A/N: Are you ready friends?! Here's the date chapter! It's super long, a lot of detail (bless those of y'all out here who can just paint images with your words. I much more prefer dialogue, but I digress lol). Chapter is based off the of the song Africa by Toto (mainly the hook) I hope you all enjoy, please keep the comments coming, sharing, and enjoying! Happy reading!

Chapter 4: It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you…

It's been a whirlwind of five days. From the moment Rick held Michonne in his arms as she descended the plane after a month of nothing more than phone calls and text messages, their adventures together have been nothing short of spectacular. He chose the Namib Desert in Namibia due to the seclusion, surrounding the couple in nothing but vast dunes.

The first day, the couple experienced a safari at the Etosha National Park. The couple were able to see a number of the world's most beautiful creatures: lions, cheetahs, zebras, and even an elephant herd. Neither Rick nor Michonne have been on a safari during their time spent in Africa, so it was somewhat symbolic for them to be able to share this first of many together. On their second day Rick planned for them to spend the day and night at the Erongo Mountain Winery. The couple was treated to a private tour of the vineyards and the distillery and tried many different natural wines and liquors produced at the winery. As a treat, the winery created their own special red blend in honor of the couples visit called 'The Richonne'. A crate of bottles was packaged for the couple when they departed the next day. After the shock wore off of having a gorgeous bottle of wine created in their honor the couple enjoyed a 5 course meal at the Jewel Restaurant where Chef Frederic Lutz created a succulent meal filled with the richest foods including oysters and seasonal salads, followed by meat and cheese plates, matured beef filet as the entrée accompanied with a potato gratin, and to finish the meal the absolute best crème brûlée that Michonne has ever tasted, though Rick promises that the chef at the palace makes a crème brûlée that everyone deserves to experience. The night concluded with the two continuing to get to know one another covering every topic you could think of. The next day was a full day ride back to their "camp", so the couple decided to just relax. Rick had a masseuse driven in from the spa at the local resort to pamper Michonne while he finalized plans for the next excursion and tended to some legislation that needed his attention. On their fourth day, it was time to have some fun, not only for Rick and Michonne but for his security as well. They went dune riding and had a shooting range set up. Though Rick has gone above and beyond to spoil Michonne, this was probably the most fun she had on the trip thus far. To see him interact with his security team aka "his boys" and laugh heartily and let loose, was such a joy for her to witness she never wanted it to end.

As Rick stirs from his slumber and reflects about the time that they have had together over the past five days, he can't believe that it is their final full day together, waking up in each other's arms after nights of talking, and laughing. Rick reaches to his left and realizes that Michonne isn't in bed leaning against his body as they keep each other warm against the nightly cool breezes. He instinctively springs into a sitting position as worry takes over his thoughts. He reaches for his t-shirt and puts it on as he stands ready to call for Abe to see if he can direct him to where Michonne is. It's then that he notices her silhouette through the thin silk curtain that offers them privacy at night. He pulls back the offending fabric just in time to see what pulled Michonne from bed at such an early hour. The sun slowly rises over the dunes offering a burnt orange filter to take over the sky and surrounding area. Rick is stunned into place as he sees how the sunrise seems to make Michonne's tawny skin glow. His breath is caught in the back of his throat at the image before him. He truly has never been blessed with such a beautiful sight before. It calls to him and before he knows it, he is behind her pulling her towards him by her waist as he nuzzles his nose into her flowing locs. Moving them out of the way his lips find her neck to give her what has become their morning greeting.

"Good morning" she says as she relaxes further into his strong body finding comfort and safety in his arms. Something she hasn't been accustomed to before.

"Well it would've been if I hadn't woken up alone" he teases her chuckling into her shoulder as he continues to pepper her exposed skin with kisses.

"I'm sorry, I just couldn't miss this" she states as she nods to the sun still rising in the distance. "I can't believe that this is our last full day together, this week has just flown by" she sighs as she rests her head against his chest.

At the thought of her not being there when he wakes up in two days, hell, when he goes to sleep tomorrow evening has him instinctively hold her tighter in his arms.

"We won't think about it right now, let's just enjoy our last day. I think today will be your favorite" he smiles to himself thinking of what he has planned. "Come on, let's go have breakfast so we can get ready to go" he reaches for her hand and leads her back into their bedroom where they share a hearty breakfast in bed.

Dressed and ready to go the couple head to their caravan of G-Wagons hand in hand. It seems that the closer and closer they got to their time together coming to a close they became more and more in need to be in physical contact with one another. Rick would always get out the car first and extend his hand to Michonne and wouldn't let go, at night it was as if the couple couldn't find restful slumber unless they were right up under one another. Deep down, both know of the restless nights that are to come starting tomorrow night. They ride in silence just enjoying being in one another's company, but both in their own minds thinking about the pending separation. It isn't until they hear the sounds of drums, and tribal calls that they are both shaken from their thoughts and brought back to the present.

Their car pulls up to a local village inhabited by the Ovambo People. A smile instantly graces both their faces for different reasons. This tribe holds a special place in Rick's heart as the Ovambo people take up half of the Namibia population, when the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990, Rick's mother was there for the independence celebration as she has great relations with local tribal leaders in many parts of this small little country. Africa holds a special place in his family heart for many reasons, but one of those reasons being his mother's love for the people, for that reason he has ensured that relations have maintained over the years. Especially with this tribe. Michonne expressed to Rick that every time she visits Africa she makes an effort to visit a local tribe to get to know the people but also to get to know their needs, once she's back home she throws a charity event that provides the necessary resources to ensure that, that tribe thrives. It's her way of giving back that brings her heart so much joy.

"You ready?" Rick asks as he squeezes her hand pulling her back from her already racing mind.

"Absolutely" she replies with a megawatt smile that shows off her excitement.

As the door to their car opens and Rick steps out reaching for Michonne's hand, they are surrounded by the sound of a local children's choir singing Halima Pakashalo which is a Namibian song of greeting. Michonne is speechless at the warm welcome as she, Rick, and the security team are welcomed by the natives through song, dance and flowers. Rick having been here before participates in the call and response of the song accepting the warm welcome from the natives. They are led to a small daise, where the village leader and the tribal leader continue to extend a welcome to Rick and Michonne letting them know that they will always have a home filled with love and friendship in the country of Namibia. The pureness of the whole experience makes Michonne somewhat emotional, but she holds herself together.

As the trip continues the two are led on a tour of the village where Rick can see the advancements that have been made through funding provided by the Royal Family and from Rick's Charity The Lady Deanna Project named after his mother Lady Deanna Monroe or as most referred to her as Lady De the most loving and selfless woman to come into royalty from simple humble beginnings. It is because of her humble beginnings that she had such a strong compassion for those who have less than and why she found it as her duty to ensure that there were opportunities to advance the ways of life for those less fortunate. It is that same spirit that she left with Rick, and why he is so proud to see that the works of his family and his mother's charity are being put to good use. It is also that same spirit that Michonne can see as she walks alongside him to see all he has done. She has seen first-hand this past week his willingness to give all he can as he has made this the most magical experience for her, but to know that he also does this for others makes her heart flutter with admiration for this beautiful man.

It's after lunch that the two find themselves separated for the first time this entire trip. Rick needs to meet with the council to determine the next steps of advancements, and Michonne found herself surrounded by children leading her towards the school. It's about an hour later where Rick and the Tribal Leader are walking in stride together towards the school to find Michonne.

"Your mother would be proud" Ezekiel the leader of the tribes says to Rick. The two essentially grew up together, both of their mothers and fathers being respected leaders in their countries. Rick can't help but smile at the compliment from one of his oldest friends.

"I hope so. It's all for her that I do this" Rick states with conviction.

"Though you have done a great deal with your philanthropic work, I meant about Michonne. She would be proud of you choosing a woman like Michonne" Ezekiel states. Rick thinking about the woman who is quickly becoming the sole purpose of his existence can't help but smile as well.

"Yeah, I think she would be proud of that as well. Chonne, she's different…this is different, and to feel this way after a week. Man, I don't know what I'm going to do when I have to say goodbye to her tomorrow" Rick sighs as the thought that has been plaguing in his mind all day is once again at the forefront.

"Well, don't think about it as goodbye, more of a see you soon. Have you told your family about her?" Ezekiel asks. He's never seen his friend as smitten as he is right now, it would be no surprise that soon and very soon this relationship will be making headlines.

"Not yet, I'll probably sit down with them as soon as I get back…I uh, I wanna invite her to the Warrior Trials" Rick says apprehensively. Ezekiel's opinions are one of the few that Rick values. Ezekiel also understands what inviting Michonne to this event would allude to.

"Wow, that's a big deal. That event is like your baby and a lot of press surrounding it. You sure you are both ready for that?".

"I'm going to ask her before we leave. I know my lifestyle is completely different from hers, but also, we share a lot of similarities. I don't think she would say no to going public, at least I would hope not".

"Well, have the conversation, but my best advice is to make sure you protect her heart. If you care for her as much as I can see you do, then her wants and needs must become a priority. Especially with her being across the ocean from you. If she isn't ready, don't pressure her because it will only push her away. Ease her into it, and for the love of God keep the press out of it" Ezekiel smirks at his rib against his friend's ex.

"God, her nonsense almost risked this with Michonne" Rick's jaw twitches thinking about Jessie's antics at the gala.

"Hey, don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go, let her go. I mean it Rick, as soon as she finds out about this you and I both know she'll stop at nothing to try and tarnish it. You have to cut her off." Ezekiel warns just as they come up to the playground at the school, where they see Michonne playing 'ring around the rosy' with the young children, smiling and laughing jovially. The sight alone makes both men stop and stare admirably. "She's a wonderful woman, I see you two accomplishing a great deal together" Ezekiel states as he takes his leave, leaving his friend to continue to admire his baby from afar.

It took a lot to pry both Rick and Michonne away from the village that they visited today, but they had to get back to camp and prepare for their last dinner together on this trip. Both would ride to the private airstrip together tomorrow morning around 5 am so they had an early night tonight, and a lot to accomplish in this time.

Rick waits by the fire pit next to their dinner table set for two under the stars. He's so lost in his thoughts on everything he has to do once he gets home all surrounded around Michonne that he doesn't hear her come up behind him, until he feels her slender arms wrap around his strong, fit torso.

"Where did you go right then?" she asks as she breathes in his scent a mixture of mint, cinnamon and musk that is uniquely him. Her presence instantly calms him, and he exhales a deep breath that he didn't realize he was holding.

"I'm right here baby" he states as he takes ahold of one of her dainty hands to bring it to his lips adorning her slim fingers with a kiss. He brings her around to his front so he can get a good look at her. Dressed in a white silk maxi dress with spaghetti straps that cross in the back to show off her strong gorgeous back. "I love this dress" he states as his gaze upon her is somewhat predatorial. Though the couple has shared a bed this past week, and chaste cheek and neck kisses, they haven't explored the sexual portion of their relationship. Though the tension has been thick. They've been too consumed with enjoying each other's company to worry about something that will inevitably happen. They haven't even shared a real kiss yet, and God help them when they do.

"You ready for dinner" he asks as he leads her to their dinner table.

"I am!" she exclaims as they haven't eaten since lunch earlier that day. When they got back from the village, she was so exhausted from the excitement of the day she took a nap until he woke her up about an hour ago.

The couple laughs throughout dinner as they enjoy reminiscing about their time together while also diving deeper into their pasts. It is during this time that Rick learns about Michonne's strained relationship with her father, and her tumultuous relationship with her ex Mike. Her dad is what she likes to call a man of convenience. He left when she was 10, and only decided to pop back up sporadically after her career took off. It was that need for a male figure in her life that drew her to Mike. They met when she was fresh out of Tisch and was starting off in commercials and small re-occurring roles and as an extra. He, like her father, became sporadic until her career officially took off. Because she was so blinded by the "love" he showed her as the only "man" in her life, she let him back into her life in whatever capacity suited him. It didn't become noticeably unhealthy until he became abusive emotionally because of her success. He used the neglect of her father as her kryptonite. It took her team, and one pissed off Maggie Rhee flying in from Atlanta 3-months pregnant for her to snap out of her stupor. Mike still tries to connect with her as he's a well-known architect living in DUMBO thanks to her connections.

Rick hearing about the "men" in her life has him holding her in his arms by the bonfire tighter. He can't imagine how these two could treat such a beautiful person like Michonne the way that they have, but he swears to himself that as long as he is in her life, these jokers won't be. He won't allow them to weasel their way into her heart just to cause her more pain than they already have. It's in a moment of silence looking up at the magnificent night sky full of stars that they both notice a shooting star.

"Make a wish" Rick whispers into her ear. They both close their eyes and make silent proclamations.

"What'd you wish for?" he asks.

"I can't tell you that or it won't come true" she says as she giggles looking into his eyes noticing his child like pout. "How about this, if it comes true, I'll tell you then" she states as she runs her hands through his long chestnut curls which have grown longer in the past week, along with his beard which has gotten thicker.

"Alright, I guess I can live with that" he says as he sighs growing to love the way her hands rubbing against his scalp soothes him.

"What'd you wish for?" she asks continuing her ministrations.

He opens his eyes, cerulean piercing into mahogany. It's when his eyes shift down to her full rosy lips that she realizes what is about to happen for the very first time. He runs his calloused hand against her smooth cheek holding her steady as he leans into her. Finally, his soft plush lips reach their destination in a long languid kiss that could only happen underneath the stars. It is full of passion, care, and just a hint of love. Rick licks her bottom lip and she grants him entry allowing the kiss to deepen. The mixture of him holding her close, while simultaneously rubbing her with his free hand, to the natural outdoor heat and the heat coming from the fire, Michonne begins to lose her senses and reluctantly pulls away. They share a few more final pecks as they both try to regain composure.

"Well, my wish just came true" he smiles as she wipes some of the remnants of her lipstick from his lips.

"You are so silly" she states as she giggles at his lightheartedness.

It's the morning of their last day together, and there is a gloom in the air as if nature knows what is about to happen. Both are dressed in jeans t-shirts and glasses. Rick sports another baseball cap, where Michonne opts to putting her locs into a topknot knowing she'll fall asleep as soon as her plane is in the air. Neither got much sleep last night as they held onto each other as if their grip on their physical forms would translate into reality, but no such luck. The sun is beginning to rise as it sets on their time together. It's in the car on the way to the airstrip that Rick gains his courage to ask Michonne if she wants to attend the Warrior Trials in two months' time.

"Would that be okay? I mean, what would I be showing up as, as your friend? Your girlfriend?" she asks knowing what kind of media frenzy her attendance would cause this very special event.

"Well, I need to clear some things with my family, but I would want you there as my girlfriend. We wouldn't have to make a formal announcement of our status, but it's something that is special to me and I would want to share it with someone who is special to me" he pleads his case.

"Can I have some time…to think about it?" she asks timidly, hoping he's not taking her response as a rejection to his invitation.

"Of course, there is no pressure. I just figured it would be a good way for us to see one another again sooner rather than later" he states.

When Michonne realizes that two months is as soon as they can see each other, her heart breaks a little inside. "How about this, by the time you get a response from your family, I'll have an answer for you. Is that fair?" she hurriedly responds as they are driving up to the planes.

"Whatever works for you Chonne, works for me. I'm not going anywhere" he replies with a smile hoping to put some of her nerves at ease.

The luggage is loaded, the planes are gassed up and ready for takeoff. Rick has been holding Michonne in a hug for the past 5 minutes at the bottom of the stairs of her plane. Neither willing to let go of the other.

"You gotta go baby, you have to be back on set in two days and jetlag won't be fun" he soothingly says as he rubs her back, attempting to overcome the lump that's in the back of his throat. It's in that moment that he also hears the sniffles coming from Michonne.

"Chonne…" he comfortingly says.

"I know, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm so emotional" she says as she wipes away her tears. This week has been beautiful and the fact that it is ending is hurting her more than she expected.

"Come here" he says as he cups her face, leans down and places an unhurried kiss on her lips, simultaneously wiping the tears away from her cheeks. "I'll see you soon okay?" he says as he pulls away from her just slightly.

"Okay."

"Go on" he says as he releases her body towards the stairs. She takes them slowly, and as she reaches the top; she turns around to give him one final wave before she loses her nerve. He responds in kind and waits for the door to close before he heads to his own plane. It isn't until he sees her plane taking off from the tarmac in the direction of the states that a single tear falls from his eyes.

A/N: I hope this date lived up to expectations. Next up, Warrior Trials? Or is something else going to bring our cross-ocean lovers together sooner rather than later? Stay tuned!