A/N: Hey readers, hey! So, Michonne and Rick have left the gala to go to her place. I hope y'all are ready :)

The twenty-seven minute ride to Michonne's townhome was thick with quiet expectation, the cab driver falling silent after unsuccessfully trying to engage them in conversation. During the ride, the clouds that had covered the sky in gray throughout the day released, and rain fell in slow, heavy plops. The distinctive scent of fresh rain mingling with the asphalt floated through the partially open windows of the car, surrounding the occupants. In the back seat, Rick moved closer until his thigh touched Michonne's. He shifted his head so his nose touched her cheek and he breathed her in. She smelled divine, like one of her body butters lotion and he liked it. And he liked how soft her moisturizing routine always made her skin. He remembered in college being fascinated at her collection of lotions, hair products and body sprays; that one woman would have so much. His desire for her made speech difficult but he didn't want to talk; he just wanted to feel. Rick was determined and resolute as he pushed away nudges of guilt over his decision to sleep with this woman who was involved with another man. He felt reckless and entitled and he didn't care. He could sense that something wasn't right with Michonne's relationship and with her full consent and involvement; he was going to take advantage of that.

Their fingers wove together, the desire that had been shimmering just beneath the surface flared between them, the flame casting them both within its escalating heat. Every time Rick exhaled, his breath tickled the shell of her ear and sent sparks firing down her neck and arm. She shivered when his lips brushed the sweet spot behind her ear. Michonne was tipsy and relaxed, yet aware and in full control as she opened her eyes to stare down at their joined hands. She felt carefree and surreal, on auto pilot, open to whatever the night would bring. She felt reckless and spontaneous, receptive to Rick's attention and touch.

The driver parked his sedan outside her end-unit townhouse. The three story brick veneer units faced the street with double garages at the back; a newly constructed community on the periphery of the historic downtown district. Rick and Michonne separated reluctantly and moved through the thick haze of their longing to exit the car. Michonne hurried to her front door, trying to dodge the rain and Rick followed close behind, holding his suit jacket over both of them while she worked to open the front door. She realized with dismay that the deadbolt to the front door was locked and she only had the key for the bottom lockset. She turned around to face Rick. He was so close, the front of her body bumped his. Her nipples contracted and she took a swift breath. She stepped back and he followed, continuing to crowd her while keeping them both under his makeshift umbrella.

"What?" he asked.

"I never use the front door; I don't have the key for the top lock," Michonne admitted.

"Are you locked out of your home?" he laughed.

She giggled. "No, no, we can go through the garage. Shit, I don't know if I remember the code."

Abruptly, with a crack of thunder, the sky opened and rain poured down. Rick gave up trying to keep them dry and ran behind her as they hurried around to the overhead door. Michonne was successful with the code on her second attempt, but by then, they were already drenched. Inside, they removed sodden shoes on the tile floor of the mudroom.

She handed him a hanger and folded towels off the shelf. "You can hang your suit up here. I still have an old pair of your shorts and a t-shirt upstairs. I'll bring them down."

Rick nodded, his curls plastered to his head and his blue eyes dark in the dim light of the small room. As she turned away, he grabbed her hand to stop her and waited until she looked at him.

"You've always been so beautiful to me but I could never say it to you out loud when it mattered. I want . . .," He took a deep breath. "I want to be with you."

Michonne froze, struck mute. He was exposing the yearning in her heart that had manifested shortly after their initial meeting thirteen years ago. It had been a random Tuesday afternoon during her freshman year of college when Rick had stopped by to visit his foster sister (and her roommate), Maggie, and take them all out to lunch. He'd been a sophomore, but even then, still a year older than the rest of his class as he delayed his admission a year. Feelings she'd mostly kept hidden, tucked away, except for a few times. Speaking the words aloud now, he put it front and center, so they were going into this eyes wide open.

She hesitated, wondering what would happen on the other side.

"Just for tonight," he added. "Tomorrow we'll go back to how we've always been. Good friends."

She wanted more; the right to be possessive, to call him hers. She fell back into her timid habit of not speaking her wants out loud to him. She nodded, deciding that she would make this night be enough. She wanted him too much to say no.

"Tomorrow back to being friends?" he asked.

Michonne nodded again.

"Say it Michonne," he demanded, stepping closer to her. He dropped his head to murmur in her ear. "Say you want tonight."

"Yes, Rick, I want you. Let's be lovers. Tonight," she whispered.

Her swift acquiescence startled him for a moment, uncharacteristic with her loyal nature; it had never been her, to step out on someone she was involved with. He brushed the thought as he'd already made himself a promise of what he was going after tonight.

Rick cupped her face with both of his hands. He pressed his lips to hers, and gave her several slow pecks before opening her lips with his and kissing her deeply. Michonne sucked on his tongue and then gave him hers. Their smacks and moans mingled into one long pleasure soaked hum throughout the room. With his lips still locked to hers, Rick lifted Michonne up on to the washing machine and used his hips to make room for himself between her legs. He put one hand at the back of her neck while the other squeezed her waist. She rubbed at his beard and grabbed his curls. They were full on making out, only breaking apart to suck in gulps of air before going back at it.

Rick licked his way down her neck to the succulent skin at the top of her breasts. He dipped his tongue into her cleavage, enjoying the taste of the rain on her skin. Her nipples strained against her wet dress and she gasped when he suckled them in turn, through the fabric. Michonne gripped his hair tighter and shifted her legs, aching, wanting him closer. His hands were now on her legs and he took her mouth again, breathing hard, as he pushed her sodden dress up to her thighs. He placed her right leg over his shoulder, causing Michonne to rock back and slap her hands down on the washer for support. The hollow sound echoed between them. She panted, waiting, not sure what was coming next, but ready.

There wasn't enough light to see everything, but Rick felt his way and they both began breathing heavier as he reached her panties and pulled them aside. He eased two fingers inside her wet heat. He huffed at how responsive she was, how hot. He took her mouth again as he reached deep and hooked his fingers to catch her in the good spot. Michonne gave a long satisfied moan into his mouth. The pad of his thumb rubbed her clit while he stroked her deep.

Michonne was awash in euphoria, her body already primed from his constant attention and careful seduction all night. Now, in the shadowed mud room, with him standing between her spread legs, listening to his quiet words and heated groans as he pleasured her, she rocketed straight to the edge.

Rick kept at it, working her below, while sucking and licking at her lips and neck, overwhelming her with sensation. He listened to her body, reading her responses on how much to give and how fast to go. He watched her with hooded lids, eating up her reaction to his touch. When her limbs trembled and her breath became choppy and her cries became one uninterrupted sound, he sucked harder on her neck and massaged tighter circles on her clit.

With a squeal, Michonne came, her body heaving, the pleasure racing through her body.

Rick watched her closely and waited as she caught her breath, his own breathing matching hers. He was immensely aroused, but he held still, letting her body use his fingers for its continued gratification. When she finally met his eyes, he carefully withdrew his hand and sucked his fingers clean.

They stared at each other until Michonne rolled her shoulders and looked away when it became too much. She bit her bottom lip. "That was, uh, really good."

"The pleasure was all mine." His drawl tumbled over her and her pussy clenched again.

"I just need a minute. Are you cold? I'm a little cold. I'm sorry, I can't stop shivering."

"It's a little cold."

"Okay. Whew, okay." She continued to sit there, in her wet dress and even wetter panties, shivering slightly from the chill and the lingering remnants of her orgasm. They both knew she was in for it tonight. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, deciding she wasn't going down by herself.

"Michonne?"

"Yeah?"

"I'll take those clothes now," he said with a smug grin.

In her bedroom, Michonne peeled her gown off her still trembling limbs. After drying off, she pulled out a matching emerald-colored bra set. She bit the tags off and quickly dressed. After a 360 check in the mirror, she slipped on a thigh length silk robe.

Downstairs, she found Rick on the sofa in the den, elbows on his knees as he watched a tennis match. The TV was muted but he was still engrossed. She listened to the rain pelted the windows as she admired him. He was wearing the clothes she'd given him before going to her room to change. They were from years ago, and the shirt struggled to hold in the muscles in his arms and chest he'd grown since then. He looked up when she walked in and she handed him one of the two bottles of water she was holding.

"I can get you something stronger, if you want," she offered.

"No, this is good," he said.

They opened their waters and took sips, glancing at each other, unexpectedly shy. As if he just hadn't been knuckles deep in her several minutes ago. They fell back into their safe zone of friendship complemented with heated glances. Rick scratched his beard, contemplating the best way to transition them to the point where they were both sweaty and moaning. He looked over at her when she nudged him with her foot.

"So the beard's new," she stated. She hadn't told him, but she found it downright sexy.

"What, you don't like it?" He grabbed her foot, placing it in his lap. He massaged it slowly, rubbing his thumb firmly from the heel up to the pad and she closed her eyes with a contented sigh. It bordered on ticklish and she struggled not to giggle and take back her foot. After several quiet moments, she gave him her other foot and he obliged her with another foot rub. Her free foot rested in his lap and she slowly moved it back and forth over his groin. It wasn't long before she felt his growing bulge.

"I like it."

For a moment Rick couldn't figure out what she was talking about.

"Your beard. It looks really good."

"It does, huh?"

"You know you're sexy right?"

He blushed and shrugged. "I like that you think I'm sexy." Rick's blue eyes were bright, focused on her. "I find you enchanting," he told her. "I always have."

It was her turn to blush. His words left Michonne speechless and she closed her eyes, chewing on what he said. His massage continued up her calf and behind her knee. When she felt his fingers trailing along the back of her thigh, she opened her eyes to find him much closer, his eyes hot with longing.

She'd always wanted him. For him, it was the same. In college, she'd been too cautious and insecure to go after what she'd wanted. He'd been too intimated and unsure, often tongue-tied in the beginning to talk to her about anything other than tennis and classes. Even through awkward silences and stilted conversations, they remained drawn to each other, seeking the other out until they became comfortable enough to share everything, except how they truly felt about each other. It wasn't long before they were close friends. Neither had been brave or foolish enough to chance their friendship for a relationship that might not be what the other wanted. There'd been a few kisses, after some campus party or another. And then one night there had been more, but even now, she didn't like to talk about it. At first, she hadn't been embarrassed by what they had done, but by how they'd both been so shy afterward, uneasy and uncomfortable with each other, both waiting for the other to make the next move. It had taken weeks to regain their footing, but by then it was too late, other interested parties had stepped up and stepped in. He had started dating Lori and when Mike asked her out again, she had finally said yes.

"C'mere," Rick said, bringing his lips to hers.

She sipped at his lips, taking her time. He'd always had the best lips. So full and always ready to smile for her. She grinned now, the joy of this moment bubbling up inside her.

Rick pulled back and gave her one of those ever-ready smiles.

"What?" he asked, not understanding but enamored with her happiness.

She didn't answer; gripping his curls and pulling him closer again. She couldn't get enough. She wanted more, all of him. As if having him there, right now, wasn't enough.

Their kisses grew deeper, longer, hotter. Rick pulled back and studied Michonne. He knew how he felt about her and knew exactly how he wanted to be with her.

"There hasn't been anyone since Lori. And we'd gone without doing anything for a while before I moved out. But I got tested, I'm safe," he stated.

Michonne nodded. "I trust you," she assured him. "I've been tested too. Besides Mike, I've always used condoms, except for . . . you know."

He remembered but let it go. "I trust you too."

Rick leaned back against the arm of the sofa and pulled her down on top of him. They were a tangle of arms and desire while he aimed to kiss and nibble on any part of her he could reach and she tried to settle and get comfortable. Michonne straddled his hips and pitched her groin against his. He pushed back. She could feel the heat of his semi-erect cock through her barely-there underwear. Resting her chest against his, she lowered her head and pressed a light kiss to each side of his mouth. She pushed her hands through his hair and she brushed her lips against his, enjoying the softness of his full lips, waiting for him to open for her. He did and they made out for long, exquisite minutes, the hushed sounds of lips meeting interspersed with smacks and moans.

"You're so vocal," she told him. "I like the sounds you make. They tell me you're enjoying this more than if you actually said the words."

He grinned and pulled her back down for another session. She broke free and gasped for air. He kissed along her neck and shoulder, pushing her robe down her shoulders.

"Maybe we should see how vocal you are too," he suggested.

She grinned and sat up, the robe falling down to her elbows. Her bra was bright green, contrasting strikingly against her brown skin. He was mesmerized. Rick took a hold of each breast, watching the supple flesh overflow his greedy hands. He curved a finger around the cup of her bra to release a nipple, taking it in his mouth and suckling gently. When she pushed against him, he sucked harder, opening his mouth to take more of her breast into his mouth. She moaned her encouragement, her hands massaging his length through his shorts. He was fully hard now, straining against his shorts. She slipped her hand inside. Rick hummed at her touch.

Rick caressed her back and followed it down to her ass. He froze when he realized he was touching bare cheeks. He pulled back, thinking for a moment she was fully naked, but then he realized it was much better than that.

"A thong?" Rick raised his brows. "Get up," he choked out, anticipating the sight of her round ass cleaved by a thin scrap of fabric. It would be the reality of dozens of fantasies he'd imagined over the years

"Take this off," he said when she was standing, gesturing to the robe. Michonne turned away from him and straightened her arms, letting gravity leisurely slide it down, putting her beautiful body on display. The view was everything and more, the strong curve of her back flowing to a perfectly framed rear end, presented with a tiny green bow at the top of her cheeks. He fell to his knees and kissed the bow reverently before hooking a finger to remove the rest of the string from its hiding place. He placed kisses down both sides of her sensational ass and tugged the thong down her legs.

She reached around and unfastened her bra, letting it fall to the floor as she turned to face him.

"You . . . are . . . gorgeous," he said, his voice reverent. He maneuvered her until she was seated back on the couch, facing him. He knelt in front of her and stroked her skin, from her neck, over her shoulders and when he reached her hands, he linked their fingers and kissed her. He pulled back and lifted her breasts, pushing his face in her cleavage, breathing her in. He licked and sucked on the plumpness of her tits, making his way to her nipples. They were extended, waiting for his attention and he didn't let them down. With eyes closed, he suckled loudly, rolling his tongue over and around them, taking his time with each one. Michonne's body was heaving and his hands on her rib cage kept her from falling back on the couch. When Rick had his fill, he kissed his way to her navel and then sat back on his haunches.

Michonne opened her legs wider and presented herself to him. Her sleek pinkness framed by plump brown beckoned him, dark tight curls highlighting her gem. Her pussy dared and encouraged him to make this night one that would follow both of them for all their days and he was up for the challenge. He inched closer to inspect, to burn every detail of her body into his memory.

"This is the prettiest thing I've ever seen," he professed. He was now so close, his lips brushed against her labia as he spoke. He pushed his nose in and breathed deep. Her scent stimulated him even more; it was earthy and aromatic, like rich soil ready for seedlings. He began paying homage by kissing her outer lips. He traced them with his tongue and hummed when he got his first taste of her honey. He grabbed her thighs and dug in. Using broad strokes of his tongue from bottom to top, he gorged on her. He ate her like pudding, like chocolate mousse, sucking and slurping on her folds. Her bud swelled and peeked out at him, eager for its own special attention. He used his thumbs to press on either side of her clit as he latched onto it. With a moan that rivaled hers, he continued to eat her out until with a shudder and a scream, she came all over his face. He kept at her, greedy for more, greedy for her, for another of her orgasms until she was pushing him away. He released her and scooted back, his chest heaving as he watched her fall on her side, her body shaking.

"You're vocal too," he said finally, pulling her down to the floor. He turned her around so her upper body was leaning on the sofa. He stroked his hands down her back, admiring the strength of her muscles. He pushed his shorts down his hips and stood up long enough to kick them off before kneeling behind her again.

"You ready?" he rasped, stroking his cock while he waited for her to respond.

Michonne nodded.

Grabbing the base of his cock, Rick aimed the head at the puffy lips of her pussy. They both moaned as he eased inside, her body yielding to his. She shifted her hips and arched her back a bit more, adjusting to his size. He filled her to the edge, nerve endings firing off wildly. She trembled in response.

"Fuck," he muttered, pulling on the word like taffy. Her sex clasped him, wet and tight. He vibrated with the pleasure. He withdrew and she whimpered, her body reluctant to let him go. He pushed back in with a hiss. After several more thrusts, he grabbed the globes of her ass and separated them, enthralled by the sight of his cock moving in and out of her. He glanced up and caught her eye, she had turned her head around to watch him.

"Yes, like that," she encouraged, pushing back on him.

They found their rhythm. She rolled and undulated her body. He rode her waves, steady at the helm, his hand on her hip directing the angle of his approach and retreat. He took his time, the pleasure falling over him in luscious swells and he reveled in it all. He savored this; being with her. The rain outside accompanied the wet sounds of their lovemaking.

"Harder," Michonne demanded breathlessly and Rick complied, ready to let loose. He raised his left leg up on his foot and slung his hips forward, reaching deeper inside her; moaning at the increased sensation. Rick pumped his hips faster. He was intoxicated on her and overheated with lust, his upper chest and back infused with red and his skin stretched too tight as his body begged for release. The ecstasy was overwhelming; ready to burst.

Michonne reached back with one hand and grabbed his wrist, needing to ground herself before he cut her loose and she blew away. His thrusts pushed her higher and higher, until she was right there. She cried out as she climaxed, her body quivering in sweet relief. She dug her nails into his skin as the it blazed through her.

Rick grunted in delightful agony as he rode her through her orgasm, desperate for his own. He pawed at her body as her spams pulled and sucked at him. He wanted to tell her, everything he'd been holding back over the years, his regrets, how he felt about her. But she was rocking his world, it had never been this good and then he's falling over the cliff. With one last deep thrust and without any thought, he held back his words and gave her everything else. Rick grasped her hips with both hands and held on for his life, bellowing as he came, emptying himself inside of her.

Time stopped. Michonne floated as her body purred as she slowly came down. She became aware of Rick was pressing his lips across her back and shoulders.

"I didn't pull out. I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he gasped. "It was so good, too good, I couldn't stop." He was rambling. Trying to recover and already hungry for more. He was still deep inside her, thrusting slowly, rubbing out every last drop.

"It's okay, it's okay." She liked that he lost control. She'd worry about the consequences in the morning.

They collapsed on the shaggy area rug, staring at each other as they caught their breath. As the sweat dried and their skin cooled, Rick grabbed the quilt off the loveseat to cover them. At some point, her hair had come undone and he twisted one of her locs around his finger.

"That was amazing. You are amazing," he told her, giving her soft kisses.

He unmuted the television and they watched more of the tennis game with him cuddled up behind her. She fell asleep, warm and content in his embrace. He watched her while she slept, tracing her face with his finger, the game forgotten. An hour later, he woke her to go to bed; and after making sure the doors were locked, he grabbed her hand and led her upstairs.

They brushed their teeth at the dual sink vanity in her bathroom, Rick using one of the spares she bought for guests. Their eyes met in the mirror and they shared smiles. The normalcy of it all brought a pang to her heart. She kept all the words she wanted to say close to her heart but let him spoon her as they slumbered.

Sometime before dawn she reached out, needy for him, grasping his length, which was hard and throbbing against her thigh. Neither was fully awake when he climbed on top of her and eased inside. He made love to her slowly, grinding deep, pushing her into the mattress. Their orgasms unfolded leisurely, both of them caught in a dreamlike state of desire and wonder. He went over first, whispering into her neck. She pulled him closer as her orgasm and his words swept her away.

It was morning now and they'd had an agreement. Just for the night. History repeated itself and like before, the weight of what wasn't said grew between them until it they were getting ready in awkward silence.

"This is ridiculous," Michonne finally declared, as they tip-toed around each other. She walked over to him and cupped his face. "It is what it is. We're still friends, right?"

He stared down at her, wondering why she couldn't see that his desire and adoration was a plea for more. "Always," he answered softly. "Lovers just for the night. It's all you wanted, right?"

She nodded and looked past him to the clock on the wall. It was not even eight o'clock and she was about to lie on this good Sunday morning. She cleared her throat. "Yes. You?"

"Me too." He broke her gaze when he said it, stepping away to pull on his shirt.

"I told Maggie I'd go over to the farm today to help her pack up more of Hershel's things. She said you might be coming out too?"

"Yeah."

"So, I'll see you there?"

Rick nodded and checked his phone again. "My ride's outside. Do you want come with me, get your car too?"

Michonne shook her head, knowing the car ride would be uncomfortable and tense. She wondered if he would say more before he left, speak what his eyes said to her. She needed to hear him say the words, worried she was mistaken, like before. She thought about she could continue any relationship with him that didn't involve them being a couple. She wouldn't be able to hang around as he met and dated someone else, fell in love, got married. She didn't want to just be friends.

Rick left after a lingering hug and as soon as the door closed behind him, Michonne picked up her cell phone and called Maggie.

"Well, somebody was a big winner last night," Maggie teased as soon as she answered.

"What?"

"At the ball. You won the cat from Grady's Gallery and the trip to the Charleston."

Michonne was surprised. "I didn't bid on the cat," she offered.

"No, my brother did. He told me last night. I have everything here for you. So . . . you two left before the end of the night. Didn't even say goodbye. I'm guessing things went well?"

"Lots of things went well," Michonne admitted.

"So, you guys are together?"

She could hear the excitement in Maggie's voice. "I'm not sure what we are. We're still so dumb around each other, not saying what we want."

"Just tell him how you feel. He can be a little obtuse and insecure sometimes."

"I've done that before, remember? Our sophomore year, but I had waited too long and he was dating Lori."

"Oh my God, Michonne. That was like forever ago."

"And the other time but then they got married," Michonne said quietly.

Maggie was silent on the other end, remembering. She had nothing to add.

Michonne blew out a hard breath. "Ugh, this is ridiculous. I guess, I just wanted to see, I just wanted him to put himself out there for once. Tell me what he really wanted, but he didn't."

"He can be a little obtuse and insecure sometimes. Especially when it involves you. He's not dating anyone now. I bet he's been waiting for you."

"Yes, after ignoring me for over six months."

"But he knew you were with Morgan. I'd told him." Maggie sighed. "You're right, you two are being dumb. I'm going to tell him the same thing when I see him."

"Can you come get me? My car's still at Renaissance Lakes."

"Glenn's headed into town to pick up more boxes and bins for Daddy's stuff and to drop off the design for the thank you cards. I can have him pick you up and bring you back here. We'll drop you back off after dinner."

"Can you come? Do you mind? I really want to talk about last night."

"No problem. And I've already got some ideas for next year's gala. This morning, I started a list of what worked and what can be improved upon."

Michonne rolled her eyes; that was not the part of last night she meant. "Okay. But I need to stop by the pharmacy first. Plan B."

"Sure." There was a moment of heavy silence. "Ohhh. Okay, okay. I'm on my way. Right now. I'll see you in twenty-five minutes, thirty-five tops. That's what you want to talk about. I want the details but I don't want all the details, so you'll have to figure out how much to tell me without it being icky."

Michonne hung up the phone laughing to herself as Maggie's words. Maggie would be delighted if her best friend and her brother got together. But how does one talk to their best friend about all the good stuff when it involves one's brother? Michonne went upstairs to change, deciding on a floral print swing dress and heels. It wouldn't be practical for packing up stuff, but she'd look good and Rick would be there.

Ten minutes later, she was back downstairs on her laptop paying her bills when there was insistent knocking at the front door. She wore a puzzled look as she went to answer it, knowing there was no way Maggie could have been there already. She checked the peep hole and her eyes widened. She opened the door to Rick standing there, his curls in disarray and his chest heaving as if he'd been sprinting. He took a few moments to catch his breath, his hand on the jamb.

"I lied," he confessed. "I want more than just last night; I always have. Break up with Morgan. Be with me."

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. This story essentially started with them on the couch and grew from there.

I can't tell you all enough how much I appreciate and enjoy your comments and feedback about my work. It really is encouraging. I look forward to the emails telling me I have a new review or a follow or the story's been bookmarked as a favorite. Thank you so much!

I've started the next chapter, but that update will take a little longer. Plus, I've got to do some research about Charleston, lol.

I'm sorry for the delay, I got distracted by this absolutely wonderful and hot piece of art on Tumblr by msdoomandgloom of shirtless Rick Grimes. It inspired a one-shot that I put it on my Tumblr page. It has smut; I think it's kind of tame compared to this but I'll post it here.