Author's Note: Hello! This was finished a little sooner than I expected so please enjoy! :)
Andrea pushed her Gucci sunglasses on top of her head as she exited her black Audi. She just happened to be in Atlanta for a work conference when Michonne had called her for a favor. Michonne had also called her away from a potential dick appointment so this had better be quick.
She couldn't get much out of her friend except for a few of her friends needed a lawyer, and quick.
Andrea entered the station and locked eyes with a young cop who was sitting behind a desk.
"Hi, what is your name?" She asked and the young man gasped as he stumbled to his feet.
"Uh J-Jimmy. Ma'm." He stammered as he took her hand in his and Andrea gave him her best smile.
"Hi Jimmy. I'm here to see my clients. Uh, Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon and Glenn Rhee." Andrea said as she looked down at the text Michonne sent her.
"Are you here for Shane Walsh too?" The boy asked and Andrea narrowed her eyes at him.
"Did I say Shane Walsh?" She asked with a dangerous tone and a sugary smile. The young man began to fidget and sweat.
"Well no, but-."
"Then, I'd like to see my clients. Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, and Glenn Rhee."
Jimmy quickly shuffled away to get a superior officer and Andrea rolled her eyes.
He came back with an older man who Andrea presumed to be the Captain.
"Can I help you miss-?" Captain Lee asked as he looked back to Jimmy for help on her name. When he shrugged helplessly Captain Lee rolled his eyes. "You didn't ask her name?" Andrea heard him hiss and the young officer burnt red.
"No matter. If you could just take me to my clients." Andrea said with a wave of her hand and the Captain smiled. He liked her.
"How about we talk in my office first?" The Captain offered and Andrea sighed, readjusting her purse on her arm. As she walked to the office she turned to Jimmy.
"I think I'll have a chai tea Jimmy." She said and Jimmy wrung his hands out nervously.
"Uh we don't have any chai tea here." He stammered and Andrea patted him on his chest.
"I know you don't. But Starbucks does." She handed him a 10 dollar bill with a wink and the boy stumbled back to his desk to get his car keys.
"Have a seat please." Captain Lee offered with a smile and Andrea noticed there was a Latino and black Officer standing on both sides of the Captain's desk.
"This is Officer Martinez and Officer Wilson. They responded to the scene today." Captain Lee explained and Andrea nodded.
"And what exactly happened at the scene?" Andrea asked and Martinez sneered.
"The men and other members of their party assaulted an officer." Martinez explained and T-Dog snorted.
"More like you got your ass handed to you by a pregnant lady."
Andrea frowned and crossed her arms.
"Glenn Rhee is also being held for an assault that took place earlier today." The Captain explained and Andrea nodded now having a better idea of what she was dealing with.
"I see. May I see them now? Glenn first." She requested politely as she stood up and Captain Lee stood up as well.
"Absolutely." Captain Lee said as he escorted her out of the office.
Glenn held his head down as he waited for his lawyer to come in.
He didn't know how he got one so quick but he wasn't about to object to any help.
He kept replaying the day over and over in his head. All he could see was Maggie's frightened face when the cops said they were there for him. All he could see was Martinez putting his hands on her.
"Glenn Rhee?" A light voice asked and Glenn looked up to see a sharply dressed blonde woman staring down at him.
He stood up to shake her hand but forgot he was chained to the desk and sunk back down.
"Oh for fucks sake. Please take the handcuffs off my client." Andrea huffed and Captain Lee stepped into the room.
"It's only for your safety ma'm." The Captain explained and Andrea scoffed.
"I'll take my chances. Now please." She said again and the Captain nodded coming forward and freeing Glenn from his restraints.
"Thank yooou." Andrea sang as she shut the door behind the Captain with an eye roll. "Hey don't look so glum Glenn, you've got the best lawyer on your side."
"I messed up." He whispered and Andrea pulled out her chair.
"Tell me what happened. How'd you mess up?" Andrea asked and Glenn began to tell her what all had happened that day.
"That's all?" She asked with a light laugh and Glenn raised a brow.
"It's pretty bad.." Glenn said and Andrea shook her head with a smile.
"Bad is waking up with a dead hooker in your bed, a million dollars in your purse and cocaine in your blood."
Glenn's eyes widened and he wondered where she got that oddly specific story.
"I assaulted an officer." He reminded her and she rolled her eyes.
"The way I see it you protected your wife, your pregnant wife from an abusive, racist cop. Officer Wilson was just in the way."
"But I did punch Negan." Glenn said and Andrea thought for a moment.
"Was it on camera?" She asked and Glenn shook his head no. "Any other witnesses?"
"Besides Carl, Daryl and Rick? No."
"Then seems to me anything could have happened. Hell the man could have been struck in the face by a flying Ostrich for all we know."
"Uh Ostriches don't fly." Glenn said and Andrea's smile remained.
"Glenn you're a good guy right?" Andrea asked and Glenn shrugged.
"I thought so."
"No you are, Michonne told me you are and she's an angel so that must make you what, a saint? It's good to get angry sometimes to protect what's yours. And I'm gonna make sure that you don't have to pay for that."
Speaking of paying..
"Don't worry about the cost. Although I'm sure you couldn't afford me, this one is on the house."
Glenn managed to give her a smile and she reached over to touch his hand.
"It will be okay. I'll have you out of here in time for the end of Cameron's birthday."
"Uh Carl."
"Yep him too."
Andrea spoke with Daryl next. Really it was just a series of grunt and eye rolls ( a redneck Morse code if you will) and then finally Rick was brought into the room.
She had to admit that he was quite handsome and she saw everything Michonne gabbed about for months now. Now she could confirm that yes "his eyes were as blue as the sky". And yes "he did have the jaw of a Greek God". All she needed to confirm was that cute little as-
"Andrea?" Rick asked and Andrea stood up to shake his hand.
"The famous Rick Grimes." He stared at her for a moment not sure if the nickname was good or not. "Let's talk."
Rick sat down and stared at his hands before looking up at Andrea.
"I've heard a lot about you." Andrea admitted and Rick leaned back in his chair.
"Is that right?" Rick asked and Andrea hummed.
"Michonne is my best friend." Andrea explained and Rick's heart clenched at the mention of her name.
He fucked up and he only hoped he hadn't messed up what had only just begun.
"Tell me why I should help you? Tell why you're not exactly like Mike."
Rick cringed at the comparison and shook his head.
"I would never hurt Michonne. Never." Rick insisted and Andrea narrowed her eyes. Her scrutiny made him squirm but he held his ground.
"You get angry often then?"
"I can." Rick answered and Andrea clicked her red fingernails on the table.
"Can I trust you with her heart? Because you already have it.. I know you do." Andrea asked and Rick leaned forward.
"Is she afraid of me?" Rick whispered and Andrea shook her head.
"No she's afraid for you. She doesn't want you to go down trying to protect her."
"I would go to hell and back for her," Rick said and he surprised himself with his own words but he meant it, "I would. I don't regret what I did. Not at all." Rick answered honestly and Andrea stared at him for a moment before heading to the door.
"We're done?" Rick asked and Andrea nodded.
"I'm a woman of my word. I'm gonna have you out soon." Andrea said before she shut the door leaving Rick with his own thoughts.
Andrea was, as she said, very good at her job and within the hour she managed to not only get all the guys released on no bail but it seemed she could have the charges at the very least minimized by Monday. She wasn't a miracle worker, and they still had the court date to worry about come next week but until then they were free men.
As they left the station the men were greeted by a small group of their loved ones.
Glenn slowly made his way over to Maggie who was giving him such a nasty look he almost wanted to turn back and spend the night in the cell.
Jesus has his long hair pulled into a ponytail- a sign that he was exasperated or inspired. When Daryl approached him Jesus shook his head and climbed into the passenger seat.
Shane even had Lori waiting for him when he was released. She gave Rick an apologetic look before driving away with Shane.
And Rick? Rick had.. his younger brother Aaron waiting for him.
He gave Rick a small smile and welcomed him into his SUV.
"Just throw Gracie's backpack in the backseat." Aaron instructed as he pulled away from the station.
"Is she still there?" Rick asked although he already figured the answer.
When Aaron didn't answer him immediately he sighed sadly. What did he expect?
"We like her a lot. Me and mom." Aaron said after a moment and Rick gave him a sad smile.
"Right. She's great, amazing." Rick said, totally disappointed with how the day turned out.
"She's still at the house." Aaron admitted, finally putting his older brother out of his misery.
Rick let out a humorless laugh and he could have cried. She was still there.
"You couldn't have told me this a little earlier?" Rick said and Aaron smirked. Although he didn't particularly enjoy kicking Rick when he was down he was still his older brother and Aaron couldn't resist teasing him for a moment.
"Of course she's still there. She doesn't shy away from the hard shit like Lori did. She's just at the house with Andre. She was having a hard time putting him down for a nap." Aaron explained and Rick felt like he could finally breathe.
"As soon as you guys left she called Andrea. She looked sick to her stomach when you guys were taken away but she went to work. When I left she was cleaning up with mom." Aaron explained and Rick nodded his head.
"Man fuck Shane." Aaron said after a moment and Rick laughed at his baby brother's sudden outburst. "You know he was the one who outed me in high school?"
"What?!" Rick nearly yelled ready to beat the man's ass all over again.
"Yeah I mean I guess it was technically an accident. Do you remember Ally Walker?"
"That blonde freshman who was obsessed with you?" Rick asked and Aaron nodded. "What ever happened with her?"
"Well I guess Shane made a pass at her and when she said she was more interested in yours truly he let it 'slip'. She could barely make eye contact with me after that." Aaron said through laughter and it seemed he had made peace with the situation.
Rick wasn't quiet there yet as he had just discovered this news. He thought his brother had come out on his own terms, not because some asshole disclosed the information to someone.
"It's okay Rick," Aaron insisted and Rick fought to keep the glare off his face, "It really is. Because of that asshole I got to go through high school living my truth. I also got my first kiss from a quarterback because of it." Aaron said with a reminiscent smile and Rick raised a brow.
"Which quarterback?" He asked and Aaron bit back a smirk.
"No comment."
What a day. Rick thought as he closed his eyes and leaned against the headrest.
"Don't worry about this whole Shane and Lori moving thing. You know that they're not taking Carl." Aaron insisted and Rick nodded weakly. He was just so tired of all this.
"How was Carl when you left?" Rick asked and Aaron laughed.
"I'd say he was good. He was cuddling up with Enid on the couch when I left." Rick shot Aaron a look and his smile grew. "Don't worry they had room for at least the Holy Spirit in there."
When they got home all the cars were gone except for, their mother's Michonne's, and of course Carl's new car.
"Is it bad that I want to bash that things windows in?" Rick asked and Aaron smirked.
"We thought about it but couldn't find Carl's bat." Aaron answered honestly and Rick smiled.
"Thank you." He said earnestly and Aaron waved him off. "No i'm serious. I wouldn't be able to do any of this without you and mom. Dad would have been so proud of you."
Aaron let a tear slip at the mention of their late father and nodded. They had been through a lot this last year but had come out of it strong. They were Grimes after all.
"I hate to ask it but is there any cake left?" Rick asked as Aaron began to exit the car.
"It was delicious. Carol truly outdid herself."
Rick let out a comical groan and Aaron laughed.
"Michonne saved you a piece."
Rick smiled at his girl's thoughtfulness. He took a quick look at himself in the rear view mirror and sighed. He had definitely looked better. He had bruises and cuts all over his face and his hair was a mess. He figured he was due for a shower and a good long talk with Michonne.
He exited the car ready for both.
Michonne watched fondly as Delilah soothed her hand down Andre's back. He had calmed down hours ago but Delilah had yet to let him go. She was glad her son found peace with this new woman in his life. She wasn't surprised though, Delilah was great with Andre and she probably reminded him of his own Grandma Dee. She laughed and wondered how he was going to be able to distinct the two into in the future.
She found that she liked the idea of a future that involved another Grandma Dee, Uncle Aaron, an older brother Carl…
She wondered if these feelings were coming to quickly? These feelings of contentment and belonging? She never felt this way around Mike's family. She always felt like a guest who would be leaving at any moment.
She looked back at Delilah and Andre who had now taken a seat next to Carl and Enid on the couch.
Was this what family felt like?
Her thoughts were cut short when Aaron came through the door followed by a very beat Rick.
"Dad." Carl cried as he instantly stood up and greeted his father with a hug and Michonne watched on fondly. Rick whispered something to Carl nodded against his chest tightening the hug.
The father son duo seemed stronger than ever and Michonne couldn't be more grateful.
"Hey Carl. I'm so sorry about this. We didn't even get to watch that movie." Rick said dejectedly and Carl shook his head.
"Now's the perfect time anyway. Too bright earlier- we waited for you." Carl explained and Rick was touched.
"Why don't you and Enid go get the movie set up and we'll be out soon?" Rick suggested and the two teenagers left without hesitation.
"Good to have you back Mr. Grimes." Enid mumbled as she moved past him and he gave her shoulder a pat.
"I hate to be the one to say it but you look like S-H-I-T." Delilah spelled and Andre looked up at her curiously. "Rest my baby." She hushed and he settled back against her chest, his fingers still playing with her pearl necklace.
"Thank you mom. I see you found a friend." Rick said as he finally made eye contact with Michonne. Neither looked away as they had a silent conversation with each other.
Are you okay?
I'm okay.
I know..
"Aaron, Eric and Gracie are napping up stairs in the guest room." Delilah informed her youngest son and he nodded heading towards the stairs.
"Well if you'll excuse me I'm going to join them." He said as he squeezed Michonne's hand as he walked away. She gave him a smile before turning her attention back to Rick.
Sensing the two needed some time along Delilah carefully stood up with Andre.
"Well I'll go see if the two youth need help out there." Delilah said as she came over to give Michonne and then Rick a kiss on the cheek. She left outside to the backyard leaving Michonne and Rick alone.
They both took a step towards each other before pausing.
"They seem to be getting along." Rick said, referring to his mother and Andre.
"Oh yeah they took to each other instantly. She reminds me so much of my own mother so that's no surprise.." Michonne said quietly as she inched her way towards Rick.
"And he's okay? I didn't mean to upset him.. I hope he's not afraid of me." Rick asked his voice low and Michonne shook her head instantly.
"He's not afraid of you. He was just upset that you were upset. Don't worry you're still in his top 5 list of favorite people." Michonne assured Rick with a light laugh and he smirked.
"Oh yeah then who's number one?" He asked, stepping even closer to her. He could feel the glorious heat of her body now.
"Mama of course," She said with an eye roll and they both laughed, "Although I think your mom is-."
Rick enveloped her in his arms and lifted her close to him. He couldn't help himself. After everything that had happened that evening he just needed to feel her near him again. Feel that she was still here.
"I thought you had left," he whispered in her ear sadly, "I would have understood if you needed a break."
Michonne pulled back from the hug and he lowered her back to her feet. She stared up into his sad blue eyes and shook her head.
She grabbed his face gently mindful of his new cuts and bruises and lowered his face to hers. She pressed an urgent kiss to his lips and let her tears of anger, frustration, sadness, her tears of relief fall into the kiss.
"I'm done taking breaks." She said when they pulled away and Rick almost said it right then.
He wouldn't, he couldn't, because fear left him insecure but he knew in that moment that he loved her. As crazy as it seemed he was in love with her.
And as they stared into each other's eyes he thought just maybe.. she could love him too.
Freshly showered Rick sat on the foot of the bed as Michonne carefully cared for his wounds. For every press of alcohol to a cut or a new ridiculously tiny bandage applied Michonne fed him a piece of cake.
He smiled as she narrowed her eyes at the cuts and bruises marring his face. She was taking her job as nurse quiet seriously.
"This is good." Rick said after a moment and Michonne paused her ministrations.
"What your face? Sorry honey buts it's pretty bad." She said and Rick smiled his hand finding its way to the back of her thigh.
"No this." He said motioning between the two of them and she smiled as well. This was good. Everything felt so natural and easy between them and she hoped the feeling never went away.
She went to feed him another piece of cake and he grabbed her hand.
"Thank you." He said and she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Don't thank me just yet officer. You do look a little silly with all these band aids." She admitted and Rick smiled as he took another bite of the cake.
Michonne's phone ringing caused her to stop her work and reach for her iPhone in her back pocket.
She answered and put the call on speaker when she saw it was Andrea.
"Hey Andy I'm here with Rick." Michonne announced and she heard a man whispering on the other line.
"Good news babe. I found- or rather my associate Milton found some dirt on Negan Morgan that will help Glenn. That's one shady fucking dude." Andrea said and Michonne looked down at Rick excitedly.
"That was quick." Michonne praised and Andrea snorted.
"It was actually kinda easy- there's no way this guy should even be walking the streets right now. Anyways about Daryl and Rick. It doesn't seem like there's actually gonna be any charges against them. Officer Martinez admitted he got stupid at the party and Shane isn't dumb enough to press charges against Rick."
Both Rick and Michonne let out a sigh of relief. So that's it? It was all over?
"Only thing is they're going to have to take some anger management courses for the next month. Lord knows they need it- no offense Rick."
"None taken." Rick returned quickly and Michonne smiled at him.
"How'd you swing this Andy? And don't just say you're good at your job, you're good but you're not that good." Michonne asked and there was silence on other line.
"You want strawberry or chocolate?" They heard a deep voice ask on the other line and they paused. That voice sounded familiar..
"No I really just am that good." Andy assured them with a cough and Rick raised a brow. "Anyways we'll talk soon, bye." She said with a giggle disconnecting the call.
Rick and Michonne sat in silence before bursting out laughing.
"I'm pretty sure that was the Captain." Rick said tears pooling in his eyes at the Ridiculousness of the coupling.
"Ew!" Michonne managed to say through laughter and Rick couldn't help for agree. Ew indeed.
When their laughter finally settled down Michonne sighed.
"We should get down to the movie. They're waiting on us." Michonne reminded Rick and he just gave her a goofy smile.
"What's a few more minutes?" He asked as he pulled her on top of him with a light laugh.
See I can do light and sweet just as good as angst! Lol I think everyone deserved a little break :) But of course we do have somethings to worry about like.. Shane and Lori being the worst. And maybe there will be a little bit more drama but for the most part we're on our way to happier times. Ugh I just love these two. Till next time!
