A/N: This is a modern young adult Richonne AU. Set in Atlanta, Georgia where Michonne attends a rich private high school during the day while trying to survive her abusive father during the night. Luckily for her the new English teacher makes it his business to know where she gets her bruises from and to help her find justice. Though, unexpected feelings begin to emerge between the pair.

Prologue

No one really knew Michonne Anthony. She wasn't popular and wasn't the talkative type either. She mostly kept to herself and kept a distanced away from any unnecessary human interactions. Besides her obvious flaws, she wasn't exactly unpleasant to be around. But still, this was high school and rumors have a tendency of spreading like a nasty virus. The students gossiped about her, of course they did. Michonne was Alexandria's High hottest topic, especially after that incident she was involved in last November. Everyone knew about it.

The first day of the school year was always rough, but now that she was a senior she felt more at ease. Michonne adjusted her short school tie and opened her locker to gather her books. Closing her locker she walked down the hall at a normal pace. Some students openly stared in her direction, ogling her in her school uniform. Her skirt floated an inch above her thigh high socks and her breast stood perky in her button down white shirt. She reached her classroom and briskly walked inside. Regardless of the rumors, it didn't stop guys from wanting her for their own delusional reasons. Many of them found her to be an exotic delinquency they just had to obtain. Michonne didn't want any part in fulfilling their sick fantasies. So she did what she did best, ignored them.

Stepping further into her first class of the day, she glanced at the teacher who was lounging in his chair behind the desk, chewing on the end of an unsharpened pencil. Some students spared Michonne a glance before dropping their gaze and resumed chatting with their friends beside them. Michonne sighed and sat at the desk close to the window.

She didn't have any friends. Never truly did. Michonne didn't have anything in common with the other students. They all had real memories, real relationships, and normal worries. They knew where they came from. That was more then Michonne could say for herself. What she knew, what she thought she knew, all of it had been a lie. Her eyes stung as she felt herself become emotional all over again. Quickly she cleared her head of the churning thoughts. The last thing she needed was fresh gossip going around about her having a emotional break down during the middle of class.

More students piled in just as the bell rung. The pot-bellied teacher hefted himself out of his worn in chair and scrawled his name on the blackboard.

"Welcome to AP US history." The chubby man loudly announced over the dying chatter as he underlined his name in a thick layer of white chalk.

"I will be your handsome homeroom teacher for the entire school year. So aren't you all lucky?" He jokingly boast, receiving genuine chuckles around the classroom.

"Alright," He rubbed his meaty hands together. "One at a time I want you to stand up and give us a little introduction of your lovely self so that I and the rest of your peers can get to know you a little better." A resounding groan of annoyance passed around the room in response.

"I know, I get it. You're all seniors and probably already know everything about each other. But this is mostly for my benefit seeing as I only teach seniors. I've seen all your faces around school but this is your first time in my classroom. So humor me."

Great, all eyes on her was the last thing Michonne needed.

…...

Michonne stacked her school books in her locker and took out some light reading material. She closed her locker and went down the stairs towards the cafeteria. She'd been to majority of her classes and received a syllabus from each one. Michonne was thankful the day was almost over, after her last class she could put this day behind her until she'd have to do it all over again tomorrow.

She didn't have any money on her so she walked through the cafeteria door and headed outside to the courtyard. There were only a few other students out. Most preferring the loud and spacious indoors with their chosen groupies.

Michonne sat on the bench under the shady oak tree, away from prying eyes. She needed a break from the constant whispers and judgmental eyes she'd received all day. She opened the well used book and began rereading her favorite piece of literature. This was her peace.

…...

Rick erased the blackboard after the last of his student left for lunch. So far he felt his first day was going pretty well, all things considered. Being a teacher wasn't exactly new to him, he use to love it before he gave it up to become a cop. He found out being a cop was his true passion, feeling useful and helping others was something he was born to do. Being a teacher had its perks but nothing beat the satisfaction of putting someone dangerous behind bars and saving those who needed saving.

Picking up his briefcase he made his way to the courtyard. He didn't know any of the other teachers and he didn't want to risk running into Mrs. Anderson in the teachers lounge again. She was nice enough, he just wasn't in the right mind set to be able to deal with her overly bubbly personality at the moment.

Outwardly he looked fine and he carried about his day as normal, but inside he was a mess. He had a lot he was dealing with since the divorce. This was a fresh start, away from the hell he left behind in King County. He and Carl could have a second chance here if he played his cards right.

He stopped at the vending machine to buy a bottle of water before making his way towards the courtyard. The sun shinned bright and the weather was nice and mild. He received a few lingering gazes from the few students scattered outside eating at the picnic tables, curious about the new AP English Lit teacher no doubt.

Morgan had already given him the tour of the school after he hired him on the teacher faculty. Principle Jones was the only person he knew here.

Nearly five years ago Rick saved Morgan's son's life. His department had gotten a call from a panicked father screaming that his son had been kidnapped. Luckily Rick was close by and had been the one dispatched to the location. Apparently after finding out Morgan was loaded with more money then they knew what to do with, the crooks thought it be a good idea to take his son for ransom money.

Their plan blew to shit after Rick followed the car that matched the description to a grungy location. He called in backup before sneaking in and apprehending the two criminals after a brief shoot out with no casualties. After that Morgan made it his mission to repay Rick any way he was capable.

Spotting a bench peaking out from the other side of the oak tree Rick headed in that direction. He needed a moment away from everything to just breathe and try and relax before his final class for the day.

Rounding the tree he stopped in his tracks when he spotting a student sitting on the bench alone.

Hearing footstep close by Michonne looked up from her book. From her angle she cold only see a tall silhouette standing slightly to the side of her.

"Oh, sorry. Didn't think anyone would be over here." Rick explained with a smooth country grittiness to his words.

Michonne quirked a perfectly plucked brow. By the sound of his deep voice she could tell he was an older man, most likely one of the faculty members of the school.

"Sounds like your a long way from home. Are you new?" Michonne inquired off handed, still engrossed in her reading.

Alexandria High didn't get new faculty teachers often due to the great benefits that came with the job plus the high wage most school just don't offer. Rick squinted at the girl on the small bench unable to see much due to the bright sun. He stepped closer under the shade of the big oak tree, finally able to stop glaring through the sun rays.

"It's not too far off." Rick shrugged. He took in the young woman before him. She had her head down in a book. Her locs cascaded around the publication in her small hands, blocking his sight from her face. Noticing her feet propped up across the bench his eyes briefly traveled the length of her body. He stopped himself at her long legs adorned in white socks that complemented her dark skin.

Wow, Rick though. Why was he just know noticing how risque the female uniforms were at this school?

"Interesting reading material?" Rick ask, anxious to take his mind off of the disturbing reality that he just checked out a student. He and Lorie hadn't been intimate in a long time leading up to the unavoidable divorce. I had been so long for him but that was no excuse. He was a mess.

Michonne finally looked up from her book annoyed the guy wasn't taking the hint that she wasn't interested in a conversation. Their eyes locked, brown and electric blue gazing at the other. She quickly took in his face. He was definitely new. She looked down at the book in her hand before turning the cover towards his view.

"Jane Eyre. It's a novel by-

"Charlotte Bronte." Rick Finished for her. Michonne smirked.

"What do you know about Ms. Bronte?" She asked dubiously, tilting her head slightly. Rick placed his hands on his hips and did a more intimidating version of tilting his head with a playful glare in his eyes.

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being, with an independent will; which I now exert to leave you. I would rather be happy than dignified." Rick quoted with confidence. He smirked as the young woman began laughing. Her laugh was a sweet melodic bell that turned his smirk into a genuine smile. He stood there with her underneath the shady oak watching as a thousand watt smile lit up her pretty face.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Rick unnecessarily gestured toward the spot where her feet occupied the bench. Michonne stiffened with hesitation. Would it be too rude to tell this teacher to fuck off? He seemed decent enough but it became glaringly apparent to Michonne that he didn't appear to be aware of who she was or what she'd done.

Michonne wasn't sure how she felt about that. Should she just spare him the humiliation of being spotting with her? Soon enough he'd find out. He'd hear the gossip or someone was bound to tell and he'd keep his distance, just like everyone else. Michonne felt a lonely ache in her chest.

"Go for it." Michonne shook her head and removed her feet. A little conversation wouldn't hurt anyone at the moment. When Rick sat down next to her she peeked over at him, getting a good look for the first time at the tall man with the curly brown hair and clean shaven face. He looked handsome in his standard teacher dress code. Even those worn in cowboy boots of his looked good on him. The man had some swagger. Damn. Michonne felt her cheeks heat up and looked away before she got caught ogling.

"I'm Rick. Though I suppose you should call me Mr. Grimes." Rick chuckled, still getting use to introducing himself with the title.

"I'm Michonne. Anthony. " She hesitated, watching him as he watched her, expecting him to connect the dot and jump away from her in repulsion. Finally she relaxed when he only smiled at her and nodded his head.

"Mi-chonne." He tested it out, his accent making her name sound like fine wine. "Can't say I've met anyone with a name like yours. It's beautiful." Rick nodded in reassurance. "Very beautiful." His eyes trailed her figure, as if he were taking all of her in.

"Thank you." Michonne whispered, unused to compliments. "You from King County?" she asked, attempting to get the topic off of her.

"Is it that obvious?" Rick chuckled. His hands firmly clasped between his parted legs.

"Educated guess. Earlier you mention your hometown wasn't far off. King County is the only place in Georgia with an accent like yours." As soon as the words left her lips she regretted them.

"You've been to King County? Rick inquired.

"Uh, no...well yeah, only once. Summer visit." Michonne stuttered. God she could be such an idiot sometimes. Rick quirked his brow noticing her discomfort.

"Do you have family in King County?"He tilted his head at her, watching as she began to squirm. His interest peaking.

"Yeah." Michonne answered almost dismissively. "Family." Her attention went back to her book, feeling foolish for thinking this was a good idea. Noticing her closing off, Rick dropped the topic. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable by forcing her to share something she clearly had no desire to share.

"So, what year are you?" He asked instead.

Michonne was grateful for the topic change.

"Year 12. Almost out." She couldn't help but smile. The thought of leaving this place behind was something she often fantasied about.

"I remember the feeling." Rick smiled, remembering his crazy senior year with his old high school friends. Back when things were less complicated. "Any idea what you want to do after graduation?"

"Once I get my bachelors I plan on going to law school." She stated with a passionate spark in her round brown eyes.

Rick looked on in surprise, not expecting her answer.

"Really? Law school? That's amazing, Michonne. Is that always something you wanted to do." He couldn't help but notice her gaze briefly drifted to his lips when he said her name again.

"No." She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts. "Its a recent thing. Lately I've noticed innocent people don't always get the justice they deserve." She said in a somewhat bitter tone. She shrugged her shoulders to shake off the unwanted emotions that seemed to haunt her lately.

"I get it. And you're right. I use to be a cop, believe it or not." Rick straightened up and leaned back on the bench. "I've seen terrible thing happen to good people. Things that could have been avoided had they had someone there to protect them or fight for them in the court. I've seen criminals get away with committing awful crimes only because they had a good lawyer backing them up." Rick sighed. The conversation was bringing up memories he'd rather forget.

Michonne didn't say anything else. She watched as his face became tense. His jaw clenching as he shook his head. She knew that feeling. Michonne closed the book that rested in her lap knowing she wouldn't get anymore reading done. She found herself not minding the distraction. Rick lightly chuckled besides her.

"I'm sorry. That was really depressing." He sighed.

"Well, you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders. You're focused and well read." He gestured towards the book in her lap with a small smile on his face.

Michonne tucked one of her locs behind her ears, smiling shyly at the compliment.

"I'm sure you'll reach your goals." He nodded, watching her. She carried herself with so much class, he noticed. She seemed so mature for her age that he could easily forgot he was conversing with a student, if not for her neat school uniform.

"Thanks. I needed to hear that." She quietly admitted. She felt good for the first time in a long time, regardless of how fleeting it would be, and that was thanks to this perfect stranger.

They gazed at one another for a little while, smiling like a pair of idiots.

They proceeded to have a lighter and more relaxing conversation that Michonne purposefully kept centered around Rick and not herself. She learned he had a child. A 10 year old son he named Carl. She quickly noticed Rick didn't mention anything about his wife or if he was married or widowed, so she didn't inquire about it.

The bell's loud shrill soon filled the tranquil silence, indicated the end of lunch. Together they gathered their meager belongings and headed back inside. Before parting their separate ways, Rick gave Michonne's shoulder a gentle and reassuring squeeze. He tilted his head to her, unable to resist his country upbringing, before disappearing into the crowed hallway of the student body.

…...

Michonne's last class was on the second floor so it was a good thing her locker was a few doors down. Walking to her class she ignored the laughs and judgmental looks. This was her normal now, and she refuse to let it break her. There were far worse things in her butchered world than irrelevant teenagers.

Entering the classroom she noticed she was the first to arrive. She chose the window seat as per her usual routine. She sat down with a tired sigh and placed her things on the desk and opened her book figuring she may as well read before class officially started. She was so ready to be done with high school. The halls were loitered with nothing but immaturity and feral hormones.

Hearing another person enter the room she kept her head down just trying to get through the rest of the day.

"Miss Anthony?"

Looking up at the familiar voice her eyes locked with electric blue. Rick smiled and she couldn't resist smiling back. His eyes momentarily drifted to her glossy plumped lips.

"We meet again." He laughed. "Happy to have a goal oriented student in my class for once." She chuckled at his joke, shaking her head at the odds.

Other students began to quickly fill the room. Some glanced at her, discreetly pointing and laughing with their friends. Michonne scoffed and brought her attention back to her book.

After the last warning bell Rick closed the classroom door, his patience for lateness short.

"Hello students. As you all are aware I will be filling in as your new AP English Lit instructor in replacement of Mr. Henry whom is now enjoying retirement. Please call me Mr. Grimes." He wrote his name on the blackboard as many of the female students watched on in fascination.

Michonne closed her book and brought her attention to the front of the class.

Rick walked toward his desk and retrieved a stack of papers sitting by the edge.

"Do I have any helpers in this class?" Rick asked, holding up the stack of papers and waiting for a volunteer to pass them out.

A girl in the first row quickly stood up making her way toward him with a coy smile on her asymmetrical face. She took the stack from him while letting her fingers graze his with a lingering look in her beady eyes before she walked away passing out the papers. Her skirt seemed a lot shorter than the other students and all the caked on makeup wasn't helping her case. Rick couldn't help but think she reminded him of one of those fast girls his Ma use to warn him about. Rick shook his head in slight bewilderment.

Noticing the exchange, Michonne rolled her eyes in amusement, feeling slightly better that she wasn't the only on making a fool out of herself today. She took the paper from Jadis with a small laugh when it finally came her way.

Jadis and her groupies were probably one of the other individuals ostracized at this school besides her. The student body seemed to collectively agreed that Jadis and all of her friends were just too weird to be around. They were often seen picking through the trash cans and had what seemed like a socializing disability.

For the most part the class continued on as normal. Rick gave them an in class assignment that consisted of questions asking about themselves so that he could get to know them better. Michonne felt a huge sense of relief, happy that she wouldn't have to stand in front of the whole class and introduce herself like they were in first grade.

Students grouped together while working on the assignment. Michonne stayed to herself and neatly scrawled down her answers making them brief and simple. She didn't want to get too deep like the other students seemed to be doing.

Rick watched her, aware of the fact that she seemed to be a loner. It was possible she just didn't have friends in this particular class, but then again she also sat alone at lunch, far away from the other students.

He squinted his eyes, observing how everyone seemed to either completely ignore her presence or constantly glance in her direction before whispering secretes to their friends. They'd laugh before shooting her more nasty looks.

Michonne either hadn't noticed or was doing a hell of a job ignoring them. Rick slowly walking around the class with his hands in his pockets trying not to dwell on it, but he was admittedly curious.

Was she a target for some reason? Was she a victim of bullying? Rick couldn't help but feel concerned. The cop in him wanted to get to the bottom of it. He didn't want any student being bullied, especially in his classroom. During their talk earlier she seemed like a nice girl with a clear head. Undeniably he was missing a key piece of information. Maybe he'd ask her about it if he could get her alone. He didn't want to put her on the spot in case something was going on that he was unaware of.

All too soon the final bell rang.

"I want everyone to turn in their paper, regardless if you finished or not. No one will be graded on this assignment. This was purely for my benefit. See you all tomorrow." The students excitedly gathered their belongings and dropped off their paper on the teachers desk before making a haste exit.

"Miss Anthony? Mind staying behind? There's a few things I'd like the discuss with you if you don't mind." Rick raised his voice over the sound of excited teenagers crowding the halls, readying themselves to leave the building.

Michonne stopped on her way out the door, turning around to address her teacher.

"Uh, sorry Mr. Grimes. I have to be somewhere and I can't be late." Michonne's arched brows creased in confusion as to why he'd want to speak with her after class.

"It will just take a moment, I promise." Rick stood in front of her, imploring her to stay. Michonne glanced at the clock above the door and quickly shook her head.

"Sorry. I can't stay. Like I said, I have to be somewhere. My ride is waiting for me." She quickly explained. Rick noticed she kept glancing at the clock every two seconds so he decided to let her go. For now.

He nodded, relenting.

"I'll see you tomorrow then." He conceded, watching her leave through the door.

…...

It wasn't until she was halfway down the stairs that she realized she'd forgotten to grab her handbag from out of her locker. Groaning, Michonne turned around and made her way back upstairs. She walked down the hall at a slightly quickened pace. The halls were nearly empty but she wouldn't allow the panic to set in just yet. Grabbing her bag and slamming her locker closed she hurried to the school parking lot. Rick, having just closed his classroom door with his briefcase in hand quirked his eyebrows as he watched Ms Anthony hurry past him, seemingly unaware of his presence. Already heading in that direction he followed behind her.

Reaching the parking lot he noticed most the students already gone, probably headed to a first day back to school after party. He unlocked his car watching as Michonne got in the front passenger side of a black Mercedes parked by the curb. Rick could make out a somewhat beefy and bald man in the driver seat through the front windshield. The mans facial expression regarding Michonne was not kind. Rick could just barley make out Michonne's hurried and jumbled apology.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't, I tried-"

Rick gasped when he saw the man slap her straight across the face with enough force to make her head turn sharply at an uncomfortable angle. Slowly, Michonne placed her small trembling hand on her bruised cheek, hanging her head down low in a curtain of locs.

Rick was red, his clenched fist in anger as his wide eyes watched on in shock. The black car quickly drove off before he could react, it all happened so fast.

Grinding his clenched teeth, he yanked his car door open and slammed it closed. An uneasy feeling washed over him. A feeling he used to get when he worked on the police force. How could he have been so blind? It was so obvious. Rick went over the conversation about justice he and Michonne had earlier. The way she had been acting...how didn't he see it until now? Though, some things still didn't add up.

Starting up his car Rick decided then and there that he would make it his priority to bring her the justice she badly needed. No man should ever lay their hands on a woman. Michonne was so tiny and she looked so broken. Rick sighed in frustration. He wouldn't let a vile man like that walk away. He will personally make it his business to see to it Michonne never feels an unloving touch again.

…...

A/N: Thanks for checking out my story. Please let me know how you feel about it. I already have the next chapter waiting so let me know if its worth posting! :D