A/N: Hello, dear readers; thanks for the tremendous response to the first chapter. I find it interesting that most people think it's up to Rick to do something to win Michonne over. Then there's those who think Michonne is too hard on Rick. Great thoughts guys; I love hearing them. Now bear with me while I respond to you all:

Lyra Verse & Ttgranger: Glad you're liking it so far!

Jaylinn: I assure you more tension is coming lol

ssaamm23: she was a little hard on Rick, though she has her reasons.

focusedOnProsperity & kdthle23: physical attraction is definitely there, but we'll see how the rest works out.

CherokeeRose29: *blushes* thanks! Let's hope Rick likes a challenge!

Literaturechick: They are very passionate in what they believe in; will there be any room for compromise?

Snooterooni: I was thinking about the rocky start they had on the show while writing this.

Guest: I'm glad you liked this new direction I've taken and thank you.

Severelybabykryptonite: Oh dear, I'm not sure if things are better, but they could be a lot worse lol no, I'm kidding; I think they've made some progress.

RichonneSlag: Ha! Fights between them are fun because they're both so stubborn lol

Leannan: Hmm nice conjecture about their future. I won't say too much…

Guest: Thanks. The tricky thing with an AU story is staying true to the characters; for me, Rick and Michonne's stubbornness and steadfastness in the face of difficulty is something that can and should remain the same.

simple1234: Haha I'm sure I've said the exact line at a party once or twice lol

CodeName-M.e: Aww that's nice of you to say; to quote my favourite Merlin I do this with great skill hahaha but seriously, I don't know. Thank my muses Rick and Michonne! and I love when Poussey was pestering for that update lol

KK: Oh you see straddling in their future? ;) nice. Nice…

Guestz: Here's to Rick's redemption!

The Puppeteer: Thanks! I wanted this to be close to real life.

Alex311: I loved their friendship on the show before Andrea was written so terribly and this is pretty much how I envision their friendship if they met before the ZA.

Gabismgd: Thank you for reading! You are the one who rocks!

Guest: More coming at you right now : )

Sharei27: Haha yes, she does want to date, but being hurt leads to trust issues. I'm not sure if Rick made the best first impression on her.

Michonne finished her morning jog, had a shower and went to meet Andrea for breakfast before she went into the office. Molly's Diner had the best croissants in town and the two women visited it religiously on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. If they did not see each other throughout the week, they were certain to keep these days marked on their calendars.

The two friends had been through so much together and had always been there to support one another. So when Andrea suggested a new start for Michonne in the town where she had been appointed county prosecutor, Michonne followed her friend there. She liked the pace of life away from the city. Her work load was less which meant she had time for other things, like her interest in youth justice and working with young people in general. She also cancelled out running the risk of accidently bumping into her ex-boyfriend Mike. She was settling into King County very well after three months of being there. Being a stickler for routine, Michonne always looked forward to and enjoyed Wednesday breakfast with her best friend.

"So, we didn't get the chance to talk much about it the other night, but the Program funding, it all came through?" asked Andrea as she took a drink from her coffee.

Michonne smiled and nodded.

"Yes. The good old Justice Department, well actually the OJP responded quicker than I thought. It's all falling into place. Thanks to you and your immaculate submission writing skills also," she offered.

"Please, it was because of your proposal. I'm proud of you, Mich. You've dreamed about this for a long time now. I'm glad it's finally happening," Andrea said with a smile.

"Thanks," Michonne said beaming brightly as she took a bite from her croissant.

In Michonne's peripheral vision, she noticed someone entering the diner; when she focussed on them, she realized it was Rick Grimes in his uniform. He had his hat tucked under his arm and was squinting as he read the chalkboard menu.

"Great, this asshole," said Michonne softly.

Andrea went to turn her head.

"No, don't look!" said Michonne as she kept her eyes on her friend.

After his order was placed, Rick noticed Michonne and Andrea; he seemed to be contemplating whether or not to approach them. He and Michonne had not gotten off to the best start, but he would not let that get in the way of displaying good manners.

"Mornin' ladies," Rick said as he approached.

Michonne did well to hide her sigh and Andrea was now free to turn around.

"Hi Rick," said Andrea.

"Deputy," said Michonne.

Rick offered them a pleasant smile.

"Pull up a chair," Andrea said while Michonne kicked her under the table discreetly.

"I'd love to," Rick said as his eyes darted to Michonne then back to Andrea. "But I'm gettin' my order to go."

Michonne picked up her cell phone and pretended to be texting.

"Okay," replied Andrea. "Maybe next time."

Rick nodded, feeling a standoffish vibe from Michonne. The lady behind the counter called his name.

"It's ready now. See y'all later," Rick said amicably.

Both women said bye at the same time; Rick nodded to them, collected what he had ordered, and left the diner.

"Why are you kicking me like you're Andy Carrol?" asked Andrea when she was certain Rick was out of earshot.

"What? Andy who? And why are you asking Rick to join us? You know I don't like him," Michonne said.

"You don't even know him, bitch!" Andrea laughed.

"Bitch, I know enough!" replied Michonne.

Andrea rolled her eyes.

"Not all men are pricks, you know that, right?" Andrea asked.

Michonne shrugged.

"They're not all gonna be like that asshat Mike."

"God, how did this conversation turn to him?" Michonne asked as she rolled her eyes now.

"Sorry. I just don't want to you project any negative feelings you still have about Mike on to other guys who clearly like you…"

"Negative feelings? Babe, how many times do I have to remind you that you are not my therapist so cool it. And that man does not like me. He thinks I'm an entitled hypocrite," explained Michonne.

"Did he say that, because if he did I'll kick his ass…"

"Not in so many words, but that's the feeling I get," Michonne said. "Maybe I was a little bitchy at your party, but he didn't have to make remarks about my integrity. You know what? Never mind. I don't want to talk about him anymore. I am so glad he stood me up for that date…"

"Oh my god, Michonne! Is that what this is about?"

"No. Well…At first, yes; but not anymore. We didn't hit it off. You thought we would, and we didn't. So let's leave it at that," she offered.

"No, let's backtrack. He made remarks about your integrity?" Asked Andrea.

"In a roundabout way, yes; but it's stupid. We disagreed on that whole gun control thing. Not important. Change the subject," said Michonne.

"How are you even an attorney? We live for this debating shit!" Andrea said with a smile.

"I know right! But his comments just, I dunno; rubbed me the wrong way," Michonne offered as she sipped her coffee.

"You want him to rub you the right way, uh?" Andrea teased.

Michonne tried to hide a smile and look annoyed at the same time.

"Shut up!" she replied.

xXxXx

Rick walked into the Sheriff's Department station with his and Shane's coffees and pastries; he sat the hot cups down on his desk and pulled out his seat; he then sat the food toward the end of his desk. He did not know why he was suddenly feeling a little bit annoyed; it most likely had something to do with that woman he had not long ago been acquainted with giving him attitude again.

She seemed to have something against him, and that caused him irritation. Yes, he had been late for their impromptu date; yes he disagreed with her politics; and yes, he made some insensitive comments about her opinions spawned by the death of her father. But Rick was not a bad person; and for some reason he just wanted her to see that.

He pinched the bridge of his nose; he was annoyed with himself for wanting her to like him so much. It made no sense to him.

"Why are you starin' off into space?" asked Shane as he took a seat at his desk directly adjacent to Rick's.

Rick was shaken from his thoughts.

"Just thinkin'. Here," he said as he handed over the coffee.

"Thanks, man."

"Oh, I saw Andrea just before," Rick said and then added casually: "She was at Molly's with her friend."

"Yeah, it's Wednesday. They go there for breakfast every Wednesday," Shane offered as he typed his login details into his laptop using his two index fingers.

Rick decided he might check his emails as well; after a quiet moment, he spoke.

"So, what's her deal?"

Shane stared at his screen while asking: "Whose deal?"

"Andrea's friend," said Rick, as he kept his eyes on his own screen; Shane looked at him questioningly.

"Who, Michonne?" asked Shane.

Rick nodded.

"What's her deal?"

"What d'ya mean?"

Rick sighed.

"I mean, she's a little bit…"

"What? Out o' your league?" Shane laughed.

"No. I was gonna say…unapproachable," said Rick.

"I think she's pretty cool once you get to know her," said Shane.

"More like cold," said Rick.

"Shit, son. You really can't stand it, can you?"

"Can't stand what?" asked Rick as he tilted his head.

"When a new person you meet don't like you. You're still on that teacher's pet bullshit, boy. Not every single person you meet is gonna think you're great. I get it. She's a cool lady with a nice ass and you're pissed that you couldn't win her over," said Shane.

Rick was quiet as he rolled his eyes.

"Look, buddy, for some people, first impressions are important. Maybe you blew it with her," Shane said in a matter-of-fact manner.

Rick remained silent as he reached for the pastries.

"And it sucks because I can tell you like her," Shane added.

Rick scoffed.

"Don't know where you got that idea from," he said unconvincingly before taking a bite from his Danish.

"We grew up together, man. I was there when you had your first kiss with Darla Petrie near the flagpole after school in the seventh grade and I was best man at your wedding. I know when you like a girl, asshole. Who you think you're talkin' to?" Shane asked with a chortle.

Rick shook his head and tried to supress his grin.

XXxXx

It had been around two weeks since Michonne had received confirmation from the Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention that the Program she had spent three years devising would finally be granted funding. Now, as part of her role with the Public Defender's Office, she was ready to do the ground work to get the Young Offenders Rehabilitation Program up and running. She had been given time off from her legal duties to project manage the Program; now it was all official.

Since the paperwork, submissions and proposals had all been completed and accepted, it was now up to Michonne to meet with different agencies in the community to garner support for the Program. If a community was serious about a reduction in youth crime; youth welfare; and juvenile justice, they needed to pull together.

Michonne carried her laptop, briefcase and a stack of information leaflets up the steps of the Town Hall, ready to deliver her first briefing about the Program. She fumbled with what she was carrying as she tried to pull the door open.

"Hold on, let me get that for you," called a voice from behind her.

She stopped and waited as a man in his mid to late forties rushed up the steps and held the door open for her. Michonne stepped in and offered him thanks as they walked together.

"I'm Morgan Jones," he said offering an introduction. "You must be Michonne."

"Yes, nice to meet you. You're from the Youth Centre, right?" She asked.

"Yes, ma'am," he said as he held an interior door open for her as well.

"Great. It's nice to actually put a face to names from emails," she laughed as they stepped into the board room.

No one else had arrived at the meeting at that point so Michonne went about setting up her presentation.

"So, looks like I'm the early bird here," Morgan mused.

"Nothin' wrong with that," Michonne offered as she logged in to her computer before adding: "I actually find tardiness really distasteful."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind," he said with a smile.

She offered him a polite grin and continued setting up.

"Who else are you expecting today? Which other agencies?" Morgan queried.

Michonne finished hooking the cables to the projector and then looked to Morgan, then to the right as she recalled the list of those invited.

"You guys; the high school; reps from the DOC, OJP, the Courthouse and Sheriff's Department; Father Gabriel and some others from the church youth group; and the owners of Willow Bend Farm. I should have a good turn out," said Michonne as she neatly stacked her piles of paperwork.

"Crap," she then said.

"What's wrong," asked Morgan.

"I forgot the printed copies of the vision statement and action plan" she said just as the other attendees started arriving.

…..

"What about those youngsters who are getting into trouble, but have not been in the juvenile justice system?" asked Morgan. "Can they participate if we want to prevent them from offending?"

"They're not actually covered by the funding," said Michonne. "Mainly because this is a rehabilitation program and not an initial intervention…"

Just then, the door to the boardroom creaked open, and a few heads turned to see Rick Grimes enter. He offered an apologetic look to Michonne and then to his superior, Sheriff Sinclair.

"Excuse me," he said, taking note of Michonne's annoyed countenance. "Just need a quick word with the Sheriff."

Rick leaned close to the older man's ear and spoke succinctly about a matter that needed his immediate attention. The Sheriff stood and addressed Michonne.

"I'm sorry, this was an informative presentation and I'm glad to lend this Program our support and resources, but something urgent has come up so I have to leave," he explained.

"Of course," said Michonne. "I'll bring the other documents over…"

"Please don't trouble yourself. I'll have my Deputy here collect them from you later," he said with a smile.

Michonne looked at Rick and nodded before thanking the Sheriff; Rick offered her a small smile and followed his boss out.

xXxXx

The presentation was a success and Michonne had gathered support from all of the stakeholders that she needed. She sat barefooted in her office, pulled out her phone and began to text Andrea. Just then, her desk phone buzzed; an incoming call from reception.

"Yes?" she answered.

The voice on the other end said: "Deputy Rick Grimes to see you."

Michonne felt an involuntary flutter in her stomach.

"Thanks. Send him in."

She quickly fixed her hair and used the dark reflective screen of her phone to check her appearance before rolling her eyes and silently reprimanding herself.

There came a quick knock on her door before she bid the visitor to enter; Rick stepped in looking slightly awkward.

"Hi. I'm here for the paperwork for the Sheriff," he said softly.

"I know, let me just get it for you," Michonne said as she rifled through a stack on her desk.

She found what she was looking for and then held them out for Rick; he took the papers.

"Thanks," he offered while looking over the cover page.

"Young Offenders Rehabilitation Program," he read out aloud.

"Sorry?" Michonne asked.

"The Program, it's called Young Offenders Rehabilitation Program?"

Is this man dim-witted? She thought to herself.

"Yes. Why, do you have a problem with that?" she snapped.

"Well, now that you mention it…"

"So what is it? You don't like giving lowlife criminals a second chance, is that it?" Michonne asked in annoyance.

"What are you talkin' about, lady? I didn't say that. What's your problem?" Rick asked as he looked at Michonne incredulously.

"My problem is people in these positions of power who think they're so much better than and above everyone else but don't use their influence to effect change and judge those who want to…"

"You don't know me. You have no idea who I am and what's important to me. You just breeze into town and think we're all a bunch of dumb redneck fucks…"

Rick closed his eyes a moment.

"I'm sorry," he said, ashamed of losing his cool. "That was out of line…"

"You should leave," Michonne said firmly.

He nodded.

"I should, but I really am sorry," he said as he turned towards the door.

Suddenly, Rick stopped and looked back at Michonne.

"What I meant was the name of the Program, it sounds too negative. I think it's great what you're doin' to help these kids straighten out; givin' 'em a second chance. Maybe come up with a more positive name to reflect the positive work you're doin'. That's all I was gonna say. Sorry for cussin' at you."

Rick said with a sigh as he let himself out and closed the door.

"Shit," said Michonne as she realized she should not jump to conclusions.

A/N: This incarnation of Rick and Michonne should probably stop drawing conclusions about each other. Stop thinking that they know each other and actually get to know each other; they might like the person that they discover, yeah?

Question: should Michonne change the name of the Program? If so, any suggestions (as I suck at naming things lol)?