A/N: Friday = update time! I was so excited to write this chapter, because they're finally together! *squeals* I'm sure some of you hate me for making you wait so long but that reunion was the exact moment I had in mind from the beginning so I was so glad to finally write it. What I found surprisingly hard was how to write them together in this chapter, so I hope I've done it justice. This chapter was supposed to cover season 5 episode 2 but it ended up being so long it only covers half of it. I wanted to cover more about the character interactions and where they're at with the introduction of a new character...

Thank you to FallenSlayer17 for the follow and the beautiful, amazing reviewers!

Ryane: I basically stopped watching doctor who after Matt Smith. I watched a few Peter Capaldi but it wasn't the same. I rewatched it recently and I've always admired David Tennant, but I came to appreciate Matt Smith's performance which was amazing! Ooh that was a nice idea about the bonus chapter but I just didn't have time!

Purplepecky: Haha my thoughts exactly. Aww I'm glad you considered this a present and enjoyed the chapter. Hope you enjoy the fluff in this one!

Gracie Miserables: Omg that's a huge huge compliment thank you so much! Yeah that's gonna be interesting to write and I just haven't figured out how Pol would react yet!

Anna: I wanted to make it as dramatic and heartfelt and beautiful as possible. I'm glad I delivered as that, and the cuteness will continue don't worry. Yes you can totally say they're a couple! They know what they want and they're not dancing around their feelings anymore. I love you!

- Angels and Douchebags

"Stop." I suppressed a smile as we walked along the railtracks.

"I don't know what you're talkin' about." The man beside me drawled.

We walked side by side, the group reunited. Rick falling into perfect step beside me, his fingers catching mine as they swung by his side when we walked.

"You keeping looking at me." I turned to him as his blue eyes met mine.

"Just trying to make up for lost time." The corners of his lips turned upwards as he caught my hand and enclosed it in his own.

It was small actions like this that made my heart swell, made me feel like I belonged. I mean this is what I wished for, for so long. Everyone seemed to be happy for us too. Well everyone except Carl.

I couldn't discern what the young man thought. But I knew he was not comfortable with it, so we kept the PDA to a minimum around him. Eventually I would need to have a serious conversation with Carl, grasp his opinion. I knew he still thought about Lori everyday, and I could feel the pangs of guilt through me.

I loosened my grip on Rick's hand.

"What?" Rick frowned.

I getsured to Carl who was walking ahead with Carol and Daryl, laughing about something.

"I know you're worried. But you don't have to be. Carl knows I'm a grown man, he knows I loved his mom. And I know he wanted me to be happy and move on, he's just gonna take some time to adjust." Rick said.

"You sure?" I asked him unconvinced.

"Yeah. I believe it." He said, his gaze turning serious.

He hadn't been the same since Terminus, none of them had. Rick had given the summary of what those bastards were up to, but more happened that I knew he was hiding.

"You need to tell me what happened." I said softly.

"Not yet." Rick glanced towards his son, smiling in front of him.

I knew whatever it was, it happened to Carl and whilst he seemed unaffected or was putting on a strong front. His father wasn't, I could detect the fear in his eyes when his guard dropped every so often.

I had told Rick about all we had endured with Lizzie and Mika, making him promise not to tell anyone else, as I knew Carol and Tyreese didn't want anyone to know. But despite that, I knew he wasn't ready to talk about Carl yet.

I tried to approach Michonne, but she just shook her head informing me it wasn't her place to say. And I knew Daryl would never give it up, he had been travelling with some group who called themselves Claimers. These were the same that had attacked Carl.

"Rick," I sighed.

"I will, I promise." He brought our entwined hands up to his mouth and planted a kiss on mine.

"Who knew you were so suave." I grinned cheekily.

"Uh I did." Rick defended.

"Urgh. You two sicken me." I turned around at the sound of Glenn's mocking voice.

"You got no right to complain." I said to him.

"I had to put up with your lovestruck face, pining after Maggie for weeks on the farm." I shot Maggie a smile who laughed.

"You were supposed to keep that to yourself." Glenn groaned.

"Honey I already knew, men are so clueless." Maggie rolled her eyes playfully.

"I know right! We're not that hard to figure out, when we want something you just have to read the cues." I agreed.

"Thats entrapment right there." Rick pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Maggie narrowed her eyes at him.

"Read the cues? Why can't you guys just say what you want?" Rick complained.

"Because we have no idea." I deadpanned as Maggie laughed.

"I know exactly what I want." I caught Rick's eyes who smiled.

"Walkers." Daryl called out, as the light-hearted mood instantly shifted to serious.

I dropped Rick's hand and our whole group reached for our weapons. We kept gun use to minimum and easily sliced down the walkers that came our way. They emerged from the treeline, remnants of the large herd that attacked Terminus.

I saw an arrow embedded into a walker as I whirled around behind me. Daryl gave me a nod as I smiled gratefully, who knows how many instances he's saved my life.

Carol was cradling Judith who began to whimper. I recognised this as the start of one of her temper tantrums. She was getting older and more aware, more moody.

"Here pass her to me." Rick took his daughter in his arms and began rocking her, soothing sounds as we formed a protective circle around him.

But Judith was now crying loudly, attracting the attention of more. Out of the corner of my eye, I reached for a walker wandering dangerously close to Rick and the baby, but Abraham had already taken it out.

"Thanks." I smiled at him as he nodded. There were no more walkers and we settled down in the small clearing for dinner.

I had decided that I liked the newcomers for the most part. Abraham was loud, abrasive and always telling innuendos. Rosita was calm but she could be sassy, which is why we became fast friends. And Tara was chill, really chill. Eugene was interesting to say the least.

"Hey, look what I found." Rosita held up a boxing glove with a grin.

"Except I kinda need two." I smirked.

"I'm sorry let me just head over to the nearest sports store." She sarcastically drawled, walking over to me.

"So how are things going between you two?" She dropped her voice, following my line of sight to Rick eating lunch with his children.

"Oh it's good." I smiled as Carl laughed at something Rick said. Judith was content, sitting drinking milk from the bottle Rick held to her mouth.

"How long you been together?" She asked drinking the water I handed to her.

"Oh you guys saw it, since then." I chuckled.

"Oh wow, not long at all."

"Yeah, but it was a long time coming, I've known him for a couple years, found him six months after the outbreak. He had a wife then." I said lowly.

"Had?" She checked.

"Yeah." I nodded sombrely, a flicker of guilt jolting through me at the thought of Lori.

"He seems to be really into you. His eyes are glued to your ass half the time." Rosita deadpanned as I laughed.

"Have you guys had sex yet?" Rosita nudged me.

"Uh, what?" I spluttered.

"Where would we have the time or even space to do it?" I exclaimed looking over at Rick once more.

"You just gotta find the opportunities." Rosita said nonchalantly.

"Me and Abe have." She smirked as I looked at her in shock.

"With his kids around. No way. And Carl isn't completely comfortable with the idea of us yet, so I don't wanna mess that up. And I've never had sex." I whispered the last line as Rosita mirrored a look of mild surprise.

"How old are you?"

"27. Yeah I know." I shrugged.

"Fair enough, but it might be something you two wanna talk about in the future. Because it's a big deal to you, so you need to make sure he get's it." Rosita said seriously.

"Yeah, although it's not high on the list of priorities right now."

We both turned around at the sight of Abraham whistling. He gestured Rosita to follow him as she gave me a smirk.

"As I said, it's all about the opportunities." The pair disappeared from the clearing into the trees as I shook my head at them.

"I like them." I passed Maggie and Glenn who looked amused.

"Yeah, Abraham's quite a character." Glenn agreed.

I looked over at Eugene who was standing next to Bob. Sasha and Tyreese were sitting together placing their rifles down, joking around. Carol was fussing over Daryl's hair who swatted her away. I smiled fondly at the familiar sight.

It had been a week since our departure and the events of Terminus. Even though Carol, Tyreese and I had stocked up on food, with the addition of ten members we had to seriously ration the supplies. But for now everyone was in good spirits.

I sat down besides Rick with Carl and Judith. The latter who gave me a grin. I pinched her adorable cheeks as she squinted with her eyes.

"Hi." Rick gave me a smile as I smiled back.

"So what's for Dinner?" I rubbed my hands looking at them.

"Well, you guys left us with plenty of pecans." Carl handed me a bag full of them.

"Joy," I muttered sarcastically as I began chewing on a few of them. We were constantly hungry, constantly looking for more food. I had gotten used to our comfortable life on the prison, but now I was even starting to get used to our starvation rations.

"Anyone got roast chicken?" I asked.

"Yeah sure let me just head over to the nearest Walmart." Rick smirked sarcastically.

"If we did find a Walmart, that would be amazing." I thought wistfully.

"Yeah, if it hasn't already been cleared out." Rick muttered.

"Or taken over by walkers." Carl quipped.

"Do you see what I have to deal with Judy? No optimism." I groaned as the she looked at me questionably.

I followed Rick's line of sight as he looked at Tara. He had accepted her into the group no problem, but he needed to talk to her. I knew that look on her face, she didn't feel like she belonged yet, she still felt guilty and needed affirmation.

"Talk to her." I gestured as Rick turned back to me.

"I know you've been meaning to, now's a good time." I smiled encouragingly as Rick nodded. He handed the formula bottle to me as he walked over to her, the rifle in his hand.

"So how are you?" I made conversation with Carl.

"I'm good. Hungry, but good." He answered politely.

"I'm sorry. I've made things awkward between us." I smiled uneasily.

"No it's just, gonna take time getting used to." Carl shrugged, but I knew it bothered him.

"I'm not trying to replace your mom. You know I would never do that kid, but I really like your dad. But I respect your feelings, and if you're not okay with it, then I'll back off." I held my breath waiting for him to answer. Carl chewed on the nuts for a few minutes, before answering.

"No, it's okay. I know dad likes you too, and Judith does. We'll make it work." Carl smiled slightly as I returned it with wide smile of my own.

"Thanks kid."

...

The next day we set out again. Rifles in hand, guns in holsters and machetes ready for any unsavoury characters. We were running low on water, so Carol and Tyreese used the river to collect water. We filtered it through our cloths and boiled it when we could, hoping it was safe enough to drink.

The general easy atmosphere had been replaced by a more serious determination to find a place. We weren't in desperate situations, but everyone was painfully aware of our low food stock and the extra mouths to feed.

I walked with Rick at the front of the group, fingers lingering over the trigger for the rifles. We walked along an unmarked road, no cars in sight. A walker stumbled out of the treeline as Michonne stepped forward.

"I got it." She said as we walked past her. She reached behind for her katana, which was no longer there. Once she finished with the walker, she caught up to us.

"Man I miss that thing." She groaned.

"You've got a weird intimate relationship with that katana." I commented as Rick chuckled beside me.

"You know how much you love your boxing? That's how much I love my katana." Michonne emphasised.

"Fair enough." I whistled. My eyes glanced over to Rick, studying his face and then drawn to his lips.

We had only snuck a few kisses in here and there, it was so hard to hide when his kids were around him all the time. We had been stuck with hand holding and forehead kisses, which I loved. But I just wanted some alone time with him.

The same night, we gathered around the fire listening to Abraham tell us stories of his military time. It was a nice distraction, but it wasn't enough. Carl and Judith had settled onto the same bed roll by the fire, the older brother hugging his sister to sleep.

I sat beside them, warming my hands over the flickering flames.

"Pol." I turned around as Rick called my name, inclining his head for me to follow him. I got up from the wooden tree stump, watching as Rosita sent me a wink. I followed him a little away from the group, we came to Daryl and Carol who were on watch, nodding their heads to us.

"You're not taking me out here to kill me are you?" I joked as we stepped over some of the twisted roots.

We came to behind some trees, just out of sight of Daryl and Carol as Rick turned around to face me.

"I never had the chance to thank you. For what you did for my daughter, you took care of her when I wasn't here. And she's alive because of you." I could make out the blue of his eyes in the darkness.

"It wasn't all me. Tyreese and Carol were there, and without them I wouldn't have made it." I defended.

"You're too modest." Rick argued.

"You should thank them too."

"I have done. I'm tryin' to thank you right now." Rick stepped forward, until he was in front of me.

"You have." I said confused.

Rick tilted his head down until his face was inches from mine. He placed his hands on my cheeks and pulled me in, capturing my lips against his. I pulled apart looking into his eyes.

"Is this how you thank all your friends?" I whispered.

Rick answered by pulling me towards him, trapping my lips in were soft and warm as I closed my eyes, revelling in his touch. I needed this. I wrapped my hands up to loop them around his neck, as his lips moved against mine. I sighed in content as he pushed me, until my back his the tree.

My hands rubbed the back of his neck gently, which I knew he liked by the way he kissed me deeply and more erratically

My hands tugging on the hairs at the base of his neck, it seemed to prompt him to kiss me deeper. His beard scratched my jaw, but I was too busy enjoying him to care.

His kisses became more eager as he opened his mouth and slipped his tongue inside my mouth. His hands were rubbing my arms up and down gently.

We broke apart for air as he kissed the base of my neck, I closed my eyes pulling and tugging on his hair. Each kiss on my skin burned with his touch, yearning for me.

"Rick." I groaned, his sweet kisses peppering my jaw. I was hedging my self-control.

"Rick." I said more firmly pulling his hair so he came away from my neck. We both looked at each other, breathing deeply.

"I want to take it slow." I sighed quietly holding his hands as he rested his forehead against mine.

"I know, I'm sorry. I got carried away." He had an intense look on his face. It took all my willpower to not grab that beautiful head of hair and kiss him all over again.

"We both did." I smiled admittedly.

His eyes were dark, still swirling with lust for a few minutes ago. I was too scared to tell them, that I had never even gone that far with anyone. I had never been kissed or kissed anyone like that, let alone had sex.

"I'm sorry." Rick said.

"For what?" I tentatively placed a hand on his cheek, the hairs of his beard bristling my hands.

"I pushed away and kept you waiting for so long, even when I knew how I felt about you. He said apologetically, leaning his face into my hand. He pressed his lips against my hand, causing a warm sensation through me.

"I waited, because I love you. You've been through a lot Rick, don't be so hard on yourself. You've got me now." I rubbed his cheek.

"But here is not really the best place, for that." I gestured to the trees around us smirking as Rick let out a small embarrassed smile.

"This is not like you." I raised an eyebrow at his confidence. The Rick I know would never throw caution to the wind and have a heated make-out session in the woods, where a walker could stumble out at any moment.

"Yeah I know." He muttered embarrassed.

"I talked to Abraham and well he, he encouraged me to be a little spontaneous." He explained.

"I was caught a little off guard. Interestingly enough, I had a similar conversation with Rosita." I giggled, remembering the day before.

"Okay, I have a better idea. As great as that was, let's take it at our own pace. Not anyone else's let's just enjoy this." I worded it carefully, we could have a serious conversation another time.

"I would love that." Rick sighed.

He leaned down and planted a soft kiss on my lips before pulling apart. The taste and warmth of his lips lingered even when he pulled away.

"Much better." I smiled taking his hand in my own.

"I think you gave me beard rash." I scratched my jaw, feeling it sting as I lead him back towards the camp.

"I'll be much more careful next time I kiss you." Rick said.

"That better be a promise Grimes."

...

"I take credit for catching these." I held up the brace of squirrels, I had hunted with Daryl as we began walking back to the group.

"I killed them." Daryl commented.

"Yeah, but it was my trap. The student has surpassed the master." I said smugly.

"You got a long way to go 'fore that." Daryl scoffed.

"You and Rick disappeared last night." He said after a few moments.

"Nothing happened, like you think it did." I shot him a look, after seeing his affronted expression.

"That's not me." I defended, but blushed remembering how heated our kiss got.

"Alright." Daryl relented, noting my expression.

"We got a long way to go 'fore that." I mimicked Daryl's accent as he looked offended.

We stepped out from behind the trees as the rest of the group pointed their guns and rifles at us.

"We surrender." Daryl drawled.

"And that's how you greet the people who bring you food? Pitiful." I shook my head, as the group visibly relaxed lowering their weapons. Michonne and Carl grinned at us, as Rick took Daryl aside for a minute.

"I'm starting to like rabbits." Carl said.

"You better, I spent time perfecting that trap last night." I shoved Carl gently as he looked back at me with a glare, walking ahead with his father and Abraham.

We walked through the woods in silence. A few days ago we had turned off the road and headed into the forests again, Rick was convinced we were too exposed out there and thought it would be best if we took this route.

But I knew Abraham was eager to get back on the road. He and Rosita were taking Eugene to Washington DC. Apparently he knew a cure to end the whole damn apocalypse, which I found hard to believe. After I found out he was a scientist, I approached him to ask about it. But the most I got out of him, was him saying that it was classified. So I left it, trusting that they knew what they were talking about.

"What are you looking at?" Rick caught me as I continued to squint at him.

"I'm trying to picture you without that beard." I put my hand over the bottom half of his face, then removed it.

"I like my men with some facial hair." I said as I tapped his cheek.

"I thought my beard cut you, last night?" Rick said lowly pointing to my face.

"I know but if it means I get to look at your handsome face, worth it." I grinned as Rick shook his head amused.

"So if I shaved my beard, you wouldn't like me anymore?" Rick checked.

"That's right Mr Grimes." I affirmed.

"So what you're saying is that you're in love with my beard?" Rick asked in mock hurt.

"Yep, without the beard I'm afraid you just lose your whole appeal." I sighed dramatically.

"Thats a shame, I thought you loved me for my winning personality." He said

But our banter was cut off by the sound of a man shouting.

"Help! Anybody help! Somebody!" We could make out the desperate cries as Rick put his hand out to stop the group from running.

"Dad come on! Dad!" Carl urged him, looking back and forth from the sound.

"Dad!" Rick nodded as we all ran towards the sound. I knew he was apprehensive. Not unlike Terminus, it could be someone luring us into a trap. But it could also be someone who needs our help.

"Help!" The man cried out again.

We came to find a man scrambling on a large rock, his feet were caught by the decaying hands of a dozen walkers, eager to eat him. Carl let out the first shot with his gun, nailing the walker in the head.

I pulled out my machete, chopping the arms that were reaching for the man's feet.

"Behind you!" He shouted. I turned around and embedded the machete into the head of the walker. Slamming another walker into the rock I smashed it's head with the butt of the rifle. We finished off the walker and looked up to the whimpering man on the rock.

"We're clear, keep watch." Rick instructed Daryl.

"Come on down." Rick urged the man, his eyes focusing on his appearance. He clambered down as the rest of the group looked at him in curiosity and suspicion.

"You okay?" Our leader asked. In response the man wearing a minister's outfit emptied the contents of his stomach, as we looked away in disgust.

"Sorry," he sniffled.

"Yes, thank you. I'm Gabriel." He introduced himself with a sheepish smile, noticeably calm.

"Do you have any weapons on you?" Rick asked as we all observed the man.

"Does it look like I have any weapons on me?" Gabriel asked incredulously.

"We don't give two short and curlies, what it looks like." Abraham countered.

"I don't have weapons of any kind. The word of God is the only protection I need." He proclaimed.

"Sure didn't look like it." Daryl quipped.

"Do you have any food?" Gabriel asked.

I nudged Carl, subtley handing him the bag of pecans he had shared with me earlier. I gestured for him to give them to the priest.

"We have some pecans." Carl held his hand out giving him a friendly smile as the priest accepted.

"That's a beautiful child." He said looking at Judith in Tyreese's arms, we continued looking at him apprehensively. He seemed, harmless.

"Do you have a camp?" He asked.

"No, do you?" Rick narrowed his eyes at him.

"I have a church." Gabriel replied, as my eyes widened in surprise. I saw the looks of hope on the rest of the group's faces, that meant shelter and possibly some food.

"Hold your hands above your head." Rick instructed the man, as he began searching his pockets and sleeves for weapons.

"How many walkers have you killed?" He asked.

"Not any actually." He replied as Rick turned him around harshly, checking his trousers. Finding Gabriel and finding out he had a church just seemed too good to be true, and the fact there were still good people out here, I wanted to believe it so badly I almost felt sorry he was subject to the questioning.

"How many people you killed?" Rick asked again. His questions reminded me of the recruitment we used to do back at the prison, whenever we found someone this would determine if we had let them in.

"None." Gabriel answered immediately.

"Why?"

"Because the lord abhors violence." Gabriel answered confidently, but I could detect the nervousness in his eyes.

"What have you done?" Rick came up to him, apparently he wasn't trusting him either.

"We've all done something." Rick emphasised, trying to unnerve him.

"I'm a sinner, I sin everyday. But those I confess to God, not to strangers." Gabriel dismissed him.

"You said you have a church?" Michonne casually leaned against the rock, lightening the mood.

...

We had decided to follow Gabriel, still not fully trusting him. It was our suspicion that kept our senses alert and our instincts ready to fight or flight of things went awry. I wanted to keep my excitement buried, but the prospect of finding shelter especially as winter was approaching was just too damn exciting.

The priest led the way through the woods, Rick trying to ascertain more of his personality and what he could potentially be hiding.

"Earlier were you watching us?" Rick asked as we walked briskly.

"No, I keep to myself. Nowadays people are just as dangerous to us as the dead. Don't you think?" He glanced behind him.

"No, people are worse." I answered, thinking of Terminus and the man who tried to kill Judith.

"Well I wasn't watching you. I haven't been beyond the stream of the church since the outbreak started." Gabriel promised. Rick stared at him suspiciously.

"Or maybe I'm lying, maybe there's no church at all. Maybe I'm leading you into a trap so I can steal all your squirrels." Gabriel scoffed as the rest of us glared at him.

"Want me to knock him out?" I suggested as we rounded on him, not agreeing with his joke.

"Members of my flock have often told me my sense of humour leaves much to be desired." Gabriel sobered up.

"Yeah it does." Daryl said darkly.

Gabriel turned around and continued walking. After a few minutes we came to a footpath which lead to a white coloured church building. It looked quite secure, but it was eerily quiet. Gabriel approached the large wooden doors, with keys in hand.

"Hold up, we just wanna take a look 'round." Rick held his hand out for the keys.

"We just wanna hold on to our squirrels." He deadpanned as I smirked.

Gabriel reluctantly handed the keys over to Rick, who handed them to me. I unlocked the church doors and we entered, rifles up. The congregated hall was dark, but spread out into a good distance. There were a few side rooms, with tables and drawings. I followed Rick into the office which had a couch and a blanket. There were bibles sprawled out.

"What do you think?" I poked the notebooks with the tip of my rifle.

"I dunno. He's hiding sumthin'." Rick said lowly. We went back out into the church hall. At the front was a stand where ministers and priests could give their sermons.

"Look at this." I gestured for Rick as we looked behind the gate. There were a number of opened food cans, lined up along the back wall.

"I don't think he was alone." I whispered looking around.

"Yeah." Rick agreed before whistling.

The rest of the group left the church once we were satisfied there was no one inside. We stood outside the church as Abraham approached us.

"We found a short bus outside. It don't run, but I bet we could fix that in less than a day or two. Father here says he doesn't want it. Looks like we got ourselves some transport." Abraham looked down at Rick who played with Judith's hair. I knew what that meant, it meant three of them would be leaving us soon.

"You understand what's at stake here, right?" Abraham checked.

"Yes I do." Rick said. Translation: we would lose three more people, three people who could help defend the group, bring in more supplies, more food and more ways to fortify our shelter.

"Are you sure Washington still stands?" I interjected as Abraham turned his attention to me.

"I gotta hope. Eugene says that he has the cure, a way to stop this. And it's may job to deliver him there, come what may." Abraham said firmly.

"This virus evolved at an unprecedented rate, it was supposed to be a way to combat and destroy the HIV virus, but it mutated rapidly. If what Eugene has is a similar thing, it's not gonna help." I argued.

"Excuse me miss, but I don't expect you'd understand the ramifications and the complications of such a thing." Eugene spoke.

"Excuse me, but I was a Scientist at the CDC so I think I know what I'm taking about." I said angrily, Rick placed a hand on my forearm calming me down as I sighed.

"We need supplies no matter what happens next." I said calmly walking into the church.

"That's right. Water, food, ammunition." Rick followed me as his hands grasped my wrist gently.

"Are you alright?" His steely blue eyes locked on mine.

"I don't wanna split up again." Rick wrapped an arm around my shoulders, planting a kiss in my hair.

"We won't." he said reassuringly, his head against mine.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed that and hope it satisfied your fluff needs. Just a PSA that I don't write smut, I think I've said it before that it's gonna be PG friendly even though this story is rated a T. Sorry to disappoint some of you.