feeling of her soft, full lips against his. "And so is Carl, so you'd better keep that to yourself." She said as she pushed her pelvis forward to acknowledge Rick's erection. He let out a small chuckle.

"He won't wake up." Rick stated with a cheeky Grin. She playfully smacked his arm.

"You're still too stiff and sore, Rick. I don't want to put too much pressure on you, or hurt you."

Rick smiled; she could be so gentle and caring when her guard was down, when it was just the two of them in an intimate situation. Rick got to see this side of her, and was glad for it. He took her hand, placed a soft kiss to her palm then redirected it toward his crotch.

"Hmm very stiff, see?" said Rick as he closed his eyes at the feeling of Michonne's hand on his hardness. "Rick..." she whispered as she brought her hand back to his face.

"I want you," another gentle kiss, "but not with Carl so close. What if he wakes up? How do we explain to him? He's already confused and upset. I don't want to compound that for him."

Rick ignored his aching loins a moment and considered Michonne's words carefully. She was a very thoughtful, insightful and intelligent woman.

"Damn it." He started, "You're right." Rick lay flat on his back and pulled Michonne with him as he shifted, her head rested on his chest and her arm possessively draped over his waist. He placed a sweet kiss to her forehead. "You're always right." Rick stated. "No wonder Carl listens to you all the time. Maybe you should give him the talk."

Michonne raised her head and looked at Rick.

"You haven't given him the talk yet?" She asked, momentarily surprised. A smile played on her face.

Rick grinned. "No ma'am. Just never got around to it. It's not like there are many young ladies around for him to choose from. Hell, I reckon he's still a bit young for all of that either way. I gotta wonder though, he's at the age when the hormones should be runnin' wild. Discovering new things and feelings. It's a damn shame he hasn't gotten the chance to experience the things a teenage boy should."

"Mmm, poor kid. This world is unfair, we all need to feel connected to another living being." She rubbed Rick's chest absentmindedly.

"I hear ya. And Michonne,"

"Yeah?"

"You're making it very hard for me to keep this to myself when you touch me." Rick said, gesturing to his groin.

"I want to connect with you." He offered, in a low voice, smiling widely in the dark. Trying his best at seduction.

"G'night, Grimes." She whispered, squeezing him tightly.

"Goodnight." He replied as he breathed deeply and closed his eyes.

Michonne fell asleep listening to the constant and calming sound of Rick's heart beating in his chest. No bad dreams polluted her sleep that night. Just images of Rick Grimes smiling again.

5 months ago

Michonne did not want to take up any outside duties at the present time; she was avoiding Rick after what had happened between them earlier. It's not that she didn't enjoy it, because she had, she just needed to be able to process her thoughts and focus on the task at hand. It was so long since she had allowed herself to be that close to another person, to a man. At times her mind would wander and she would think of what it would be like to have Rick Grimes' body pressed against her own; his lips and tongue tasting hers. She never imagined how good it would feel in real life, away from her delicious daydreaming. A small grin and faraway look crept over her face, allowing her pretty features to shine.

The day had been productive, the group got the supplies inside and Michonne, Maggie and Carol set about sorting through what they'd gathered. They had a system where they would bag up items like soap, toothpaste, miscellaneous medication, sanitary napkins or tampons, condoms, bandages, and toilet tissue. All of the bags had the same items and were given to everybody in the group. It didn't matter if you were a male, you still received the tampons; you could trade them later for something else. The bagging was done and they had 5 new bags to add to their stash. They now had more than enough bags to distribute to everyone after dinner time. It was a good haul; plenty of canned goods, medical supplies and spare clothing.

"Here ya go," said Maggie as she tossed a pink mini skirt towards Michonne. "I dunno how practical it is for killin' walkers, but you'll sure make some heads turn!" She said giggling and smiling.

Michonne held the skirt up, glanced at Maggie with a 'I'm not impressed' look on her face and placed it in her pile of clothes. She was certain that Beth had realized what had happened with her and Rick; if Beth knew, then Maggie knew. Michonne felt her face grow warm. She did not like people to know her 'business'; Michonne was an extremely private person. However, she also knew that Maggie's teasing meant no harm; hell, they couldn't be serious all of the time.

The ladies were pleased to have the chance to update their wardrobes, so to speak, and fresh underwear was always a treat. Carol and Maggie scored a few tank tops that would keep them cool in the summer heat, some pants and socks. Michonne usually bagged clothing that would allow her to move with ease if she was caught in a dangerous situation, so Carol gave her a strange look when she added the not-so-functional skirt to her pile.

"I like the occasional splash of color!" Michonne insisted. The three women looked at each other, smiled and let out a laugh, thoroughly enjoying their bit of 'girl time'.

Rick used his forearm to wipe the sweat from his brow as he squinted in the afternoon sun. He'd got around to planting some more seeds and harvested what was ready to be picked. He was trying to keep occupied so that he wouldn't get distracted by thoughts of how soft Michonne's lips were; how her skin felt in his mouth and under his touch; her perfect breasts and perky nipples; how she rubbed his hardness through his pants. Rick felt the familiar stirring in his trousers again as he thought of Michonne. He was still upset when he went to see her, obviously still sore from what he'd thought he had seen between her and Daryl. Then when she wanted to leave, he just lost his composure all together. He didn't know why he took the risk and kissed her. Maybe it was the need to release his frustrations; maybe her strong defiant character had aroused him; or it could have been the hurt look on her face as he could see her withdrawing from him. His words were harsh, but he didn't want to hurt her. He wanted her to understand that he cared. He was never too good at talking through his feelings, so he thought it was best to show her. He hadn't seen Michonne in the yard at all after their very interesting conversation. He hoped she wasn't going to try to avoid him. He realized that if Hershel's young daughter hadn't have walked in when she did, he and Michonne would have had sex right there and then up against the wall or on one of those tables or somewhere on the cold cement floor. He wanted her so badly and was surprized that she had responded favourably to his advances. Rick had some time to contemplate what he would say to Michonne when he saw her, but he was not too sure of what that would be. All Rick knew was that he was sorry for the way he had spoken to her. Rick realized that he and Michonne needed to talk about this.

Present day

Carl awoke through the night to relieve himself. He hazily searched his pocket for the cigarette lighter to help him see where he was stepping as he left the warmth of the bunk. He didn't put his shoes on because he didn't want to make too much noise and wake his father or Michonne. He glanced to where they slept on the floor and a look of surprise and confusion came to his young face as he took in the scene; Michonne fast asleep with her head resting on Rick's chest and her arm over his waist. Rick lightly snoring holding Michonne in his arms.

5 months ago

Rick had finished his outside duties and was walking the length of Cellblock C with a grumpy Judith trying to rest on his chest. She was fretful and cried for her father that afternoon and was now being difficult as he was trying to put her down to sleep. By the time Judith was settled, Rick had already missed meal time. He ate alone, went to the showers and washed up then headed to take watch duty.

Michonne had missed Rick at dinner time. She had hoped to catch him before he went on watch. She had time to think about what had happened, and thought it best that they talk it through. She wanted to apologize to him for what she had put him and Carl through. The worry and disappointment. She had already spoken with Carl, and he seemed pleased that she understood what he was feeling. Now it was time to see the older Grimes, if she could just find him.

"Wow, bright colors look great on you." said Maggie cheerfully as Michonne went to leave the communal dining area.

"Thank you." She said shyly. "It's good to be wearing fresh clothes."

She had changed into what she bagged earlier, even the pink skirt over a pair of black tights. It was a nice change.

"Hey, have you seen Rick?" Michonne asked as Maggie tried to hide a grin.

"Ah no, not since this afternoon. The baby was restless so he's probably been busy settling her."

Michonne nodded slightly toward Maggie, bid her goodnight and walked away.

Rick didn't mind taking the first shift of the watch. It was early enough that he didn't feel too tired from the day's work or too tired the next morning. It was another quiet night by the looks. In the light of the moon, he could see a few walkers pressed against the fence, a few wandering by further in the distance. The group was remaining vigilant in case the Governor had any ideas of retaliation; but it had been quiet on their front for some time now.

The knocking sound on the hatch that opened up from the floor startled Rick. He was outside on the walk-way and headed inside to see who it was. It couldn't possibly be Tyreese, it was way too early for him to begin his leg of the watch shift. Rick opened the hatch to find Michonne waiting patiently to enter the small room atop the tower.

"Hey," he greeted as Michonne stepped inside and began to close the hatch.

"Hey." She responded, with a small smile gracing her beautiful face. "Can we talk a minute?" She asked searching his blue eyes with her own dark brown ones in the dimly lit room. The corners of his mouth turned upwards into a little smile as he answered.

"Sure, of course."

Michonne walked past Rick out on to the walkway and sat with her back against the wall in silence; he followed and took up a place next to her. She stared straight ahead into the darkness but could feel Rick's gaze upon her.

"I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you. It was uncalled for and out of line." Said Rick. She turned to face him and saw the sincerity in his handsome face.

"I don't know what came over me. I've never been good at, ya know, expressing what I really wanna say, always held back; but today... I dunno... and I really am sorry if I upset you... And for cussin' at you. You didn't deserve that." Rick looked away, put his head down and rubbed his hands together.

"Thank you," she said in a hushed tone. "I'm sorry too. I didn't really realize that my actions were upsetting Carl...and you." They looked into each other's eyes again. Held the other's gaze for what seemed like an eternity.

"It was never my intention. I guess it's been so long since I had people who cared about me, I forgot what that felt like. Forgot what a lot of things felt like."

Silence...A shared glance...Realization...Acceptance...A smile.

"Hey," he said in an almost whisper. "I meant what I said about you having a home here; you do have a home here with us, for as long as you want." They both grinned and looked away, almost shy around one another after what had transpired earlier in the day. Michonne nodded her head knowingly. A moment of silence passed between them as a cool breeze swept over their weary forms in the moonlight, refreshing and energizing.

"Sorry for calling you an asshole." Michonne said suddenly. Rick chuckled tilted his head and looked at her.

"I know you're not an asshole... Well, at least not all the time." She added, playfully. A wide, bright smile on her face. She really was beautiful.

"Hey!" He exclaimed, feigning to be offended and used his shoulder to nudge her. She sat grinning and looking off into the darkness.

Rick cleared his throat.

"About what happened..." he began, eyes locked on to Michonne's, looking for a moment at her lips, then back to her eyes as he searched for the right words to say.

"I'm sorry for being...too forward." Rick offered.

Michonne smiled and looked down at her hands in her lap.

"It's fine," she said quietly, shyly. "I liked it."

Now Rick smiled and nodded.

"I liked it too," he said as she looked at him

"But it won't happen again, if you don't want it to."

He stated, hopeful that Michonne wouldn't push him away. That she didn't think their heated moment was a mistake or that Rick would be shoving his tongue down her throat every chance he got. Her face was unreadable and she remained quiet.

Shit, he thought. It won't happen again? What the fuck, Rick! You're not trying to brush her off.

It sounded all wrong, that's not what he had meant to say; he didn't want her to think that he had made a mistake by kissing her. In an attempt to sound like a southern gentleman, Rick Grimes had said the wrong thing and he knew it.