A week had passed, and things at the Safe Zone had calmed considerably. Particularly, at the Grimes/Calvet/Peletier/Dixon faction, where Carl was finally able to come home, safe and alive, even if on very strict orders for bed rest. Spirits were high, and Rick, in particular, was in an especially good mood as they welcomed his son home.
"So everyone agreed that you're welcome to take the TV for the next few weeks," he was explaining as he watched his son get comfortable in his bed. He handed over the remotes for the television and DVD player as he sifted through the movies Michonne had collected for him. "Pick your poison."
"The Dark Knight," Carl answered without even thinking about it. He smiled goofily when his dad looked back at him in disbelief.
"Again?" was all Rick could say.
"It's my favorite," he answered defensively. "You shouldn't judge people, Dad."
"All right, all right." He popped the movie into the player for Carl, and then set Judith's baby monitor on the nightstand between their beds. "I'm gonna find you some books, too. Just so you don't burn out on Batman."
"Comic books?"
"Actual books," he emphasized. He eyed his son playfully as he rearranged his comforter beneath his legs. "With words that mean things."
"Michonne likes comic books," Carl reminded him, thinking that would sway his feelings on the matter.
"Michonne likes everything," Rick shot back with a chuckle. "And I guarantee you wouldn't be protesting if she were the one saying this."
"You got me there," Carl conceded with raised eyebrows. He smiled impishly as he added, "I'm like you that way, Dad."
"Very funny," he shook his head, unable to contain his grin. "You need anything else while I'm downstairs?"
"Just some more water, if you don't mind."
"Comin' right up." He grabbed Carl's empty lunch plate and his glass on his way towards the door. "Just speak into the monitor if you need anything at all."
"Got it."
"Anything at all," he pressed. "I don't care if it's to just turn the volume up on the TV."
"I'm not gonna call you for that, but thanks, Dad."
He gave his son one last glance, paired with a smile of relief that he was all right, and then left him to his movie. He quickly padded down the steps, his first stop being to the living room to check on Judith, where she had apparently tuckered herself out, and was fast asleep in her playpen. He then moved into the kitchen, where Michonne had been for the better part of the afternoon, preparing Carl's welcome home meal.
"Smells good," he announced as he strolled into the large, open room, toting Carl's empty dishes. He left them in the sink before going to join Michonne at the stove.
She didn't look up from her concoction, but smiled to herself when she felt the heat of Rick's body beside her. "I don't know if I can quite call it jambalaya, but... I guess it's coming along." She brought a spoonful of the rice to his unwitting lips. "Taste."
He parted his lips to blow on the steaming sample, but she took it as a sign to feed it to him. He pulled back in surprise as the heat filled his mouth, and he swallowed it all without even chewing. "That's hot as hell," he coughed.
