A/N: Hello, dear readers. Thanks so much for the wonderful reviews. This instalment steps away from Rick and Michonne's professional lives as they cross paths in their personal lives.

The almost inaudible humming of the refrigerator was the only sound that could be heard in Michonne's otherwise quiet home. She stood with the door open and stared at the shelves of food; some days she got home from work and did not feel like cooking at all. The good thing about being on her own was that she did not have to stick to any certain schedule with mealtimes. She could just as easily call Andrea and invite herself over or order a pizza. The remnants of her hangover made her feel as if she needed to eat something rich and filling, so she agreed with herself that a pizza would suffice.

Michonne closed the door and walked to the bench to grab her phone to order a medium peperoni when she remembered that she had told Morgan she would ring him back. She had completely forgotten to do so after she had dropped Rick off at his place and made her way home. She had actually crawled back into bed and slept the majority of the day away. She was by no means a heavy drinker and found that sleeping it off was the best thing to do. Now that she was rested, she was in a better position to hold an actual conversation.

She checked her call log as she walked into the living room and then clicked on Morgan's contact details. His phone rang a couple of times before he answered cheerfully.

"Hey," she said. "Sorry for not getting back to you earlier. It wasn't a good time."

"That's okay," he replied. "I'm just glad you did call."

She could hear the smile in his voice.

"It's no trouble at all. Now, what is it that you wanted to talk about?" asked Michonne as she got comfortable on her sofa; tucking her legs up.

Morgan cleared his throat.

"I actually wanted to ask you a question. Not sure how to go about it," he said coyly.

"Fire away," she replied.

"I was wonderin' if you wanted to join me for dinner one evening?" he asked carefully. "Nothing to do with work; just the two of us spending some time together. Gettin' to know one another better."

She felt her face become flushed as she realized that he was asking her out on a date. She tried to order her thoughts quickly.

"Are you asking me out right now?" she asked for clarification.

Morgan chuckled a little.

"Yes, ma'am. I am," he answered. "What do you say to dinner one night this week? We could go out or I could cook for you."

Michonne was taken by surprise; she knew he did flirt with her at times, but she never thought he would ask her out. Admittedly, she thought he was a very attractive man, but was unsure of how she felt about dating someone she knew from her professional life.

"It sounds good," she said cautiously. "Can I get back to you though? I have to check my schedule."

She wanted some more time to mull over the question. It had been a long while since she had dated, and her most recent experience with Rick Grimes set her back even though she thought she was ready to get back out there.

Morgan was slightly disappointed that she did not say yes outright, but he knew she was a very busy woman; he would wait until she had some free time.

"Okay. That's fine. You let me know when you're available and we'll take it from there," he offered, trying not to let the disappointment linger in his voice.

"I'm sorry I can't give you a definitive time and date right now," said Michonne sensing his small regret. "But it does sound nice and I'd really like to catch up with you outside of work."

She felt bad, but she was being honest with Morgan; she did want to get to know more people better, and he was a nice enough man. Who knew where it could lead.

xXxXx

Michonne sighed and was glad that it was the middle of the week as she stacked a pile of documents neatly and placed them in her outbox tray on her desk. She checked the time on her phone which read seven forty-five and began to place her belongings into her purse. Just then, the familiar buzzing of her cell phone caught her attention; it was Andrea calling her.

"Hey where are you?" asked Andrea before Michonne could answer with a greeting.

"I'm still at work," she replied.

Michonne could hear her best friend sigh.

You forgot about dinner, didn't you?" asked Andrea. "I've been calling all afternoon."

"I'm sorry. I lost track of time and got busy," said Michonne apologetically.

"Shane's here in the background telling me to tell you he slaved over a hot stove all afternoon and now he's disappointed that you're standing us up," Andrea said half-jokingly.

Michonne chuckled.

"Well you tell Shane I'm on my way," she offered as she quickly gathered up her belongings and left her office.

…..

By the time that Michonne had arrived at Andrea and Shane's place, Rick Grimes was already there. She was a little surprised, but then surmised that she had better get used to it if she was going to be visiting her friend at the same frequency as she always did; Rick was Shane's best friend and was inevitably going to be at his house on occasion.

Rick and Shane stood in the kitchen as Michonne and Andrea entered to grab what they needed to set the table.

"About fuckin' time!" said Shane to Michonne with a wide smile.

She was used to his crassness by now and just laughed it off.

"I was working late," she said, throwing a quick glance at Rick.

"You're always workin' late. You need a hobby," said Shane. "Or a man."

He chortled and clapped Rick on the back as he added the last part.

"Leave her alone," said Andrea. "You're lucky anyone is even here wanting to eat your food."

Rick laughed and took a sip from his beer as he studied Michonne. She was dressed in her work attire as she had obviously rushed to their friend's house from the office. Though he had only just seen her that afternoon to plan out how they would address the media, he was really happy to see her once more.

"Hello, again," said Rick.

"Hi, Rick," Michonne replied with a grin. "I didn't realize you were joining us tonight."

She stepped towards him, excused herself and then grabbed the wine glasses from the cupboard. Rick nodded, not knowing what to say in response.

"Well to hear my partner tell it, you didn't remember that you were gonna be here either," he offered.

Michonne laughed at his joke and Rick could not contain his smile.

"That is true," she replied.

"Hey, get laid on your own time, buddy. You're meant to be helpin', not flirtin' with my guest," said Shane, much to Rick's chagrin.

He shot his best friend a dirty look and then gave Michonne an apologetic one.

"Forgive my friend here," Rick offered. "He ain't got no manners."

Shane laughed and winked at Michonne.

"She knows I'm just playin'," he said. "Alright, it's ready. Let's eat."

…..

The meal was well under way as Michonne listened to Shane and Rick's conversation. She thought that they had a very easy going friendship. Their banter was fun and joking and Michonne could not help but smile. She felt as if she was really making new friends and that her life was back on track.

She listened as the two men told funny stories of their time on the force; she could not help but notice how handsome Rick was when he was smiling and laughing. He was so different from the shy but serious Deputy that she saw on the job.

He could feel her gaze on him and would steal a glance at her from time-to-time; when their eyes met, Rick would have to look away for fear of staring at Michonne too long. He found her eyes to be mesmerising and wished he could stare into them without reproach.

"We should make this a regular thing," said Andrea, speaking of their Wednesday night dinner.

She noticed the small glances between Rick and Michonne, though they tried to hide it.

"Well that all depends on our shifts," said Shane. "We were both lucky to get tonight off since Rick's been rostered on the youth program, we ain't been together as much as we usually are."

"That's right," Rick agreed as he looked at Michonne again.

"Mich, are you workin' Rick too hard?" asked Andrea.

"He wishes," said Shane loud enough for his friend to hear; Rick kicked him under the table.

"No ma'am," replied Rick. "She's nothin' but professional. It's been a pleasure."

Michonne offered him a coy smile as he nodded in her direction.

"Well I hope you've got Friday night off, Rick. We're having a little get-together to celebrate Shane moving in. Drinks, finger food and a few select people. I do love entertaining," said Andrea.

Shane gave her and Michonne a questioning look.

"Didn't y'all have enough to drink on the weekend?" he asked.

"We did," said Michonne. "But I like a challenge."

She laughed and Shane held his hand up to offer her a high five.

"I'll definitely be here then," said Rick flirtatiously as he smiled at Michonne.

Just then, his phone began to ring; Rick took it from his pocket and checked who was calling.

"Excuse me a sec. It's Lori callin'. I gotta take this," he said as he stood and answered.

"Hey, Lori. Are the kids okay?" said Rick as he walked to the back door and exiting.

Shane sighed and shook his head.

"What's the story there?" asked Michonne before she could stop herself.

"You know how they got two kids? Well that bitch left Rick for another man. She took Carl and Judy and moved sixty miles away knowing full well that Rick works a demanding job. He gets the kids every other weekend and most holidays," Michonne nodded and continued to listen.

"His boy can't stand bein' there and wants to live back here with his daddy, but Lori fights it at every turn. Thing is, after all the shit she put him through, Rick won't even call her one bad name. Not one bitch or home wrecking whore…"

"But you're okay using those words?" asked Andrea.

"Hell yes!" replied Shane before turning back to Michonne. "You see Rick, he's a good man. He did nothin' wrong except work long ass hours in a dangerous job to provide for his family. But to some people, I guess that just ain't enough."

Michonne nodded and found herself more intrigued by Rick.

"He's too good a man to be done so dirty," said Shane. "I love that curly headed bastard."

Finally after several minutes, Rick stepped back inside. He appeared worried and flustered, much different to how he was when he was laughing, joking and flirting a moment ago.

"Sorry," Rick said. "Carl's run off again."

"Is everything okay?" asked Shane as he stood from his seat.

"Yeah, man. It's fine. He wasn't answerin' his phone when Lori rang, so I just tried him. He's at his friend Noah's place but he's upset and doesn't wanna go home. I'm gonna drive on over now and get him," Rick replied.

"You want me to go with ya?" asked Shane.

"Nah, it's fine; don't wanna ruin your evenin'," he said earnestly.

"Fuck off, Rick. That boy's my godson, I'm comin'," said Shane.

"I hope everything'll be okay," Andrea offered as both men went to leave.

"Thanks," said Rick. "Me too."

…..

A little while after Shane and Rick had left, Michonne and Andrea tidied up and then retired to the living room. They sat on the sofa while Andrea checked her phone and Michonne checked her emails.

"I almost forgot to tell you," said Michonne. "The reason why you couldn't get hold of me was because I was sort of trying to avoid someone."

Andrea looked up at her friend with a puzzled expression on her face.

"Who were you avoiding and why?" she asked.

Michonne sighed and then rolled her eyes.

"I didn't tell you the other day, but you know Morgan Jones?"

"Who runs the Youth Centre?" asked Andrea.

"Yeah. Well, he kind of asked me out on a date," Michonne explained.

Andrea's face lit up as she turned to Michonne.

"What? When was this? Why didn't you tell me? What did you say?" Andrea asked excitedly.

"I told him I'd get back to him after I checked my schedule," she answered a little guiltily.

"You did not!" said Andrea.

"I did," replied Michonne. "It wasn't a no…"

"And it wasn't exactly a yes, girl," Andrea offered.

"He knows I'm busy, and he respects that," Michonne said, though she felt bad.

"But you kind of like you're leading him on?" said Andrea.

Michonne furrowed her brow.

"No, it's not like that. I told him the truth that I'd get back to him with a time and date that suited me," Michonne said.

"Well, how long ago did he ask?" said Andrea.

"Sunday," was Michonne reply.

"Mich, do you like him?" Andrea finally asked.

Michonne sighed.

"I think he's a great guy; he's smart and attractive and yeah, I mean, I'd like to get to know him better," she responded.

"Okay. Now, don't be pissed at me when I ask the next question; if he's such a great guy, why haven't you given him a date? I mean, you're sitting up with me checking emails on your phone. I really wouldn't have minded if you cancelled on us to go out to dinner with Morgan, you know that; so why didn't you?" Andrea queried.

"I don't know. Maybe I've rationalized and talked myself out of it. We're working together, it could complicate things. I just feel bad because I made him think like there was hope when I'm a little conflicted. I'm a horrible person," Michonne said as she let her head fall.

"Hey. No you're not. You're only human. You have every right to back out of a date; or in this case the promise of a date at a later date. You're not obligated to go out with every guy that asks you out. Just tell him you've thought about it, and it's best not to mix business and pleasure or whatever it is they say," said Andrea.

"But then I feel like I want to give it a chance," said Michonne as Andrea shrugged.

The women fell silent a moment.

"So," said Andrea. "Is there some other reason you're avoiding him and organizing to meet up?"

"What do you mean?" asked Michonne slightly puzzled.

"Are you into Rick?"

Michonne gave her an unreadable look before she leaned her head on Andrea's shoulder.

"Girl, I don't know" she said.

"Come on, I know when you're into someone," Andrea said.

"Okay. He's a good guy and he's got that southern charm thing goin' on. But I kind of feel like that boat has sailed. We had a chance, and it didn't happen so we should probably leave it at that and become friends. I feel like the whole thing is a missed opportunity," Michonne explained.

Andrea rolled her eyes.

"I mean, maybe you should just tell this Morgan guy that you're not interested and ask Rick out," said Andrea.

"I don't know if I'm not interested. I do want to try. He's a nice guy. Maybe I should just make a date to see him," Michonne said.

"What about Rick?" Andrea asked.

Michonne shrugged.

"I don't know. Missed opportunity," she answered somewhat sadly.

xXxXx

"Oh for fuck's sake Shane, turn that shit down!" said Andrea as she opened the front door to let Michonne in.

Their quiet Friday night get-together had ended up with Shane and a bunch of his friends playing country music and darts out on the back porch.

"What hillbilly hell have I stepped into?" asked Michonne as she embraced Andrea.

"This asshole and his music. If I have to listen to Hank Junior sing about his fuckin' rowdy friends one more time I swear I will lose my shit," said Andrea. "I'm so glad you're here. You saved me! Uh, where's your date?"

Michonne shrugged.

"Morgan cancelled on me at the last minute. Could you believe it? After all of my debating, he cancelled on me! Fuck it," said Michonne. "I'm not going to be worried about men anymore tonight. Let's just get drunk and take over your sound system from these hicks!"

"Who's a hick?" said Shane as he danced his way over to the two women.

"You are," said Andrea as he scooped her up and started kissing her.

"Well, that's my cue to leave," Michonne said as she walked into the kitchen.

She found Rick Grimes searching through the refrigerator for more beer, it seemed; when he noticed her, he flashed a wide smile. He then took a moment to take in her appearance. She wore a short strapless dress that was a deep purple hue with black heels. Rick let his eyes roam over her bare shoulders and then down her body. The dress was tight and clung to her form in all the right places. She wore her hair out and had no adorning jewelry on; not that she needed any, Rick thought as she already looked amazing.

"You look great," he said as his eyes finally met her eyes.

"Hello to you too," said Michonne playfully.

"Sorry, you look so good that I forgot my manners for a second," Rick said flirtatiously. "Good evening, Michonne."

She chortled and then rewarded him with a bright smile.

"Hello, Rick," she replied.

…..

The night wore on and Shane and Andrea's guests began to leave; Rick and Michonne were still sitting out on the lawn chairs away from where most of the guests had congregated. They were immersed in discussion and found that outside of work both were easy to talk to. They made conversation about work, life and other things. Michonne asked about Carl and Judith and Rick spoke about his children with such pride that she could not help but smile. She explained that she had gotten out of a bad relationship and that moving to King County was the last part of her journey to healing. She felt that she could have a life there and Rick agreed that it was a nice place to start over in.

"I never did ask," Rick started. "That blind date we were set up on; why'd you agree to it?"

Michonne was a little surprised that Rick would bring it up now.

"I don't know. I guess I let myself get talked into it," she offered with a coy smile.

Rick drank from his beer bottle.

"Look, I am sorry I was late…"

"It's fine…"

"No, it ain't. You don't deserve to be treated like that. I'm sorry for wastin' your time and upsetting you," said Rick in earnest.

"Really. It's okay. I get it, Rick; you're a family man and you were late because of your kids. You have your priorities straight. I don't hold it against you. That's actually a really admirable quality to have. You're perfect boyfriend material," Michonne said with a playful grin that Rick found contagious.

He chortled slightly.

"So, why did you agree to go on a blind date?" Michonne asked as she looked at Rick.

"Because Shane said you were hot, and he was right," he said teasingly.

Michonne shoved Rick's shoulder and felt her face grow warm.

"Stop," she said with a giggle. "Be serious."

"I am serious. Damn, woman; have you seen yourself?" Rick said before he whistled. "You're hot."

Michonne smiled and then covered her face; his teasing was almost too much.

"Rick, quit playin'," she finally said.

"Okay. I don't know what made me agree to go. Just one of those things," he said as he caught her gaze.

They stared at one another a moment before Rick continued.

"Who would've known I'd meet this pretty lady who's smart and successful and stubborn; and she'd hate my stinkin' hillbilly guts," Rick said with a smile.

Michonne laughed loudly.

"Oh come on! I did not hate you; I just didn't like you," she said enthusiastically. "And to be fair, you didn't like me much either."

"Yeah well, I do now," said Rick with a straight face.

Michonne bit her bottom lip.

"I didn't know you were smooth, Rick Grimes," she said as she held her empty glass to him. "It seems there's a lot I don't know about you."

Rick poured her another drink from the wine bottle.

"Well, since you're stickin' around in our one horse town, maybe you'll have some time to find out all about me," he said flirtatiously.

Michonne sipped from her glass and then looked around the yard and Rick's gaze followed hers; there was no one at the table or near the dart board. It seemed as if they had all left and he was so enraptured with Michonne that he had not noticed their departure. Michonne certainly knew she had not spoken to any of the other guests the whole night and Andrea and Shane had crept off to bed earlier.

Rick glanced at his watch.

"What time is it?" Michonne asked.

"Almost one o'clock," said Rick. "Shit. It's gettin' late."

Michonne nodded.

"Did you want to share a cab, we're headed in the same direction," she said with hope.

"Sure thing," he replied with a smile.

They made sure to lock the house up and then they waited out the front for the taxi to arrive. Michonne was a little uneasy on her feet and swayed slightly; Rick let her lean on his arm to steady herself. The car finally came to a halt at the residence and Rick opened the door for Michonne. Her dress crept up slightly as she climbed in and Rick tried not to look at her backside.

It was agreed that Rick would be dropped off at his destination first, and then Michonne would follow. They sat quietly in the cab while Rick searched for the fare to have ready for the driver as they stopped at his house; he handed the money over to the driver, enough to cover the cost of both fares, and then looked at Michonne. They stared at one another for a moment before Rick spoke.

"Well, I had fun talkin' to you tonight," he said, his gaze falling to her mouth.

"Yeah. Me too," said Michonne.

He sighed.

"Okay. Well, goodnight," he offered softly.

"Goodnight, Rick," she replied, noticing he was not moving.

Suddenly, he reached his hand up and shifted a stray dreadlock from her face; he then leaned in closer and pressed his lips to hers. The soft kiss soon grew hungry as they deepened it; their tongues exploring each other. Michonne gripped the collar of Rick's shirt as his hand snaked up her leg. Breathlessly, they broke their kiss and pulled away slightly.

"So, do you wanna come inside or…"

Before Rick could finish, Michonne caught his mouth in another fervent kiss.

"Yes," she finally said, her mouth still close to his. "Take me inside."