Disclaimer—I don't own or make claim to the characters from The Walking Dead. I only own my original characters

Holding my hand, Rick leads me down the stairs to the sidewalk. When we reach the sidewalk, he pulls me up even with him and we continue walking, side by side, hand in hand. This is strange, I'm not used to holding hands and I'm feeling self-conscious, especially since I'm not sure what we're doing or why he wants me accompanying him on his rounds. I glance at him nervously as he strides along confidently with my hand firmly in his, a smile lingering on his lips.

I ask, "So what exactly are we looking for? Sorry, I've watched you go on your rounds daily for weeks now but never really paid attention to what you were doing or looking for."

He grins back at me, saying, "I look for anything out of place. People, items, whatever. Is everything where it should be? Are people where they should be or are they acting out of character? Are the lookouts in place or are they missing? Is there a big rope dangling from the wall?"

I laugh at that. He smiles back at me. "You laugh, but it's true. Many people could just walk right past something as obvious as that and not even notice it. I'm just making sure everything looks right, that I don't see anything to be concerned about or get a feeling something isn't right. You don't need to worry though, I didn't bring you out here as a second set of eyes."

I eye him, asking, "Well, if I'm not here to help then why did you bring me out here?"

He smirks back at me, squeezing my hand. "Because I thought it'd be nice to take a walk with you and get a moment alone with you away from the crowd at your house. I can do my rounds, and take a walk with a beautiful woman. I can also do this." He stops and tugs on my hand to swing me over directly in front of him. I stop with one hand on his chest and the other still held in his between us as he leans down and kisses me, initiating a deep, intense, kiss. After several minutes he pulls back and I try to catch my breath. He gives me one more small kiss and then steps back, resuming our walk and guiding me along with him, our hands remaining entwined.

Once I recover, I ask him more questions about what he's looking for and he points out different things he checks. We say hello to all the lookouts as we pass their assigned spots, we chat with people who are on the streets as we pass--although most are safely inside their homes now. We have walked every sidewalk and seen every section of wall by the time the sun is fully down. Darkness has descended on Alexandria as we approach the barn tucked into the corner of the community. Rick heads to the door and I try to pull to a stop, protesting, "It's gonna be pitch black in there! Why do you need to go inside?"

He says, "I just need to check on Buttons and give him his treat." He pulls a carrot out of his pocket, waving it at me. "Light comes in through the hayloft, don't worry," he says as he pulls me through the door into the dark interior of the barn. I hear the snuffling of Buttons as something soft brushes over my arm. I reach out, blindly, and run my hand down the top of Button's nose. He snuffs at me, his lips nibbling up my arm as I squeak and step back.

Rick laughs, moving forward offering Buttons his treat saying, "Now, is that a way to treat a lady, Buttons?" My eyes are adjusting and I can just make out Rick rubbing the side of Button's head as he enjoys his treat. Rick continues, "First you talk to the lady, get to know her." He takes a step back, taking my hand again and pulling me close. "Then you can nibble her." He bends down and nibbles on my neck; I laugh as he takes me by surprise and I take a startled step back. He follows, pinning me against the side of a stall. He nibbles on my neck some more before the nibbling turns into kisses as he makes his way up my neck to my face and soon to my lips. Our laughter cuts off as our kisses intensify and we get lost in the moment. After several minutes of this, Rick pulls back and holds me by the shoulders. I can see that intense look coming from him, even in the dim light.

"What?" I ask.

"I needed this, some time alone with you," he replies.

"We had time alone earlier today when we had lunch together," I remind him.

He nuzzles my cheek with his beard, moving over to kiss my lips again. "Yes, but all of Alexandria was watching," he says. "Now I've truly got you alone."

I motion to Buttons who is staring at us from his stall, hoping for more carrots. "I think Buttons would disagree," I say.

Rick turns to look at him. "Buttons is a gentleman. He'd never tell a soul. Besides, didn't I mention the hayloft?" He points to a ladder a few feet away.

I look at him contemplatively. "Rick Grimes, did you bring me here for a roll in the hay?" I ask while starting to laugh.

He grins, saying, "Well, I was thinking... We had our first fight as a couple last night."

I agree, "We did."

"We made up though. Came to an agreement."

I wonder where he's going with this, again saying, "We did."

"The best part of having an argument while in a relationship is the making up." I laugh as I realize where he's going with this. He continues, "It just seems like we left something unfinished." He gathers me in his arms and whispers in my ear. "We forgot the make-up sex."

He leans back and smirks at me for a minute and then leads me up the ladder to the hayloft where we proceed to thoroughly enjoy every minute of our alone time--completing the making up ritual.

*                                                          *                                                          *

The next morning I again attend to my morning habit of rising, making my hot chocolate and walking out to sit on my swing to watch the sun rise. Soon Rick exits his house to do his rounds and joins me on the swing, kissing me good morning. He gives me a teasing glance asking, "I don't suppose you'd want to join me on my rounds this morning?"

I huff out a laugh at him, replying, "No, I think last night was enough of an experience with rounds for now. I do expect you to meet me at your office at 9 though." He smiles and nods at me, standing up to finish his rounds after giving me one last kiss.

We had agreed that his new office hours would start today. From 9am - 1pm he'll be at the townhouse available for those who need to find him. I've even promised to bring him lunch.

After getting breakfast for the kids I tidy things up after I sent them on their way to school or jobs. I then head over to the townhouse to get things set up for Rick. As I enter the front door, I pass Michonne's office and see her already hard at work at her desk. I poke my head in, saying, "I see you're at it bright and early!"

She smiles up at me, standing up and walking around her desk to grab my shoulders. "Spill. I haven't had a chance to talk to you alone since you and Rick went to the farming outpost. I knew something had changed between the two of you even before that little picnic display of yours yesterday but after that? I'm absolutely sure now." She releases me and sits down on the edge of her desk while beaming at me. "I want details, what happened to change everything? What happened to your timeline you were so determined to keep?" she asks.

I lean against the door jam, saying, "I can't explain it other than that intense connection we have. Things just happened and changed quickly. It's good though and we're figuring it out together."

She nods. "I'm happy for you. I'm glad you gave him a chance, he's a good man."

I smile and nod back at her, confirming, "He is."

Her expression now turns serious. "I hope that doesn't mean you acting as our ambassador is out now?"

I grin back at her, "Actually, we've come to an agreement about that as well. It's going to affect you and Daryl the most though. Rick should be here soon and we can all sit down and talk about what this will take."

She's satisfied with that and soon I'm continuing down the hall to the office set aside for Rick. After stepping inside, I see all the items piled up on the desk and realize he hasn't really used it. It just seems to be a dumping ground. I figuratively roll up my sleeves and get to work. It has to at least be inhabitable for this to work.

At 9am on the dot, I hear the distinctive sound of Rick's footsteps coming down the hall. He steps inside the office and gets a glimpse of the new look. The desk is clear, I've dusted the bookshelves and plumped up the cushions on the couch and chairs in the seating area. He looks surprised, saying, "Wow. I hardly recognize the place," as he walks over to me and drops a kiss on my lips.

I motion him to sit in his chair. "I now understand why you didn't like being here. It was a mess." I set some papers on the desk in front of him. "Here are a few items that seemed to actually need attention from the mess that was on your desk. I thought we could work on project plan items when people aren't here to meet with you. We should probably talk to Michonne and Daryl at some point as well and get their buy in on the project plans and the things you need to delegate."

He nods while sorting through the paperwork. Just then Tobin knocks on his office door, saying, "I heard you have office hours now. Do you have some time to go over this construction plan with me? I made those revisions you suggested."

Rick looks up at me and then at Tobin. He says, "Yeah, let's go ahead and review it. I want to talk to you about taking over as co-project manager for the construction as well. Sit down and let's talk." He gestures to the couch and walks over there with Tobin as they roll out the blueprints on the coffee table in front of the couch. I give Rick a grin as I let myself out of the office.

I keep myself busy for the next hour. I finish sorting the rest of the paperwork from his desk and then grab the copies of the draft projects I'd printed out to add additional details I had thought of. After hearing Tobin leave, I went into Rick's office and reviewed my additions with him. Once I got his approval, Abraham showed up to review some more details about the expansion plans. While he met with Abraham and clued him in on the new plan for him to be co-project owner, I went and found Tina Nook. She was hesitant at first, but when I took her past the area we'd been working on setting up for farming, she started to open up and put forth ideas for improvement of the area. Once we got back to the townhouse we were able to go right in and talk to Rick since he was free. They were both hesitant and feeling one another out at first. I say, "Tina, why don't you tell Rick what you were saying about using trellises? How we could expand our growing space that way?" She's nervous, but once they get talking about expansion and the trellis options, I feel like I'm watching two nerds bond over a video game--but in their case it's farming. By the time they finish talking, Rick has asked Tina to be co-project manager of the farming operations and she has agreed.

Shortly after Tina leaves, Michonne and Daryl come into the office. I look at Rick, saying, "I asked them to come by so we could discuss the projects and what we need their help on."

Rick nods and motions for them to sit down. They all get settled around the coffee table and while he starts to explain the plan, I pull lunch out for us all so we can eat while we talk.

Rick says, "We've come up with a plan that will allow Sandi to serve as the Ambassador like you wanted, Michonne. But it's going to take both of your help to make it work."

Daryl nods saying, "Whatever you need, you know we've got your back." Michonne echoes him saying, "The charter is important, so yeah, I'll do whatever to get it off the ground."

Rick nods while looking seriously at them both. He outlines our plan so he can travel with me, spend some time with the other leaders and communities and learn from them to bring ideas back to Alexandria. He explains how we've divided everything into projects and assigned a co-project manager to all of them in order to determine what dates he'd have to be here. How he'll need to delegate some leadership responsibilities to them for a while, particularly while we take the first trip which will be longer.

"How long do you plan on being gone?" Daryl asks.

"At least 3 days for each community. A couple of days for travel in between the ones that are further away. That's almost 2 weeks for the first trip," Rick replies.

Michonne says, "That's doable." She glances at Daryl and back at us. "There's nothing we couldn't handle for two weeks."

We hammer out some details, letting them know we plan on leaving Sunday so we can start negotiations bright and early Monday morning at The Kingdom. Before we know it, the clock dings 1 o'clock.

I grin at Rick. "Well, it looks like office hours are over, yet somehow you survived being cooped up." He laughs admitting, "Well, the time did actually pass quickly, there was plenty to plan and discuss." We all go our separate ways to get on with the day.

*                                                               *                                                           *

Later that night, the kids yell up to me, "Mom, Rick's here!" as I'm finishing getting ready for the party I'm helping Rick host. I walk down the stairs in the red dress I wore to church previously. Rick looks at me approvingly, leaning in to kiss me. As he pulls back he whispers, "I really, really, like this dress." I smirk back at him and tell the kids I'll see them over at the party later.

The party starts off slowly, but soon the chatter of many people fills the townhouse as the newcomers start relaxing and talking to the established residents of Alexandria. Rick and I stay together, moving around the room as a couple and making sure we speak to everyone. Soon Carl shows up with Judy and I get to carry her around the crowd, introducing her to all who don't know her. My kids are there as well. Judy's happy to be the center of attention until she gets too tired. Carl looks relieved to be sent home to put her to bed and my kids happily leave with them.

Soon the party is over and Michonne boots us out telling us our job is done and it's time to go home. We slowly walk home, hand in hand. I'm starting to get used to the fact that he grabs my hand any chance he gets. Dave wasn't very demonstrative, so it's taken some getting used to.

Rick looks over at me inquiringly. "What?" I ask.

He just grins and then says, "Ya know, I haven't had a chance to do my rounds tonight."

I laugh and shake my head. I nod down at my heels and say, "Not a chance. See those? I have just enough left in me to walk home and that's about the extent of it. Plus, the kids left an hour ago and will be wondering where we are."

We arrive at my house, walking up the stairs and stopping in front of the door. He leans in and says, "Alright. But tomorrow night, plan to be out late." He drops a small peck of a kiss on my lips. "Very late." He then kisses me more deeply, before opening the door and ushering me inside.

*                                                                   *                                                                  *

The next day passes quickly, starting with what is becoming a traditional morning greeting with Rick on the swing before his rounds followed by more planning during his office hours. We passed along the information about where and when to find him each day at his office at the party last night and more people seem to drift in to visit with him. By the end of his office hours we've managed to finish up most portions of the project plans even with more visitors. I head home to have lunch with the kids while he's finishing up a recruiting discussion with Aaron.

Over lunch the kids inform me that they've thought about the tour of the communities that's coming up and they'd prefer to stay here. They're just getting settled into a routine and don't want to go on the road again right now, although they may come with me again on one of my future visits. I question this, but they assure me they'll be safe and that they plan to help Carl take care of Judy while Rick and I are gone. I tell them I don't have to go, I can stay, but they are quick to remind me of Daryl, Abraham, Sasha and all the rest who are here and do a great job of protecting the community. I reluctantly agree to them staying behind after talking through precautions and protections with them for a bit.

Soon, I'm putting the finishing touches on my outfit for our date tonight. Luckily Sasha and Rosita came to the rescue again, this time with a vintage emerald green sheath dress. It's very form fitting, which isn't my favorite thing, but I have to admit it looks good on me. As I come downstairs, Rick is being let in the front door by the kids. He takes one look at me and immediately walks over, takes my hand and pulls me in to him. "I thought you were gorgeous last night, but tonight you've blown last night out of the water," he whispers in my ear before leaning in to kiss me.

I blush a bit saying, "Well, thank you kind sir. You look very handsome yourself in that suit." We say goodnight to the kids and Rick makes sure to let them know that we'll be out late.

As we leave the house I'm curious to see where he's taking me. It's not long before we turn to go up the steps to the townhouse. I give him a look. "The five star restaurant is in your office?" I ask.

He laughs, saying, "Not exactly. Just wait and see."

We go up several sets of stairs, up higher than I've been in the townhome before. Soon we enter what seems to be an attic bedroom. I eye Rick thinking that even he isn't quite this bold when he continues pulling me over to the set of double doors on the outside wall. He opens them and we exit to a rooftop balcony with a view of Alexandria laid out before us. There is a small table with 2 chairs and a candle lit in the middle. I walk over to the railing, leaning against it while looking out at the community, saying, "I had no idea there were balconies up here. Look at this view!" Rick steps up behind me, sliding his hands around my waist. While saying, "I am looking," he kisses my neck, "It's a fantastic view." I turn and give him a look which he takes advantage of to lean in and give me a heated kiss.

He then turns and gestures to the table. "Can I welcome you to Cafe' Alexandria? Take a seat and enjoy this evening of romance!" He leads me over to the table and pulls the chair out while I take a seat and then seats himself on the other side. Immediately after, Olivia comes out with an apron on, delivering a salad to us both. "Olivia, how are you?" I ask. "When did you get pulled into this?"

She laughs and says, "Hey, anything to help love get a fair chance around here. I'll be back when you're done with this." She retreats into the house leaving us alone on the balcony.

Dinner is very enjoyable. Olivia comes out with the main course followed not long after by dessert as Rick and I talk about everything and nothing. Once we've finished, Olivia clears the plates away while Rick stands up and goes to a small stereo. 'All of Me' by John Legend begins to play.  Rick walks over and extends a hand to me. "Dance with me?" he asks.

I stand and he pulls me into his arms and we slow dance around the small space the balcony provides. The darkness has completely descended by now and it feels like we're the only people left on earth as we sway to the music.

Soon the swaying has decreased as we are doing more kissing than dancing. With a fiery look, Rick takes me by the hand and leads me into the bedroom.

I get home very, very late that night.

A/N So, Rick and Sandi are attempting to have a normal dating life as they build this relationship. How do you think they've done so far? I hope you enjoy! It will likely be next weekend for the next update again.

Thanks for reading, I really appreciate you all coming back for more. If you liked this chapter please consider giving me some feedback!