A/N: Hi everyone! Here is the latest update. This is day 3 of the sisters in ASZ they will finally speak to Deanna and a little spark of Richonne is emerging. As always reviews are welcomed. Enjoy!

As the day went on members of Ricks group stopped by to say hello. Carol stopped by to deliver a homemade casserole for their dinner that evening. Carol was sweet on the surface, but Michonne could tell that the petite blond was fierce underneath. She was always quietly observing everything and everyone as they bustled around the house. Carol kept the conversation lite but she did not hold back her opinion about the residents of Alexandria.

"These people are weak and delusional. Do you know some of them still haven't seen a walker up close?"

"I'm not surprised" Michonne stated as she took a seat across from Carol at the dining table.

"They think these walls will protect them, but they won't keep the dead out for long."

"If they fortified this place it could be …" Michonne began, but Carol interrupted as she turned to stare out the window just as Rick was walking past their home.

"Rick needs to be in charge. Deanna doesn't have the gaul or gumption to make this place into an actual safe zone" Michonne also saw Rick as he passed by heading towards his home.

Michonne kept her face neutral at this bold statement. She couldn't give her opinion on if Rick would be better for this community since she has not had the chance to meet Deanna and judge for herself, but from the little things she has seen in this community, there was room for improvement. Once Rick was out of view Michonne returned her attention back to Carol who at that moment was once again observing

Carol continues to speak "We all see each other as family Rick, Daryl, Maggie hell even Merle and with family, you have to be willing to do any and everything to protect them." Michonne nodded her head because that is exactly how she feels about those in her group. "I can tell that you and your sisters understand that especially after hearing what you went through to get Carl back."

"Yes we do, more than you know."

"Then you and your sisters are already one of us."

With a quick change of the subject, Carol began telling Michonne about some of the residences of Alexandria that they have gotten to know and who to watch out for. After the conversation was over Carol left but promised to be back, and she will have some cookies because she heard that they each had a big sweet tooth. Michonne thanked her as she left.

Maggie and her husband Glenn also stopped by. Maggie who was looking heavily pregnant with their first child was happy to have a reason to leave the house finally. Maggie was the historian of the group, and she told Michonne and her sisters the all of the challenges they had faced before they arrived at the ASZ. Michonne and her sisters listened intently as Maggie animated every tell and Michonne noticed how in each one Rick was the rock for the group the one who made sure everyone in the group was ok.

"Phew… I guess I've worn myself out with all of my talking,"

Glenn came to help his wife off the sofa. They both said their goodbyes and promised to visit again.

Michonne notes that all the members of Ricks group/family were well rounded, and each brought something special to the group, and because of that, they were able to do something that many in the ZA couldn't and that was to survive.

It was around lunch time when Carl came back into the house. Michonne noticed that he was freshly showered and had different clothes on from this morning.

"Hey. My dad would like to invite y'all over for lunch" Carl stated as he walked into the living room and plopped down on the comfy grey sofa. Michonne was resting on the couch sitting with her legs tugged underneath reading one of the many books that lined the bookcases around the home.

She raised an eyebrow at Carl as he attempted to invade her space on the couch by plopping down right beside her "Well that's sweet of him, and by the way, there is ample amount of space on the other end of the couch."

"Yeah, he already has everything ready and cooked so you really can't say no" Carl continued to invaded Michonne space on the couch by leaning and placing his head on her shoulder forcing her to close her book and give Carl the attention he was seeking.

Michonne sighed loudly "Well tell your dad thank you. We will be over in a bit."

Carl immediately jumped from the couch his eyes gleaming with excitement "Cool I will 'em know." Ila and Luna entered the living room having heard the invitation to lunch from the kitchen as Carl ran past them and out the front door.

"Oh, so he is making lunch for us now. Impressive. He is trying to get out of the dog house with you Chonne" Ila joked as she sat on the floor with her legs outstretched in front of her.

"What are you talking about," Michonne said as she rolled her eyes at her silly statement. Ila continued to stretch out on the floor with her arms above her head like a lazy cat. As Ila began some deep breathing exercises, Luna took this opportunity to sit squarely on Ilas chest causing her to lose focus as she struggled with the added weight of her sister on her.

"Rick knows the way to a peaceful understanding is through you. So he is trying to make up for his mistake," Luna snorted as Ila threw her off of her chest and onto the floor.

"Yeah, I see that."

"Good then try and go easy on the man because he is way too fine and you need a boyfriend," Giggled Luna who was still laughing at her antics with her sister.

Lunch was definitely the highlight of the day. Michonne and her sisters along with Noah, Sierra and Colton entered the home and were greeted by a beautiful site. On the dining table was a buffet of different fruits and vegetables there were also homemade biscuits and pieces of jerky.

"Thanks for coming. I tried to have nice variety since I don't know what food you and your sisters like," said Rick as he entered the dining area. Michonne noticed that Rick was wearing a blue button down shirt with black jeans and brown cowboy boots. The color of the shirt made Ricks already blue eyes pop even more and with the added salt and pepper beard Michonne was able to see the truth in what her sisters told her. Rick Grimes was a very handsome man. Ila nudged Michonne in her side as she took a seat at the table.

"Oh, don't worry there is nothing that they won't try once, and everything looks great. How did you get this together in such a short time."

Rick smiled at the compliment "Well, we have some vegetables that we have found while out scavenging and the fruit is canned. Carol made the biscuits and Daryl, and Merle supplied the meat.

"Thank you," Michonne praised as she took her seat at the table.

As everyone fed on the small feast in front of them, Michonne was having a hard time focusing on her food in front of her. Every time she would eat a piece of fruit she would notice Rick staring at her, and when she would look in his direction, he would quickly avert his eyes.

Rick couldn't deny that he though all three sisters were beautiful in their unique way but there was something about Michonne. Now that the mood was relaxed and no one was trying to kill each other he found himself staring at Michonne as she ate her fruit. He wasn't staring because it was sexual he was enjoying watching how much she enjoyed eating the fruit. She took her time as if she was savoring every bite.

"Do you see something on my plate you want Rick?" Rick realized he was caught staring and tried his best to play down his embarrassment as he made eye contact with Michonne who was quietly grinning at him.

Rick cleared his throat "Uhmm no. Sorry "

Ila and Luna chuckle. Carl groaned at his dads embarrassing moment.

"So when do we meet Deanna," Ila probed trying to help break up the awkward but funny exchange between Rick and Michonne.

Rick cleared his throat and hoped he wasn't as bright red as he felt "Actually after lunch. I figured you would need it because she tends to talk a lot. But it shouldn't take long since she wants to speak to all three of you at once. "

"Why all at once?" inquired Michonne.

"I don't know, but I don't think it's something you have to worry about word has already spread through the community about you, and your sisters and folks are excited.

"Hmm well excited is good I guess," Luna shrugged her shoulders as she stuffed another piece of apple in her mouth.

"No matter the outcome. We have to go back to our community soon, but I would like for you and some of your group to come along so you can see some of the things we have in place so you could start the same thing here and also work out a trade agreement with Ezekiel,"

"Ezekiel..." Rick said slightly puzzled.

"You mean King Ezekiel," Noah called from his position at the end of the table which caused everyone to break into fits of laughter.

"Yes, King Ezekiel he is the leader of our community, but don't let the name fool you he is an honorable and fair man. I think good things can happen for both communities."

Rick smiled as he looked at Michonne "I would like that." Rick saw it as a good sign that Michonne was so willing to help his community out. It spoke volumes even more to him. They moved and functioned as a family, and they looked out for others even strangers. Rick was hopeful that this could lead to something ideal for both communities and maybe Michonne and her sisters will choose to stay in Alexandria permanently.

"Good, Well I'm all done I guess we should go meet Deanna," Michonne declared as she continued to smile at Rick.

"Welcome, come in. Please..please sit down anywhere you would like," Michonne and her sisters were greeted by a petite sized woman with auburn hair who looked to be in her mid-fifties. Her blues eyes sparkled genuinely as she held open her door so they could enter.

The sisters entered the spacious living room of Deanna's home. The room was decorated in a transitional style with lots of browns and dark undertone colors to give the room a comfortable feeling. Large french doors that opened to the front porch allowed sunlight to pour into the room. It was as if you walk into a therapist's office. Taking up the majority of the living room was a large chocolate colored Chesterfield sofa with a marble coffee table in the center. The sisters each take a seat on the large sofa with Michonne taking the center spot. Deanna sits in a gorgeous paisley printed Lawson styled chair directly across from the sisters.

"It is finally great to meet all of you. I've heard so much about you from Carl. That's why I chose to interview you all together instead of separately," Deanna dressed in a light blue button-down shirt, and black slacks crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knees intertwining her fingers.

"So let me take a guess at who is who," Deanna makes direct eye contact with Michonne. " Now since you are sitting the middle tall and erect I'm going to say you are Michonne. You have the confidence and poise of a leader." She moved her eyes towards Luna who was sitting on the right side of the couch with her right leg folded underneath her. " I'm going to say that you are Luna. Also very confident but still carefree and agile" Luna nodded her head in approval of Deanna appraisal of her. Deanna's attention now moves toward Ila who was also sitting tall and sure on the couch " You are Ila last but not least. Even though Carl didn't give a physical description of each of you, the way he described your personalities was quite telling and from what I can tell so far it was on point."

"Great you have solved the great mystery. Now it's your turn. Who are you?" said Ila as she sized Deanna up.

Deanna chuckled at Ilas straightforwardness. " Well as you know my name is Deanna. Deanna Monroe and before this great disaster struck I was a Congresswoman for the state of Ohio. When things started to get bad my family and I evacuated and headed back to Ohio when we ran into an Army convoy that brought us here and told us to wait, but they never came back. So as more people began to trickle in more people began to look to me to make the tough decisions around here and here we are."

"So you are the head woman in charge here," Ila asked. Luna has since left her comfortable spot on the couch and began walking around the room looking at the room decor.

"For the most part, yes but I am also looking for people who can help this community grow."

"Is that why you need Rick and his people? To help build your community."

Deanna folded her hands in her lap as she leaned forward in her chair "In a way yes. Rick and his people have been through so much and lived to talk about it. I think they could be a great asset to Alexandria and its inhabitants, but this is your interview, not mine. So Carl tells me that you all have been together for quite some time. You found him after his mother died."

"Yeah, we did," said Michonne her voice becoming tight at the personal questioning.

Deanna nodded at Michonnes answer as if she was contemplating on what direction to take this conversation. She wanted to learn as much as she could about the sisters, but she could tell that discussing Carl or what they had experienced was a touchy subject. " What did you do after that?"

" We did what most people were doing we moved around and survived." Michonne pointed out as she let her eyes drift towards the front porch.

"True but what else. What has brought you and your sisters this far?" Deanna watched as Ila who also vacated her position on the couch was now leaning against the arm of the sofa with her arms crossed.

"Common sense and a good nose to smell bullshit," responded Ila as she tilted her head to glare at Deanna.

" Well, I can tell you that what I want to offer to you is not bullshit. I want to give you and your sisters the opportunity to join this community because I can see that you have a lot of the same experience that Rick and his group have and with that experience, I think Alexandria can become the safe zone it was meant to be."

Michonne reclined back into the sofa and crossed her arms over her chest as she stared at Deanna "Let me ask you a question. Why haven't you tried to make the community better with the current people who live here?"

Deanna took the opportunity to match Michonnes demeanor by reclining in her chair resting her arms on the armrest and made a steeple of her fingers in front of her as she began to speak "Many don't have the skills or mindset to handle what is outside those walls."

Michonne spread her arms wide as she spoke again "So why don't you teach them. You and everyone in this community have no idea what it is like outside your precious walls, and the fact that you as their leader continue to hide in here instead of facing the new world that exists now is pathetic." she declared her eyes narrowing.

Deanna's facial expression remained fixed as she looked at each sister and calmly responded: "Yes I know we are not the hardcore survival types, but we are making due."

" From what I can tell you are barely making it. You have so much wasted space not being used to cultivate crops to help you make it through the winter."

" I've killed cactuses if that gives you any idea of my knowledge of gardening."

"That may be but I'm sure someone in your community has some basic knowledge on how to start a garden, and if they don't, there are these wonderful things called books that are still out there."

" Are you questioning my leadership?"

"No, I'm just wondering why you are walking around here with rose colored glasses and not realizing your safe little world can come crashing down at any moment, and no one here would have a single clue on how to defend themselves."

"Your security here is shit. Luna was able to get in and out of here for two days, and no one ever noticed her." berated Ila.

Michonne drew Deanna's attention back to her as she continued to poke and prod at Deanna's calm demeanor. Michonne wanted to see how far could Deanna be pushed till she began to fight back. The all at once tactic was something she and her sisters used quite often to test the mental strength of someone. Michonne had to hand it to Deanna she wasn't giving anything emotional away. She would have been one hell of a poker player is she wasn't a Congresswoman Michonne thought to herself. "I see that no one is armed. What would you do if a walker broke through your wall in the middle of the night?"

"Walker food," stated Luna plainly as she was now thumbing through a random outdated magazine.

"Enough!" Deanna boomed. She was done playing this little game. Deanna remained in her same reclined position, but Michonne could now see the fire blazing in her eyes. 'Good' Michonne thought there was hope for this community after all.

Deanna took a deep inhale as she regained her composure "You have no idea what it is like to lead a community of people who look to you to make all of their decisions for them. I've had to make some tough decisions for this community, but every decision I've made has always been for the continuation of this community. So do not sit here in my home and pretend that you have any idea of what it's like in my shoes."

Michonne tilted her head and smirked slightly. " I do actually. Do you think you are the only person who has had to make tough decisions since the start of the end of the world?" she scoffed

"What I do know is that you and your sisters will do anything for that little boy out there." Deanna pointed towards her front window.

Michonne nodded "You would be right, but we wouldn't leave him anywhere if we felt that he would not be safe."

"But his father is here."

"Yes he is, and that is the only reason why we haven't walked the hell up out of here." Michonnes bright brown eyes flashed at Deanna daring her to continue to question why they were sitting in her living room answering her meaningless questions.

"What I am offering you is safety, but I need your help in return."Deanna sighed.

Michonne rose from the couch and walked towards the window and peered out towards the empty street and the empty homes that lined up and down the road. She knew what Deanna was asking would not be an easy task it would be hard but if this is what they had to do to ensure Carls safety in this community then so be it.

" We will help your community, but we must return to our community first. I will speak to our leader there and see what type of assistance can be given. We will take Rick with us to act as a voice for your community."

Deanna smiled knowing that now there was a real chance for Alexandria to succeed long term "Thank you."

It was early evening, and the sun was starting its descent. Rick emerged from Deanna's home and began to make his way towards Michonne and her sister's residence. Deanna spoke to him for an hour about different things she wanted to get started in the community. Rick was happy to see that Deanna was finally coming around to making improvements in the community, but he was slightly shocked when she said that she wanted him and Michonne to work together on these new ideas. Deanna explained to him what happened during the interview and how Michonne mentioned how all of the wasted space around the community could be used for gardens and the need to reinforce the wall. As he continued to walk down the empty road his boots the only sound his mind again drifted to the conversation with Deanna.

" Michonne wants to take you to her community to meet their leader. I think you should go it will be a great thing for us to find an ally. Someone we can share ideas with and maybe setup some sort of trade system."

"Yeah, I think it will be a good thing for everyone,"

" I don't know when she wants to go back to her community but make sure you keep me in the loop." Deanna stopped and grabbed Rick by the hand before he walked out her door."Carl is fortunate to have them and now so are you. Don't waste this moment and miss out on something good."

Rick was confused at her last statement as he continued to try and figure out what Deanna meant he began to hear the sounds of a piano playing. Rick stopped walking so he could listen again. There was no breeze blowing, so he knew the sound was coming from somewhere close. Not able to locate the sound Rick continued to walk down the street, and as soon as he rounded some houses he heard the sound again, but this time he was able to determine the direction it was coming from. The music was coming from Michonnes house, as he got closer to the home, he notices the front windows were open and he could clearly hear the sound of a piano being played. As Rick walked up the steps, he glanced to his left and saw Merle sitting in one of the porch chairs near the open window.

" Evening Merle,"

"Evening Officer Friendly," Rick hated that nickname. Merle began calling him that at the beginning when they were all still strangers to once another but for some reason, he still continues.

" You know you don't have to be on guard duty. Deanna has given them the ok,"

"I know but it been a long time since I've heard any type of music and it seems that one of them can play piano and the others can sing a bit. So I've been sitting here just listening. I'm hoping they know some Patsy Cline,"

Rick nodded his understanding. The current melody that was being played was not familiar to him, but it did sound beautiful. Rick went to the front door and knocked after a moment he knocked again. He could still hear the piano so he assumed they couldn't hear him. Rick turned the knob and enter the home. He was immediately hit with the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon it made him think of cake.

" Hey Rick is something wrong?"

He turned his head toward the living room where he spotted Sasha sitting on the floor in between Ila's legs getting her hair braided.

"No.. no, I was just hoping to speak to Michonne real quick."

" She was retwisting her hair and just walked back to the bedroom she will be out in a sec,"

"Alright, I will just wait here."

"Come sit down. Don't worry all of the pointy sharp things have been put away, so you are safe, " Ila chuckled

"That's good to know," Rick began to scan the living room hoping to see Carl "Wheres Carl?"

"He's upstairs with the other boys. He didn't want to be around all of this girly stuff. So please sit your butt down and relax,"

Rick conceded and stepped further into the living room and took a seat on the comfy gray sofa. Luna was at the piano with Sierra playing. He could see her sinewy fingers gliding effortlessly across the keys.

"What is that song you are playing?"

Luna continued to play as she turned her head toward him."Schubert, Adante Sostenuto"

"I don't know Schubert, but it sounds great. How long have you played the piano?"

"Since I was 8," Luna stated as Sierra turned the page of the sheet music that Luna was reading. "Well maybe you know this one," Luna began playing Mozarts Fur Elise.

Rick immediately recognized the song "Yes I remember that one."

"Luna don't bore the man play something less parlor room dead."

Luna rolled her eyes at her sister but continued playing. Rick smiled slightly at the teasing, but he didn't want to get too comfortable he had other things to tend to before he could finally go home. As Rick was about to ask about Michonne again, she walked into the living with her hair in a messy bun wearing a grey t-shirt that hung slightly off the shoulder and blue tights. Rick had to admit he was caught off guard by her as he had yet to see Michonne so relaxed and he had to admit it fit her very well.

Michonne stopped short when she noticed Rick sitting on the couch. "Hey, Rick. Is something wrong?"

Rick rose from the couch and walked towards Michonne " No nothing's wrong I just saw Deanna, and I wondered if I could speak to you for a moment." He inclined his head towards the kitchen to indicate he wanted to talk to her in private. "Sure let's go to the kitchen I was about to make some tea would you like some?"

"No, but thank you."

"Are you hungry? We still have some of the casserole Carol brought over left."

"No thanks, I have a whole dish at home that I have to try and put a dent in myself." Rick took a seat at the dining room table, and Michonne busied around putting the tea kettle on the stove before taking a seat across from Rick.

. Rick couldn't help but notice the neckline of her t-shirt drop further down her arm exposing more of her collar bone and skin that seemed to glow slightly. He wondered what it would be like to kiss along her collarbone " So you spoke to Deanna,"

He cleared his throat while nodding his head as he leaned forward placing his elbow on the table "Yeah .. yeah I did. It seems she is onboard with you and your sisters living here and meeting with the leader of your community to see how we can learn and help one another."

" Good, I'm glad to hear that," Michonne tried her best to avoid looking at Rick directly in his eyes. She found that those baby blues would pull you in and cause confusion. She willed her eyes to look at some other feature on Ricks' face. As her eyes roamed over his face, she began to see that it wasn't just Ricks eyes that could cause confusion. His smooth, kissable lips and salt and pepper beard that looked so soft was just screaming for her to touch it. She continued to stare at his lips, and she wondered what it would be like to suck on his bottom lip. The thought caused the corner of her mouth to quirk up. His lips suddenly stopped moving, and she realizes he was waiting for her to respond.

"What did you say?" she blinked to break up the thoughts that were creeping into her head. Rick noticed that she was staring at his lips and he couldn't help but smile at the fact he wasn't the only one ogling.

" I asked when do you want to go back to your community?"

" Oh of course. We aren't due back for another 2 days so we can leave then," Michonne just realized that she will be in a car with Rick for almost an hour. The thought scared her and excited her at the same time. She could feel that there is a mutual attraction between them both, but it may just be raging hormones and nothing of any actual importance.

Rick leaned back in his chair and began rubbing his hand against his beard " That sounds like a plan, maybe we can sit down and discuss those plans on improving this place that you told Deanna about."

"We can do that tomorrow."

"Alright," Rick stood from his chair, and Michonne followed his motion now standing face to face Rick was given another eyeful of Michonnes toned body, and he admired the way her clothes hugged her in all the right places. " So would you…" just ask Rick was going to ask Michonne to dinner the tea kettle started boiling. Michonne rushed to the stove and took it off the burner.

" What were you about to ask?"

Rick ran his fingers through his hair slightly that his attempted moved was ruined by a teakettle "Nothing important. I will see you tomorrow. Good night."

"Goodnight," Michonne said quietly. Rick said his goodbyes to everyone as he left and Michonne let him know that she would send Carl home in a little bit. As Rick closed the front door, he placed his hands on his hips and took a few deep breaths to calm his fast heartbeat.

" So did you strike out Officer Friendly?" Merle chuckled. Rick ignored him and began to make his way home. He was looking forward to tomorrow when he could see Michonne again and discuss the future of Alexandria. In the back of his mind, Rick found himself hoping that the future included Michonne.

A/N: Thank you for reading. The next chapter we will have a small time jump with Rick and Michonne at the Kingdom. More Richonne action to come!