Author's Note: Excuses time! I swear they are good this time :). I had surgery, a complication with the surgery that ended up with me spending a few days in the hospital and had a close relative die all in the same week! I'm on the mend and getting back to writing which has helped with the grief and healing process. I hope I haven't been gone too long that you guys lost interest in this story. I will definitely do better now that i'm getting back to a bit of normalcy.

Hope you enjoy!

Michonne sat in her SUV outside of the precinct, tapping the steering wheel and biting the edge of her empty coffee cup. It had been almost thirty minutes since she pulled up to the old building. She was about to face her friend turned lover for the first time in the 36 hours since she left his apartment.

Glancing at her watch again, she silently cursed herself for letting so much time pass by. Yesterday Rick had gone back to work and she had a full day at her apartment to go through every emotion possible at changing the one relationship in her life that was starting to mean more to her than she thought possible. How they would interact in a professional setting gave her a bit of anxiety. Surely other people would catch on and she would be forced to resign from handling his department's cases. No matter how it played out, one thing was certain. They couldn't go back to how it was before they crossed the line. And she didn't feel an ounce of regret.

Michonne squeezed her eyes shut, took a deep breath and got out of the car. As she walked to the building, it was hard to keep the smile off her face thinking back to their last moments at his place together cuddled up watching the football game. Neither of them were really paying attention. They stole glances at one another as opposed to the television. Finally, she left in the early evening when he went to check on Judith and bring her soup.

The next day while he was at work, he sent her text messages here and there making small talk and he invited her over but neither discussed their confession to one another.

I don't want anyone else.

While getting in the elevator, she saw another officer that resembled Rick and her heart raced. Everyone would easily be able to tell that something was different about them if she didn't pull it together. But she felt she deserved a pat on the back for resisting his invitation to come over after he got off work. Especially considering every part of her body was on fire to feel his, but pumping the brakes was the smart decision. Things had gotten intense pretty fast and she wanted them to give each other a little space. Reluctantly Rick agreed but decided to trade racy texts with her instead. All night, Michonne felt like she lost her mind giggling like a schoolgirl at his messages and waiting with baited breath for his responses.

It was a side of themselves they never indulged. In the past week since that night at the bar, she had laughed more than she had in years. When the elevator dinged announcing her arrival, she looked around cautiously to see if he was there yet. There were no signs of him and she hadn't heard from him that morning. She sat at an empty desk that she often used, took a deep breath and willed her mind to focus. Thankfully her boss had forgiven her outburst and all was somewhat forgotten. The days off had helped and she felt more refreshed. Even with the case file in hand and waiting to talk to Hershel about some particulars, the anxiety she felt surrounding the case was more subdued.

"Good Morning," Rick greeted her and she jumped. He put his hand on her shoulder to calm her. "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

She closed her eyes, took another deep breath and reset. "Its fine, I-I was just looking over this report and waiting for Hershel. We were supposed to meet a few minutes ago."

"Yeah he's going to be tied up in there for awhile." He handed her the extra coffee he bought and she smiled. "You're welcome to hang out here while you wait."

Rick smirked with a twinkle in his blue eyes like he knew a secret that no one else knew. And he did.

She took a sip of the coffee to hide the smile on her face and tried to quell the worry that people would sense something was different.

"It's ok Michonne," he assured her and looked around before getting closer to her ear. "No one knows that you say my name when you come." She sputted into her coffee and he patted her back.

"You're such a jerk". She walked to the coffee station to get a napkin and to create some distance. Rick's proximity took on a new meaning now and her skin tingled at the sound of his voice.

Again, Rick glanced around mindful of Glenn, Shane and Hershel who could appear at any moment. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

He was talking in that voice. The voice that coaxed her over the edge while he drove inside of her pliant body. The same voice that haunted her dreams since she left his apartment. He was standing just close enough for her to feel the warmth of his body but far enough that no one would be suspicious.

"Yeah just grabbing some napkins." She was going for nonchalant but it was evident she was affected.

"Oh." As he took a step closer, his chest slightly grazed her back and his breath tickled the back of her neck. "Ok just checking."

Michonne peeked around. "Rick, you have to stop." She was beginning to panic. He felt good against her but they couldn't do this at work. "We talked about this."

"I know," he apologized and backed up. "I'm sorry I just couldn't help myself. You smell so good."

She fidgeted with the sugar pouring it in her coffee cup and stirring it around. Her chest was starting to heave in arousal.

"Well try harder okay?" She pivoted out of his reach and back towards the desk.

Sitting down, she ran her hand along her neck feeling the goosebumps that formed. If they didn't get this under control their coworkers were going to find out. Then again Shane already seemed to be on their scent. Until they both knew where this was going, she didnt want to bring anyone else into the picture.

"Sorry," he mouthed to her again and sat down at his desk. They worked silently on their paperwork and conversed with Shane and Glenn when they came in a short time later. In the middle of the conversation, she saw Rick playing with a pen near his mouth. The cap of the pen was going in and out of his soft, pink lips and she saw the slightest hint of his tongue. Rick's dick was magical but his tongue was certainly a worthy runner up. Her mind drifted to when he said he wanted to taste her and how she had come for him within 30 seconds of his tongue licking along her slit. He twisted his tongue inside of her and mercilessly sucked her—

"Michonne? Earth to Michonne," Glenn said waving his hand to get her attention. Rick had a shit-eating grin on his face and she shook her head to snap back into the moment.

"Oh yeah. What did you say?"

"I asked if you heard from the social worker."

"Oh yeah I did. She emailed me this morning. I'll probably go visit her later," she answered.

"Good for you." Glenn walked away and even though she knew she would regret it, she peeked at Rick again. Anyone that wasn't paying attention would think he was looking at her shirt or shoulder, but she knew he was staring at her breasts. She watched him watch her and her eyes fixated on his hands. Those hands that held her ass pressed against him while he thrust into her and eventually spill—

"I've got to go to the file room," Michonne declared standing up suddenly from her chair, cutting off her errant conscious.

Shane glanced over the top of his newspaper, eyeing her speculatively. "Thanks for the announcement Michonne. I'm actually about to go to the bathroom if anyone cares."

Sighing, she picked up a random folder and proceeded to the file room. She went in and closed the door, leaning against it to get her head together. She wasn't this person. She was acting like a horny teenager and not a professional ADA. This was exactly what she had feared would happen that somehow they would become less focused on their jobs. She was deep in thought when she heard the doorknob behind her rattle and knew it was him.

"Rick, no get out of here," she hissed as he gently pushed past her.

"No."

Thankfully the file room was at the end of the hall where there was no foot traffic. His hand brushed her shoulders and she silently begged her body not to respond but it was too late. Her nipples strained against her bra and his breath was in her ear.

"I know we shouldn't be doing this here," he whispered placing a small kiss on her shoulder.

She leaned into him. "Then why are you doing this?"

Rick kissed her cheek and his left hand traveled down her back. "I can't help myself." His lips found hers and she moaned into the kiss keeping her hands by her side. "You can't tell me you don't feel it too."

Her arms left her side and rested on his bicep. There was no use in denying it. "I wish I could push you down on the desk right now." Her lips crashed over his and he backed her up into the door. She was confused, excited and adrenaline pumped through her veins. Rick squeezed her aching breasts, his tongue massaging her. He cupped her intimately and the liquid pooled between her thighs. When she felt his bulge against her thigh, she lost it. She stroked his length and he leaned his forehead against hers breathing heavily.

"We gotta stop," he rasped. Michonne ignored him and reached for his belt buckle. "Baby no." He put his hands over hers and her gaze was a mix of a confusion and arousal. "If we don't stop now I'm going to take you against this door and everybody is just a few feet away."

She smiled her understanding, grateful that he was able to be the voice of reason.

"Then why did you start it you big tease?"

"I just needed to touch you," he said. "If you let me come over to your place tonight after work I'll finish it," he kissed her again. "I promise."

She fixed her clothes and hair. "I have no doubt you would," she muttered noncommittally.

"So can I come over later?"

Michonne put her index finger to her chin as if she was pondering the question. "I suppose I could go for some company."

Smiling, Rick went to work trying to make himself presentable to go back outside. "I guess you should go out there first while I get this under control," he suggested pointing to his erection.

Returning his smile, Michonne winked and sashayed back to her working area more jovial than usual. As she sat down she thought she was in the clear until she saw who was sitting at Glenn's desk.

"Were you whistling?" Maggie asked with a speculative look.

"Umm," she was starting to panic again. If Maggie suspected anything she was screwed. "I slept good last night." It was the first thing that came to mind. "What are you doing here?" She changed the subject hoping Maggie would fall for it.

"I came to talk to Hershel about the Fleming case. If I'd known you were going to be here…."

Michonne squirmed as Maggie approached. "Oh sorry about that. It was a last minute detour."

Her friend observed her closely and could tell something was off. "Where did you just come from?"

"Just down the hall," she half lied.

Shane walked back in with his coffee and a bagel in hand. "Did you find everything you needed in the file room?" he asked Michonne.

"Yep."

Rick strided back toward his desk with one hand in his pocket and a file in his hand. "Good Morning Maggie," he greeted her in a chipper tone.

She looked back and forth between him and Michonne also taking notice of his demeanor.

"Good Morning Rick. Well I'll be. Everyone's in a good mood this morning I see".

"Yeah what can I say?" he shot back without thinking. "The file room just brings out the best in me."

Maggie whipped her head towards Michonne and grinned. "I bet it does."

She was about to say something when Hershel barreled out of his office. "Got a call at a school, assault and attempted murder. Grimes. Walsh."

Shane shot up and threw his pencil at Rick to get his attention. "We're on it Cap."

"I'll go too!" Michonne volunteered before thinking about it.

"You will?" Hershel crossed his arms confused at her proposal while his daughter watched in amusement.

She took one look at Maggie and knew she needed to get away quickly. "Yeah, with all the controversy lately regarding handling of evidence and crime scenes I think me being right there on the scene is needed. Don't you?"

Hershel pondered it for a moment while Rick and Shane looked on. "Couldn't hurt. If you have the time. Go for it."

Maggie smiled knowingly.

"And take Glenn with you."

Michonne snatched her coat and tried to rush past Maggie who was sitting on the corner of Rick's desk. Maggie grabbed her elbow and whispered low, "You do know that I will be right here when you get back."

"Unfortunately I do."

As they headed out, Rick watched their interaction and figured something was up but decided to stay out of it. During the ride, they tried their best to act normal with Glenn and Shane present but stole glances when they could. The mood changed completely when they made it to the crime scene. Rick realized the perp was a young teenage boy that assaulted his stepfather. Back at the station, he worked in overdrive trying to get the man to drop the case. They quickly found themselves back in pure work mode in Hershel's office arguing over the case.

"Rick who are you kidding? You're trying to make this go away!"

She was furious that he was trying to sweep the crime under the rug. Just as Hershel was walking in, she stormed out to see if she could convince the stepdad to change his mind.

"Is he going to press charges?" Maggie asked. She'd almost forgotten she was still there to interrogate her about Rick.

Michonne shook her head in disgust. "No, said it was just a little dispute."

"But he shot him."

Their conversation was interrupted by Hershel yelling in his office.

"What's going on in there?" Maggie asked.

She didn't know for sure but based on Rick's behavior tonight she had a suspicion. Another minute passed and he came charging out of the office past them and grabbed his coat.

"Rick is everything ok?" she asked tentatively.

He didn't answer and stormed towards the elevators.

"Shane you will work with Glenn for the rest of this case," Hershel instructed him. "Rick is on suspension until further notice."

Shane nodded, "Ok." But soon walked out of the room presumably to go talk to Rick. Michonne knew Rick was out of line but hoped it wouldn't come to a suspension. A sense of dread wallowed in the pit of her stomach. The brooding, moody Rick from just a few days ago was back and she didn't know how she fit into the equation.

Later that night she texted him to see if he was ok and he simply responded 'yes'. He was supposed to come to her place but she didn't mention it considering the circumstances. She didn't hear from him at all the next day either. After further investigation, Shane and Glenn discovered that the boy had been abused and the "attack" was in self defense. Now it was the step father who was behind bars. Shane was sworn not to share details of the case with Rick because of Hershel's command but she wasn't. At first she was going to call but decided to take a chance and go by his place instead. Cases involving kids always took their toll on him and she needed to see for herself that he was ok.

Rick opened the door and stared at her impassively.

"Are you going to invite me in?"

"I don't want to talk about it though," he answered turning his back on her and walking back into his living room.

"Even if it's good news?" she asked.

"How is it good news that the son was being abused?"

So apparently Shane didn't keep his mouth shut and she needed to do better with her words. She was so focused on seeing him and trying to make things right that she hadn't prepared her words.

"I'm sorry, you're right. I mean that's why I came by to tell you that you were right to try and get the charges dropped against the son. What he did was self defense."

The more she talked the more she could see her words not getting through. His wall was back up with her and she couldnt understand why. They had argued about work matters constantly. It was part of their dynamic.

"You think that's what I wanted Michonne? To be right?"

Now she was getting annoyed. "Of course not."

Rick paced between his living room and kitchen. There were a few beer bottles and a half empty pizza box on the coffee table. It looked like he hadn't left the apartment since his suspension.

"Thanks for letting me know," he finally said breaking the awkward silence.

Michonne's head raced searching for something to say. The urge to hug him or slap him was rising. All she wanted was an explanation as to why he suddenly shut down…. again.

After another minute of stretched silence, she let herself out. Tears of frustration and exhaustion threatened but she held back. It was almost like the other night and what they shared hadn't happened. Just like the job had brought them together that one night when she needed the comfort of his touch, it just as easily tore them apart.

Michonne sat in the car, her mind racing. She pulled out her phone and saw she had a missed call from Ezekiel. She still hadn't talked to him since their date and for a fleeting moment she thought about seeing if he could meet her for a drink. She decided against it and called someone else instead.

"I have to admit I thought you were going to avoid me for awhile," Maggie teased, nursing her drink in attempt to remain sober for whatever her friend had to say.

Michonne circled her finger around her second empty glass of bourbon. "Trust me I planned to."

Maggie watched her closely. "Oooook. Ready when you are."

Michonne motioned towards the bartender for another drink. Once it was in front of her she took a deep breath and spoke up. "I slept with Rick."

Coming up: Maggie gives you guys the reaction that you are looking for, LOL