Maybe it was the way he was so… fatherly ― or maybe you were just a freak. Rick Grimes was much older than you , after all. A father. Your best friend Carl's father ! So , absolutely , incredibly taboo ! But man ... if the older man didn't appreciate your input on runs ― how you handled yourself against raiders , or walkers.

The praise always came naturally 'you did good' , 'good job !' , 'atta boy'. And yeah , it's almost embarrassing how easy it has you blush like a school boy ― how easy you fold for the older man , again... and again. Not that he knows of your little crush. Yet.

But Rick is awfully good at figuring things out... and he is flattered , really ! But , well... you're honestly just way too young for him. I mean , you could be his son. But shit does it do something when you look up at him ― eager to hear his praise , eager to help around Alexandria , eager to be near him. He doubts you know how to lie ― at least to him.

It almost makes him feel bad how he uses all of the above to his advantage when you guys are alone on a run together. His eyes keep flickering over to you until he finally cuts the silence, "i'm surprised you wanted to come along this time, too. Isn't the most exciting run, eh?"