A/N: There 's a comic book spoiler in this chapter that I remixed to fit my story. It hasn't happened on the show yet. Hope you enjoy!

I.

Michonne sat on the hard folding chair sipping the cup of coffee Rick had somehow procured for her from Olivia's dwindling stash. The sun had set ten minutes ago, but she wouldn't be going to bed anytime soon. Her night would be spent patrolling the community. She wanted to pay special attention to the perimeter. Daryl and Aaron had found no other evidence of foul play out there, but her gut told her something was coming and it wouldn't be good.

She pulled the over-sized plaid shirt of Rick's tighter around her body. The wind had picked up so she doubted the garment would be able to keep her warm for much longer, but she didn't wanted to feel constricted by a bulky coat. The katana was strapped to her back just like the old days. Her leather boot grazed back and forth against the concrete. The cool demeanor she normally wore was battling the nervous, restless energy in her soul. She didn't know why these things always started at night, but she was ready to get it over with.

"Hey." Rick walked into the area and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before sitting in the chair next to hers. "Are we really the first ones here?" He asked.

"Looks like it," she said. "How was the afternoon watch?"

"Quiet," he said as he nervously started to bounce his leg, "but that doesn't feel right."

"Something's coming"

"Something not good."

Michonne placed her hand on his leg to stop the bouncing. Both of them didn't need to be so wound up. She looked over her shoulder to see Jessie and Sam walk into Deanna's courtyard. The blonde woman gave the pair an awkward wave before sitting on the opposite side. Rick looked at his watch to avoid Jessie's gaze. He still didn't feel completely comfortable around her anymore. From killing her husband, to their awkward non-kiss to the fact her son tried to kill him and shot Carl in the process, it felt weird being around her.

"Looks like we'll get started soon," Michonne said.

Rick turned to see what had caught Michonne's attention. He was shocked by the jolt of hate that immediately hit his heart at the sight of Ron. Mentally he knew Ron was just a confused kid who regretted what he did, but it was hard to rectify that with the images of his son getting shot and almost drowning. He took a deep breath and looked to the sky to try to calm himself down. He was losing the battle until he felt a cool hand wrap around his. Michonne squeezed tightly. He took one more deep breath and nodded letting her know he was okay.

Soon the rest of the community started pouring in. Carol took a seat next to Michonne. Glenn, Tara, and Rosita stood near the entrance with Morgan and Aaron.

Deanna walked out with Maggie and Spencer at her sides. The mummer of voices fell silent. "Thank you all for coming out tonight. I'm sorry that lately we only all get together to discuss tragedy, but that's the world we live in today."

"It wasn't our world until Grimes and his people got here." Tobin said.

"Now is not the time-" Deanna started.

Nicholas stood up from where he was sitting in the corner. "Aiden and Reg and Pete would all still be alive if Rick never showed up."

"That's a pretty bold statement coming from the man who was just released from house arrest for shooting Glenn. And did you forget Noah's dead because you're such a coward?" Tara shouted back.

"Hold up everyone. Just stop." Maggie stood in front of all that were gathered. "We all need to calm down, and stick to discussing what we came here for. This is not the time to air your grievances."

"Then when can we talk about what's going on?" Tobin asked. He was getting so angry his skin took on a red hue. "Kids are shooting kids. We have those undead things invading where we live. And supposedly someone or something is luring them to us. My family is scared. Hell, I'm scared Deanna always promised to keep us safe. We are not safe."

"Where the fuck have you been the last two years?" Abraham asked. He stood directly in front of Tobin and crossed his arms behind his back in a soldier's stance. "There's not one inch of safe space left on this gotdamn disease affected planet. You son of bitches are living in fucking la la land if you think the reason this place is under siege is because of Rick and the rest of us. There are more walkers out there than people. And with the people that are left every sick motherfucker is trying to be the top dog and conquer the rest of the living. Thank your lucky stars that we're here to give you people a fucking clue."

"I'm just trying to keep my family safe." Most of the bite had left Tobin's voice as Abraham continued to stand before him.

"Nobody came to hear that shit, man." Daryl said.

Michonne leaned over to whisper to Rick. "This is like déjà-vu. Tobin was arguing the same thing when Deanna called the meeting to decide if she wanted to exile you."

Rick scoffed and shook his head. "Fucking clueless..." He trailed off when he saw Morgan walk to the front. His forehead creased in worry. Him and Morgan weren't exactly on the same wavelength lately. The man could start joining in on the chorus of grievances for all Rick knew. "What's this about?" He whispered to Michonne

"Maybe he'll surprise you," She whispered back.

"Everyone," Morgan said, "please remember I just came from living outside of those gates. I trekked from Georgia to here. As did Rick and his people. And I while I wouldn't have used the same language my red-headed friend, Abe, is absolutely right. No place is truly safe. Some are just safer than others. Even though our philosophies may differ now Rick Grimes saved my life, and he's a good man. It'll do you all some good to listen to him."

Rick looked down impressed and touched by the words of his friend. He looked over to Michonne and she mouthed the words told you to him.

"And if we don't what will he do? Shoot us like he did Pete?" Someone shouted from the back.

"Okay that is enough!" Deanna stood up from her the chair she was sitting on. "We are here to talk about the punishment for Ron Anderson." She turned towards Jessie. "I know he's your son, and I know you love him, but he didn't something very wrong. He has to be punished. He's going to be on house arrest for the unforeseeable future. We will revisit the sentence every three to six months." She turned towards Ron. "Young man I can see the regret and remorse all over your face. We are all very fortunate you did not kill Carl Grimes. I hope during your time locked up you will continue to reflect on what you did wrong. Take this time to grow as a person. You did a bad thing, but I do not believe you're a bad person. I believe one day you will again be a valuable member of this community. "

Ron looked to his mother with tears in his eyes then back at Deanna and nodded. "I will try." He stood up and looked Rick in the eyes. "I'm sorry. Please tell Carl I'm sorry too. I never meant for any of this to happen."

Rick gave the teen a single nod not trusting himself to speak.

"As for the rest of you," Deanna continued, "I know many of you are wondering why I'm locking up Ron for attempted murder while I let Rick roam free. He killed Pete on my orders. The man was a menace and none of us were safe with him around. Rick is now helping me run this place because he knows a hell of a lot more about this world than I do. We listen to what he tells us and if you don't like it please feel free to leave Alexandrian and try to make it on your own. With that this meeting is adjourned."

II.

Rick let out a frustrated breath as he watched the display of people before him. He walked back and forth with his hand resting on the butt of his gun. The sun shined brightly on the group of people lined up just outside the walls of Alexandria. Each had a gun in their hands. Most didn't know what to do with the weapons. Mandatory training started two weeks ago and the residents looked no better at handling firearms than they did at the start.

Rick wiped hastily at a bead of sweat running down his forehead. His frustration was almost at the boiling point.

Michonne smiled as she watched Rick snatch a gun out of the hand of a man she didn't recognize to show him how to properly load the ammo. Even from her place in the watchtower she could feel his irritation. She understood his feelings since the knife and hand-to-hand combat class she'd been teaching with Abraham had similar results. Rick looked up at the tower. She wasn't sure if he could see her, but she gave him a reassuring wave just the same. Looking out of the scope of her rifle, she surveyed the area. There hadn't been any walkers on her watch. They'd cleared out a bunch days ago, and only seen stranglers here and there since.

She saw a miniature version of Carl, walking through the gates and making his way towards the tower, through her scope. She gave a quick look over her shoulder when she heard his footsteps stop at the top of the stairs.

"Hey kid," she said before putting her focus back on the land below.

"Hey, Michonne." He walked over to stand next to her to look out of the window. "Dad's really being hard on them."

Michonne nodded. "That he is. But he's trying to save their lives."

"He told me this morning he was going to try to be more patient with everyone, but I don't think it's working for him."

Michonne tilted her hand to side and back upright reminiscent of Rick's quirk. "Your Dad's way with people could certainly be more...let's say refined." She allowed herself to take some attention away from keeping watch to look closer at Carl. He was thin and pale. "How are you feeling? You sure you should be up?"

Carl kept his focus outside on the gun training. "Michonne, I'm fine. I couldn't spend another second cooped up in that house. When Carol came by to watch Judith I made a mad dash out of the door."

Michonne shook her head. "Does Carol know you're gone?"

"I told her I was leaving then ran out before she could stop me."

"What am I going to do with you?"

"You can tell Dad that I should be helping him out there." He grabbed the butt of the gun hanging from the holster on his waist. "I'm one of the best shooters he has."

"You are but not yet, kid. We have to think about your health. Craig says you still have some healing to do. Just wait a couple more weeks, okay?"

"Who knows what will happen in a couple of weeks. The Wolves and whatever else could be on top of us by then." Carl turned his back to the window and faced Michonne.

"And if they are we will handle it. Your Dad knows what he's doing. I know what I'm doing. We're going to be alright." Michonne knew of and understood his deep-seated need to help others and to feel like he's contributing to the safety of all, but she wasn't going to let him risk his health.

Carl looked back out of the window to watch as both his Dad and Sasha tried to get Olivia to hold her gun properly. "It's kinda amazing how you always have so much faith in Dad."

Michonne raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course I have faith in Rick. Don't you?"

"I do, but he goes a little crazy sometimes." He shrugged his shoulders. "I mean the whole thing with Jessie and killing Pete." He shook his head and looked away from Michonne's probing gaze. "Never mind."

Michonne gave a look around the perimeter of the community to make sure it was still safe for Rick and everyone to be out there before turning her attention back to Carl. "Talk to me. There's something on your mind. You know you can tell me anything."

Carl sighed but stayed quiet trying to his words together. "You know how much I love Dad. He's my hero. Everything he does is to protect us. Pete was dangerous and he had to kill him. But that thing he had for Jessie was weird. If he hadn't had that obsession then maybe..."

"Maybe you wouldn't have gotten shot." Michonne finished for him.

"Yeah," he said with his head down. "With all that Dad has done for me I don't mean to sound like a whiny kid, but I've spent the last couple of weeks juggling feeling grateful for him and angry that he went too far again."

"It's okay to be mad. I knocked him out. Mostly because I was trying to save him from himself, but I was mad as hell at him too. It doesn't mean you don't love him. It doesn't take away his hero status either. He's human. He's going to make mistakes and it's okay to call him out when he does. Besides getting shot makes all of the anger come out of you. Trust me I know."

Carl graced her with a small smile. "Yeah it does. I was even mad at the time when I was eight and he wouldn't buy me the new Batman comic because he said I was too young." Both of them broke out into a laugh.

Once they quieted down, Michonne place her free hand on Carl's shoulder "You should talk to you Dad. Tell him how you feel."

He shook his head. "I don't want to hurt him."

"The thing with your father is that no matter how mad you are at him he's about a hundred times madder at himself. Both of you are carrying around guilt, anger, and pain. Talk it out. It'll make your relationship even stronger."

"He'll think I'm just a whiny kid."

"You know your father better than that. He won't. He loves you more than anything. He'll listen to you. He respects you."

"Okay, I'll talk to him." He leaned against Michonne and laid his head on her shoulder.

She rubbed his head. "Feeling tired?"

"Yeah a little. Don't say I told you so."

"I won't. I'll just think it." She smiled down at him. "My shift will be up soon. When Sasha comes to relieve me we'll go home and I'll make you some dinner."

Carl closed his eyes with his head still resting on Michonne's shoulder. "When I used to get sick Mom would make me grilled cheese and tomato soup."

She smiled "Andre loved my mom's homemade tomato soup. He would have to eat at least two bowls."

"Mom's was from a can, but I still loved it."

Michonne brushed his ever growing hair out of his face. "You miss her a lot."

Carl nodded his head. "I do. She would have liked you."

"Why do you say that?" Michonne voice was tinged with surprise. She never thought about how Lori would feel about her.

"You love me and Judith as if we were yours. She would appreciate that. I almost think she sent you to us. You showed up at the prison the day after she died. It doesn't seem like a coincidence. Maybe Andre sent you to us too because he knew you needed another family."

Michonne fought to keep the threatening tears at bay. "That's a beautiful way of seeing things."

"I think she sent you not just for me and Judith, but for Dad too. She knew he wouldn't handle her death well." He paused. "I saw Dad come out of your room last night."

"I see," said Michonne. She was treading carefully.

"I wasn't spying or anything. I was just up getting a glass of water and saw him leave your room and go back into his. You guys seem closer than before I was shot."

"Are you okay with us growing closer?" As much as she loved Rick she didn't want to do anything that could cause Carl any pain.

"Dad needs you. You need him. I'm glad you guys are together." He lifted his head from Michonne's shoulder and looked at her. "If you two are together."

She ruffled his hair and smiled at him. "We're working on it."

"Good. One of the things I was getting angry about before was the picture of Mom that was lost at the prison. I was angry Judith will never know how she looked. I'm scared one day I'll forget, but we both have you now. That helps take away the sadness and anger. I hope we're able to help you in the same way. Take some of the pain away from losing Mike and Andre."

Michonne could no longer keep the tears from falling. She hugged the boy she considered her son. "You do, kid. You all really, really do."

III.

Gun training was over for the day. The group of Alexandrians headed back home. Michonne and Carl met Sasha at the entrance of the watchtower for the changing of shifts with a promise to return soon with dinner for her. Michonne lead Carl back to the front gate of the community. With both her rifle and the katana strapped to her she kept careful watch for any trouble. Carl did the same with his hand on his pistol ready at any moment to pull it out if need be.

Rick was waiting for them at the gate with a frown on his face. "What are you doing out of bed?" He asked Carl.

"Those four walls in that house were driving me crazy. I had to get out." Carl said.

"Just be grateful we have those walls." Rick put his arms around Carl's shoulders. "Wasn't always the case. Might not always be the case."

"I know Dad. I'm grateful. I am. Umm can we talk later?"

Rick's frowned deepened. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine. It's just we haven't had a talk in awhile..."

Rick looked over to Michonne, but she just shrugged her shoulders knowing it was Carl's place to explain to his father what he was feeling. "Okay, just let me check in with Deanna, and we can talk either before or after dinner."

"Sounds good. I see you guys back at the house." Carl walked on ahead on them.

Rick and Michonne strolled together leisurely not wanting to part ways immediately since they hadn't see much of each other that day. "What was that about?" Rick asked her.

"Maybe your kid just wants to talk. But whatever he says just listen. Take in what he's trying to tell you."

"So you do know what's this is about."

Michonne mimed zipping her lip and throwing away the key. Rick smiled at her grateful with all that with all that was going on they still could be playful with each other. He noticed she was wearing his black and white plaid shirt.

"So you're just wearing all my clothes now?" He asked

"Your shirts are comfy." Michonne said while wrapping it tightly around her.

"I only have four shirts, and you keep stealing them from me. That one is my favorite."

"Sorry." She said with a faux pout.

He stopped walking and faced her. "Now you're not playing fair. How can I resist that face?" He pretended he was thinking it over. "I guess it's okay for you to keep the shirt even though it's my favorite since you're my favorite too."

Michonne laughed. "God, Rick. That was so corny."

"I know. I felt the schmaltz as it left my lips, but I just went with-"

A loud gunshot cut through the air. Everyone in the streets of Alexandria froze; too scared to know what to do.

"Do you think that was Sasha?" Michonne asked.

"Couldn't be. Her gun has the silencer. Go get Abraham, Daryl, and Rosita and try to get over the walls to sneak around whoever is at the gate. I'll go to the front to distract them." Michonne nodded and they gave each other a look that said be careful and come back to me.

Rick motioned for the people on the street to go into their homes before heading to the front entrance. Spencer was on the ground trying to stand up after being hit in the head by a rock. A strange, bald man with a "W" carved onto his forehead was smirking at them from just beyond the locked gate.

"Okay you got our attention," Rick said. "What can we do for you?"

"Isn't obvious?" Asked the strange man with the raspy voice. "Little pig, little pig, let me in."

Rick did his signature head tilt and smiled menacingly at the man. "Well it's cute that you're introducing yourself with nursery rhymes, but that's not how things work in here."

"Oh, I think how things work around here are about to change. You people seem like a formidable group. My little roamers present didn't faze you all much. I'm impressed."

"So it was you who lead the walkers to our homes."

"Just trying to play a little game with you. I bore so easily. Not much fun to be had anymore. I take what I can get." The man carried no visible weapons. He stuck his hands into his pockets. Rick stayed in a causal stance, but he was watching the man closely for any sudden movements.

"Well whatever game you're playing won't get you in here. We have rules and protocols to keep the danger out. You seem like a whole lot of danger."

"Little ol' me? You flatter." The stranger chuckled. "Of course I have more men stashed here and there so it'll be in your best interest to let us in. Or else something very bad will happen to you."

"Is that so?" Rick said with his own humorless chuckle.

"If you will please look down on your chest for the tiny red dot. You see I have a sniper hidden away. With one, single raise of my hand you're a dead man. If you lift up your weapon you're a dead man. This is a loose- loose situation for you. You might as well open the gate and try to spare you life a little longer."

"I don't think so. I'm not going to let you in. I'm not going to let your friends in. You're going to turn around and walk away before I kill you. Or I just might kill you right now."

"Big threats from a man seconds away from death. It was nice knowing you." The man raised his hand. A single shot rang out, but Rick was still standing. His smile mimicked that of an animal knowing the swift demise of his prey would soon come. Behind the strange man Abraham, Daryl, Rosita and Michonne crept up with captured members of the group. The men all had "W's" carved onto their foreheads.

"Looks like my sniper took out your sniper." Rick raised his gun and started shooting.