Stop Falling (Rick Grimes Romance)

Chapter 11

Chapter 11.......on a wind and a whisper

As you can imagine being a survivor now meant basically living in an open commune. Privacy had been tossed to the way side as safety took priority. Especially when your bedroom was a cell and the gates stayed open. After all if something happens people had to be able to move quickly to escape or defend. You couldn't risk being trapped by a locked gate. We hung sheets that draped across in an attempt to offer privacy but that only went so far. God what I wouldn't give for a bedroom door.

Equally as shared amongst everyone else was your relationship. Weather it was flying high or skidding out on the rocks it played out for all to see. As it stood the start of Ricks and my relationship began with a great deal of interest from the others. No different than before people liked to gossip about everything and anything. The news of our budding romance swirled through the camp at the speed of a locomotive. I didn't care that people knew it was the constant on lookers anytime we were together in the same vicinity. Watching every touch and ease dropping on every word.

At fist we tried to keep our private moments just that...private. Outside of our cells we allowed little more than a longing glance. The slight touch of a caress accompanied by a knowing smile. Eventually over time Rick began to take my hand or wrap me in his arms. Then came the day when he kissed me in front of everyone. We were standing on the concrete pad saying goodbye as the others milled about doing morning chores or getting ready for the run. Cupping my face in his hands Rick pulled me towards him. Taking his time Rick leisurely kissed me. With a devilish smile on his face he whispered in my ear, "Their going to talk about us anyways so let's give them something to talk about."

It wasn't long before people assumed we were already sex. In truth we hadn't despite their assumptions. At night we would disappear behind the curtain to his cell or mine. Away from the prying eyes and steady demands placed on Rick. It was just the two of us and I loved it. In these stolen quiet moments we cuddled, held each other and talked openly. Now granted things had gotten hot and heavy on more than one occasion but without having condoms the risk was just to high. Besides there was plenty a couple could do to find release without actually having sex. I didn't mind tho. It gave our feelings time to grow without complications. A bond that depend each night as we talked. I was no longer falling in love with Rick. No I was head over heels in love with the man.

"I'm glad today is over. Felt like it would never end." Ricks voice was muffled as he pulled his hoody off over his head. We had started to dig a trench along the east side of the prison to gain better access to the creek. It was hard manual labour with nothing more than a shovel in a hundred degrees of sweltering heat. "I ache in muscles I didn't know I had."

"Awe my poor baby. Come here and I'll rub your back." I patted the bed just in front of me.

"Nice...make fun of your hard working man." Sitting in front of me Rick rolled his shoulders trying to ease the tension built up.

"I think you can take it." Laughing I began to massage the muscles in his neck and shoulders. Rick wasn't kidding his muscles were tight. "How much longer do you think it's going to take?"

Shrugging his shoulders Rick murmured, "Hard to say...everyone is getting sore and tired. At least another day and a half."

From my vantage point I admired his muscled back. Absently my fingers traced along the well toned muscle definitions. Lost in thought my hands free to explore without limits. I knew that all my rules were bent and that Rick had knocked down all my defences. I could no longer imagine life without him. A profound peace came easy to me now. Finding me where once I was lost. I no longer saw days as spent or numbered but a reason to believe. No longer chained down I was learning to fly with words I could trust.