She lay there in her bed. Staring at the roses on the pillow beside her. Michonne sat up as she reached for them. It was as if she were afraid to touch them. To accept them because of their meaning. Leaving them there was not an option. Nor was throwing them away. Resisting the latter, her fingers moved over the gentle petals.

Beautiful.

That was all that came to mind as she held them. Just like the man who gave them to her. Tyrese was beautiful in his own way. Dependable. Strong willed. Determined. Six months had passed and yet this hollowness remained in her stomach towards him. It was as if she was at a stand still and everyone was moving at this rapid pace.

Looking in her closet, she frowned at her clothes. Designs anyone would kill for. Handbags and shoes that a lawyer's salary could easily afford. Her outer appearance spoke volumes of confidence and intellect, but she felt this wave of insecurity drown her. She wanted what her parents had. And it reminded her of her own faults.

Michonne was a perfectionist. A woman who wanted to control things and know every possible angle of a situation. It was what made her a great lawyer. But all the accolades and accomplishments didn't kill the emptiness she felt. Placing the roses in a vase on her nightstand, she stared at the picture of them together.

Her and Ty. Both with smiles on their faces. His eyes said happy. Her eyes said distant. Sex could only give her so much. Her parents' voices rang in her head.

You are trying to find a perfect man in an imperfect world.

Tyrese has given you what you always wanted. A committed relationship.

He treats you like a queen.

Her boyfriend was the perfect man, but he wasn't perfect for her. If he was, then this feeling would have left a long time ago. And now she had to make things right for her life.

Hearing the front door open, his heavy footsteps echoed in her condo. Entering the kitchen, he smiled brightly. Placing the big paperbag on the table, Tyrese handed her a coffee.

Michonne internally whimpered as he emptied the bag. Pancakes. Eggs. Bagels. Sausages. Her favorites. Maybe that was it. He was too perfect.

"Did you rest well?" She nodded as Tyrese kissed her cheek.

Another spontaneous gesture to show how much he cared for her.

"Good." He smiled as the two sat down. "Breakfast is served Madame."

A month ago, something changed between them. With her. And he was determined to make her feel grounded again. A simple conversation at a bar evolved into six months of the best relationship he had ever had. Michonne's strong spirit intimidated many, but to him it made her a rarity. It was brave to believe in something and not be afraid to speak of it. As a football coach, he was shocked that this beautiful lawyer would give him the time of day or the stimulating conversation.

"Thanks Ty." She pretended to not see his eyes fixated on her.

"Michonne. I know things have been getting crazy with your clients lately." She questioned the statement with her eyes. "And that is what has been affecting you."

"Babe. Where is this going?" she chastised herself. A person should never use a term of endearment when you were about to break someone's heart.

"I was just thinking that our relationship is getting serious. And that I want you to know that you can depend on me to be there for you when you need me too." Tyrese reached across the table. Grabbing her hand, she took a deep breath as he chose his words carefully.

"I was just thinking that maybe it is time for us to take this to the next level." He said as she sat silent with her usual unreadable expression.

"move in with me." He felt the instant tension at his proclamation. Frowning, she removed her hand from his.

She could no longer do this to herself.

"Ty. I'm sorry but I can't." Michonne stated as he tried to pick up the pieces of his broken heart.

TWDTWDTWDTWDTWD

Daryl Dixon.

The hardened man touched the door with his name engraved in beautiful print. Five years of service to the condominium complex blessed him with this position. He was now head of the maintenance department. All of the responsibilities rested on his shoulders. Hiring competent workers, creating shifts, fixing and repairing damages. It was all his now. And he would not take this lightly. Opening the door, he settled in the medium sized office.

Dale was one of the best men he had known. A mentor. A friend. No one gave chances anymore. Which was why he was shocked when the old man hired him to take his place. His boss had admired his honesty and simple nature. Working with the man and listening to advice about life and this business restored his faith in people. And he repaid him with loyalty. Helping him train others and covering others' shifts, the retiring man knew Daryl would be the right choice.

Breathing in the fresh air, he looked at the file cabinets and documents organized on his desk. Picking up the mug, he shook his head at the words on them.

"Best Boss."

His first day on the job and Carol was already favoring him. He would thank his secretary later. For right now, Daryl would enjoy this monumental moment in his life. Sitting down at his desk, he shook anxiously as the phone rang.

"Clearwater Condominium Maintenance." His accent made the person on the other laugh obnoxiously. It was only one person whose cackle could get under his skin.

"Well, well my baby bruther tryna sound professional." Merle laughed as Daryl rolled his eyes.

"Merle. If ya need something call my cell. Not this line." He chastised as the older brother scoffed.

"And risk ya ignorin meh. How else would I congratulate my lil' brutha on landin yer job. I'm proud of yah."

"Who are yah and what tha hell did ya do to my big bruther?" The two siblings laughed.

Overcoming animosity and jealousy, the two began to repair their relationship. Both wanted this, but were afraid to say it. Rigidness and rebellious ways were an inherited trait in the Dixon family. Holding grudges from the past was too.

Merle was the natural black sheep of the simple family. The simple family that worked hard trying to give their children more. And his older brother did not appreciate that. From drinking to casual affairs to stealing money from them, Daryl hated and loved his brother at the same time.

He could never understand how his parents eventually forgave Merle for everything he put them through. It took him months to realize that you didn't forgive a person for them, but for yourself. Besides, life had given the man a taste of his own medicine.

"How about we go to that sports bar yah like so much this afternoon?" Merle asked as he tried to calculate how many hours he could stay.

"I ain't got nuthin better to do. Just don't…." Daryl began.

"Daryl, I ain't gone jeopardize my probation." At times it seemed as if the other was the eldest.

"Good then. Sounds like a plan." Daryl snickered. "So how is your job at the mechanic shop?"

"So far so good. Ain't too busy. Thanks fer pullin strings fer meh. I ain't gone let yall down no more."

"Good." Daryl hoped.

"So. Have ya and Carol bumped uglies yet?" Daryl laughed at his brother's sense of humor.

"bye Merle." He hung up.

TWDTWDTWDTWD

Michonne was waiting for him to process her words and to yell at her. Folding her lips, he gripped the table. She was expecting him to use his strength to throw it across the room. She could take anything but not this silence. Telling herself that she did the right thing was not removing the guilt. Letting Tyrese go now rather than stringing him along was the best thing for them both.

Tyrese stared at her across the table. Whatever he did to make her unsure of their relationship, he would fix it. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards her. Kneeling beside her, he rested his head on her lap. Michonne was speechless. She had stolen his heart and she couldn't give it back.

"I'm sorry if I was too forceful. It's just that. Whatever I did. Please let me….." He began as she shook her head. Moving him off of her gently, she distanced herself.

"No. Stop apologizing Ty. You never do anything wrong. I can't do this. I can't be with you anymore."

"But Chonne. I thought me and you both wanted the same things in life."

"It's just not enough for me and moving in together isn't going to work out."

How could she think that he wasn't going to ask why "they" weren't enough for her anymore? Tyrese was a dominant man that cared for her greatly. But she didn't. Not in that way.

"Some people that move in together don't last, but I know we are different than that. I can't accept that this is over."

"But you have to Ty because I can't be with you anymore. It's like I've been searching for something and I can't find it. I know it doesn't make sense, but I want to be in love."

"And you aren't in love with me?" It hurt him to ask as she shook her head.

"To be honest, I don't think you are in love with me. I just think we are both in this relationship wishing feelings would come. We're settling."

"No. You are not going to downplay my feelings for you. I love you Michonne. And since the minute we started this relationship, I have treated you with kindness and respect. The reason we are right here now is because you keep pushing any man away from you."

"No it's not." Michonne began.

"Yes it is. And you know it. We aren't working out because you won't let it. And the minute I walk out the door, you are going to see that. I'm not going to tell you how you feel either. But please don't be too hasty either. I'll back off and give you time to realize that this is what you want." He kissed her cheek as she nodded.

TWDTWDTWDTWD

Was Michonne the one in the wrong? What if she was too pretentious to realize what she had? Her mother had always told her it was best to like the man who liked you. Especially if he was 6'4 with muscles and a beautiful smile. This should have been like one of her cases where she controlled the outcome. She should have been stern and told him "no more." Instead, she let him believe that this was a "break"….

Ring, ring

"Hello." Answering the phone with a shaky voice, she tried to gain her composure.

"Hello is this Michonne Williams?"

"Yes."

"This is Daryl Dixon with Maintenance. You had a problem with yer garbage disposal. You scheduled for 9:00. " He informed as she sighed.

How could she forget about that?

"You can always schedule another time." He read her silence.

"No. it's alright. I'm here." She hung up as the man on the other line knew he would have to service another stuck-up high-class resident.

Sitting on the couch, she hugged herself. Since when did she begin to doubt her instincts? Letting Ty go was supposed to empower her somehow. Not make her feel even more insecure of what she lacked. Where was her humanity? People were not cases. They had feelings and emotions. She had to remind herself of this because she had learned how to turn hers off. But even in moments like these, teardrops found their way on her skin. Wiping them away, she heard the loud knock.

Daryl prepared himself to not be welcomed like the other times. The tenants just saw him as some handy man. Which he was, but he wanted to be respected for that. Knocking once again, the woman opened the door slowly.

"Ms. Williams, I can come again." His eyes skimmed the stunning woman.

Her dark skin radiated as the tears in her eyes did not mar her beauty. Her pouty lips and long dredlocks were eccentric to him. Eccentric in an exotic way. Now a days, women were trying to look like everyone else. It was nice to see a woman following her own path.

He had noticed her before. But he was never able to get close to her. Until now.

"No. It's fine. Come in." She cleared her throat. "Would you like something to drink?" He shook his head at her offer. Handing her his bandana, she questioned his gesture.

"I don't like no woman cryin." He kept his eyes forward as he went to her sink. Opening the cabinet underneath him, he inspected the mechanism.

She had seen him dozens of times working with Dale. And though she could never get a good look at him, one thing stood out. His piercing blue eyes. Staring at the bandana in her hand, she placed in on the counter. No need to mess his stuff up when she had Kleenex of the own. He must have thought she looked a mess if he gave her this.

"Thank you." She observed the quiet man. His low steady voice surprised her.

Daryl grabbed the needed tools from his belt. It was best not to ask clients personal questions. Nor take a minute to examine their homes. He nor his crew wanted to be accused of trying to steal anything. Tenants here didn't care about their hard work and were quick to assume.

"So is Dale enjoying retirement?" Michonne tried to make conversation as he kept his mind on the task. Pouring herself a glass of orange juice, she didn't want to make this man feel like she didn't trust his expertise. All the occupants knew he was the best at his craft.

"Yeah. Thanks fer asking about him."

"No problem. I'm going to miss him. He always made sure I was satisfied with the service. I never saw him frown. I don't know how you guys do it." Daryl took note of the generous comment.

"Yah ain't like most of the people who live here." Daryl's comment took her by surprise as he looked at her clean face. Her eyes were still red, but no more tears could be seen.

"What is that supposed to mean?" He smirked as her guard rose.

"It's a compliment. It means that you are a people person." She softly laughed at his observation.

"I am far from a people person, but I feel so bad for hanging up in your face. I apologize for that. Bad day."

"no need." He turned on the switch as the garbage disposal sounded brand-new. "Let me know if it still gives you some problems."

"I will. See you around." Michonne walked him to the door. Extending her hand, he accepted the gesture.

TWDTWDTWDTWD

A break was definitely what the couple needed to breathe. Tyrese knew this would show Michonne what she wanted out of life. The minute he saw her, he knew that she would be his wife. Why did she have to be guarded? She put on this fearless façade, but he knew a close relationship scared her. But he would wait for her. And in the meantime, he would prove to her his worth. Staring at the diamond in the glass case, he gleamed as the clerk let him examine the white gold.

"It definitely fits Michonne." Sasha approved. The glimmer from the two-carat engagement ring made her feel oddly unsettled.

"But are you sure she is ready for this commitment?" Tyrese continued to stare at the ring as if it were his only solution.

Sasha was not one to give advice about relationships. Especially when she didn't take them seriously. But she knew love didn't exist between the two. If she could see, why couldn't he? She continued to watch him embarrass himself. Sure Michonne was flawless and articulate, but he deserved someone who wanted him just as much.

"By the way. Did you ask Devin?"

Tyrese didn't know why he brought her here with him. She would just convince him that he was being impulsive. And if he were, it was his business. Despite what his sister said, he knew Michonne. His love would snap out of this phase.

"Could you please stop trying to convince me otherwise. I'm sure." Tyrese firmly said as Sasha huffed. Handing the delicate ring back to the clerk, he continued to search the store.

"I know you don't like Michonne but our relationship isn't going to change." Sasha could not believe how delusional he sounded.

"If you think I am being jealous. You are seriously lacking good sense." She tried to keep her voice down. "Whatever helps you to keep making a fool of yourself."

"Sasha, why can't you be supportive of me? Is it wrong that I chose her to build a family with?" He exited the store as the younger sibling caught up to him.

"Ty, you know I love you. I want the best for you. But I don't want you to overlook the reality of things. You think that asking Michonne to marry you is going to make her love you. It's not. Her mind is made up. You can't get her back."

It crushed her to say this to him, but he needed to hear the truth directly. He could not keep denying it. It would not go away.

"Sasha. This is hard for you to understand. But when you truly love someone, you can't let go."

"Why do you do that?" Sasha asked. "You love to throw my relationships back in my face."

"I didn't mean it like that. Honest. But sometimes you can't give up. You have to fight for what you want." The determination in his voice made her hope there would be a guy in her future like this.

"Are you really sure about this?" She asked.

"Yes. For the last time." He said as Sasha grabbed his hand.

"Then let's keep shopping."

There was no need to keep repeating herself. Tyrese was a bug about to be squashed by a windshield. And she would be left to pick up his pieces.

TWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWD

What a way to start off her two-week vacation. She didn't rejoice in hurting others. Calling her mother would only make her feel guiltier. But this was a consequence. If she could break up with someone, she was strong enough to accept the pain from that choice. Entering in the bakery, she was welcomed with the smell of coffee. This would be her comfort for now as she stood in line. Checking her phone, relief struck her. Tyrese had not called her once. It was over for good.

Daryl was grateful to take this lunch break. The office seemed to suffocate him. It wasn't the phone calls or tenants. It was the employers. One in particular, Carol. She was a nice woman. He respected a single mother working hard to provide for her daughter, but he wasn't interested in her compliments and offers. A hearty sandwich from his favorite bakery would take his mind off of it.

Their eyes met as he walked inside the small, comfty eatery. How small was this town?

"Hey Daryl." Michonne awkwardly said. The red eyes had vanished and the touch of natural make up enhanced her features. Not that it mattered.

"Hey Michonne. I take it everything is better now." Daryl hoped his concern did not get mistaken for prying.

The country accent intrigued her somehow. She wanted to hear more of the non threatening tone. Broad shoulders. Dark rich brown hair. A clean-cut beard. Quickly looking away from him, she didn't realize she was staring him down.

"Eventually it will be." The awkward silence surrounded them as the line began to move.

The beautiful woman was so busy reading the menu posted behind the counter that she did not notice the rugged man behind her. Daryl took in her slim body and the hips that flattered her. The little muscle on her arm. So she liked to worked out…

"You were probably looking for this." Holding out his bandana, he smirked.

"Keep it." He put his hands in his pockets as he looked at the menu. "So what are ya gonna get?"

"Probably a Reuben. You?" The tension was lessening between them.

"Pastrami and Pepperoni." Daryl realized that he didn't mind standing in the long line at all.

"so what brings you here?" Michonne wanted to hit herself for asking the stupid question. He came here to eat. Like everyone else who came to a bakery.

"Just had to get away for a bit to clear my head. Take in my first day as manager. I definitely had some unexpected surprises. I am already hearing employees complain about their shifts. I got a secretary who loves to flirt. But it ain't so bad, I met a nice tenant." Daryl nudged her as she found herself smiling.

"Trust me. You won't be calling me that after a week. My personality only makes few not run away."

"I don't scare easily." Their eyes met as a voice interrupted them.

"What can I get for the happy couple?" The clerk took their order.

It was a common mistake. They were standing by each other after all.

TWDTWDTWDTWDTWDTWD

Michonne didn't know how she ended up having lunch with this random man. It was the best part of her day. But did they really look like a couple? An instant connection had sparked after one conversation. Her eyes could not stop following Daryl. She had never met anyone like him before.

Balanced.

Comfortable in his own skin.

Grabbing condiments and napkins for them, Daryl felt her watching him. He was curious about her too. The icy mask she wore. Did she wear it for the same reason he did? To hide the fear of being let down by others close to you.

It seemed as if the two were now experiencing a comforting silence. Words weren't needed. Just each other's presence. Looking across the table, Daryl discreetly watched her eat. It was as if he had never seen a woman before.

"I know what you're thinking." She hesitantly spoke as he chewed. "Why was I crying this morning?"

"It ain't none of my business Michonne."

"I know. Besides I'm pretty sure your life is more fascinating than mine." She could not believe she was about to volunteer this part of life with him.

He probably had this perceived notion that she was like her neighbors. To a certain extent, she was. She didn't mean to give off this vibe, but her quiet nature and powerful stare threatened. Why couldn't she be like Andrea?

"Yeah the condo handy man definitely has more draining days than the lawyer." Michonne smirked at his sarcasm.

"So are yah gonna tell meh?" Daryl's curiosity won. He wanted to hear her strong tone again.

"This may sound crazy but have you ever wanted to not feel lost? Everyday I follow the same mundane schedule. Meeting and defending clients. Doing paperwork. Researching cases. I mean I love my job, but I have this void. And all of a sudden I had an epiphany." Daryl paid close attention to her and the dreds that framed her face.

"I broke up with my boyfriend today. He couldn't understand why and to be honest I don't either." His powerful stare caught her again.

"yah know what they say not having a reason to leave is never really a good reason to stay." Michonne nodded at his philosophical words.

He was the first person to actually agree. Either he was humoring her or they were both illogical. She didn't know which one was worse.

"Haven't you ever hated to go to sleep because that would be a moment without the one person you loved? There are times I stare at my clock at work and I realized that I don't have someone that I want to rush home to. I want that feeling because I've never had it."

"meh and yah are definitely in the same boat. I ain't never had a relationship like that. Like everyone else, I thought I did." He paused. "I think everyone should. But meh and yah are two different people."

Her explanation made him realize that he wanted the same thing. Not wanting to be alone wasn't childish.

"What's that supposed to mean Daryl?" He smirked.

"It means that yah are educated. Yah walk into the room, and men flock to yah. It ain't just fer yer looks." He blushed at his bluntness. "I mean. Yer looks are nice but yer mind keeps them interested."

"How can you tell that after one conversation with me?"

"Because I sit back and I watch. I can tell when someone is puttin on a front."

How was it she could defend clients to no end, yet be taken down by a pair of blue eyes?

"Sorry I didn't mean to make yah feel awkward. I was told once that yah can change everything but yah can't change yer eyes."

Michonne tried to make sense of this. At the very moment, she had felt more at ease with this man in 30 minutes than she did with Tyrese in 6 months. But just because she felt like this didn't mean he felt it back.

"You have definitely been around Dale for too long." Daryl held his stoic expression at Michonne's remark.

He was trying to not be affected by her. And he found himself without words as she continued to eat. There was nothing wrong with meeting new people. Making a friend for once. Not that she would want to be his friend.

"I'm having this get together at Lou's Bar tonight. Wanna come? Yah can bring a friend if you want."

Please say yes.

"I…"

Was she setting herself up to fail again? How could you fail? Daryl was a friend? A 5'9 beautifully built attractive male friend. Whose eyes seemed to hold hers at every glance. What was the worse that could happen?

"Sure." The two ate together.

She hoped she would not regret this.