The Walking Dead season 4 showrunner Robert Kirkman says that a relationship could be in the cards for Rick and Michonne.

Don’t expect to see it in The Walking Dead season 4 premiere, however. Kirkman reminds viewers in a new statement to TV Line that Rick is still recovering from the loss of his wife Lori in season 3.

“[Rick and Michonne] are definitely forming a friendship,” he admits. “They have a very large mutual respect for each other because of their capabilities and their ability to trust one another, and I think that’s a lot of what was growing in the [Season 3] episode where they both went off on a run together.”

But, Kirkman “wouldn’t necessarily rule a romance out.”

The two characters are played by actors Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira. The latter was introduced in the season 3 premiere and was initially cautious of Rick and crew. She eventually formed an alliance to fight against The Governor.

Do you think The Walking Dead should include a romantic relationship between Rick and Michonne? It isn’t something we would’ve expected, but since Kirkman says it won’t happen right away in season 4 we can presume that the two characters will be taking some time to get closer to one another over a series of episodes. At that point it may make more sense to viewers.

The Walking Dead season 4 premieres Sunday, October 13 at 9 p.m. eastern/pacific on AMC. See a trailer for the upcoming season now!

Thanks, TV Line.