Chapter Two: Stranger Danger

Michonne woke up feeling sore, but rested. She wished she could spend another night here to avoid Mike, but she needed him out of her house. Cheating was one thing, but she wasn't going to deal with a relapse. They had a son. Andre's safety was more important than Mike's health; he was more important than their feelings and relationship. She was going to do what was best for Peanut. Michonne pulled the covers over her arms and closed eyes. Her heart was breaking. Last night had been fun, but she was now sober and aware of her bitter reality. She still loved Mike. Even as she hated him, she loved him. Michonne hated that she chose him. Everyone she knew was against it. Now their warnings seemed to blow up in her face:

Have your fun, but don't fall in love.

He's from Alabama? Michonne, no, just no.

Don't date an addict.

Don't date a bisexual.

He's going to cheat. No man in Atlanta stays faithful.

Mike's fine and all, but you can do better.

Junkies never stay clean.

Michonne never listened to the negativity. Mike was an inspiration to her, black excellence to the finest. She'd seen her future in Mike. Their love was supposed to be stronger than the hate. Mike was supposed to prove them wrong as he'd always done in life. From the start, life was harsh for Mike. He was a poor, bisexual, black man from Alabama. He grew up with nothing, but his mother and her church. Every other Sunday he was told he would burn in hell. Every month his mother had to sacrifice either lights, rent, clothes, or food just to make it. His father was an addict and hemorrhaged their money. His mother's parents were alcoholics that either took more of their money or pride. To avoid his home Mike focused on school, politics, and the arts. He practically lived in the library and city hall. Despite this being positive, he was treated as a nuisance. Local politicians didn't like the uproar he caused the the community. Older whites didn't like to share this space with some "uppity" black kid. His mother wanted him to get a job and stop stirring up trouble. He was academically gifted, throwing off the pace at his school. His peers only treated him nicely if he helped them out of academic or legal trouble. Alabama's police had a problem with Mike too. He was too provocative and there was a rise of people who knew their rights and police protocol. His life was hell until his senior year. He applied for many scholarships and earn the money for college. He kept it a secret from his family, knowing it would be taken for drugs, booze, or the household's bills. Mike promised himself he'd never go back to Alabama. He made sure his GPA stayed at a 4.0. He joined his campus's Black Student Union and Gay-Straight Alliance to gain connections. He met Terry in the Gay-Stright Alliance. Terry was gay and one of few people of color in GSA. They formed a fast friendship mainly from their outspoken views against racism in the LGBTQ community. Mike also had to speak against homophobia in the black community in BSU; subsequently, he met Michonne. Michonne had a girlfriend from high school whom she kept secret. Mike convinced her to be honest with herself and others and invited her to GSA.

Mike changed Michonne's life from the moment they met. She learned there was nothing wrong with being attracted to both genders. She learned that honesty was the best policy especially honesty with oneself. If it wasn't for Mike, Michonne might have never came out. She was bisexual; it wasn't hard to pass for straight. However, Michonne's life improved after coming out. She found her parents already knew and didn't mind as long as her partners could meet their standards. Her grades and self-esteem increased. A weight was lifted off of her. Michonne became happier, more fun, more outgoing, more funny, and more flirty. Michonne was fulfilled in all aspects of her life. She credited Mike for a large portion of it. They disconnected and eventually found each other again. Mike became a lobbyist for queer rights and many years clean after his job introduced him to cocaine. Michonne was a corporate lawyer. They were a power couple; both successful and wealthy in their own right. Life seemed to get better when Andre was born. Michonne thought that they complimented each other. It made her sad that she couldn't make him bloom as he did for her.

"Good mornin'" Michonne turned to see Rick sitting on a couch in the hotel room. "I, umm, didn't want to just leave after last night."

Last night? What happened last night? Did they sleep together? Impossible, she wasn't promiscuous when she was drunk. Michonne calmed down when she realized she was still wearing her clothes from last night. From Rick's disheveled appearance she assumed he slept on the couch. She smiled. It seemed like she'd picked the perfect stranger to bond with last night. Rick hadn't taken advantage of her last night. She remembered most of their outing: her determination to win their games, the wonderful drinks and atmosphere at Indigo, and their conversations. The last thing she remembered was Rick telling her to eat her sandwich and drink at least half her water before she went to sleep. "I'm glad you didn't."

"How are you feeling?"

"Honestly, shitty... But it's not physically thanks to you." Michonne ran her fingers through her dreads. "What about you?"

"No, but only physically." Rick chuckled a little. He was so worried in making sure Michonne was fine that he didn't realize how drunk he was himself. After he put her to bed, he crashed on the couch. His stomach was threatening to rebel. "I had a wonderful time last night. It was definitely the best night I've had in Atlanta. Definitely the most fun I've had in a long time."

"Thank you for saying that, and for everything. You're a good man, Rick."

"I should be thanking you. It's nice not to be bitter for once."

"Yeah." Tears pricked her eyes. In a whisper she affirmed, "I've got to go home now." This was it; Michonne had kick the love of her life out of their home. Rick moved from the couch to the bed and embraced her. He let her curl against him and cry. She was hurting badly. He almost forgot why they were together originally. While Rick finally accepted the end of his marriage, Michonne was in the first day of a break up. Michonne had been so enjoyable and energetic, it was easy to forget she had her own problems to deal with. He wanted to help her like she was helping him. At this moment he felt lonely, but he didn't miss Lori. Thanks to her he knew he would meet more people and have a life in Atlanta. Divorce wasn't the end of life. He was going to focus on his new beginning. Michonne was embarrassed she'd cried in front of this stranger again, but there was something about Rick Grimes that made her feel safe.

"Do you need a ride?"

"No."

"...Do you need someone there?"

"I just met you."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to be-" Rick replay their conversation and realized how sketchy he sounded. He might be doing too much. "I just want you to be okay."

"I will be. I'm stronger than I look. It's killing me that you're seeing me this way."

"I don't doubt that you're strong Michonne. Seeing you like this just let's me know you really cared for him. You're hurt, not weak."

Michonne smiled sadly. She pulled away from Rick and went to the bathroom. "We may still be able to catch breakfast." She called from the bathroom.

"That sounds good. Would you like to eat here or grab something elsewhere?"

"It depends on how long it takes me to get ready." Michonne got in the shower and washed her face. She tried to rid all the evidence she'd been crying before she washed her body. She grimaced as she heard Rick puking in the room outside hers. He definitely needed breakfast. She brushed her teeth with the hotel's complimentary toothbrush and redressed. She opened the door and handed Rick the other provided toothbrush. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but I'll be better with a shower." In the span of time it took Rick to wash and redress, Michonne had their room cleaned and had their breakfast via room service. Rick knew this hotel was significantly better than ones he'd stayed in. She checked her phone for her Uber. It would be there soon.

Michonne offered him the chair in front of her. "I decided to order in just in case you felt sick again."

"That was nice of you. You didn't have to."

"I wanted to." Michonne watched as Rick sat, prayed, and took his first bite. "I got a basic omelet, but if you want something else-"

"No it's really good. Thank you."

"It's no big deal. I'm about to leave. I just wanted to make sure you were well."

"Okay, do you have my number? ...I really enjoyed spending time with you."

Michonne thought about that. Maybe it'd be for the best to part ways with Rick. They hadn't even known each other twenty-four hours yet. They knew too much about each other. He'd seen her cry twice and knew her occupation and names of her family. "Let me have it." She'd take his number that way she could decide whether or not to continue their fast friendship.

Rick entered his number in her phone. He handed the phone back to her and squeezed her hand. "You'll get through this."

Michonne knew she'd see this man again. Her phone vibrated; her ride was here. "I'll let you know."

Michonne didn't say anything to her Uber driver and focused on what awaited her at home. She was glad that the tears stopped. She rarely cried; it was an impression she loathed giving off. Mike had so much explaining to do. She wouldn't cause a scene. She wouldn't give Mike nor her neighbors that satisfaction. She'd let him pack a bag and leave. Mike had enough money to get a decent apartment on his own. She'd protect her and Andre's finances and allow supervised visits with Andrea. Mike had many connections in Washington, subsequently random places in the United States; but, this was Georgia. Michonne knew so many lawyers, judges, prosecutors, and police that she had no doubt custody with Andre wouldn't be a problem. Michonne willed herself to be cold; as much as it hurt to use her power against Mike, she had to for her son. She'd do anything for Andre. Michonne would protect him. Michonne considered herself a logically person, but she never planned for Mike to relapse. She didn't even see it coming. She claimed to love Mike so much, how'd she miss that he needed help?

"We're here." Michonne noticed they were outside her apartment complex. She tipped her driver forty dollars and got out of the car.

"Welcome back Ms. Anthony." The door was held for her.

Michonne entered her code and let the elevator take her to her floor. Her heart was racing. Mike's in there. She felt it. She knew he would be sitting on the couch waiting for her. And he was. "Michonne-"

"Don't speak to me!" Mike followed Michonne as she went to their room and started stuffing his clothes in a suitcase. He panicked. His breathing grew heavier as he paced the room. This was his biggest fear. He wished he was hallucinating again, but he knew he wasn't. His limited grasp on reality was what made him think sex with Terry was a dream until Michonne got home. How could he explain that to her? Michonne went to the bathroom and packed toiletries. She rolled the bag to his feet. "Now get out. I'll FedEx the rest tomorrow."

"May I speak?"

"There's nothing you can say to make this right."

"I know I was wrong. I was up all night just thinking about how I treated you. I can't believe I did that. I'll always hate myself for doing that to you. I can't even say why. It's not you. It's me. I can't believe I did that. I didn't even know what happened. Michonne I would never hurt you. I mean, I would never do that to you. I've always been honest with you. I don't know how it happened. I can't believe I did that. I didn't know it was real. I thought I was trippin, I swear I did. I'm so sorry Michonne. I can't believe I did that. Don't leave me. If I got to get rid of Terry, I will. If I got to go to rehab again, I will. I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you. I love you. I love Andre. I don't want to be the man my father was to me. I'll do better. I know I was wrong. I can't believe I did that."

Michonne looked him in his eyes. Her shifted away trying not to meet her stare. She already knew why. Mike sniffed as his nose started to run. His eyes here dilated. Mike was high again. "You need to go."

"Michonne, don't do this to me baby. Don't do this. Don't do this." Mike got on his knees and and hugged her hips. "Don't go. Don't leave me. Do make me go. Don't do this to me baby. Please don't do this."

Mike started sobbing. Michonne stood there not knowing what to do. Mike was clean many years when they reconnected. This was her first time seeing him like this. "What happened?" Michonne cried too. "What happened to you?"

"I don't know."

"I can't fix this. You're not ready."

"I am."

Michonne shook her head. As much as she wanted that to be true, it wasn't. "You have to go."

"Michonne, don't do this."

"I love you. I love you so much, but you can't stay."

"I don't want him Michonne. I want you. I want this family. I won't do it again. I swear I'll never do it again. Please don't make me leave."

"Do you love me?"

"I love you. I love you so much and I hate myself. I hate that I-"

Michonne made Mike face her. "Do you love Andre?"

Mike shook his head profusely. "You all are all that matters to me. You two are all that makes me happy. I can't lose my family. Don't take our family Michonne."

"Mike, I-"

"Baby please..."

"You need to put your money in Andre's accounts. All except 25, maybe 50 thousand dollars."

"No."

"I'll make sure that I can't get to it. Neither will Andre until he's 20."

"Michonne..."

"You need to kick this. I don't know what to do, you're going to have to do it like you did last time."

"Mi-"

Michonne kissed him. "Don't come back until you're clean. We'll go from there. But I don't want to see you like this again. And I never want Andre to see his father this way. So fight this."

Meanwhile...

Rick's phone buzzed. He picked it up assuming it was an email from work, but it was a text from number he didn't know with a 706 area code. He was excited. If it wasn't spam or a wrong number, it could only be from one person.

Mike is gone, but I'm definitely in the denial stage of grief. I promise there will be nothing, but smiles the next time we meet.

-Michonne

(A/N) Things will get better, I swear it's not a darkfic.

Next Chapter: Rick and Michonne meet again.