A/N: Thank you all for reading, reviewing and following this story. This has turned in an amazing yet very unplanned journey. Please enjoy.

Chapter 7 – Into the Light, Part 1

Poet J. Krishnamurti once said about new love that, "The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed."

The new love that Rick and Michonne had shared over the last few months did exactly that, it had transformed them. The openness that neither had ever allowed with another, they willingly gave to each other.

The thirst that they had for one another was unquenchable. They shared themselves on all intimate levels. The interconnecting of their bodies sexually was just the conduit to connecting on a deeper spiritual level. The sex became as much a need as it was a want.

Every dark corner, every unattended closet, every unoccupied bedroom, became a place for them to explore each other's bodies; to continually consummate their commitment to one another. The desire that existed within them and within their relationship was unparalleled.

Rick found new and exciting ways to strum her body and cherish her spirit. Her hands found the parts of his body that had been ignored his entire life and adored them with every soft stroke. The orgasms that they shared rattled their bodies and shook their souls.

x – x – x - x

Filming was done for the upcoming first half of the season. In just over a few months their characters new romantic relationship would be revealed on screen. The upcoming season held many surprises and revelations for fans; the romantic relationship of the shows two lead characters would be the biggest.

They spent their evenings sequestered in their adjoining rooms during the much lauded Comic Book Convention in San Diego. The team from the show kept their poker faces intact during the panels, workshops and seminars. Although the show's producers, showrunner, and network executives had concerns about Rick and Michonne's interaction with each other on the largest panel, which included the entire cast, they trusted the actors.

The first day of the weekend's events was jam packed for all the actors. True to his word, the show's top executive made sure that Rick and Michonne had a four person buffer between them as they sat on the panel.

Most of the actors were well aware of the relationship between the lead of the show and his new on screen wife. It came as no surprise to Daryl, Carol, Maggie, and Glenn when they were asked to follow Rick in succession to the chairs onto the stage. Michonne was fifth in line.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," the gregarious announcer shouted, "Welcome to the San Diego Comic-Con," the audience applauded, "We're so happy to be here with you again this year. Let's have a hand for our incredible cast!" He pointed at the seated cast, as the diehard fans cheered and clapped for several minutes.

The discussion went better than anyone thought it would. The regular questions were asked about both the upcoming season, and the one that had just ended. The cast laughed, spoke, and engaged the audience. The few questions that were directed at Rick or Michonne regarding the possibility of a relationship were deflected by the producers or a fellow cast member. It was a true shell game. Rick kept his eyes forward as did Michonne….

"Rick—baby—we have to get downstairs," she panted.

"I just want a little bit," he grunted, "just let me feel you a little bit more."

It was the second day of the San Diego Comic-Con. Rick spent the night in his girlfriend's room. They were dressed and heading to the door when his eyes dropped to her swaying hips. She was wearing a form fitting blue and white wrap dress. He hurriedly stepped behind her, lifting her dress and sliding his fingers into her panties.

She huffed, grabbing his hand, "Rick, we don't have time," she tried to reel him in. That was five minutes ago.

Her hands were currently splayed against the wall by the bed; panties down, facing the wall, with Rick behind her. He had one hand rubbing her breast and the other rubbing her wet and swollen pearl. His face was buried in the back of her neck.

"Rick," she moaned.

"Just let me feel you for a second?" he pleaded with his low husky voice.

"Uh…okay, just uh second," she grunted.

They made it to their individual interviews with only minutes to spare.

Michonne did double duty on the second day. The movie studio was just beginning to promote their newest superhero movie. The filming had not wrapped but the buzz around the movie was already at a fever pitch level. Scenes from the movie had not been released, but the large promotional posters were revealed at the beginning of the convention. Her name and face were now unequivocally attached to the movie that was sure to forever be a game changer for the whole Marvel Universe.

Rick watched her walk off with her new friends and co-stars. Though he had not met them formally, he was proud of her and happy for the amazing success that she was enjoying. There was a twinge of something that he had yet to identify, God, you're so damn gorgeous, his eyes continued to linger as she walked; talking and laughing.

The tap on his shoulder nearly made him jump, "You have a horrible poker face," Daryl joked, following his friends line of sight. Rick turned and gave him a half-smile and nodded.

"Let's get to the interview," Daryl said.

The small group interviews with assorted entertainment outlets went well. Michonne and Rick did not participate in any interviews together and sat separately at the table while they signed autographs. The well-rehearsed shell game was a rousing success.

x – x – x - x

The second day of the four day convention was finally over. Michonne stayed at the hotel while Rick went to pick up RJ. Their plan was to spend the evening together. The San Diego Convention Center was not far from where RJ lived with his mom.

"Hey dad," the young man greeted his father with a huge hug.

"Hey son," Rick mussed his sons hair as he looked at the young man with pride. RJ was nearly already Rick's height. He looked almost more like Rick than Rick looked like Rick.

"Hey dad, how was Comic Con? I wanted to go but I couldn't let my team down," his son explained unprompted. His team had made it to the playoffs. The first game occurred at the exact same time as the panel that Rick was on.

"I just wish I could've seen you play. I know you put those other guys to shame," He watched as his name sakes eyes grew big and a smile stretched into a knowing smirk. The young man was much more athletic than Rick was at that same age.

"So, where we goin', dad?"

"I had some things I wanted to talk to you about and I thought it would be cool if we hung out at the hotel, order some dinner, and maybe watch some movies."

"Are you kidding? You want to just hang inside all night?" He asked incredulously.

"Well, it's actually a little more than that," Rick walked inside of the house that his son shared with his ex-wife, "We'll talk about it on the way to the hotel okay?"

The younger Grimes gave his father a look of suspicion before agreeing, "Okay dad."

"Hey Lori," Rick greeted upon walking into the front room. His ex-wife was standing between the front room and the hallway.

"Hey Rick," she returned his greeting.

After a few in person pleasantries, much like the pleasantries that they exchanged at the conclusion of their phone calls, father and son were in Rick's rented vehicle heading to the hotel.

"So," the father and actor began, "I wanted to talk to you about something,"

The distracted teen looked up from his phone, "Yeah, what's up dad?"

"Uh, I actually wanted to talk to you about a new person that's in my life," through his peripheral vision he could see a grin appear on his son's face.

"You have a girlfriend don't you dad?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Rick laughed, "Yes son, actually I do."

"That's cool. Who is it? Do I know her? What's her name?" The young man rambled.

"Well," he chuckled, "those are a bunch of questions. But, yes, you actually already know her," Rick smiled, watching the road while also observing his son.

" y?" RJ dragged out the word.

"Yeah, you do."

"Is it Michonne?" The words tumbled out quickly.

The surprise that Rick should've had was nonexistent. His son was incredibly perceptive and it didn't surprise him that his intuitive child picked up on his dad's reaction and interaction when it came to his costar.

RJ told him how much he liked Michonne and always thought that she would be a cool girlfriend for his dad.

"Waaay cooler than I thought you'd ever get dad," the younger Grimes laughed at the nonchalant shade he just threw his dad's way.

"I'm pretty sure that you just offended me son," he reached over and popped his son's leg, "but I'll take it," he laughed.

"Do you want me to keep it a secret? Do you want me to not tell mom?" His laughter trailed down as he attempted to gauge his father's reaction to a question that was a real concern in his young brain.

"Your mom's personal life is her business and my personal life is mines. Who she sees and who I see are our own private matters. I don't want you to feel like you have to keep any kind of secrets from your mother…" he paused to try and get a sense of his son's reaction.

"… We're not broadcasting our relationship, which has more to do with Michonne's wishes than anything else. I think the secret'll be out soon enough though. But, I appreciate you being so considerate," the proud dad reached over to the passenger seat and mussed his son's hair, "You're a good kid."

Their discussion never quite made it past jokes and jabs. The younger Grimes spent a good amount of the conversation making fun of his dad making it quite clear that Michonne is way cooler than him and that he was surprised she would be interested in such a nerd.

Michonne was nervous as she stood outside of her boyfriend's hotel room waiting for him to open the door. She'd just spent the night in that same hotel room making love to him throughout the night. But this would be different. Rick opened the door to find a very reserved and shy looking Michonne.

He leaned in and kissed her lips. She swiftly backed away looking over his shoulder at a young man staring back at her. His wide eyes matched Rick's. RJ's amusement was so apparent and cute that she almost instantly felt at ease.

The door snapped shut as the couple walked further into the room.

Michonne had been incredibly nervous as she prepared for this very important meeting. Rick's son would be meeting her for the first time as the girlfriend and not just the work friend. She'd stressed over every possible negative scenario. What if he doesn't like me as his dad's girlfriend? She was guilty of all the overthinking that Sasha consistently accused her of.

The night, however, was amazingly effortless. It went smoother than she could have ever imagined. All awkwardness was replaced by a comfortable familiarity. Rick stood and observed the two loves of his life as they laughed and talked about the weird people that had approached her at the much lauded event earlier. RJ regaled her with exaggerated stories of his teams win. The night was a smashing success.

"I was hoping you'd stay the night," Rick said.

He'd been trying to convince her to stay with him for the past hour. Though the young man made it very clear that he was on board with their relationship, she still felt it was inappropriate.

"Rick, we can't have sex with your son in the next room," she whispered with a raised eyebrow as he rubbed her leg. They were sitting on the couch watching an action movie that RJ chose.

"No one said we have to have sex," he said quietly into her ear, lightly sucking her earlobe.

Her body instantaneously reacted to his hand on her leg and his warm breath in her ear, "Mmm…" her sigh was low and sultry, "Rick—you have to stop," she popped his leg with her hand and moved away from him.

He chuckled, moved closer, and nuzzled his beard along her face, "You taste so good baby. I know you don't wanna miss snugglin' with me tonight."

She didn't.

"Hey Michonne," RJ was stretched out on the floor in front of the couch; he turned around and faced his dad. He directed his question to his dad's girlfriend, "Did you see that? Vin Diesel is awesome." His grin was one of the cutest things she'd ever seen.

"Uh—yeah. I like him too," she very subtlety stuttered, smiling back at the excited young man. Once he turned back towards the screen, she narrowed her eyes at her shameless boyfriend. He received the most wantonly-evil look she could muster while in her current state of sexual arousal.

He ignored the look, "I wanna do some really dirty things to you," he whispered into her ear.

By the time the movie was over the couple had made it to the other side of the couch as Michonne continually scooted away—the unseen magnetic thread kept him scooting right along with her.

"RJ, I had such a good time with you. Thanks for letting me hang out with you and your dad," Michonne said to the teen after he'd convinced her to stay through another movie. It was late and both she and Rick had to be back at the auditorium for different panels early in the morning.

Before she could respond he reached out and hugged her. He held her tight. "Thank you for loving my dad. He's a good guy and I know he was really lonely. I think you make him really happy," it all just spilled out. He grinned, suddenly embarrassed by sharing all the unsolicited information.

She laughed as he backed out of the embrace, "You're welcome," she looked over at Rick, his eyes were wide and his smile was bright, "but really, your dad saved me from myself—I'm thankful to be able to love him." She tweaked his nose and smiled.

"See ya' later," he said, turning on his heels and quickly walking towards his room.

"I love you," he grabbed her by the waist. She leaned up and kissed his lips.

"I love you too," she said against his lips, "but you're still sleeping alone tonight mister."

Rick took the next few minutes trying to convince her to, at the very least, let him spend the night with her, "he's a teenager Michonne, he knows we have sex," he said more than once before he finally relented.

It wasn't an actual surprise when she awoke at one o'clock in the morning to a knock on her door. "Michonne" was whispered in his southern drawl. She opened the door to see a very horny Rick Grimes leaning against the doorframe with a bowed head and half-lidded eyes staring at her. She glanced over his shoulder, scanning the hallway for any nosey guests, before grabbing hold of his shirt and pulling him into the room.

Over the next few months their relationship, though still passionate, became more domestic. A new normality existed for the couple…when they were in the same city.

Michonne had begun promoting the two films that she was working on, so anytime they were together was private and completely out of the public eye. With the exception of their dinners with the Fimbres' they generally remained attached to the hip at Rick's place.

x – x – x - x

The morning was brisk as the sun rose cascading its light over the busy set. They were parked in the middle of a long closed road in Senoia, Georgia. The network paid the state of Georgia a significant amount of money to cordon off a large part of the woody areas in and around Atlanta.

It was a closed set and a truly controlled environment. The set was actually a van with two cameras rigged on the interior of the vehicle and one rigged to the front window. A single lens camera was on the outside where eight crew members waited.

The stark contrast of their complexions lent an air of sensuality to the love scene that jumped through the camera lens. The connection between the characters would pass any test; its authenticity verifiable at first glance.

The problem arose when the real life people behind the characters seeped through the lens.

He took hold of her. An electrical current surged through both of them. She could feel her body begin to react. Her squirm was imperceptible as the throbbing at her core began and the wetness eased into her lingerie. She focused on the scripted dalliance, not allowing her face to give away her secrets. He gazed deep into her eyes, looking deeper than the characters they played. She relied on her training and professionalism to keep her true feeling at bay. He didn't care. His game face was gone and his need to consume her took over.

His mildly callused hands slowly crawled down her back. He kissed her lips and moved his face under her expensive manufactured hair. He'd been holding onto her and strumming her body for over a year, but he still couldn't get enough. Her body always felt so good.

He lifted her leg and moved closer to her. He unscripted moan was released as his hands rubbed her luscious globes; squeezing the fleshiness that always aroused him. Her hands began to rub the front of his jeans. She rubbed slowly as his tongue dove deeper into her mouth.

Using her upper body strength, she flipped him onto his back and got on top of him. He grinned at her with lust filled eyes and quickly removed her shirt. He caressed her breasts through the black bra that had been painstakingly picked by the wardrobe department; slowly running his hands down her body while she tried not to gasp too loudly. Her eyes closed as he put his face between her breasts. She wrapped her arms around his bareback and moaned as he proceeded to lightly bite the exposed skin.

"Cut," shouted the director. He, along with the others viewing the ad-libbed sexually laced scene, had become embarrassingly aroused. The cameras had been strategically placed but the primary camera was picking up things that were not in the script.

He walked up to his two lead actors; paused while trying to find the right words, "What was that?!" Not exactly the words he was going for but they were the ones he found, "What the hell?! None of that was in the script. We just spent the last two hours blocking this and we still can't get it right."

No one openly spoke about Rick and Michonne's relationship but it was common knowledge. Both actors were professional so their time on screen was always a pleasure to watch, and to direct. The exception would be this episode where it delved deeper into the romantic side of their characters relationship.

"Yeah—uh, sorry," Rick said. The director winced. He shook his hand he shook his head, unable to even pretend that he was okay with these could continual retakes, but he did his best to smile.

"All right," He turned to the crew, "okay everybody, let's take fifteen and then get this done!" He shouted.

Michonne and Rick remained seated and watched the mentally exhausted director walk away with his hand on the back of his bowed neck, shaking his head. The crew had spread out across the shooting area. The actors remained in the vehicle.

"Rick," she whispered, "what's going on? You can't keep getting so carried away," she squinted slightly with a gentle smile.

"Fine," he said, pulling his hand away from her and standing. His frustration was evident, though she wasn't sure where it was coming from. She stood and in front of him.

"What's wrong?" She asked. For the past few weeks Rick had been acting…different.

The couple had a way of reading each other. One of the reasons that most of the show's audience didn't balk as much as some thought they would when the relationship rolled out for public fodder and dissection, was because of the obvious connection between the two. The chemistry jumped through the screen; as did their ability to read the other. Art had truly imitated life.

"Your body feels so damn good," he admitted, tussling his already messy hair, "It's hard for me to touch you and not want more...I've missed you," his hand moved down and unconsciously ran over his beard.

"We were just together last night—and this morning," she reminded him with a slight smirk.

The bottle episodes of the current season that they were working on had allowed her to complete the smaller film she was working on, do some minimal promotion for the movie, and complete filming for the second part of the Marvel movie. Her continually compacted schedule was making the alone time that she and Rick had previously enjoyed more and more rare.

"Is that enough for you!?" He snapped, turning his back and taking a few strides towards the rear doors of the van. The question was most definitely a low-key complaint. His annoyance couldn't be hidden.

"No, Rick—of course it's not," she stood behind him, touching his elbow, "I miss you too."

He turned to face her, "The event tonight—is that something you have to attend? Sounds like it's optional to me," he said.

Michonne had been invited to by a friend to join her at a Women in Entertainment event at the last minute. The event was taking place in New York. She was flying out in a few hours and not returning for three days. Rick was initially unfazed by the sudden change in his plans to spend time with her. His unvoiced discontent in regards to her decision to go was on a slow simmer; it was quickly rising to a serious boil.

"We talked about that. I mean—this is a big deal. Being a part of the women on the big screen and not only television is huge for me. Rosie could've invited anyone. She's already such a big part of the movie industry…"

"I get it," he said. It was true to an extent. Her excitement was valid, Why is this bothering me so damn much? He softened his tone, "I really do get it, baby—I'm sorry. Let's just get this done so we can spend some uninterrupted time together before you have to head to the airport." He kissed her lips.

"Let's get this done!" A shout came from outside the mobile set.

x – x – x - x

"Hey baby," she said a little louder than normal because of the background noise she could hear, "I'm so glad you called."

"Hey. How'd everything go?" He asked, also raising his voice above the volume of the party going on around him.

The cast and crew were celebrating Glenn. His final episode had been filmed. Cast and crew were proud of the work they'd done on his final episode. Everyone was already feeling the loss of their friend. The friendships didn't end when people left – whether or not it was their choice – but they were never the same. The lack of regular interactions did make a difference. Everyone was intent on this party not being sad. They treated it as a celebration of friendship. However, this was a loss that hit them all deeply.

Right after the filming Michonne flew to London to do the back end promotion for her smaller film. She left there and flew to California, which is where she was currently. She and Rick had Glenn and his wife over to her condo for dinner before she left. Glenn had been her first real friend when she moved to Atlanta and her heart was broken that she would not have the opportunity to see him on a regular basis. Missing his party only compounded the guilt that she was already feeling.

"It went well. The British talk shows are great, but there's nothing like the shows her in the states. I always enjoy doing these." She said, glancing at her surroundings. Her hotel room was elegant, as most of the hotel rooms she spent time in were. As beautiful as it was she couldn't help feeling lonely. "How's the party going?" She snuggled into the luxurious couch. It didn't feel anywhere near as good as the one at Rick's house.

"It's fine. Everyone misses you," he shared, "but not as much as me." He walked onto the patio to hear her better and have more privacy.

"Awe...you sound so sexy," she cooed, sipping her wine, "I dread the idea of getting into the big bed without you."

"Hmm—Anything in particular you'd like to do in that bed?" He asked in his deep seductive voice.

"Mmm hmm," she panted, "I can think of about ten things right off the bat," she giggled.

"How about you tell me," he was leaning on the rail looking over the large backyard of their host; one of the network executives.

"You've got a nasty mind, you know that Mr. Grimes," she seductively admonished.

"That's one of the many reasons you love me," he chuckled, "now tell me one of those things you wanna do with me in that bed."

"Rick," she giggled, slowly moving her hand between her legs. She had on one of Rick's large t-shirts, "I don't want you all excited without me there to—uh—take care of you."

"Don't you worry about…"

"Rick," a slurred voice interrupted from the distance, "You promised me a dance…" he turned around and saw the young brunette actress ambling onto the patio…

"…and you look so damn sexy—I'm holding you to it…" she grabbed his arm.

"Uh," he stammered, "I'm on the pho…"

"Who you talkin' to? Tell whoever it is that I got you for…" she hiccupped, "…the night."

Michonne sat up when she heard the voice. She stood when she heard the words and put down her glass of wine, Who the hell is that? The relaxed feeling she had just moments earlier was replaced with anxiety, That's Sherry.

Sherry was one of the many new cast members on the show. Though Rick and Michonne had never openly flaunted their relationship, it was common knowledge on set. Michonne accepted that very obvious fact several months ago.

"C'mon," the inebriated actress demanded, reaching for his phone. Rick stepped back and she stumbled into him. He dropped the phone.

"Hello…" Michonne said before looking at the phone in her hand. The words 'call failed' were staring back at her.

There was a chance that Sherry wasn't aware of the relationship, but, I'm sure she knows. There's no way in hell she doesn't know. She walked into the miniature ensuite kitchen and poured more wine into her glass, I'm sure she knows. She obviously has a thing for Rick. Most of them do. She took a sip of the bitter liquid before pouring it down the drain and walking back to the couch. She picked up the phone and called Rick. It went straight to voicemail. "You've never given me a reason to doubt you—so I won't," she voiced her thoughts out loud to the empty room.

"Um Sherry, let me get you a cab," Rick offered, walking her back into the house.

"What about that dance…" she asked, twirling her finger in his hair. He removed her hand.

"I'm in a relationship Sherry," he said, mildly annoyed at not just the overt flirtation, but the interruption of his phone call, "so I'll see you to a cab and then I'm gonna head home." She stopped and turned around.

"Well, she's not here," she looked up at him through her lashes, "and I am. I mean, I just think you're a really great guy." Suddenly she sounded much more sober.

He smiled, realizing that she wasn't nearly as drunk as she pretended to be, "Actually she is here," he patted the left side of his chest, "she's with me everywhere I go." He lowered his voice during his exchange with her.

Cast, crew and executives were socializing nearby. They all appeared to be preoccupied, but it was obvious to him that they were watching and listening. Sherry had been very bold in her flirtatious behavior. Rick did not want to embarrass her.

She was at a loss for words. He leaned closer and looked into her sorrowful eyes, "I know that you know who I'm involved with. And, just so you know, it's not casual. We're in a committed relationship. She's the love of my life," he did his best to smile and not make her feel any more ridiculous than she probably already did, "We'll just chalk this up to too much alcohol. No harm no foul, okay?" He smiled.

"Um—okay," she nodded, too humiliated to look him in the eyes.

It was not the first time he'd been hit on, and he knew it probably wouldn't be the last. Sherry was not even the first of his cast mates who had hit on him. He felt certain that it had more to do with his celebrity and stature on the show than it did with him, the person.

"I'm gonna head out," he told her, scanning the room for the guest of honor so he could say goodbye before looking back at the sorrowful young woman, "make sure to take a cab or Uber home. We'll just act like this never happened."

He spotted Glenn on the other side of the dimly lit room chatting with his wife, Daryl, and one of the producers. He began his stride towards them when he felt a tap on his back. He turned to find Sherry standing there…

"Rick, I'm really sorry. I hope that—um—you don't hate me and that Michonne won't hate me—if—uh, you tell her. I just never actually see you two together and she's not here, so I thought that maybe you two weren't—um…"

"Like I said, no harm, no foul," he interrupted, becoming mildly annoyed, "Michonne and I have a relationship built on trust. She…"

"Do you think you could maybe not tell her what happened?" Sherry hastily interrupted. He couldn't help but feel bad for her. In a matter of minutes she'd gone from vixen to puppy; her eyes much like the child eager for his parents praise.

Rick chuckled, "I was on the phone with her when you came out onto the patio. I'm pretty sure she heard everything," he almost wanted to laugh when he saw the fear in the young woman's eyes, She probably thinks Michonne really does use a katana. He chuckled again, "Just talk to her when you see her. She's actually a really nice lady—I promise she won't take your head off."

Her eyes grew wide.

He stuck his hands in his pockets, squelching his natural instinct to give the sorrowful young actress a fatherly shoulder shrug. He decided in that instant that any type of physical contact may be received in a way that he did not intend.

The slightly mortified actress nodded as he walked towards the small gathering of cast members. Rick groaned to himself as he approached his smiling friends. It would be yet another night of missing his woman.

A/N: This chapter laid the final part of the foundation for the remainder of this little fic. Part 2 will be up in a few hours. Please let me know what you think. Blessings :-)