Oh my gosh thank you so much for all the reviews, they really make my day. I'm so glad people like my story and I hope you all continue to enjoy it, especially during this long hiatus. As usual I do not own The Walking Dead or its characters :)

Chapter 12: Moving forward

The gunfire came from all directions. They couldn't tell where it was coming from or who was shooting but they just knew they had nowhere to run. Out of instinct Rick pulled Beth to the ground covering her body with his own. He tried yelling to the others, tell them to get down but he knew they couldn't hear him over the shots. Pieces of grass and dirt flew into the air all around them. Not caring if he was hit he tried his best to cover Beth's head with his arms. Hanging onto his shirt Beth turned her head to where Liam stood, he didn't move, his body was being pelted by bullets. The sight of his blood flying made her cringe. Then she saw him mouth two words. "I'm sorry." Before he fell to the ground in a bloody pool.

Blinking back tears Beth reached up in a pathetic attempt to protect Rick. Her hands covered the back of his neck, her fingers gently rubbing the skin there. Feeling her touch Rick looked down at her, even in their situation her eyes held a warmth that made his heart clench. He hoped no one could see them as he slowly leaned his forehead on hers. In that moment it seemed like everything fell away, it was only them sharing a moment they had been denying themselves for so long. Then the reality of their situation hit them when a shot hit right next to Rick's arm. They knew they had to move, try to find cover but how?

He was about to move off of her when it all stopped. Lifting his head Rick looked around for the Governor or anyone that was responsible for the attack. Cautiously he stood up taking a good look around but he couldn't see the threat. Without saying anything he helped Beth to her feet. When she was standing he pulled her behind him acting as a shield just in case the shots continued. 'It can't be over.' He thought. 'He could kill us now without a second thought, what's stopping him?'

Taking Beth's hand he led them to where he left the group. One by one they crept out of their hiding spots. When Rick saw Maggie he reluctantly dropped Beth's hand. In an instant the Greene sisters were in a tight hug, both with tears streaming down their faces while the rest of the group looked on. "I hate to ruin the moment, but what the fuck just happened?" Daryl interrupted. "Why the hell did they stop all of a sudden?"

Moans were heard coming from the woods making everyone stop. "Come on, lets get back inside, we'll talk about this there." Rick commanded gently pulling Beth along with him.

Inside the cellblock Hershel was the first person Beth ran to, hugging him tight as everyone else came to join them. The sight made Rick smile slightly but then the questions started. 'Who was out there? Who took Beth? Why did the shots stop? Are they coming back?' Holding his hands up Rick tried to get everyone's attention. "It was the Governor, he's back." Was the first thing he said. Looking out into the crowd he saw Michonne tense. "Beth told me they wanted to use her to get information about us, the prison. I guess we can go ahead and assume he was the one responsible for the attack."

Beth stood next to Rick. "His group is bigger," Her voice made everyone turn their attention to her. "They're ready for a bigger attack at any time."

"The walkers probably heard the shots and followed them. It could have been a herd, they could have overpowered the Governor's group. They probably saved us this morning but we need to be ready for if they come back." Rick told the group.

"We need more ammo, I think I know a place but its far." Daryl said. "I think only two people should go, the less people that go the more we'll have here in case ol' eye patch decides to come back."

Rick nodded his head. "You and Glenn go."

Without a word Daryl and Glenn headed out leaving everyone else worried. Hershel watched as a few panicked faces walked around the cellblock. Turning his attention to his youngest daughter he noticed her bloody hands and dirty face. "Bethy, lets get you cleaned up, ok?"

It was the first time Beth actually acknowledged her wounds. Stealing a quick glance at Rick she headed to her cell with her father and sister right behind her. Knowing she needed to be with her family for a while Rick decided to go check on his son. He had been in the guard tower during the entire assault, he needed to make sure Carl was ok before he made any other moves. Walking outside he saw the boy coming towards him. "Hey, I was just coming for you. Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I saw the truck leave, what's going on?"

"The Governor's back with an army." Rick explained. "Daryl and Glenn have gone on a supplies run. We need to be prepared just in case this happens again."

Carl shook his head. "You know this wouldn't have happened if you killed him when you had the chance."

Rick sighed, he was about to argue when he saw his son walk away. "Where are you going?"

"Back on watch," Was all he said before climbing back up the guard tower.

After several hours of being fawned over by her family Beth was finally left alone to gather her thoughts. She felt better after a shower and a change of clothes, now she just wanted rest. When she laid down on her bunk she couldn't bring herself to sleep. No matter how hard she tried she just kept thinking of the night before and then the morning that followed. Even though it was terrifying scenario Rick's body on top of hers made her feel a safeness that she had never experienced. She thought she felt that with Jimmy but it was nothing compared to Rick. Her feelings towards Rick were something she had never felt before. It definitely wasn't a schoolgirl crush anymore, she knew slowly but surely she was falling in love with the former Sheriff deputy.

The whole time Daryl and Glenn were gone Rick was on edge. He kept his rifle on him at all times feeling sure that the Governor would try to attack again. Walking through the yard he noticed Liam's remains. Even though he hated the kid for what he done Rick wished he knew more about him. The look Liam had when he held onto Beth was one Rick hadn't seen before. He looked so desperate and afraid it made Rick feel almost sorry for him. From what he knew about the Governor he was good at fooling people but they always seemed to see his true colors, even though sometimes it was too late.

Sometime that afternoon Daryl and Glenn returned with bags full of weapons and ammunition. "Wow, where the hell was this place?" Rick found himself asking.

"Old military store," Daryl explained. "It was kind of out of the way so it hadn't been picked over too much."

"Its a good thing we had all that weapon's training going on. We'll need as many people as we can." Glenn spoke.

Nodding once Rick decided it was the best time to check on Beth. He noticed Hershel and Maggie had been staying close to her cell all day but at that moment they were helping Carol with supper. Slipping away from the group he headed over to her cell. Peaking inside he saw her fiddling with the bandage wrapped around her hand. "Hey," Hearing his voice made her jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." Stepping into the small room he crouched down in front of her. "Here, let me." He whispered reaching out to help her with the bandage.

Feeling his rough hands against her soft ones made her shiver. With a tender touch he made sure the wrap was secure but when he was done he didn't pull away. They sat in silence for a few minutes before he spoke up. "He didn't do this did he?" He asked gesturing to her hand.

Shaking her head she muttered. "N-no, I fell when I was running through the woods."

Nodding once he moved to sit beside her, keeping enough distance between them. "I think I was wrong before." He mumbled, keeping his voice soft enough for only her to hear.

Looking up she asked. "About what?"

"About us, we can't go back to the way we were before." Biting his bottom lip he chose his next words wisely. "I care about you too much to just let it go like that."

Beth was shocked but at the same time she was overjoyed. Maybe her feelings weren't so crazy. Gently she reached out to touch his hand with hers. When he squeezed hers in return she couldn't help but grin. "So what does this mean?"

"Honestly I wish I knew, its hard to explain but whatever goes on I think its best for it to stay between us for a while. The group's been through too much, I don't think they can handle a big shock again for a while."

"Ok, I understand."

Leaning over he kissed her forehead. "I have to get back but I promise I will find you later, ok?"

Nodding she gave him a warm smile as he left the cell. Laying on her bunk she finally allowed herself to sleep. She no longer felt scared because she knew she had a man that could protect her and she would try her best to make sure she would be there for him whenever he needed her.