((Hey everyone. Sorry for the long wait with this story. I've had a lot going on in my life recently and I haven't really been in the mood to write. Now I am, so hopefully this story will be updated a bit more regularly. Thank you for all of the lovely reviews. You are all amazing. I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammar mistakes in this chapter. I'm really sick right now, but I couldn't wait any longer to post it. This chapter is a bit more feelsy, but some action is coming soon. Enjoy!))

Tears chapter 3

Rick had stayed. He wanted every moment he could get with her, and was still trying to figure out what had happened. She'd given herself to him in the most intimate way, yet he couldn't quite believe that she'd meant it. If someone else had been there while she was upset, if someone else had comforted her, would she have given herself to them instead?

Looking down at the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms, he wasn't able to believe that about her. She was so reserved around everyone and had just started opening up to the group. They all wanted to know more about her past, but no one ever pushed it. It could be because they understood her story would be painful, or that they were afraid that it would push her away. It could even be the fact that everyone was at least slightly intimidated by her.

When Michonne had first come to the prison, Rick had been wary of her. He didn't want to get too close because she was unpredictable, dangerous. When he had hurt her to get information, he almost jumped away because of her glare and sudden movement. She seemed to run on instinct, basic fight or flight responses that kept her alive.

Now, that instinct was still there, but it was rarely seen. Only when she felt threatened or when they went outside the gates did it come back to the surface. It was almost like there were two versions of her. One was the instinct driven warrior he first met, and the other was a protective and loyal woman. She always came back to them.

Slowly, Michonne woke up. She knew it was still rather early in the morning, and that Rick was still with her. She looked up at him, and returned the small smile he gave her. It was amazing to wake up next to someone else.

"Hey," she said in a whisper.

"Hey yourself," Rick answered. "You sleep alright?" She nodded and sat up slightly, pulling the blanket up to cover herself.

He was here, which meant that he cared. He wanted this, she figured. Michonne met his eyes, and before she knew it, he was kissing her again.

Thoughts of what they'd done the night before flooded her mind, and she felt that need start to reappear. He was wrapping his arms around her, holding her against him.

"Rick," Michonne said, trying to pull away. He seemed to hold on tighter before letting her go. "I don't want anyone to know. Not yet. I want to make sure this works before we say anything."

Rick stared at her for a moment, and she could see his eyes move across her face, as if he were memorizing her. He nodded, a slight smile on her face.

"That seems like the best way to go," he said, pulling her into an embrace. "So you really want this? With me?"

"Of course," she said, then moved closer to him, whispering.
"I've had dreams about you, too."

…..

The next few days were almost a blur. Michonne went through the routine without much attention paid on anything. All she could think about was getting back to Rick. He'd come to her cell every night. Sometimes, they just laid close to each other and drifted off, other times, they made love.

Usually, one of them teased the other until they practically pounced on them, which would start a battle for dominance that lasted for almost an hour, and ended with them both spent and satisfied. Michonne knew that they were a match for each other. It seemed like everything about them was compatible.

Now, she was on guard duty, sitting up in the tower, bored out of her mind. Being bored wasn't something she was used to these days. In her life before, it would happen when her girls went to their father's and the house was empty, but in the apocalypse, there was always something to think about. Even more when you were surviving on your own. Now, it was, different. She didn't have to worry about every little detail because everyone had a job and it all got done. It was times like these that she wished she could watch television again.

Michonne decided to cure her boredom by looking around the prison yard. Around her, people were getting their jobs done. They were building a sort of pavilion outside, where everyone could eat when it was nice out. It wasn't anywhere near done yet, but it kept people busy and would be useful.

Looking away from there, she saw Rick in the field. He was watering the little seedlings he'd planted a few weeks before. She watched as he worked, her eyes studying him, even from this distance. It was hot out, but he couldn't take off his shirt, or else all of the scratches at marks she'd left on him would be visible.

Almost as if he could feel her eyes, Rick turned around and looked up at the tower. Shielding his eyes, he met her gaze, a soft smile finding its way to his lips. He went back to his work a moment later, leaving her with a slightly amused expression on her face.

"What's so funny that it's got you smiling?" Someone said from behind her. Michonne turned around and saw Glenn at the doorway.

"Nothing," she said calmly. He'd surprised her, but she didn't let that show. "I'm just watching everyone."

He stepped towards the window and looked out at the field, studying what was going on.

"You can leave," Glenn said. "It's my turn."

Michonne thanked him, then left the guard tower, headed towards the building. She stopped near the door, just looking around. There was nothing for her to do until tomorrow, and staying in one place was driving her crazy. She was restless.

The only thing that would help would be to go on a run, and it had to be soon. All the new people around only made everything worse. Their presence made her stressed and reminded her of Woodbury and all the loss that happened because of it. She just needed a break for a while.

More than a break, Michonne needed to find the Governor. He was still out there, still as dangerous as ever. He could be planning something and gathering another army. She'd known men like him and knew that he wouldn't give up until he had what he wanted. Two times before, she'd gone out looking for him, but she couldn't find anything. There was no trail to follow anymore, no clues to tell where he went. It wss almost as if he'd vanished, but that didn't deter her. She would go out again soon.

Rick saw her walk down towards him, shielding her eyes from the sun. He smiled as he watched her move, knowing how her body moved, where each muscle flexed as she walked. He'd memorized her, but never got tired of watching her again.

"Hey," he said when she got close enough. He set the hoe he was using down and leaned on the handle. "Come to help?"

"I can if you want," Michonne answered. "But I wanted to talk a bit first." He nodded for her to continue. "I think I'm going to go out again. It won't be for long this time. It'll be a week at most. I just think I should try again. I might have missed something."

Rick just looked at her as she spoke, dread filling his mind. So much could happen out there, and he'd never forgive himself for letting her go if she got hurt. He had finally gotten close to her, and everything was good, but now she wanted to leave.

Michonne stood still as he thought, not sure what to do. "Aren't you going to say something?" She asked.

"I don't know what to say," Rick answered, looking at her. "I don't want you to go. It's too dangerous and I'd worry too much."

"You know I can fend for myself, Rick. You don't have to-"

"I'm not gonna let you go." His expression was determined. "You're not gonna leave like that. It's stupid of you to even consider it."

Michonne could see that he was upset with her for wanting to leave. She understood, but she hadn't expected the finality of his tone. There would be no arguing with him on this. His decision was made.

"Fine," she said flatly, turning to go back into the building.

…..

Rick wondered later if he'd said the right thing. Would it have been better if he'd told her to do what she wanted? Did she want him to tell her to leave? He had considered doing that, but it felt wrong. He had been honest with her, and that was what was right. She would just have to deal with his less than nice words.

Still, he had to wonder just what she wanted to hear, especially when she ignored him at dinner. Even though no one knew they were together, they usually sat at the same table during meals. Now, as their meal of meat and potatoes was served, he could see her all the way across the room, everything about her showing that she didn't want anybody near her now. He sighed and turned to his dinner, not very interested.

By the time he looked back at her again, she was gone. He figured that she'd gone straight to bed, still upset with him. He sighed inwardly and finished his meal, then dumped it in the bucket to be washed.

She was in her cell, just like he thought. Rick made his way there, only to find her in bed, looking half asleep. He went in and sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand over her blanket covered leg. For a while, he just watched her steady breathing. Her eyes opened and she looked up at him.

"Are you okay?" Rick asked. She just nodded slightly.

This wasn't the first time he was unsure about a decision he'd made. He knew it would be too dangerous to let her go out there alone. However, he couldn't control her. She would do whatever she wanted to do, regardless of what he wanted. Maybe she'd listen to reason.

"I don't want you to go out there alone," he said. "I know you've done it before, but it's just getting worse. There seems to be more walkers now than usual, and if you get caught in a herd, there won't be anyone to help you."

"I understand," Michonne said, her voice quiet. "And I appreciate that you're concerned about me, but I can fend for myself. You don't need to protect me."

Rick stood up and shook his head, frustrated. How could she be so stubborn?

"You're right," he said. "I don't need to protect you, because you're not going." He turned and left the cell, going to the watchtower to take his shift.