Chapter Four

I've Found What I Can Never Have

Rick sprang up quickly and looked around. Grabbing the sides of his head wincing at the sharp pain. It felt like déjà vu all over again. Rick tried to remember what he was doing or where he was. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked around. It seemed he'd somehow ended up in the hospital again.

How the fuck did I get here?

"You're up."

Rick snapped his head to the side and winced again, but he didn't look away. Daryl was leaning against the doorframe looking very relaxed. One leg crossed over the other, and his arms crossed over his chest.

"How did I end up here?" Rick asked him.

"Harry brought you back," Daryl answered. "What do you remember?"

"What day is it?" Rick asked in the way of answering him.

"Hell, if I know, every day seems to blend into the next since all this shit went down."

Rick turned to the side putting his foot down on the floor. "All right then, how long have I been unconscious?"

"Few hours," Daryl answered. "Harry told us about what happened."

"Good, hopefully, you can tell me, because I can't remember shit," Rick told him. He got up off the bed and grabbed his shirt that was draped over the foot of the bed. "The last thing I remember was him taking me to the quarry and fighting off-"

"Yeah," Daryl said shaking his head cutting him off. "He took us there. We're trying to come up with ways to stop the walkers from breaking through."

Rick stared at Daryl. There was more that happened, he could feel it. Rick couldn't remember. He racked his brain trying to think but all he got was a headache. "What did you guys come up with?"

"Nothing yet. Harry sent out a message inviting a few other of the leaders to discuss the problem since it affects their community as well," Daryl explained. "We're waiting on them to arrive."

"How did he send the message? I thought all the phone lines were down."

"They are, but get this shit. He used birds."

"Birds. What the fuck, Daryl? Are you telling me he has trained birds how to send messages."

"It seems so." Daryl shrugged his shoulders. "I couldn't believe it either."

"Where is everyone, else?" Rick asked. "The rest of our group?"

"Harry has everyone preparing for the newcomers," Daryl answered.

"Did he say who any of these leaders are?" Rick was curious how Potter knew so many people and wondered if they were friendly. Every group leader they'd met so far it was always a fight to the death. "Did he say any names you might have recognized?"

"No," Daryl answered. "All he said that they were people he'd known before they'd closed the doors to their compound. Some friendly; some not so friendly."

"And he wants them to come here. Why not meet at a location where it might not bring trouble to his people?"

"You'd have to ask Harry that. But I wouldn't, he doesn't seem like the kind of man that answers to anyone. In any case, Ron, Michonne, and Andromeda went to greet them. Apparently, there's another entrance to this place where no one would get to see the enormity of the compound."

How convenient? "So what we work for him, now?" Rick asked sarcastically.

"What's your problem, man?" Daryl yelled. "He's doing what you suggested, and you're not happy about it."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Rick asked confused.

Daryl sighed. "Harry told us all what you suggested for a way to deal with the walkers in the quarry. When he mentioned that he still kept in touch with the other group leaders. You told him to get them together and talk them into helping get rid of the large hoard heading this way. He's going to try to convince them to agree to a truce. One of the reason's he'd closed the doors and stopped admitting people was the backbiting and fighting that was happening. Plus, he lost a friend close to him, and it hurt too much. When he showed us the quarry, we all agreed to help him. The walkers going in and out of the quarry aren't just affecting us it's affecting other compounds as well."

Rick listened to Daryl, but he didn't remember giving Harry such a simple solution. "He told you I said that?"

"Yeah," Daryl answered looking at him as if he lost his head. "Serious, man are you all right?"

Rick scrubbed his face roughly pinching the bridge of his nose. He was trying to figure out what the hell was going on. "How did I end up in the infirmary?"

"You fell and hit your head," Daryl told him. "Shit, Draco wanted me to give this to you when you woke up." He reached into his pocket and handed Rick a small bottle.

"What's this?" Rick asked looking at it.

"It's a pain reliever." Rick looked away from Daryl to see the blond man, Draco standing behind him. "I would advise you to take it, or you're headache, is going to get worse." Rick stared at the small bottle in his hand and then back at Draco. "Seriously," Draco huffed then took the bottle opened it and swallowed it before Rick could stop him. "Shit, I really need to find ways to make those things taste better," he said putting the bottle in his lab coat. "Now," he held up another bottle. "Your turn."

"Do you carry those things around with you all the time?' Daryl, asked.

"When you're a member of Harry's family, you do. He's the one with the Potter luck, not everyone else." Draco said looking at Daryl. "Drink up Mr. Grimes, Harry's waiting for you, and I have work to do."

He turned and walked over to the other side of the infirmary it was then that Rick noticed how large it was. Bed's lined the walls, and on the far side, it looked like a chemistry lab and shelves with large jars on it. Rick was about to ask a question when Daryl stopped him.

"Don't ask, he gets testy apparently this is his domain and doesn't like to share details."

Rick nodded and picked up the small bottle chugging down the contents quickly gasping at the taste. "That shit is nasty!"

"Yeah, well how do you feel after taking it?" Draco said from across the other side of the room.

Rick was about to say something scathing when he realized his head wasn't feeling as if a herd of elephants was stomping across it. "Better."

"Good now get out, I hate being interrupted."

Rick looked at Daryl and he shrugged. They walked out the door and down the hall. "I thought Andromeda was the doctor around here?"

"She is, but Draco is the scientist, they share the space together. It seems she's the only one he can tolerate binging in there with him," Daryl explained.

"How is it you know so much?" Rick asked as they turned the corner leading to the main dining room.

Daryl smiled. "I watch, learn, listen, and ask a lot of questions," he said. He stopped Rick before they went any further. "I like it here, and the people for that matter. Don't get me wrong, just like you I'm curious about how is it they've been able to survive. I think about simple shit like who's cleaning this big ass Mansion. Not one speck of dust is on any of the furniture. I say that because I don't see anyone running around trying to clean this place. Who the hell is making my damn bed when I leave my room? And where the hell is the fucking kitchen. You see large domes on the table every hour of the day, but who the hell is doing the cooking?"

Rick smiled. "I see you're not swayed by this place like everyone else. And I can tell you I don't remember telling Harry shit about what to do with the quarry. All I remember is him taking me there asking for my help and being surrounded by walkers. After that, nothing."

"Good, I'm glad I found you two." Rick and Daryl turned when they heard Maggie's voice.

"What's up?" Daryl asked.

"So there's something that's been bugging me. A couple of weeks ago I happened on a conversation between Gabriel and Harry. I didn't say anything because I thought I was hearing things. But I think Gabriel and Harry know each other."

"What were they talking about?" Rick asked her. He could also feel his mistrust of Harry and his group growing.

"Not everything but I heard him tell Harry not to trust us."

Rick and Daryl looked at each other. "Do you think him taking you out to the quarry was his way of testing you?" Daryl asked.

"No," Rick said shaking his head. "I don't know what that was all about. But I want to keep this between us."

"What about Michonne?" Daryl asked.

"I'll talk to her, as far as I can tell she's another person who isn't sucked in by all the glitz and glamor of this place."

Maggie and Daryl nodded in agreement. "Come on let's see what this is all about." Rick wished he could figure out his feelings. On the one hand, he was grateful for Potter and his crew for saving his family. And no matter how pretty the man was, Rick wished he could fully trust Potter. Fuck, Rick mentally cursed. He remembered what he was about to do before Potter knocked on his bedroom door. The thought of fucking the other man caused him to want to pull on his cock before trying to fall asleep. They stopped in their tracks when they heard a loud animal roar coming from another room. All three people looked at each other before running in the direction of where the sound came from. Rick stopped short. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Potter was laughing and roughhousing with a big ass tiger. Rick wasn't sure if he should run or what? Protect him from obviously having fun.

"Who's a good girl?" Potter asked and rubbed the large tiger's belly as she purred.

"I should have known this is where she would be."

Rick's attention was taken away from Potter and the tiger to the man that walked into the room. He was tall with long silver and black dreads. He was wearing a long black trench coat, combat boots paired with black pants and a button-down shirt. He was holding a staff in his hand with the head of what looked like an eagle from where Rick was standing.

Potter stood and walked over to the newcomer. "Your majesty," he said bowing. "Welcome to my home."

"Lord Potter-Black, it is a pleasure to see you again," the other man said standing in front of Potter.

He raised a hand and touched the side of Potter's face, and Rick clenched his hand into a fist not liking what seemed to be an intimate touch between them.

"How are you, Harry? You look good." The man said with a smile, and again Rick wanted to go over to them and push the man out of the way.

Why? Why am I bothered by someone else touching Potter? After all, the man doesn't belong to me. Rick's brows creased together as he tried to ignore his next thought.

But you want him to belong to you. Fuck, that's not true. How can I want someone I don't trust?

Rick didn't understand what was going on with him. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding when Potter stepped away from the other man. His actions were not connecting to his feelings or thinking.

"Ez, it's really great to see you."

Potter looked up, and that was when he noticed, Rick, Daryl, and Maggie standing there watching them. The tiger got up and went to stand in front of Potter.

"Rick, Daryl, Maggie, I'm so glad you're here. Let me introduce you to, King Ezekiel, the leader of the Kingdom. Ez, I'd like you to meet three new members of our team."

Ezekiel looked away from Potter and then to the three of them standing there. Rick stared at the other man daring him to say something just so that he could punch his lights out.

Wait, what the fuck? Why do I feel so ready to hurt someone I just met, just because they touched Potter? I've never felt territorial over anyone, not even, Lori.

"Lord Harry!"

Rick looked away from Ezekiel when another man came barreling into the room and scooped Potter up into his arms twirling him around. Potter laughed and hugged the man tighter.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Rick looked away from Potter and locked eyes with Ezekiel. "What is?"

"When he smiles the world feels just a bit brighter," Ezekiel said to him.

Rick wanted to ask what the hell he was talking about but Ezekiel turned away from him and walked over to Potter. "Jerry put him down before you squeeze the life out of him."

"I'm sorry," the Jerry guy said.

"It's fine, Jerry. I don't mind your hugs," Potter said with a smile.

"Have the other's gotten here yet?" Ezekiel asked.

They started walking leaving towards the other direction. Rick turned to look at Daryl and Maggie who shrugged their shoulders.

"No, your group is the first to arrive," Potter answered.

"I'm glad you decided to open your gates again, there are more live than dead showing up every week."

"It wasn't an easy decision," Harry told Ezekiel. "We are still not opened and I doubt we ever will be. I'm doing this by invitation only."

"I understand." Ezekiel stopped and rested a hand on his shoulders. "There are times I've been tempted to do the same." He looked away from Harry and he suspected that something was wrong.

"What are you hiding from me, Ez?"

"After we've taken care of the matter at hand," Ezekiel told him cupping his cheeks. "We have a new enemy, and it's not the dead."

Harry sighed and looked away. This was one of the reason's why he'd closed the doors to the haven. He got tired of putting his people in danger. "How bad is it?"

"War is coming," Ezekiel told him.

"Why did you wait so long to tell me?" Harry asked his friend and once lover.

"Because I thought I could handle it. I don't need you to run to my rescue every time something happens."

"I know you can take care of things, Ez, but you should have told me."

Ezekiel chuckled. "I've missed you, missed the fire in your eyes."

"Although I already have an idea what's going on. Stop trying to change the subject," Harry told him. "After we deal with the quarry. I want to hear everything from you."

"I hear an or at the end of that sentence," Ezekiel said.

"Or, I'll have Shiva stay with me for a week." At hearing her name, the tiger rubbed her large head against his legs. Harry reached down and scratched behind her ears. "Would you like to stay with me you beautiful, girl?"

Ezekiel chuckled, and Harry looked up at him. "As loyal as she is to me, I'm quite certain you are the only one she will kill me for."

"Don't say that," Harry said to him.

"She's not the only one, Harry," Ezekiel whispered stepping closer to him.

He was about to say something, and the clearing of someone's throat stopped him. Harry looked up and remembered that Rick and the other's were standing there. Jerry was looking around the room as if he'd found something interesting on the walls. It wasn't a secret that Harry and Ezekiel were once lovers. On their first meeting, they knew it wouldn't last, or Harry knew it wouldn't last. As much as he liked sharing his bed with the older and more experienced man, Ezekiel wasn't the one for him. Ezekiel was a muggleborn and knew who and what Harry was. He also wasn't very powerful magically, but he could hold his own. He'd kept Harry's secret from his people, and Harry had kept his. However, Harry suspected that Jerry knew that Ezekiel was a wizard. The staff he carried wasn't just a stick. It had Ezekiel's wand on the top and a Katana on the bottom. Ezekiel was a pacifist but would defend his people and those he cared about if he needed to.

"Don't we have more important things to discuss?" Rick said looking at them.

Ezekiel stared at Rick for a few seconds then smiled. "I believe you're right, Rick, is it?"

Ezekiel was up to something Harry could tell. He just didn't know what. Harry looked away from Ez and back to Rick. The man looked better than when they were trapped in the quarry filled with the walkers. After he'd got them out by revealing his true form. He saw how scared Rick was. He'd thought about telling the other man everything but thought it was better to erase his memories. He didn't have time to plant false ones because they were not safe. He'd knocked Rick out and got them out of there and to the Haven dumping Rick at the infirmary.

Harry had lied to Daryl. Telling him that Rick was the one that came up with the plan by getting in touch with the other group leaders. From that advantage, Harry was able to see that the quarry was larger than he'd originally thought and there was a path for the dead to walk in and out of. He'd shown Daryl and the rest of Rick's group the same thing he showed Rick. Harry hated lying, but he didn't want to see that look of terror on Rick's face again. It hurt him deeply that the man seemed to reject him without even understanding or knowing what he was. He didn't want to examine why Rick's reaction affected him the way it did. But deep down he knew why.

"Harry are you okay?" Ezekiel asked him getting his attention.

He looked at the older man and smiled. "Yeah, I'm good. Let's get to work while we wait for the other's arriving." He shrugged off Ezekiel's hands and started walking to the conference room. There was no time for him to examine his hurt feelings. What's done is done, Rick won't remember what he saw, and that's all that mattered.

They were sitting in the conference room. At least ten people sitting and another ten or so standing behind the group leader they came with. Rick was standing behind Potter's chair. He didn't know why he was standing, when he should have been sitting down with the rest of the leaders. He wasn't alone, Daryl, Michonne, and one of the redheads was standing beside him. Rick stood with his arms crossed trying to show an air of authority as he watched the faces of all the men and women in the room. Potter was trying to explain the problem with the quarry. Each person agreed that there seemed to be an influx of walkers of late and even with the cold weather it didn't seem to be slowing them down.

"What do you propose?" One of the guys asked.

Rick has never seen these people before. He also couldn't remember the name of the man that spoke what group he was from.

"Stephen, has a good question, Harry," Ezekiel said to him.

"I know, but what I have in mind will take all of us," Harry told them.

"Then let's hear it," another group leader said.

"My first plan was to blow the son of a bitch up with all of them in it. The noise and fire would definitely more to the quarry. But that's where you guys would come in. My people and I would handle the rear. You guys would handle the hoard. We have to find a way to slip them up and take out as many as we can."

Rick had to admit the plan was good. But with a few tweaks here or there it would be perfect. They wouldn't be able to get rid of all the walkers no matter how hard they tried. But using fire and noise to draw them out to different sections rather than one place would diminish the walker's numbers.

"You brought us all here when we have more pressing matters going on to deal with walkers that you can handle yourself?" said another one.

"You make it sound easy, Thomas," Harry answered the guy. "How many more of the dead did you kill on the way here? Did it feel as if you were fighting for your life just to get out of your compound?" Thomas looked away, and so did the others sitting around the table. "Look I know what I said sound as if it will be easy." Potter threw a stack of photos to the middle of the table, and a few of the people took them and was staring at them.

"What are these?" One of the women asked. If Rick remembered clearly her name was Deanna.

"Those, Deanna, are hordes from five different directions heading towards your compounds,' he said, and everyone gasped. "I have more pictures you can take a look at them later. But as it stands we have much more pressing matters to deal with like the survival of your people. And that we cannot ignore." Potter looked at Thomas as he spoke.

"Fuck, there must be thousands of them," one of the women who came said.

Rick looked over her shoulder at the photograph and mentally gasped it was more than what he'd witnessed in the quarry. "How many weapons do you have on hand?" he asked before he could stop himself.

"Who are you?" Thomas asked.

"This is Rick Grimes," Potter answered for him. "And he's with me."

Potter and Thomas stared at each other and Rick got the feeling that he was missing something that everyone else was in on and not him. Out of the corner of his eyes he tried to gauge Daryl and Michonne to see if they were feeling the same vibes he was. From the looks on their faces they were. He shifted his eyes back to the staring match between Potter and Thomas and he couldn't help but wonder. How far do these people go back?

"I've never seen him before." One of the men said.

"Dwight, have I met everyone you're associated with?" Potter asked. Dwight shook his head, in Rick's opinion the man seemed nervous. "Then I see no reason for further questions as to who's in my group. Now let's get back to the matter at hand."

"Speaking of which I like your plan. But I think you need to explain you seeped into the room.

"Always looking out for your lover, huh, King," Dwight said with a smirk.

"Dwight, you know better than anyone I don't need to watch out for Harry, he can do fine all by himself. Or did you forget what happened the last time you tried to show him how big your dick was?"

"I don't have to sit here and listen to this," Dwight said getting up and grabbing the photo's and nodded to the man that came with him. They opened the door and stopped when they saw Ron and Blaise standing at the door. "What you're not letting me leave?"

"Hardly you're free to go," Potter told him. "But I'd rather you're escorted off the compound."

"Don't you trust me, Harry?" Dwight asked.

"Not even with my left nut," he said then looked at Ron. "You know what to do." Ron nodded and grabbed Dwight and his friend by the arms. Blaise closed the door. "Now that he's gone, I think we can get to work."

"I don't get what the hell just happened," Rick said, and again his mouth got the better of him.

"Dwight was only invited to the party for one reason only," Harry told him.

"And that was?" Rick asked still not understanding.

"To see just how much he cared about his people," Harry answered. "Majority of the horde his heading right for his compound and his people won't survive."

"We can't let all those people die," Deanna said again.

"They are not going to die."

The entire table turned when the blond, Luna who always spoke in riddles in Rick's opinion, entered the room.

"Why are you so sure that they aren't going to die?" another woman asked.

"Because Natania, Harry won't let it happen," Luna answered as she walked in and stood beside Rick.

"You have a lot of faith in him," another of the ladies said to her.

Luna smiled, and for the first time since Rick met her. She didn't give them one of those dreamy expressions she usually has on her face.

"Sadis, I think you know better than to underestimate my brother," Luna finally answered resting her hand on Harry's shoulders. He reached up and touched her hand gently.

Brother! Are they related? They look absolutely nothing alike. Maybe it's a figure of speech?

She looked at Rick as if knowing what he was thinking and smiled. He looked into her eyes, and for the first time he noticed the green flecks in her blue eyes and wondered why was he just noticing it.

"Look," Potter began. "I know it was asking a lot getting you all to leave your safe zones to come here and listen to me. And ask you guys to defend everyone else's camps when all you care about is your own." Rick turned to see everyone staring at Potter. "And you I get it. Because I care about all those people that are living in my compound. I worry about the tiniest child to the oldest adult. I know each, and every one of their names and I want to protect them just as much as you want to protect your people." Potter stood to his feet. "When will you people get that, we are not the enemies and the dead are the ones we need to be banding together to fight? Until you people get that, the fucking dead will pick us off one by one. So either you are willing to help me get rid of the pit that will become to crowded to hold them or get the fuck off my property."

Rick looked at everyone in the room and waited to see who was going to get up and leave when no one did.

Potter sat back down. "Good now, let's get to work."

Harry was walking out of the conference room they'd just got done with their meeting. Harry had, had the feeling that things were going to get a bit better in a few minutes. Once everyone was done showing who's cock was bigger. Harry couldn't believe Rick stood behind him the entire time and didn't say anything. His stomach turned at the thought that he had to erase the man's memory even during the meeting it nagged at him that he had done it.

Ezekiel caught up with him before he walked into his office. While the others were going back to their compound, Ezekiel and Jerry were spending the night.

"So you and the Grimes guy?" he asked.

"Are friends, hell I doubt the likes me," Harry commented.

"Yes, that's why he looked positively jealous when I hugged you." Ez chuckled. "I see you're oblivious as usual."

"That was just your imagination," Harry said opening his office door. They walked in, and he closed the door then walked over to his desk sitting down.

"What is it you want to talk to me about?" Harry asked him.

"We have a new group leader, and he's not like the other's," Ezekiel said, and that got Harry attention.

"I know," Harry said.

"You know about Negan? How?" Ezekiel asked. "He is very dangerous and very manipulative," Ezekiel told him. "He's already strong-armed most of the leaders that were here tonight into giving him half of their supplies. No doubt once he hears about your compound he will be knocking down your door."

"That's if he finds out, you should know by now I always have a contingency plan," Harry told him.

"I know that," Ezekiel said to him. "But what if . . ." Ezekiel stared at Harry for a long minute. "You've been keeping tabs on everyone haven't you?"

"Did you think I would leave you alone?" Harry asked. "You're my friend, Ez. It was hard to close our doors, but I needed to take care of my people, and after Hermione died, I thought I was going to die inside."

"That's why you decided to blood adopt Luna?" Ezekiel asked.

"Yes, but she suggested it before I asked. I can't lose anyone else I care about," Harry told him.

"So what are we going to do about, Negan?"

"For now, nothing," Harry told him.

"What if he finds out about this place, among all of us you have the most to lose?"

"He won't be the first person to try to come in here and take over," Harry told him.

"I think Dwight and Sadis are helping him," Ezekiel confided in him.

"We don't need to worry about Dwight after today, and I have a plan. I think it's time for the Hilltop Colony to get a new leader. Dwight is a spineless sod who should have been ousted a long time ago. As for Sadis, she's as loyal as the wind. She goes wherever it suits her. But you're right; she's his eye's and ears."

"So why did you let her in here if you knew that?" Ezekiel asked.

Harry was about to answer when there was a knock at his door. "Enter!" The door opened, and Rick walked in.

"Oh, I didn't know you were busy," he said.

"He's not, I was getting ready to leave," Ezekiel stood and leaned down to whisper in Harry's ears. "Look in his eyes, and you will see what I see." Harry looked over Ezekiel's shoulder and looked into Rick's eyes and the fire he saw surprised him. Ezekiel leaned back and kissed him on the cheek then swaggered out of the room.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Grimes?" He asked when the door closed after Ezekiel walked out.

"Are you fucking him?"

"Pardon me?" Harry asked. The question threw him for a loop he wasn't expecting that question to come from Rick. "What right do you have to come in here and ask me that?"

"Just answer the fucking question," Rick snapped.

"Why should I?" Harry said narrowing his eyes. "Do you have a problem with two men being together? Have we offended your heterosexual senses . . ." Harry didn't get to finish his rant because the other man grabbed him by the back of the neck and pulled him against his body. Harry's hand instantly went to Rick's muscular chest. He looked up into the taller man's bright blue eyes and searched for an understanding of what was going on. Harry went to push away from Rick but a hand wrapped around his waist stopping his movements.

"Rick . . ."

"I've been trying to stop myself from thinking about you. Half the time I want to punch that smug smile off your face since the moment I woke up. And the other half I can't stop myself from watching your every moved every time we are in the same room together. I've been trying to tell myself the more I keep from trusting you, the more I won't want you. But . . ."

"But," Harry said.

"Nothing I do makes me not want you . . ."

"Rick . . ." Harry started but was stopped when soft plush lips connected with his. Harry moaned and closed his eyes. Rick's tongue peeked out asking for permission to enter his mouth causing him to gasp giving him the answer. This was unexpected.

Rick didn't know what the fuck he was doing. Just a couple of weeks ago he was accusing the man of living with his heads in the cloud, and now they were kissing. They shouldn't be doing this. There were more important things going on, like the walker horde making their way to their safe haven. But for the life of him, Rick couldn't let himself pull away. All day he'd been on edge ever since he woke up in the hospital wing. One minute he was angry and the next he wanted to what he was doing now. Being around Potter was doing something his senses causing him to act irrationally. His irrational jealousy when he saw anyone touch Potter. Rick was starting to think of Potter as his. Potter's moaned brought Rick back to the present. He focused on the delectable man that was in his arms. Soft yet, muscular. He slowly moved the hand wrapped around Potter's waist down to the supple butt squeezing and kneading it. He felt his cock harden at the thought of having his cock between the meaty flesh. Having Potter's walls squeezing and milking every drop of cum from him.

Fuck, I've never had thoughts or feelings like this before.

Rick trailed his lips from Potter's lips down to his chin then to his neck sucking and nipping at the skin. He should stop and pull. He trailed his lips back up to Potter's lips and swallowed his moan as he backed him up to the door. Potter gasped when his back hit the door. Rick flattened his palm against the door and pushed his hard cock up against Potter's equally hard erection. Potter reached around and grabbed Rick's ass grinding their dicks together.

"Shit-so-shit," Potter babbled against his lips.

Rick wasn't doing any better his brain was short-circuiting, and all he could do was feel the man rubbing against him.

"Rick. . ." he panted.

Rick groaned hearing his name coming from such sweet kiss-swollen lips. Rick could feel the heat coming from their cocks even through their clothes, and he was more turned than he'd ever been in his life. Harry shuddered against him, and Rick wanted more; much more. He stepped back reluctantly and stared at Harry who looked too fucking sexy for words.

"Strip," Rick ordered.

Harry gasped and licked his lips. "Do you know what you're doing?" he asked looking at Rick.

Rick moved quicker than he thought possible wrapping his fingers around Harry's neck but not applying any pressure. Harry moaned, and Rick felt the pleasure coursed down his spine. He leaned in closer and whispered into Harry's ear. "Did I give you permission to speak?" Harry shook his head that time, and Rick heard him audible swallow. "Good, now, do as you're told, and maybe I will give you a reward."

Harry's breath hitched, Rick smiled at the power he seemed to have over the other man. He stepped back and sat in the chair nearest to him with his legs open hoping to relieve some of the tension of his hard cock. Rick didn't know what was happening to him. He'd never been this dominating or demanding when it came to the women he took to bed and definitely not with his late wife, Lori. With Harry, he felt the need to take charge and fuck it was turning him the fuck on.

Harry pulled off the door and stepped directly in front of Rick, his green aroused eyes never leaving his. Harry reached down and grabbed the hem of his T-shirt pulling it off slowly, letting it land on the ground. Rick's eyes slowly scanned over Harry's creamy white skin taking in every flaw and perfection he could see. Taught muscles that had Rick thinking of going to his knees and let his tongue glide over Harry's beautiful skin. Harry reached down and loosened the laces on his sneakers then stood and kicked them off. Harry's hands went to his waistband and unbuttoned the fastenings of his jeans and pushed it below his waist and his hard cock sprang out bouncing. Fuck, he went commando. Once his jeans reached his mid-thigh, Rick spoke in the silent but aroused filled room.

"Stop," he ordered, and Harry's hands froze, as his jeans fell the rest of the way on its own. "Jerk off for me," Rick told him. "Give me the reason to fuck you now."

Shit, what the fuck am I saying? Rick thought, but he couldn't make a move to stand and walk out of the room.

He didn't know why he was acting that way or why Harry was following his orders. Rick wanted to see how Harry touched himself and by God, if there was still one, Rick wanted to fuck the other man on every flat surface in the Manor. He wanted to leave marks on his body telling everyone to stay away from his mate.

Mate? Where the fuck did that come from?

Rick didn't get a chance to answer the question his mind sputtered when Harry groaned and grabbed his leaking cock moving his palm back and forth swiping his thumb over the head.

"Look at me," he told Harry when he noticed his eyes were closed. "Keep your eyes on me."

Harry snapped his eyes open and looked at him. Rick slouched down slightly in the chair legs wide open, hoping to release some of the pressure on his cock. He unbuttoned his jeans and took out his cock that was weeping with joy. He started pulling on it matching Harry's pace that seemed to speed up. With his free hand, Rick reached out to Harry wordlessly bidding him over to him. Harry stepped out of his jeans that had pooled at his feet taking Rick's hand. He pulled Harry down who straddled his lap.

Fuck, he feels good, in my arms. Was Rick's first thought. He looked down at Harry's weeping cock and wanted to touch it. Batting Harry's hand away from his own cock, Rick's fingers curled his cock before the other man could complain.

"Fuck, my hand," Rick told him.

Harry leaned back resting his hands on Rick's knees arching his back moving and grinding his hips. It was so fucking hot, and Rick knew he wasn't going to hold back his orgasm. He felt his balls tightened and precum soaked his cock. Harry threw his back and came with a loud scream that would sure to have people in the Manor running to see if he was okay. Rick wasn't sure if it was his lust filled haze. Or was he seeing things? But he could've sworn he saw the tips of sharp fangs peeking out of Harry's mouth. He didn't have time to question things because he came, spurting cum aiming for Harry's chest. He milked both their cocks as Harry's body's shuddered and his cock hardened more. Rick was still hard as well, and it seemed he would be fucking Harry before they left the room. Harry leaned forward his eyes were closed he opened them. They were filled with lust and something else that Rick couldn't put into words and frankly he didn't care at that moment. He wanted to fuck the sweet, succulent man sitting on his lap.

Rick released his cock and looked at the cum on his fingers then back to Harry who was gasping for breath. He looked back down at the cum still on Harry's chest feeling the urge to do something about it. With the cum still on his fingers, he swirled it in the cum on Harry's chest. Scooping up their cum he brought it to Harry's lips. He opened his pretty lips and licked Rick's fingers taking it deep in his mouth moaning. Rick's eyes dilated watching his pick tongue peek out licking his fingers clean. Harry purred like a kitten lapping up the sweetest cream and Rick wanted to reach up and caress his long black hair that was still in the plat. Rick wanted to see Harry with his hair down splayed across his pillow while he plowed into him. Fuck, Rick wanted more than that; he wanted Harry forever and as crazy as it might sound it didn't scare him as much as it should.

Harry's body was on fire, his mind was hazy, and he couldn't see straight. He has never felt this way with anyone he'd been with. If he'd ever doubted his that Rick Grimes was his mate, the way he was feeling was his confirmation. The way Rick's fingers felt on his skin calmed and excited him. Harry knew the second his creature took over and became submissive to their mate. In every aspect of his life he was in control, but in bed he usually let his partner have their way. Even if he was the one that topped. Other than this moment the only other time he'd felt safe enough to let go was with Neville. It happened when he first found out about his creature inheritance. Teeth sinking into his skin pulled him away from the past and into the present.

"Why do I want to bury my cock deep inside of you?" Rick asked.

Harry couldn't answer because Rick bit down hard on his nipple. He grunted, and his hips moved on its own accord.

"I don't like seeing another man touch or look at you with lust in their eyes." Harry moaned listening to Rick's confession of jealousy. "So fucking sexy."

Harry couldn't take it anymore he wanted more than just words. He wanted Rick to claim him now, but he couldn't make it happen. Rick didn't know who or what he was.

"Let me see them," Rick said.

"See what?"

"Your wings," Rick told him.

Harry snapped his eyes open and stared at Rick. "I . . . I don't . . ."

Rick placed a finger on his lips quieting him. "I don't remember all the details or what the hell happened. But I do remember you saved my life."

"I-"

"Thank you." Rick kissed him before he could say more in denial.

Harry felt the kiss deep down in his bones. The veela in him was purring that their mate recognized a part of them. His cock jerked in renewed interest and rubbed against the rough fabric. He was still completely naked, and Rick fully dressed turned him on the more he thought about it.

Rick pulled back from their kiss. "What are you?"

"It's a complicated answer."

Harry wasn't sure how he was going to explain what he was to Rick especially with the state of the world. inferi's's roaming the earth, and people were fighting against each other trying to be the rulers of a broken kingdom. How could explain magic and creatures that are human and are still affected by death? How can he explain that even though he was the master of death, he couldn't fix or stop what was happening? Man and their need for eternal life was the cause of what happened. He was the master of natural death.

"I don't know what's going on between us," Rick cupped his cheeks with both hands. "But I don't want any secrets. I want to be able to trust you."

Harry nodded. "I want you to trust me too. But not tonight." He leaned in and rested his forehead on Rick's. "Tonight, I want you to make me feel. Make me forget everything outside of this room."

He needed to feel Rick inside because he knew what he had to do. Rick couldn't be his he'd never feared telling anyone who or what he was until this very moment. Harry didn't understand how Rick was able to remember some parts of what happened, but it won't happen again. He was disheartened because he'd finally found his mate but Harry had to let him go. Slowly, he got off Rick's lap and backed away. He stood in front of him naked and started swaying his hips. He moved to the beat in his head dancing for his mate. This was a private moment no one will ever see this. Harry closed his letting his fingers glide over his body enticing his mate drawing and pulling him in. The beat grew louder and louder as he moved to it. He arched his back, and his wings flared. He heard the gasped and ignored and continued to dance. Sweat coating his body, his hair was loosened from its braid, and his mind free of everything thing else other than his mate. When he came to the last part of his dance Harry swayed over to Rick stooping between his legs going to his knees and swallowed the other man's cock in one go taking it to the back of his throat. He wanted to give his all to his mate, pleasure, and please him before completely removing all memory of their time together. Harry only hoped that he would be able to live with the memory of what they shared.

Rick moaned and cupped the back of his neck as his head bobbed up and down. Harry clenched his ass feeling the secretion between his butt cheeks. He was a submissive creature and when aroused produces his own lubricant, he also didn't need to be stretched. He'd taken care of that during his dance. He'd purposely seduced Rick with his dance once he knew that he was in front of his mate. Pulling his mouth away from Rick's cock a long trail of spittle still connected them. Harry swallowed Rick's cock again licking and swirling his tongue around the head. Taking in Rick's taste keeping it to memory.

"Need to cum… want to cum inside you."

Harry didn't want to deny Rick anything at that moment. Light touches on his wings caused him to shiver, and he cooed around Rick's cock in his mouth. He reluctantly pulled away from Rick standing to his feet. Rick stood and undressed to Harry's disappointment he wanted to feel the roughness of Rick's clothes against him. Wanted to wear the marks they would leave behind for days. Once he was naked, Rick sat back down and pulled Harry to him. Harry straddled his legs and gripped Rick's cock positioned to his already waiting hole.

Rick stopped him with hands on his hips before he could push down on his cock. "Wait, don't we need lube and condom?"

"I took care of the lubricant and tonight I want to feel you without barriers between us."

Harry slowly pushed down on Rick's cock watching the emotions expressed on his face. He wanted to remember what his mate looked like their first and only time. Rick shuddered once Harry was fully seated on his cock. He licked his lips before pulling Harry in for a brutal kiss. Rick's fingers tightened on his hips as Harry moved up and riding his mates cock their lips still connected. Harry rode his mates cock digging his nails into Rick's skin leaving his own marks. He pulled his head back and tilted it to the side staring at Rick. He shifted his hips so that Rick's cock would brush against his prostate with each thrust.

Their moans and grunts echoing off the walls that couldn't be heard by anyone in the manor. His cock bounced off his stomach as he met every one of Rick's thrust. He loved the small jolt of pain he received from each snap. Harry felt his canines elongated and his veela ready to bite and taste their mates blood. He knew the second his eyes shifted and his colorful world went black and white. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back unconsciously giving Rick permission to bite him. As if reading the signal Rick growled before teeth clamped down on Harry's neck. He arched his back and screamed as jets of cum spurted from his cock. Rick came seconds after him, his teeth sunk further into Harry's neck probably breaking skin. Harry was aware he should stop Rick. Stop him from connecting them any further, but he couldn't his veela needed this. He never thought he'd have a mate because he was a dark veela to find and mate with him only to lose him after was heart-rending. Not many would understand why he was letting Rick go, but another creature would. It wasn't an easy decision. Harry held onto Rick as if he was dying for breath and only the other man could save him. He didn't want to let him go. Not yet, not now that he'd found him. Rick pulled back, and Harry opened his eyes. Blood smearing Rick's lips and some ran down his chin. Harry couldn't resist leaning up and licked the blood from his chin to his lips. His canines scraped against Rick's lips. His hips hadn't stopped moving even after his orgasm and Rick was still erect inside plowing inside of him.

"I want you to bite me," Rick said shocking him. Everything stopped.

He leaned back and looked into Rick's face. "I…"

"Don't argue with me." Blue eyes were staring defiantly staring into his. I want to feel more of the connection pulling us together since I woke up some weeks ago. I feel incomplete and being with you complete me."

Harry trailed his eyes away from Rick's face to the pulsing vein in his neck. His veela purred it wanted to do what their mate asked. And truthfully he wanted to taste Rick's blood. He leaned up and groaned when Rick's cock brushed against his prostate. Rick's hands cupped the back of his head pushing his lips close to his neck. He took in a deep breath loving the way Rick's skin smelled of sex and sweat. He licked a stripe from Rick's collarbone to the back of ear then back down again before sinking his teeth into the juncture of his neck. His eyes widened the second Rick's blood touched his tongue. It tasted like sweet ambrosia giving him life. Rick started moving his hips fucking Harry as he drank his blood.

"That's it, baby," Rick whispered close to his ear. "Take all that you need."

Harry was in lust, between Rick's blood and his cock doing maddening things to him. And he knew he was going to cum for the third time that night. He didn't know how it was possible. After having his fill, Harry pulled his teeth back and licked the wound closed healing it completely. No one else would notice it but another mated veela. Rick grabbed his hips and stood Harry automatically wrapped his legs around his waist. Rick went to his knees laying Harry down on his back.

"Going to fuck you nice and deep. Want you to cum for me again."

Rick was true to his word his thrusts became deeper and deeper. To the point, Harry could feel the man's cock in his stomach. His orgasm was building once again. Rick leaned down kissing him sloppily. His hips lost in it own rhythm as he fucked Harry senseless.

"Rick…" Harry couldn't finish his words as cum jetted out between them once again. He felt Rick's cum searing his walls claiming him leaving his mark. Tears trailed down the side of his face his heart was breaking. He will never have this again. If Rick really knew what he was, he would hate him. He was scared of the rejection. He held on to Rick and cried out letting the other hold him. When a hard knot brushed against his prostate, Harry froze. What the hell?

Rick tossed and turned when he heard voices and tried to figure out who was taking.

"Are you sure about this?"

"No, but it's the right thing to do."

Harry that voice he recognized.

"He can't remember any of it, Blaise."

"But he knotted, you and you know what that means."

"I do, but I won't find out if anything happened for a couple of months."

"Why do you always make things harder for yourself?"

"I'm not trying to," Harry answered. "What would have me do, Blaise?"

"Tell him the truth, Harry," Blaise said. "Explain everything."

"He wouldn't understand, Blaise. I saw how scared he was of me at the quarry. I can't bear to see that fear in his eyes again."

What the hell are they talking about? Rick wondered in and out of consciousness. Knot, what the hell? What the fuck is that?

"What if he's not a muggle and doesn't know?" Blaise asked. "He could be like Teddy."

"And what if I imagined the knot? What if I told him and he rejects me? I can't deal with that kind of rejection Blaise."

"For the record as your friend, I think you're making a mistake."

"I know," Harry whispered, and Rick wanted to go comfort him.

He didn't know what mistake Harry had made, but whatever it was they voted to talk about it. The sound of a door opened then closed, and Rick opened his eyes. He saw Blaise stand next to him.

"Where's Harry?" Blaise didn't answer him, and Rick became aggravated. He tried to get up but couldn't move. "What the hell is going on?"

"Promise me when you find out the truth you won't turn your back on him."

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Just promise me," Blaise snapped. "Out of all of us alive, he deserves some semblance of happiness."

Rick stared at the other man whatever he needed him to promise must be important. He didn't know Blaise well but knew he cared about Harry as did the rest of his friends. He wanted to know why they were so loyal to the man. He wanted to know everything about Harry.

"I promise."

"Good," Blaise said just before Rick's world went black.

Harry turned when he the door opened, and Blaise exited.

"It's done."

Harry's knees buckled, and Blaise was there to catch him lifting him in his arms. An anguished expelled from him and Harry let go.

"It's going to be okay."

Harry knew that things were not going to be okay. He'd just turned his back on happily ever after because of his fear. Harry thought he'd grown out of being rejected, but apparently, he hadn't. Now he would live a life of loneliness, with only the memories of what it was like to be with his mate.

The next morning Rick walked into the direction of the dining room hearing loud voices. He stood off to the side peeking around the corner into the room and hoped no one would see him. He wanted to listen to what they were talking about. His mistrust for their saviors was growing especially after what Maggie him the other day.

"Why would he do that, Blaise?" Draco asked.

"Love, please, calm down," Ron said to his lover.

"No, I will not calm down. Harry, deserves to be happy and I cannot believe you listened to him."

"I did what he asked, well sort of," Blaise said.

Draco narrowed his eyes. "What did you do exactly?"

"I am a Slytherin am I not?"

"Bloody hell," Ron yelled. "I don't know what you did. But you realize once he finds out what you did he's going to curse your arse into next week."

"I'm willing to take that risk," Blaise told him. "It's time Harry get one thing he wants in this lifetime."

"True," Ron said nodding. "When do you think he'll figure things out."

"I'm hoping he never finds out. But with Harry's luck, it will happen soon."

"I can't believe you two are fine with this," Draco snapped.

"I'm not fine with it," Ron said, and Blaise nodded. "But it's what he thinks he needs right now Draco and we nothing we say is going to change his mind. You know how stubborn he is when he gets something in his head?"

"Dammit, he makes me so angry. I feel like going up to his room right now, and shake some damn sense into him." Draco sighed.

"I know but what he needs is some space let's give him that. I doubt we'll see him today," Blaise said.

"I know someone who might help cheer him up," Draco said to them.

"Who?" Blaise asked.

"When was the last time Neville visited?" Draco asked.

Both men looked at the blond and Rick wondered where he had heard the name before. He still had no idea what was going on. All he knew was that it had something to do with Potter. Is he sick? Rick touched his chest and furrowed his brows at the thought that something was wrong with Potter.

"It might help since they have a connection," Blaise said.

"They do have something in common," Ron added.

Connection. Rick's heart was beating so fast it felt as if it was about to jump out of his chest. The word brought to mind glowing threads connecting two people, together for life.

"Okay, let me send a message," Draco said. "Until then we keep others away from him. Ron, you're in charge of keeping Teddy busy for a couple of days. He's going to want to know what happened. Harry's never lied to the child, so I say go with the truth. Blaise, you are the second in command around here, well do that then."

Draco walked out of the dining room and Rick slunk as far as he could go into the wall hoping Draco didn't see him. He breathed a sigh of relief when

"Is it me he's become bossier in the past couple of months?" Blaise asked.

"Hormones, mate, hormones," Ron sighed.

Rick was trying very hard to piece things together, but he felt as if he was listening to two people talk in riddles.

"Anyway, let's get going and do what Draco wants before he comes back and barks more orders at us."

Rick watched as both men exit the dining room talking in hushed tones. Rick stepped from his hiding spot and walked into the dining room sitting down to eat although he wasn't hungry. When he'd woken up that morning, he felt as if there should have been someone sleeping next to him. An image came to his mind, but Rick felt nothing like he normally should when he thought of his late wife. He also felt well rested, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. His chest still ached, and he felt out of sorts. He looked up when Tyreese entered the dining room followed by Sasha and Maggie.

"Hey, Rick," Tyreese said. "Michonne and Sasha will be down in a bit. But where's everyone else?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "When I got here, no one was here." Why the fuck did I just lie to my own people?

"Just as well," Maggie said. "I wanted to talk to you about what happened at the meeting yesterday."

"Good morning."

Everyone turned and looked at Ezekiel mumbling their own good mornings. He walked into the room and sat down in the chair nearest to Rick. "Did you and Harry discussion go late into the night?"

"No," he answered.

"No, we ended up arguing like we always do," Rick felt as if his words were lies. His chest started to burn, and he absently rubbed it.

Ezekiel stared at him and then hummed. "I see, well it was not meant to be then."

What the hell was that supposed to mean? Fucking riddles. Not in the mood to eat Rick got up from the table excusing himself. "Let me know when it's time to get rid of the walkers heading this way."

Rick walked out of the dining room and went in search of something, what he had no fucking idea. He just knew that something was missing and he didn't know what or where to find it.

The bed dipped, but Harry didn't turn around to look and see who it was. Draco, Blaise, Ron, Fred, George, and even Luna had been in and out of his room. He had no idea what day it was. He knew that his friends were keeping Teddy busy, Harry missed his son and wished he could explain to him what had happened. Andromeda had come to sit with him and tried to get him to eat, but he'd lost his appetite. A soft kiss was placed on his cheek just as the scent of a dominant veela assaulted his senses. He sighed knowing exactly who it was.

Neville.

His smiled turned into sadness and tears pooled in his eyes. He rolled over and buried his face in Neville's chest. Harry didn't need to explain to Neville what he did. Harry knew Neville would understand. He'd done the same to protect his own mate. The other side of the bed dipped, and Harry felt arms wrapped around him. Theodore Nott-Longbottom. After Harry and Neville had come into their creature inheritance, they had thought they would have been mates. But later they realized that they were not compatible. Neville's dominant nature soothed him. Their intimacy consisted of a few touches and kisses but nothing else. When Neville realized the Theodore Nott was his mate he'd tried to deny him. Tried pushing him away because of what was going on after the war. Neville didn't want to put his mate in danger and thought that it would be better if Theo didn't know they were mates. However, Theo knew Neville was his mate and was waiting for him to claim him. Theo had received his creature inheritance early had sniffed out his mate. Theo didn't let Neville reject him, they argued and fought more than Ron and Draco did in the beginning. After a while, Neville couldn't deny his mate and claimed him.

"It's okay, Harry," Theo whispered in his ear running his fingers through his ear.

It only made him cry more. Theo and Neville's arms tightened around him cocooning him in a blanket of love. They stayed like that for awhile not one word spoke between the three of them. Harry cried until his throat hurt, and his head ached. But it was nothing like the hurt he had in his heart. He refused to take any pain relievers that would stop his pain. He needed to continue to feel something. The connection between him and Rick was still there, the blood they shared was still in his system. Harry's well aware that he will need to wait for their connection to lesson but he did not know hat he was going to do the first time he saw Rick. He took a deep breath letting it out slowly. He was tired of everything and finally felt safe to sleep. He let Neville and Theo hold him while he drifted off to sleep.

"This is worse than we thought," Theo said to his mate.

"Yeah, I know."

Theo caressed a finger down Harry's face. "What are we going to do?"

"Support him. He knows he made a mistake. But it was his mistake to make." Neville looked at Theo. "I know where his mind is as a veela, but as a submissive, I'm lost."

"He's scared," Theo told him. "One of the greatest fear for a submissive, is finding their dominant mate and being rejected."

"You weren't afraid."

Theo scoffed. "I was scared out of my mind that you might reject me because of my last name. But I wanted you, and I wasn't going to let you go. It's different for Harry."

"Everything is always different for him. Just once I would love for things to be normal for him."

Theo snickered. "He would have to be normal for things to be that way."

"Is it bad that I don't envy him in this one instance?" Neville asked. "His mate is human and doesn't seem to trust him or anyone around him."

"Do you think he's pregnant?"

Neville placed a hand on Harry's stomach then looked at Theo. "I can't tell it's still too soon."

Harry shifted in his sleep and whispered Rick's name. Both Neville and Theo wrapped their arms around him. "This is not going to be easy."

Neville nodded. "No, it's not. Hopefully, before we return to London things will have worked itself out."

"From your lips to Merlin's ear."

Neville reached up and cupped one of Theo's cheeks. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Theo told him back.

Rick was angry, and he didn't know why. Three days. It's been three days since he last saw Potter. He was starting to feel a bit offended, each time he'd asked where the man was he was told he busy. Busy with what? Rick knew it was a lie.

Ezekiel had returned to his kingdom or whatever the hell he called it. However, he'll be back once Potter from wherever the hell he went. Rick had the strangest feeling that Ezekiel knew more than he was letting on. Rick had been apart of them and was always accompanied by a few of Potter's people. It could be Rick's paranoia or his imagination. But it seemed as if he and his people were not trusted. Each time they left the compound he'd tried remembering the path they took going and coming. But Rick could never remember anything. It was as if his mind went blank. He'd tried backtracking his steps, and he always seemed to end up in a different room on the compound.

Rick had thought about asking the other's in his group, but they might have thought he was crazy. He didn't want to think what you happen if they had to make a sudden dash from the compound since the hoard was getting bigger. For now, there were teams going out day and night. They were trying to lessen the walker's numbers. He'd taken his anger out on the walker's. Rick had to admit Potter's people were efficient and moved quickly. They were well trained and took out the walkers quicker than Rick, and his team ever did. But no matter how many they killed daily. It seemed as if the horde got larger overnight.

Rick looked around the corner to see if anyone was coming. He'd followed the two new guest that had arrived at the Manor a couple of hours ago and was ushered to this part of the Manor without being introduced to anyone.

"You have a bad habit of sneaking around in places you shouldn't be."

Rick sighed and turned his head confronting the blonde girl who Potter and her lovers only seem to be able to understand.

"I wasn't sneaking around," Rick lied.

"If you say so. But you still shouldn't be in this part of the Manor."

"What's so special about this part? I thought we were allowed free access? It's not like the president is sleeping in there."

She smiled. "I like you, Mr. Grimes. You're not afraid to tell us how you feel."

"Why should I be?" Rick asked shrugging his shoulders.

"Exactly, why should you be afraid?"

Fucking riddles again.

"Where is Potter?" he asked her.

"I'm pretty sure we've told you he's occupied."

"Is he sick?" Rick's stomach hurt like it did every time he thought about Potter being sick or hurt.

Luna tilted her head to the side. "What if I told you he's with his lover?"

Rick felt a sharp pain in his chest. He grunted and clenched his fist to stop himself from rubbing his chest. Potter has a lover? It never occurred to him that the man would be seeing someone. The pain in his chest was not getting better. It was starting to get worse the more he thought of someone else touching Potter intimately. His hurt turned to anger and finally jealousy. Rick didn't question why he was jealous, and he didn't care. For the past few days, he'd been having dreams of fucking Potter, saying and doing dirty things to him that he'd never done with Lori or anyone for that matter. He was commanding and felt a thrill ordering Potter around and watching the other man follow eagerly.

"Do you think it's appropriate that he trots off to see his lover when-" When what I'm here? "—We have a lot of shit going on for one."

Luna didn't say anything, she simply smiled and walked around him leaving him to guess what happened. She entered the room and closed the door before Rick could say anything else.

People in this Manor are fucking weirdos.

He turned around and went in the direction of Judith's room, whenever he got aggravated thinking about Potter it seemed he needed to spend time with his children. He'd never had someone affecting him that way before. Rick needed to sort out what he was feeling and why he was feeling the way he was.

Harry opened his eyes, and for the first time, his head didn't hurt. He was still heartbroken and wished that the arms surrounding him belonged to his mate and not his friends.

"You're awake?"

"Yeah," he answered Neville snuggling deeper into his friend. "I know you want to lecture me on my stupidity but-"

Neville sighed stopping Harry mid-sentence. "I'm not here to lecture you. Am I worried? Hell yeah. But, Harry, mate, you did what you did because you thought it was the right thing." Neville kissed him on his forehead. "We all do dumb shit when it comes to mating. I'm no exception. I'm sure Theo would agree."

"You got that right."

Harry turned his head to see Theo looking at him. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit," he answered honestly. "As much as I want to stay away, I can't hide in here forever."

"No, you can't." Theo brushed a loc of hair from Harry's face cupping his right cheek. "Nev and I are here for as long as you need us. Lean on us."

"I-"

"Don't you dare argue with us, Harry Potter-Black and all the many other names that follow." That brought a smile to Harry's face. Theo always knew how to make him smile. "We are your family and family stick together. Isn't that what you always tell us?" Harry nodded. "Now, go take a shower, because honestly love, you reek, and Nev and I will have the Elves clean up and have some food waiting for you."

Harry didn't move he stared at Theo then looked back at Neville. "As he always been this bossy?"

"Finally someone notices," Neville said exasperatedly as Theo huffed behind Harry.

"Thanks for coming," he said after a few minutes of them laying together in silence.

"No need to thank us," Neville said. "Theo is right you're family. And yeah, you stink as well."

Harry burst out into laughter, and for the first time in days or weeks since turning away his mate, he felt okay. Not better but okay.

Harry walked into the sitting room connected to his bedroom wrapped in his green fluffy bath towel Draco had given to him last Christmas. All of his friends were there talking and eating and looked up when he walked in.

"Do you feel better, now that you took a shower?" Theo asked.

"Somewhat."

"Come on, love, sit between Neville and me."

Harry didn't argue and weaved through Blaise and the twins who was sitting on the floor to sit between his friends. Shiloh and Jean were sitting between them playing. Harry had missed his godchildren. It had been a while since he'd seen Blaise's kids. He usually kept them from Rick's groups because the kids did not like being around crowds. It's Harry's and Blaise' belief that the kids are still afraid they might lose their new family. They knew about magic, even if they don't really understand it. They've come to rely on the house elves who see happy to spoil them. Neville pulled him into a one arm hug and kissed him on his forehead. A cup of broth was shoved in his hands. He was about to object, but the look on Draco's face told him that he better drink it and shut up. He looked around the room and noticed that all his friends were watching and waiting for him to eat. Relenting he took a couple of sips of the hot liquid and moaned at the salty broth and was happy when his stomach didn't revolt. Harry set his cup down then grabbed a cracker munching on it before he spoke.

"So tell me what's been going on?" he asked.

"Well the good news is that we haven't lost anyone," Blaise said.

"And the bad news?" Harry asked.

"The more of the dead we get rid of, the more keep coming back," Blaise answered.

"We've been going out in shifts, but it's not helping," Ron told him, and the others nodded.

"We need to think of something fast," Fred commented.

He nodded. He'd only been away for a couple of days. The troubles of the world didn't stop because he had a broken heart. "Okay, what else is going on?" Harry asked.

"Our spies tell us that Negan character is starting to make his move quicker than we expected," George told him. "They believe the influx of inferi's, are because of him."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"They think he's found a way to send them our way," Fred answered. "He's using them to draw us out or find our compound."

"Fuck, what else could go wrong?" Harry sighed and leaned into Neville's arms.

"We are covered by the Fidelius Charm, so there's no way for them to find us," Blaise said to the group.

"Unless they are using it as a way to track us," Ron added.

"That could be a possibility," Draco said. "In that case, we need to strengthen the wards around the compound."

"I planned on doing that anyway," Harry told the group. "I've also decided to add a few more spells. If only if we were sure that this Negan guy knew nothing about magic."

"Don't worry our spices are working on it," Fred told him.

"From what we can tell this Negan guy is a piece of work. Kills without reason and takes what he thinks belongs to him," George told the group.

"Sounds like Voldemort," Blaise added.

The entire room nodded. "I don't care who this guy is. We can't let him disrupt our community," Harry said. "I refuse to lose any more of our people."

"We have our exit strategy, and everyone knows what to do," Blaise told him.

"Good," Harry sighed. "What else?"

"How about we talk about the muggles, one, in particular, getting more suspicious," Luna told the group. "I found Grimes hiding out in the hallway leading to your room. I suspect he's been hiding and listening to our conversations. I think using silencing charms are in order until we reveal ourselves to them."

"We should have been doing that already," Draco commented.

"I have to say thanks to Harry we are so used to doing things without magic," Blaise said. "We'd have been caught already."

"The house-elves are fine with not being seen by the muggles," Ron added. "They don't mind sticking to our wing and doing most of their work at night when the muggles are asleep or out hunting."

"Good," Draco said.

Harry was quiet the entire time his friends were talking. His mind was on Rick after hearing his name. "How is he?" He looked down at the cracker in his hand and started crumbling it.

"I think he's worried about you, but he doesn't want to admit it," Luna told him. "He's using the guise of suspicion to mask his worry."

Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He didn't know how he should feel knowing that Rick was worried about him. The hand rubbing circles on his back calmed him and kept him from bursting out into tears. He opened his eyes clearing his throat he needed to focus on work. He had people to protect that was what he was good at, and nothing else mattered. Misty the house elf pooped in just as Harry as about to say something to his friends.

"What is it Misty?" Blaise asked.

"It being time for little Master and Mistress nap, sir."

Blaise looked down at his two tired little ones and kissed them each on the crown of their hands before Misty popped out of the room with them.

"Okay, so I've been thinking," he said to the group. "I think I could use the same barrier spell I used on the compound to keep the dead from heading this way. But I will have to find a point where they aren't a horde of them. The only reason we've been able to keep them away so far is because our area is pretty small."

"How much of your magical energy is that going to take?" Draco asked.

"I don't know?"

"Then I'm not comfortable with you doing it," Ron said.

"The last time you did it; it took you three weeks to wake up and then you went across the fucking world protecting everyone else," Draco told him. "I thought you were going to die. You're not going to use this to punish yourself."

"I'm with Draco on this," Blaise added.

"We are as well," Luna and the twins said together.

"I'm not trying to punish myself," Harry defended.

"Yes, you are," Draco snapped.

"Love, calm down," Ron told his agitated husband.

"No, I will not calm down," he snapped at his husband. "Why does he continually try to put himself in danger?"

"I-" Harry didn't know what to say. He thought it was a good idea.

"If you decide that you want to go through with this stupid idea then I'm telling Father." Draco narrowed his eyes at Harry. The entire room was silent.

"Really now, Draco there's no reason to involve him in this." Harry ignored the squeak in his voice.

"If you think it's such a good idea, why don't you floo him now and tell him, now," Draco challenged. "I'm sure he will have a few choice words for you."

Harry knew Lucius would be completely against the idea. The last time he'd used the barrier spell. The elder Malfoy had made him promise never to do it again. Since it required so much of his magical energy. Each time he used it, he needed a good month of recovery before trying it again. And he didn't want to think about the lecture that would follow.

"Then what do you suggest?" he asked defeated.

"We already have the muggles working with us, and they are not that bad," Fred said. "Not as fast as we are but I think that's due to our magic and training."

What if we try to draw dead away from coming this?" George asked.

"How?" Ron asked.

"We need a really good bait," George told him.

Harry looked at the twins and knew they had to be working on something. "What have you two been up to?"

"Who us?" they asked innocently that proved his suspicion.

"I look away from the two of you for one bloody day, and the two of you get into trouble."

"Harry-" Fred started.

"-Mate-" George continued.

"It's been almost a week," they said together.

That long? "I'm so sorry guys, I-"

"Don't you dare," Luna said shutting him up. "Contrary to what you might believe you are human."

"Yeah, Harry, stop beating yourself up," Blaise said to him. "He's your mate and being rejected is not something easy to deal with."

"I'm sorry I got you guys involved. I-"

"Potter, if you don't stop apologizing right now, I'm going to punch you in your bloody mouth," Draco told him with a smile that said he was serious.

Harry looked over at Ron. "When was the last time you fucked him?"

"Before we came in here," Ron answered nonchalantly.

The entire room burst out into laughter as Draco turned beet red. "Shut up Weasley."

"That's Weasley-Malfoy, love." He winked at Draco who seemed turn even redder.

Harry was laughing on the outside, and it felt good to laugh, but he was still hurting on the inside. He will never be able to share moments like this with his mate. He didn't want to ruin the happy moment with his sadness and brushed his feelings to the back of his mind. He needed to focus on something else.

'Draco how are you feeling?" He asked.

Draco knew what he was talking about and placed a hand on his stomach that had a small bump. "I'm good," he answered. "I had my check up with Andy. Ron and I were celebrating because we found out the sex of the baby. But we are not telling you guys. We want it to be a surprise."

Harry got up and walked over to the man who had become like a brother to him. He pulled Draco in his arms. "I'm going to be okay. You know that right?" Draco wrapped his arms around him holding him tight. Draco might be taller than him, but right then he felt taller than the other man.

"You have to be here when the baby is born, Harry."

Harry pulled back and cupped his cheeks. "I will be."

"Promise me."

Tears welled in Harry's eyes, and his throat bobbed as he tried to hold back his tears. "I promise." Harry leaned up and kissed him on the forehead before going back to sit between Neville and Theo. "Now," he looked at the twins. "Tell me about the bait."

Fred and George looked at each other and smiled, that had everyone except for Luna groaning. It never boded well for anyone when the twins smile like that.

"Dad!"

Rick looked up from the book he was reading when he heard Teddy said the word 'Dad.' He watched as the boy hopped off the couch and barreled into his Father hugging him.

"Hey, Pup, I'm sorry I haven't been around."

Teddy pulled back from their hug and looked at Potter. "It's okay, Grandma explained it to me."

Rick couldn't take his eyes off the man. There was something different about Potter he couldn't put his finger on it. His hair was loose from the normal braid he wore, and Rick was able to see how long it was. His hair framed his face nicely, and all he could think about doing is running his fingers through it.

"So guess who's here?"

"Who?" Teddy asked.

"Your, Uncle's Neville, and Theo."

"Really?" Teddy asked excitedly.

"Yeah, I needed their help with something. They are in the west wing waiting for you. I think your Uncle Neville said something about presents."

"All right," Teddy cheered and ran off leaving Carl and Rick.

Potter turned, and Rick held back a groan. Fuck, he's beautiful.

"Hello, Carl, Mr. Grimes."

"Hello, Mr. Harry," Carl greeted. Rick remained silent. For some reasons he didn't like that Potter called him by his last name even though he did it to the other man. To Rick calling the other man by his last name, sounded natural and something personal only for him.

Potter smiled. "Carl I've told you many times to call me Harry. Saying Mr. makes me sound old."

"Okay, Harry." Carl smiled and then turned back to the game he and Teddy were playing switching it to one player.

Potter looked up at him. They stared at each other neither saying a word. Something stirred inside of Rick. He felt as if he was being drawn to Potter, he also felt a wave of sadness coming from the man and wanted to know who caused it. Potter broke the spell and gave a quick nod before walking out of the room. Rick threw the book to the side shaking his head something wasn't right.

"Dad."

"Yeah."

"Do you like M- Harry?"

Rick furrowed his brows and looked at his son. "He's all right I guess. Why?"

Carl paused his game and put the controller down turning to face Rick. "I'm okay if you like him, like him, you know."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Teddy told me why Harry hasn't been around lately. He said his Dad's heart got broken."

"Who-" Rick cleared his throat again. "Who broke his heart?"

"Teddy didn't say who it was. Bu-" Carl looked down then back up at Rick again. "But I figured you could fix it."

Rick's eyes widened. What the hell?

"I see the way you look at him. It's the same way you used to watch Mom before you guys used to argue a lot." Carl got up and walked over to Rick who stood up. "I'm okay if you like a boy, Dad. I won't see you any different."

Rick pulled Carl into a hug and kissed him on the top of his head. "I don't know what I'm feeling. But when I figure it out, you will be the first person I talk to about it. Deal?"

Carl pulled back from their hug and smiled. "Just don't be afraid because you think I won't love you anymore."

Rick chuckled and ruffled Carl's hair. "When did you get so smart?"

"When the world went to crap."

"Smart ass," Rick said. "Go wash up. I think it's dinner time."

Carl nodded and ran out of the room. Rick sat back down just as Michonne walked in.

"Fuck, I'm tired." She slouched down in couch closing her eyes.

"Where have you been?"

"I went with one of the teams to cut down the horde. It's not getting any better, Rick. If I didn't know any better, I would think that someone was leading them here."

Fuck. "We have to do something about it before this place is overrun by walkers," Rick stated. Michonne nodded and closed her eyes. "You rest I'm going to find Potter and talk to him."

"Where has he been, by the way?" Michonne asked.

"Nursing a broken heart according to Teddy."

"Oh," was all Michonne said before she burrowed further down into the sofa going to sleep.

Rick knew Michonne and Tyreese had started seeing each other when they started living in the Manor. The man was fiercely protective of her even though she could take care of herself. Just as he thought about the man, Tyreese walked into the room and nodded at Rick before walking over to the couch and picked his woman up in his arms. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Rick noticed the smile on Michonne's lips when Tyreese whispered something in her ear. Admittedly Rick was jealous, but he was also happy for them. In a fucked up world, two people found someone to hold on to at night when things got too much. He walked out of the game room leaving Michonne and Tyreese alone.

Rick wished he had that kind of love again. Potter flashed in mind and Rick didn't feel disgusted at the thought of wanting to be with the other man. He was attracted to Potter, and he wanted to see if things could change between them. He hadn't given up on his mistrust about the people who owned the Manor. Not until he found out what they are up. But he was tired of fighting what h felt towards Potter. His son pretty much gave him, his blessings to go after the man. He just didn't know how to do that when it came to a man. He couldn't approach Potter the way he did Lori or any other woman he'd dated.

Do flowers work with men? It's not like I can take him out on a fucking date?

Rick looked up when he realized he'd unknowingly walked to Potter's office. He raised a hand to knock but stopped himself. He ran a hand through his hair and started pacing. What the fuck am I supposed to say? I'm sorry some ass hat broke your heart. Rick stopped and rested his hand on his hips staring at the closed door.

I just need to be myself. Pretend nothing happened between us. Wait nothing happened between us. It's not like Potter can read my mind or know that I dream about fucking him.

"Can I help you?" Rick turned and looked up at a man he'd never seen before.

He was about his Rick's height with blond hair and bright blue eyes. He was muscular but not as muscular as Rick. He was handsome but not as beautiful as Harry.

"Neville Longbottom," the man said extending his hand for him to shake it.

"Rick Grimes." Rick took the extended hand shaking it.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Grimes." They released hands and Rick shoved his in his pockets. For some reason, he felt as if he was being scrutinized by the other man. "Did you want to see Harry about something?"

"Ah, yeah, I have an idea about the horder problem…"

"Say no more. Come on."

Neville knocked on the door before opening it. "Hey Harry, I'm coming in, and I have Mr. Grimes with me."

When they entered Potter's office, an image assaulted Rick. The fireplace lit in the corner of the room. Him sitting in a chair and Potter riding his cock moaning his name. Rick's cock jerked in interest at the image of Potter's body glistening with sweat. His hair loose and cascading around him. Fangs and blood.

Wait fangs and blood? Fucking hell, now I'm imagining the man as a vampire. Get it together Grimes.

Shaking his head, he focused on the man he wanted to see. His hair was still loose and the sides tucked behind his ears.

"Nev, Mr. Grimes, what can I do for you?"

"I hate when you do that," Rick said to Potter.

"What?"

"Call me Mr. Grimes. I'm not my Father." Rick knew he sounded angry. But he wanted to hear Potter call him by his first name.

"What would like me to call you?"

Potter wasn't looking at him, and that bothered him. Rick wanted the other man to see him.

"Look at me," Rick ordered. Slowly, Potter turned his head, and he couldn't hold back his gasp. He hated the pain he saw in those beautiful jade eyes made him ache. "Who was it?" Potter opened his mouth to say something, but all Rick wanted to hear was the truth. "Who broke your heart?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Potter told him, then turned to the other man in the room. "Neville, what's up, did Teddy get tired of you already?"

"Sadly he only wanted me for my gifts," Neville said.

Rick never took his eyes off Potter who was smiling, but it was masking something else he could feel it.

"Is that all you wanted?" Potter asked.

"In a way," Neville sat down.

Rick, on the other hand, remained standing with his arms crossed across his chest staring at Potter.

"It seems Mr. Grimes, came up with the same conclusions."

"About what?"

"That someone is leading the inferi's to your doorstep," Neville told him. "Even though your spies are unable to tell who it is."

"You have spies?" Rick asked.

"Yes," Potter answered not giving any more of an explanation.

Filing that information away for another time. "Why do you guys call the walkers that? Rick asked. "Infiries." Fuck, I sound like a needy little boy wanting attention.

Potter looks at Neville as if seeking his permission to answer his question and it pissed Rick off. Neville shrugged.

"What should we call them?" Neville asked him instead of Potter.

"Why not call them Walkers?" Rick suggested.

"What does it matter what we call them?" Potter asked and inside Rick was cheering that the man was talking and looking at him.

"This is not a zombie movie. It's real life. When I woke up from my six months coma." Potter gasped, and Rick saw concern in his eyes. He filed it in the back of his mind for something to think about later. "My first encounter was with a little girl I thought she was alive. She looked normal like any other kid until she turned her head and that's when I noticed the other side of her face. Fuck, she came at me growling ready to bite my fucking flesh off. I was saved by a guy named Morgan who rammed a shovel through her head before he knocked me out. He was the one that I first heard them call them Walkers. Dead but able to moving around searching for their meal." Rick smiled, but he knew it didn't reach his eyes. "Some would say the ones that are living are the true walking dead because we are trying to survive in a world that's already dead."

"You were in a coma?" Potter's voice was so low Rick almost missed the question. It seemed Potter had stopped listening after he'd said he was in a coma.

"Yes."

"Why? What happened?" That time his voice was stronger.

"I was shot just before the world went to shit. The hospital I was in was overrun by the walkers. My ex-partner thought I was going to die or maybe I would be safe, so he locked me in my room. And then ran off with my wife and Carl. I guess at first it was to keep them safe. But picture me the fool when I realized Shane and Lori were sleeping together after finding my family alive and well."

Why the fuck did I tell him all of that?

"I'm sorry," Potter said to him.

Rick shrugged his shoulders as if it was nothing. "It's not your fault, and it's all in the past." They stared at each other and Rick wanted to go over to the man and pull him into his arms. He wanted to soothe his heart and make things better. He wanted to kick the person's ass who broke his heart.

"So, we'll call them walkers from now on," Neville said breaking the spell.

"Yeah," Potter said.

"Anyway, when did you guys come to the conclusion that someone might be leading them this way?" Rick asked.

"Today, from what our spies can figure out someone is trying to find our compound," Potter told him.

"That's ridiculous. This is a large base not easy to hide. If the noise didn't draw the walkers…" Rick stopped at that thought. "How come they don't hear the noise? This place is lively with people walking around, music, and all kinds of shit. How come walkers aren't trying to break down the gates to this place?"

"You ask a lot of questions, Mr. Grimes," Potter said to him. "Questions I'm not sure you would like the answers to, or rather you wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Rick challenged.

Potter went to respond but stopped when there was a knock on the door. Another man that Rick had never seen before walked into the room. He had shoulder length light blonde hair, and blue eyes. Where the hell are these people coming from? How the hell did they get here?

"There you two are," the man said he also had a British accent like Potter and Neville. He walked into Potter's office. "It's time to eat so whatever . . . oh hello," he said when he noticed Rick in the room. "Theodore-Nott-Longbottom." He extended his hand in Rick's direction.

"Rick Grimes." Rick extended his hand shaking it. He also didn't miss the side looks that Theodore sent to Neville and Potter. "It's nice to meet you."

"Same here," he said releasing Rick's hand.

"Well, if you gentlemen are done discussing things. It's time to eat and everyone is waiting for you," Theodore said.

"Theo, I'm not-"

"Oh no you don't," Theodore said stopping Potter from saying whatever he was going to say. "You need to eat, you've lost enough weight, already and I will not let you lose any more. I'm giving you five minutes to meet me at the table. And you're sitting between me, and Neville so don't try to weasel your way out of this." Theodore turned and walked out of the room his orders final.

Rick turned and looked at Potter studying him. He does look a bit thin. I mean he was always skinny, but he looks thinner.

"Neville, talk to your husband," Potter whined.

Rick thought he looked adorable.

"No can-do Harry, love. You know how he gets when he's like this?"

"I swear he's drinking the same water as Draco."

Neville blushed and whatever message was passed between Potter and Neville went way over Rick's head. Potter gasped.

"We were going to tell you once you were—"

Neville didn't get to finish whatever he was going to say because Potter threw his arms around the other man hugging him.

"Oh my goddess, I'm so happy for you both."

Neville wrapped his arms around Potter and Rick hated it. He hated that another man was holding the man he wanted. Jealousy burned inside of him seeing Potter happy in someone else's arms. Feeling like the third wheel. Rick turned and walked out of the office to join the others at the table.

Harry stabbed his sword into the rotting skull of a walker and turned slicing the head off another. He was with his team as they worked on the walkers in the pit. His friends weren't lying when they said the more they killed, the more came. He and his friends except for Draco and Theodore had spent the day before strengthening the wards around the compound. They'd also strengthened the Silencing, Fidelis, and any other protective charms he could think of. Harry checked on his snakes that he had surrounding the compound that no one else could see unless he made them visible. Harry knew the compound was well protected, but there was nothing wrong with being cautious. Harry and rest of his friends made sure they knew exactly who they were letting into the compound wizard, witches, and muggles were tested. He hated that he had to live in a world filled with so much mistrust. But what he was hearing about the Negan guy he didn't like. It was only a matter of time before Harry would meet the man and he knew it would not be a pleasant meeting.

Swinging his sword, Harry took the head off of another walker then the next. He kept going until his shoulder's burned. He looked around counting the heads of the men and women that came with him. Muggles and wizards. All dressed in magical protective gear. The muggles had no idea that they were being protected magically. Harry shifted to the side when one of Daryl's arrow sailed by him.

"Pay attention, lil bit," he said walking by Harry pulling the arrow from the walker's head.

Daryl was dressed in a letter jacket that Harry had placed protective charms on without the man knowing. Blaise had designed new arrows for Daryl with the same metals they used to make the swords that Harry and the rest of his team used. Their arsenal was vast, and they never kept it all in one spot. They used silencers on their weapons when it became too much using their swords.

"Thanks," Harry finally said.

"You look tired," Daryl commented.

"I'm fine," he said and walked away.

"No, you're not." Daryl caught up with him. "I've been worried about you. Two weeks ago you disappeared for days. And I know that you're not sleeping or eating, and you're out here for hours at a time with teams that's not even yours. Blaise is supposed to be out here with me, not you."

Daryl and Blaise had become close in the past couple of weeks. He also saw more happening between them, but it wasn't for Harry to say. As long as Blaise was happy, that was all he cared about. It's what Hermione would have wanted. She wouldn't want Blaise to mourn her forever.

"I'm glad that you care, Daryl, really. But there's nothing to worry about. I'm fine."

Harry walked ahead of the other man. Daryl was right he hadn't been sleeping or eating. Hell, he could hardly keep anything down. He had his suspicions as to why but he didn't want to confirm it, not yet. He just needed to hold off for a little longer until the twins finished what they were working on. It was a good plan to draw the walkers away getting them in one place. It won't kill them all but this way the will limit the size of the horde. They planned on destroying the pit soon leaving them nowhere to go. Harry will need the aide of the other leaders to make sure their plan was foolproof. It was going to be a bloody mess, and Harry hoped that once it was over all of his people would still be standing and alive. He turned his focus back to killing more walkers. He needed to be out here.

The longer he stayed out here the further he was away from Rick. Instead of their connection dying it seemed to be pulling them together. Each time he was in the man's presence Harry made every excuse he could to escape. The need the be in the man's arms burned more than any flame. Harry was angry at himself, but there was nothing he could do about it. One day the connection will fade, and Rick will find a woman to be with. Harry didn't know how he was going to handle it when that day finally happens. Closing off his mind Harry stabbed another walker concentrating on his job. Protecting his people.

Rick stood on his balcony leaning against the open door looking out at the open sky. Stars were twinkling in the sky, and it made him wonder why God would let the world come to an end in such a manner? He was about to turn around and go to bed when far away he saw a bird flying in the sky. From that distance all he could see where the color of the bird's wings. Black and white. He envied the bird that it was able to fly anywhere it wanted and not worry about it next meal or survival. Well, from other predatory birds that is. The phrase 'free as a bird' rang in his head, and he wondered if the world will ever be like it was. Rick had always seen himself as a practical man and only believed in things that could be easily explained.

He remembered being a kid and his mother telling him that there were special people in the world. Things that couldn't be explained. And that some of those special people where in his family and he inherited the qualities like a wolf. Magic was the word she used. Witches and wizards is what she'd called them. Men and women who could do extraordinary things. Men who could turn into beasts of all kinds. Rick scoffed at his thinking.

Magic, yeah right. If magic was real then where are the so-called witches and wizards? Fuck, where are the creatures? Why aren't they here now? Magic Isn't real and whoever thinks that shit needs to be thrown to the walkers as a snack. What made me think about that?

Rick looked back up at the sky the bird he was watching was gone. He hoped the poor thing doesn't get eaten by another bird and would be able to live another day. Stepping back he closed his door and shut the curtains. Getting into bed he blew out the candle and tried to get comfortable. His bed, felt lonely or rather it didn't feel like his. It's was if he belonged in someone else's bed. Potter came to mind. Maybe that's where he belonged. The man seemed to be avoiding him of late. Other than the one meal he was forced to eat. Rick had only seen Potter in passing. He'd tried cornering the man, but one of his friends were always there to bail him out. A few days ago, Maggie and the rest of the team came with the idea of them maybe moving out of the Manor and finding their own place to live in but on the compound. Rick balked at the idea. Why should they move when the Manor was capable of accommodating them and much more. After discussing the matter, Rick told them he'd think about it. But he didn't like the idea of leaving the Manor. He wouldn't be able to see Potter anymore. If the rest of his friends wanted to move out and live in other parts of the compound Rick wouldn't stop them. But he wasn't going. He couldn't go not yet. Closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep with Potter on his mind.

"Why are you avoiding me? Rick asked Potter. He'd followed the man to his bedroom.

He didn't turn around to face Rick. "I'm not avoiding you, Mr. Grimes."

"Rick."

Pardon?" he asked turning around this time. Rick noticed the dark circles under his eyes.

"I've told you to call me, Rick."

"Then Rick, what the heck are you talking about?"

"Why do you run away every time you see me?"

Potter crossed his arms over his chest. "I haven't been avoiding you, if that's what you're implying. It's just been very busy around here. I'm sure you've noticed."

"I've noticed, that and many other things." Rick let his eyes trail up and down Potter's body. "Like the fact that you're losing weight and from the bags under your eyes, you aren't sleeping. What's going on? Don't tell me you're still nursing a broken heart? Because whoever it was doesn't deserve your tears."

"Rick, please just leave me alone," he whispered.

Rick ignored him. He wasn't going anywhere. He was tired of fighting his attraction for the other man. "My friends want to move out of the Manor and get a place of their own." Potter gasped, and Rick didn't like the reaction he saw in the man's eyes.

Is he in love with someone from my group? Why didn't I think about that? Rick thought about the single men other than him, and the only two he could think of was Daryl and Gabriel. Is he in love with one of them? Jealousy burned inside of him.

"What about you?" Potter asked. "Do you want to move out too?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"Why not?"

"It depends," Rick said.

"On what?"

Rick stepped closer to Potter making him take a step back. His back hit the door, and for some strange reason, it felt like deja vu. Rick rested his arms on either side of Potter. He pressed his palm flat on the door blocking him. Potter raised his head staring at him. He was arguing or trying to push Rick away. His green eyes heavy ladened with the only word Rick could think of was arousal. He noticed the speck of gray flickering in them.

"Why do I get the feeling I've done this before?"

He didn't give Potter a chance to answer the question before pressing his firm lips down on the other man's soft ones. The moan that erupted out of him was unexpected but not un-welcomed. He moved his lips over Potter not letting up even though the other man hadn't started kissing him yet. Rick licked and nibbled gently on Potter's lips tasting him. Potter gasped, and it gave Rick the chance to stick his tongue into his mouth. Potter tasted like heaven, and home. A small bout of recognition registered in the back of his mind. It was as if he was remembering the was Potter tasted. But that couldn't be right since this was the first time they were kissing. All thoughts lept from his mind when Potter wrapped his arms around his neck deepening their kiss.

Fuck, it feels so good to be kissing him again. Was Rick's last thought before he pulled back and stared at Potter for a few long minutes. "We've done this before. As a matter of fact, we had sex."

TBC!

A/N- Thank you guys for sticking it out with me this long. Thank you to everyone who left a review. I try to get to them all, I'm sorry if I did not respond to you. I hope this chapter makes up for the long time I took to post a new chapter. I can't promise the updates will get better but I will promise I'm not abandoning any of my stories. In fact, I have ideas for more. Original and fan fiction. So look out for them. I have a new Harry/Lucius story on my SLASH website check it out. worldwideweb dot GiaReavesSlashWorld dot com It's called Back in Time to Love You.