Thanks everyone for reading and responding!

Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.

Chapter Five

They still felt it, the ardor, the giddiness, the intense emotion, but it had settled, no longer a blazing fire, threatening to consume them, yet smoldering, right beneath the surface, capable of reigniting at any moment. Michonne knew that this was the time to go, to tell Rick something, anything that would remove her from this situation that had quickly escalated to something deeper than friendship, but she couldn't walk away. For once, she needed to just live in the moment, to not over think things, to do what she wanted, which was to just be with Rick Grimes. Michonne proudly gazed at her paper mache cat as they resumed their walk about the festival, finding it unbelievable that she'd won it by shooting a gun. Yeah. It wasn't real, but handling any type of gun just wasn't her thing. It had actually been fun, largely because of Rick. She thought as the memory of his closeness, his touch, fanned the flames that were fervid in her heart.

Thank you for the lesson. She then quietly stated as she glanced his way.

It was easy. You're a quick learner. Rick replied, eying her with adoration.

Michonne smiled at the compliment. It was kind of fun. She then admitted.

Really? You ready for the gun range?

I didn't say that. She laughed, which made Rick chuckle. It was an experience.

That got you that thing. He teased, pointing at her prize.

It's not a thing. It's a paper mache cat. It's art. Michonne humorously countered.

If you say so. Rick cracked. You hungry?

I could use a bite.

Michonne should've known Rick's version of getting food would consist of something she would never eat, and consider completely unhealthy. He'd suggested the Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Dogs, Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog, a Chicken Slaw Burger on a Fried Bacon Bun or a Funnel Cake Bacon and Beef Burger. She knew not to inquire about a healthy option, this was after all a festival, but she had to ask…

Are there any options that don't include bacon?

You're at a 4th of July festival in the deep south, everything is gone be fried and topped with bacon. Rick lightly replied to which Michonne sighed and shook her head. Come on, live a little. He said, smiling her way.

Is every conversation we have about food going to go this way? With you trying to convince me to eat something that's completely insalubrious? She playfully asked.

Not every conversation. He replied, his eyes meeting hers stoking the fire between them. Besides, it's not completely unhealthy. He calmly continued as he returned his gaze ahead, trying hard to play it cool, to control what he was feeling, to not let it drive him to do something impulsive, like the hug at the shooting game, and thus screw up this delicate line of friendship and amour they were walking. I think everything I mentioned has at least one thing from the five food groups. He quipped, his words instantly filling her with mirth, causing her to laugh as she again shook her head. What? It's the truth. He laughed too.

Ok, run down your suggestions again. Michonne asked, the humor still in her voice.

Rick went over the choices again, even adding in a few others. However, he'd put specific focus on the Funnel Cake Burger which she had been vehemently against, mainly because it was entirely too big. Nevertheless, he'd really sold its deliciousness, with a mouthwatering description and offered to share one with her, which meant she wouldn't have to eat or waste too much food. She'd ultimately conceded, going with the burger. It sounded the least like a coronary waiting to happen. The Funnel Cake Burger had been better than she'd expected, a wonderful combination of sweet, salty and a hint of spice that made the sandwich pop with flavor. Michonne and Rick had the server split the large burger in two, which Rick had insisted on paying for, and she'd initially rejected, but eventually allowed. They'd then took a seat at a nearby table and ate, while people watching and talking. Their conversation consisted of many topics, serious and frivolous -their activities on past Independence Days. Michonne's typically consisted of the traditional events - a cookout and fireworks, but she'd mentioned she'd spent one 4th of July in the Bahamas with friends during their annual Caribbean festival and it had been a blast. While Rick almost always did the holiday in Palmer or at his parent's house in Eastman. The conversation had then drifted to holidays in general, specifically their favorites. Michonne confessed that she wasn't really a big fan of any of them. She enjoyed the activities they offered, specifically those for Independence Day because she almost always spent that holiday with friends and of course she welcomed the days off from work. New Year's was great too, for the same reasons, but the big holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas were always difficult, even when she was a child, due to her mother. It was never about just enjoying the holiday and being with family. It was always about painting this perfect picture for her friends and family that oftentimes wasn't perfect at all. It somewhat tainted her view of those holidays, and as a result she rarely celebrated them unless she was going home to visit family. Rick had been surprised by her admission. Almost everyone he knew enjoyed at least Christmas, but he understood Michonne's reasons for not being a fan of the holiday. He'd then revealed that he enjoyed Christmas mostly because of his son. The holiday was always exciting with a kid. He'd said, but he enjoyed Thanksgiving more because it had always been a time for him to reconnect with his parents, brother, aunts and cousins, and his parents always did it up, hosting a big dinner at their house with all the family.

Sounds nice. Michonne replied, thinking about her family that tried to do the same, but how it always ended in chaos due to the inauthenticity and thus arguments that ensued.

It is. Rick had confirmed, then took a serving of the curly fries he included with their sandwich and beer. They continued to people watch and eat, their silence companionable, feeling like the most natural thing in the world, for them to feel connected even as both quietly engaged in their thoughts.

Aw. I always wanted one of those. Michonne suddenly exclaimed. Rick followed her eyes to a little girl who was pushing a plastic grocery basket full of fake eggs, milk, boxes of dried foods and fruit. Kind of odd that she'd have it here though. She lightly noted.

That's kids for you. Their favorite toy goes where they go, no matter the circumstance…So was that one of your birthday wishes? Rick then curiously asked.

Christmas actually.

Really?

Michonne nodded due to her mouth being full of the curly fries she could no longer resist. I got a dollhouse instead. She said after swallowing.

That sounds better than the basket.

It was a big dollhouse. I enjoyed it, but I really wanted that basket. She quipped with a smile.

That reminds me of when I wanted a Rage Against the Machine album for Christmas one year. My parents discovered the elicit content in their songs and I ended up with a K.D. Lang album instead.

What?! Michonne exclaimed in disbelief.

Yeah. Rick retorted his face saying it all.

But why K.D. Lang? She asked, her amusement bubbling over.

I don't know. You'd have to ask my parents. Needlessly to say that wasn't a particularly good Christmas.

Rage Against the Machine huh? I never would've guessed you were a fan.

What? Did you think I was all Honky Tonk and Twang?

Something like that.

You'll find there's a lot of things about me that will surprise you Ms. Mitchell.

I don't doubt that. She softly uttered, as their eyes met, holding for a moment, heat passing between them when Rick forced himself to look away, to keep his emotions in check, and changed the direction of their discussion.

So, how about you? He asked prompting Michonne to give him a questioning look. What music gave your parents nightmares?

Nothing really. I was buried in symphonies, and a little Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, but I did discover what I was missing in college.

Michonne went on to tell Rick about how as a teen she lived for the piano, per her parent's insistence, hence her being consumed by symphonies, but she'd eventually discovered gangsta rap, which at the time, she was sure her mom would've been horrified if she knew. Ultimately Michonne came to love all types of music, save for honky tonk country, which had given Rick a laugh. He "sadly" admitted that he enjoyed some folk country. He also liked rock – The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, pop – U2, Goo Goo Dolls and surprised Michonne when he mentioned his love for old school R&B specifically – Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. His uncle was quite the liberal. He'd said, who'd exposed him to lots of music that his "very conservative, Republican parents" wouldn't dare entertain. Michonne had then revealed that her parents were Republican too, but she was middle of the road as was Rick, which had prompted a brief discussion about politics – gun control and immigration. One of which they found they were somewhat on the same page, while the other they were the complete opposite. From there they'd somehow hit on television and movies, both had limited time for the former due to work and their personal lives but when Michonne did watch she enjoyed Game of Thrones, How To Get Away With Murder, Gotham and Blackish. Rick often watched The Flash with his son, who loved the show, but must see TV for him was Game of Thrones, Daredevil, Hell on Wheels and TURN. They'd gotten into a big discussion about Game of Thrones, dissecting the intricacies of the story and debating who'd be left standing in the end before drifting to movies. Both discovering that they had similar taste in that entertainment medium, liking everything from action adventure, to comedies and drama. Rick had stated that over the years he'd had to get into kid's movies, something he had not entertained before, due to his son. Carl was now older and therefore was moving into the pre-adolescent phase of his entertainment interests but he still occasionally delved into early childhood things, which Rick supported. He wasn't particularly eager for Carl to grow up.

The brief mention of Carl had led to a discussion about their respective relationships with Rick disclosing why his marriage was over. He stated that neither had done anything terrible. They were just too young when they married. He cared about her, but he wasn't in love with her. He'd divulged. Michonne had in turn opened up about Mike, how they'd been together for four years and had been living together for two. Marriage was the next logical step for them. Therefore, she'd accepted his proposal.

I love him. She'd stated aloud, almost as if she was talking to herself. But I don't know if I'm in love with him. She quietly, slowly confessed what she hadn't realized until that moment, surprising herself and Rick, who decided right then to make his own admission, that he wanted more than their friendship that bordered on a courtship. He wanted a real chance at a relationship with her. However, before he could speak, he was stopped by his walkie talkie crackling to life, calling for all units to assist with an incident on the east grounds of the festival.

Michonne finished her meal alone then resumed her walk around the vast festival grounds. Though she'd been disappointed that Rick had been called away, in the same vein she'd been thankful for the interruption. For she'd been deeply troubled by her realization about Mike and needed some time to process. Surely her deduction wasn't true, that she wasn't in love with him? She questioned herself. Had she ever been in love with him? When he called, that question had made her response to him more difficult than in days past. As a result, she had cut the call short, telling him that she wasn't feeling well and planned to return to the hotel. It wasn't a lie. Her head and heart were conflicted, weary with truth and desire, and though she wanted to see Rick again, to spend more time with him, it was best that she leave. Michonne turned to head for the shuttle stop just as her phone pinged to life…

~Hey. I'm still working this incident...~

~But when I'm done I'd like to see you. ~

~Where? ~ She couldn't stop herself from asking.

~At sunset the east side of the lake near the pink Magnolia trees… it's the best place to see the fireworks. ~

Excitement rushed her heart, for a split second, dispelling the conflict within. Then out of nowhere rose alarm, the fear that she thought was gone when she'd accepted that she and Rick were just friends. But now that fear had returned with a vengeance, warning her of what could happen if she accepted Rick's invitation. No matter how real, how right things felt with him and how uncertain she was about Mike, she couldn't meet Rick at sunset with the unresolved situation she had back home. Michonne stared at her phone wanting so much to answer opposite her choice, but instead she'd stayed strong, texting her response as she made her way towards the exit of the grounds.

Rick sat alone on the east side of the lake, with the pink magnolia trees mere feet away. Though it was arguably the best location to see the fireworks at the lake, most people stuck to the west side, where they could remain close to beer and food while the main event was going on, and quickly get to their cars when it was over. Rick glanced down the way and saw a couple getting settled on a palate and another much further down doing the same. The sunset was almost done. He thought, returning his eyes to the lake. Dramatic clouds bathed in an array of vibrant colors, but still no Michonne. His heart raced with anticipation and fear, anticipation - at the thought of spending the evening with her, which would be a great culmination to the day they'd had together, fear - that she'd decided not to take him up on his offer. For her last response to him had been vague - We'll see. And she hadn't responded when he'd attempted to get a more definitive answer. Had he pushed too hard? Asked for too much? He anxiously questioned within. I guess I'll soon find out. He whispered aloud. Rick's breath was heavy, his heart full with wanting, when the faint smell of cherry blossoms suddenly permeated the air, and he heard the soft sound of footsteps walking over the grass behind him. His breath caught in his throat, his heart, beat faster with excitement, then the moment came, when she sat quietly beside him.

You came. He uttered, his eyes remaining forward as he struggled to calm the relief and happiness exploding within him.

You said this is the best view in town to see the fireworks. Michonne softly replied as she slightly adjusted how she was sitting, to move a little closer to him. Rick looked her way, his eyes dark and smoldering, making her feel heated and vulnerable, to silently repeat the question she'd had almost since the moment she'd met him – what the hell am I doing? She'd planned to return to the hotel and never look back, and she had for a while, but then he'd asked her again, to join him and her resolve had helplessly crumbled.

Where's your cat? He asked, expelling her doubt with his unforeseen question. For a second, Michonne was thrown, not expecting that question at all, then smiled at his unpredictability and answered.

I took it back to the hotel. Rick gave her a questioning look and was about to ask why she'd gone back to her room when without warning the fireworks started, interrupting his thought.

For twenty minutes the sky was adorned with a spectacular display of patriotic colors, inciting the observing crowd to excited screams and aahs. Michonne and Rick watched in silence, appreciating the beautiful spectacle of the show, but relishing more this moment that they were having together. They sat side by side, their breathes shallow, their spirits amorous and agog as their hands rested dangerously close on the blanket beneath them. They wanted so much to touch, to feel the raw passion that only the other could ignite. Yet, they were reluctant to act for fear of where it could lead, the end of their 'friendship' and/or a betrayal of a commitment elsewhere. Nonetheless this was the end, their end. They both slowly realized. For when the show came to a close, their time together would be over. They'd be forced to return to their separate lives, in separate worlds, and though they'd vowed to keep in touch under the guise of friendship, they'd likely never to see each other again.

The fireworks then came more frequently, staccato in nature, building towards a crescendo, driving them closer, allowing their hearts to guide them. When just as quickly as it started, the show was over. There was one final bang, a galactic exhibition in the sky, before all went dark save for the moon and a brilliance of what looked like a million stars. The chance was gone.

Disappointed, yet accepting nothing could happen, Michonne immediately moved to go, again questioning her logic. Sadly, asking, what she hoped to gain by putting herself in this situation that could only cause hurt in the end? That was causing her hurt now, when she felt it, the strength and warmth of Rick's hand, gently coming to rest atop hers. Fire ignited in her veins, her breath quickening, making her feel faint. She slowly lowered her eyes to her side, surreally watching as she intertwined her fingers with his. She then lifted her eyes and found the most tender blue gaze, flaming with fervor in the moonlight, meeting her stare. Rick took a shaky breath, his heart an eruption of joy and desire, gradually leaned in and was met halfway by her lips touching his. Heat, electric and powerful, surged through them, seizing their breath, compelling them to briefly pull away, their lips lingering a breath apart before hotly meeting again. Rick groaned at her sweet taste as he brought a hand to her cheek and delved deeper, steamily, skillfully exploring her tongue, rousing Michonne to a moan. She then pulled him closer, sensuously matching his ardor, intensifying their need, driving their kisses to become more fervent, as they got lost in each other, the tenderness and wanting, and reclined to the blanket beneath them.