A quiet semi-normal week passed in the ASZ with no other commotion or ensuing drama. So the residents seem to slip back into their lackadaisical frame of mind.

Michonne and her sisters made headway at integrating themselves within the community. Some were still apprehensive at the presence of the trio but many had come to warm to the idea of the sisters being there. Pete Anderson still sported a deep purple-black eye, and his wife was still wore her nasal accessory and with dark hued bags under her eyes to match her husband's. Many had heard about the commotion, but the information became skewed as it was told from person to person. By the time the gossip had made its way back around to Michonne, her sisters and Carl were painted as the aggressors and Illa the jealous lover of Shane who couldn't handle the competition. Michonne ignored the petty chatter because she knew it was just how some chose to cope with their current situation and if that meant partaking in idle gossip then so be it. If any decided to be bold and inquire then, she would make sure they had the full story.

While Illa still continued to heal, Luna and Michonne got Deanna's permission to pull six members of the community to begin training them in basic self-defense. Those six would then teach others and so on. Rosita and Sasha volunteered to help teach many of the clueless residents how to defend themselves from an approaching zombie or human.l threat. Michonne enjoyed the work. It kept her mind occupied and off a certain someone with dark curly hair and deep cerulean eyes.

Their relationship still remained a secret between them, but it was becoming more difficult to come up with excuses as to why she was speaking to Rick alone more or coming home in the evening late on the nights that Rick had guard duty. Those late nights in the tower were the times that they continued to learn about each other. They discussed their lives before everything went to crap. Rick told her about his years on the force, and many of the cute moments he spent with Carl when he was younger. He spoke of his regret of not being there for his wife and son when the world went to shit. He was humbled during one of their late conversations when he learned how close he was to his son at the beginning and the missed opportunities that set their lives on different paths. Michonne revealed that her family may or may not still be in New Orleans. How it was her father's dream to watch his girls, compete nationally, but their mother's deteriorating health prevented their father from being able to attend any of the competitions which to Michonne's regret affected her father deeply. Her life before the turn how she was in school working on her Masters. They discussed their fears and their hopes for the community. They both wanted the same thing. A place to call home and to feel safe.

They all dined together every night as a family discussing their day and plans for the next. Each hoping that the subtle glances between the couple went unnoticed as everyone chatted amongst themselves. The half-smile he would give as he watched her giggle at some corny joke Noah told. Rick's mind would always travel back to that night in the Kingdom. He remembered how soft her lips felt that night and he longed for the chance to taste them again without a constant audience. Michonne couldn't help but notice the long stares from the other end of the table. Ricks intense gaze always caused Michonne to squirm in her chair as her mind also drifted to morning delight Rick served her.

Whenever Rick went on a supply run this gave her the breathing room that she needed to think clearly, sometimes. Although things were still very new, Michonne found herself thinking of the possibilities of the new relationship. Each thought brought a smile to her face but the uncertainty of it left an uneasy knot in her stomach.

When Rick returned from the latest supply run, he gifted Michonne with a tube of minty fresh toothpaste that he had found. Carl mentioned her obsessive teeth cleaning routine and that once she ran out of her toothpaste everyone was going to be miserable. So when he happened upon the single pack, he quickly concealed it in his bag with the hope of surprising her with it later. Rick always tried to surprise Michonne with small trinkets. When Michonne mentioned her fondness for art Rick brought her back a rainbow colored cat figure he had found in an abandoned bar. He had to play the gift off as something that he wanted, but when they were alone, he handed the gift wrapped it in some Easter wrapping paper. The smile on her face made all of the teasings he endured from Shane and Daryl worth it.

Rick and Michonne worked with Deanna to plan the future expansion of Alexandria. Plans included planting vegetables and fruit trees in all available spaces. Every backyard would be used to grow a specific crop, and the whole community would be responsible for helping to take care of each and every crop. Even the idea of bringing in livestock was mentioned. Deanna was open to the plans as it was the same successful blueprint that was used at The Kingdom. Michonne provided as much information as she could, but she reassured Deanna that when King Ezekiel and the others arrived, they would be able to go into more detail.

King Ezekiel and his loyal subjects drove through the gate of Alexandria with all of the flair one would expect from a King. The two black suburban vehicles and a four motorcycle caravan were loaded down with items for Alexandria as a peace offering to officially seal their agreement to work together. Sierra and Colton were among the convoy of able bodies there to help Alexandria get started. Luna greeted the tall brolic young man with a kiss and hug which was broken up quickly by her sisters teasing. Carl and Sierra exchanged quiet hellos as everyone watched the nervous teens get reacquainted. A punch to the shoulder from Sierra and a warning not to make things weird help pull Carl from his brain fog and the two headed back towards the house to put bags away.

Jerry, King Ezekiel's right-hand man produced several cobblers as payment for a bet he lost to Ila before they left. Jerry was rewarded with kisses to the cheek from each of the sisters.

After the brief introductions, King Ezekiel was lead to Deanna's home so they could sit and discuss the future of both communities. Michonne and Rick were both in attendance as they were the ones who had approached King Ezekiel with the initial plan. After several hours of conversing, the meeting concluded with both parties happy with the outcome and the possibilities of the future.

"This is a great day for our communities. I have you to thank for this Rick," said Ezekiel

"Oh no, sir this was all Michonne idea. She is the one who deserves all of the credit."

King Ezekiel turned his attention to Michonne who was walking to the left of him "Well, then it seems that you are going to be a shining star here in Alexandria as you were at the Kingdom. You and your sisters are missed greatly, but I have to admit it has been nice to have the community quiet again," he chuckled.

As the word left his mouth, Michonne ears picked up the distinctive sound of music but not music from a piano but actual music.

"Seems Alexandria is in for a treat tonight. I think Jerry procured your sister an iPod and brought it with him."

Michonne groaned at the thought of her sisters already having parties in Alexandria "It looks like it."

As the trio walked down the dimly lit street towards Michonne's house, the music became louder although muffled it was still unmistakable. Once the house came into view, strobe lights could be seen flickering through the closed shades. Several Alexandrian and Kingdomers were gathered on the porch laughing and drinking a clear liquid from small mason jars. Cheers and glasses were raised as the trio approached and ascended the stairs.

Rick spied Merle on the porch drinking from a large jar while chatting with a young lady. Rick couldn't recall the woman so he assumed she was from the Kingdom. They made eye contact and Merle raised his glass Rick nodded his head as he passed the one-handed man. The unique smell of tobacco smoke wafted among the assorted folks on the porch. He saw a few puffing on homemade rolled cigarettes enjoying the pungent fragrance. He never thought he would see or smell a cigarette again but it seemed old vices are hard to quit even during the end of days.

As they entered the home they ran into Daryl who was leaning against the inside door frame "Welcome to the fun house," he said his voice slurred. He raised his cup of alcoholic liquid and took a long sip before turning and walking toward the kitchen.

Michonne shook her head as it had only been less than 24 hours that the Kingdomers had arrived and there was already a party being thrown at her house and she knew who the culprits were behind it. Jerry and Ila. Walking further into the home the group was greeted by the off key bellowing of Jerry singing "I will survive". His burly frame was now in a light blue Hawaiian print shirt and his silky black hair was hanging loosely around his face as he held the karaoke mic and entertained to the applause of the small audience in the living room watching. Maggie was resting comfortably on the couch laughing at the comedic musical show in front of her. Glenn was standing to the right of Jerry waiting for his turn at the mic. As Jerry reached the crescendo of the song he caught sight of King Ezekiel, Rick and Michonne staring at him and halted his dramatic finish dropping the mic and bowing.

"My King…," he said bashfully.

"No don't stop the celebratory activities because we are here. Continue the merriment as we have many great things to celebrate as our communities unite," King Ezekiel said.

"Huzzah!" he yelled and placed a triumphant fist in the air. Others joined in the celebratory shout. The music resumed and Glenn quickly grabbed the mic from the floor for his turn.

Michonne squealed as Luna nearly toppled into her. Her small frame stumbling some before she was able to right herself. Lunas short braids flopped around her head as she craned her head upward exaggeratedly to Michonne.

"Luna have you been drinking."

Luna took a step back while she brushed her hands along her clothes trying to remove invisible dust particles. "Nope… not a drop…well, maybe a shot but I am fine," she slurred as she wobbled again on her unsteady legs.

"Whoa…I got ya," said Colton as he grabbed Luna by her waist to help keep her steady. "We brought some mead to share with the community. I guess it's a little too strong for her."

Michonne narrowed her eyes at Colton as he still struggled to steady Luna.

"Colton I need you to take Luna upstairs... you know what better yet…" Michonne's eyes searched the crowd of people looking for Nabila. She found the woman in the kitchen sipping on a bottle of water. Nabila agreed to help Luna up the stairs and to stay with her till she was asleep. Michonne didn't want the eighteen year olds winding up in a compromising situation.

As Nabila lead the reluctant Luna and Colton upstairs she promised to make sure they stayed in separate rooms.

Michonne was perched against the stairs when she heard the opening and closing of the back door. She heard the raucous laughter of Ila and Shane as they made their way through the downstairs hallway that led to the backyard. Ila abruptly halted her steps and quickly turned around to go back the way she just came but it was too late Michonne had already spotted them.

"Ila," Michonne called out.

"Shit," Ila muttered as she tried to sober up fast. "Hey, sis. How did the meeting go?"

"Cut the shit. What in the hell is going on?"

"It looks like a party is going on sis."

"No shit Sherlock but why is there a party …and why do you smell like weed?" Michonne nose wrinkled at the musty leafy odor.

"What?.. not me." Ila took several sniffs at her clothing. "I don't smell anything." Ila knew she was busted but she still thanked the gods for Merle and his enterprising backwoods knowledge. He stood to make a killin even as the world around them tried to take them out.

Rick came to stand next to Michonne taking in Ila's disheveled appearance "Your eyes are bloodshot and so are Shane's. How in the hell did you get weed?"

"I don't know what you are talking about officer. This officer can tell you that we have not been smoking any weed." Ila slaps her hand against Shane's chest as he was standing stock still. He exploded into laughter at his failed attempt at fake sobriety.

"Where is Carl?"

Ila coughed as she tried to calm down her giggles. "He is at home. I know he can't be around this so he is at home with all of the other kids. Sasha is watching them until they crash and then she'll come back. So no need to worry sis. Go get a drink for you, Rick and the Kang and enjoy because tomorrow it's back to work." Michonne knew her sister had a point but this seemed to be too much too fast.

Rick nudged Michonne with his elbow a sly smile on his face "What's the harm in having one drink?"

Michonne groaned, relenting, "Fine."

As the night continued on Sasha finally arrived at the party with a grouchy Abraham in tow. Daryl and Ila were standing in a corner talking. Daryl looking around nervously as what could only be described as Ila flirting with the shy archer. Glenn and Jerry were still having a karaoke sing-off as Maggie snoozed soundly on the couch. Rick and Michonne were also enjoying the festive moment. Rick decided to skip the mead and instead he was drinking the moonshine that Merle had provided.

With the liquid courage coursing through him again Rick became bolder and more open with touching and caressing Michonne who was also slightly drunk. Rick pulled her down the hallway where it was darker and quieter. The pair kissed against the doorframe of Michonne's room. Each not worrying about opening the door for more privacy for their intimate moment. Their kissing deepened and became more passionate. Michonne moaned into Ricks' mouth as he ground his pelvis into her. Rick slid his hand under Michonnes shirt to cup her breast. They were lost in each other. Until they heard the loud clearing of someone's throat.

They turned around to find a captive audience consisting of Ila, Sasha, Shane, and Daryl.

"It's about time," called out Sasha. The others laughed and whooped hysterically at the joke.

Michonne buried her head in his shoulder embarrassed at being caught like some horny teenagers.

"Well, I guess they know now," Rick said sheepishly.

"I guess so."

"You want to finish this at my place,"

Michonne smiled "Sure."

The pair exited the house through the backdoor to make their way to Rick's home to spend the night alone and uninterrupted.