Summary: Takes place during "Not Tomorrow Yet," after Rick talks to Gabriel, then heads to catch up with Michonne.

Rick turned from Gabriel and saw that Michonne was already down the road. He sped up his pace, catching up to her. He stared at her as she moved, admiring her, then softly called out, "Hey, slow down." She turned and looked at him, pausing, a question in her eyes. "I thought we were on a team," he said.

She smiled. "We are." She started walking again.

Rick continued to walk alongside her. "So how come you left me back there?"

Michonne shrugged all casual like. "Well, you were taking too long."

"And here I thought you liked it when I took my time." He looked over at her, smirking. Though she was still smiling, her expression said, 'Oh, come on.'

"Sorry," he apologized. "Shouldn't make jokes on the job."

"Jokes on the job are okay. Lightens the mood," she said.

Rick looked around. "We're on a kill mission. Not sure the mood should be light."

Michonne stopped walking, staring at him. "No. Middle ground is good. We still are who we are."

Rick turned to her and said, "Yeah. I'd hate to deprive you of my jokes anyway. I know how much you enjoy them."

"Your jokes are kind of corny," she said with a slight tilt of her head, a smile on her face. "It's a good thing I enjoy you instead."

Rick smiled, shaking his head. He placed his hand low on her back, resuming walking, escorting her along the way. "Yeah," he said, exhaling. "It is."

"Besides," Michonne added, "I know you love to watch me walk away."

Rick snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her to him, planting a kiss on her lips. "Yeah, I do. I may be on the job, but, my eyes work just fine."

"Rick Grimes-true to form," she said with a smile.

"What?"

"Just you, checking me out. The job be damned."

"Yeah well, having a beautiful woman around can make things pretty hard."

Michonne laughed, low and flirty.

"I didn't mean it like that, but that's not untrue either," he said, tightening his hold on her, kissing her slowly shoulder, his lips lingering. Gently she pushed him away."

"Don't," she admonished. "We're on the job, remember?"

"Yeah..." Rick agreed, letting her go. "Still, when we get home," he sucked his teeth, "I'll have a different job in mind."

"Hmph. You're never off the clock. I like it."

Rick shrugged. "When duty calls..."

"You're on it," Michonne said flirtatiously.

Rick stared at her in that way that left her dizzy and damp. She averted her eyes to the road. "Hell yes," he said. "Let's find this head and get going. I've got important thangs to do back home."

Michonne nodded, quickening her pace. "Damn right, you do."