Hi everyone!

So, once again thank you for all those amazing comments, you always fill my heart with so much happiness.

Quick replies:

Coco123456: I love it that you love it! You reading from France melts my fanfiction writer tiny heart. Merci beaucoup.

Minton131: So kind. I hope it was a light reading lol.

And to the rest of you my most sincere thanks always for following and reading this idea. It means a lot.

Now, enjoy this chapter. Yup.

Love,

A.


SDCC...

"Babe, stop looking at her like that". Daryl turned Sasha around to force her to look at him.

"Why is she here anyway?"

"We agreed you were not going to interfere."

"Oh. My. God. I'm not interfering, I'm just... gazing."

"You are staring and it's creepy."

"No, it's not. Besides, I dare her to come here and ask me why I'm gazing", said Sasha crossing her arms over her chest.

"Staring, babe. You're staring. At Lori. We don't want her to come here. You're gonna explain what?" Daryl asked as he was talking to a five-year-old. Sasha gave him a murderous glare and sucked her teeth holding back an answer. "Why do I have to be the voice of reason here? This place is supposed to be to have a good time and connect with fans without all this drama."

"Maybe because you are the oldest?", she asked with a raised brow.

"So funny, Sasha. You are hilarious."

"Sorry," but there wasn't any sincerity in her voice but a hint of fun. She turned around to look at Lori once again. Daryl threw his hands in the air mocking surrender. "But really, what the hell is she doing here?"

"Sasha, she is still his wife. Why wouldn't she?"

"Maybe the fucking divorce."

"Shhh," Daryl prompted her and she looked at him furrowing her brows.

"What? Why are you shushing me?"

"We're not supposed to know about that." She just sighed.

"You know what, babe? This is gonna be a fucking disaster."

"It won't. Just mind your business. Let them deal with it."

"If I see Michonne in trouble I'll step in. You know that, right?"

"Yeah. But until then... Stop. Staring".

Sasha pivoted slowly while rolling her eyes. It's not like the 'wife' was going to see her among the number of people in the hall. Daryl decided to get them both to the other side so they could talk to Abraham and Rosita and keep Sasha occupied. It was worth the effort knowing that probably her girlfriend was working on something to get Michonne and Rick out of any indiscretion.

On her side, Lori was scanning the room with baby Judith in her arms. She had had the idea of leaving the kids back at home but when Rick confronted her she gave in avoiding a fight. It wasn't worth it and she wanted to come anyway. It could look as if the perfect family picture was still intact. Not that it worked long because Rick kept avoiding her unless the kids were around and he had already told the production they were on their way to a divorce. She just sat there and had to endure some pitiful glances. She was not going to forgive him for that, especially when he could have waited to let them know. Luckily for her, they have asked them to keep up appearances at least for the weekend because an announcement like that right now would affect stocks, audience numbers, rating, Rick's image... She tuned out of the conversation once she heard they had to act still as husband and wife. The perfect opportunity to find out what was going on.

Judith moved and tried to reach someone behind her and Lori turned around to find Carl coming towards them. The boy was talking to Tara while walking and he seemed to be in a good mood. Once they reached them Tara said hello to her, touched Judith's hair as a kind caress, and kept walking to meet with other castmates. Carl grabbed Judith from their mother's arms.

"I'm right here, Judes. Stop fussing". His baby sister was now holding onto his hair and trying to touch his face with her free hand while giggling.

"Carl, where's your father? He said he'd be right back. That was 20 minutes ago."

"I don't know, mom. He probably found someone and is talking and lost track of time."

"Really? He knows I have Judith and we need to go."

"That's why I'm back here."

"What do you mean? He sent you?"

"No, I figured you'd want to go to the hotel. Let's go then. I'm sure Dad will find us afterward." Carl started walking towards the exit while sweet talking to his sister and rocking her on his hip. Lori stood in her place looking around and trying to find Rick. He was nowhere to be found.

"Carl, wait a minute while I go and try to find your father."

"Mom! Come on! You know how this is, he'll probably meet us back at the hotel."

"It'll be just a minute, baby. Watch your sister". She kissed Judith and Carl on the top of their heads and headed back from where her son came from. Carl rolled his eyes and went to find a seat to wait for the drama to unfold.

Rick stood a couple of more minutes shaking some people's hands while looking for Michonne. He knew she was there somewhere. He finally noticed her talking to the producer of the show and Maggie in the middle of the hallway, surrounded still by other people he didn't recognize. After a minute, she raised her sight and their eyes locked. They both smiled with contentment and stared at each other for a few seconds before she went back to her conversation and he stood there, trying to follow up what was being said when in fact all that was pushed to the back of his brain when he remembered the gala a week ago.


A week ago...

It had taken him a minor discussion with Lori and he had endured it stoically, as it had been happening lately. Michonne texted him the details of the gala and he'd reserved a flight for the next available day to LA to accompany her. Lori gave up when he said that it was work and that was the end of it. And it was work after all, only that it really wasn't. Now he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown like a schoolboy while in the car to pick her up to the gala. He had missed the photo shoot because of the flight and this will be the first time they would actually see each other.

Michonne stood up when Kale opened the door and let her know that Rick was already there. She looked herself in the mirror once more and took a deep breath. Her stomach was in knots. Butterflies, sweaty palms, heart beating faster, you name it, she had all the symptoms of being nervous. It's just Rick, she said to herself. We've done this before.

"You coming or what?", said Kale, still holding the door. She took another deep breath, got her scarf, pocketbook and walked out to meet Rick.

He was waiting outside, next to the car, fighting the itch for a cigar. When the door opened and Michonne walked out, he bit his lip and cursed under his breath. She looked absolutely stunning. Michonne had decided on a floor-length nude gown. It was showing her toned arms, half of her back, and the valley of her breasts only with two thin straps on her shoulders. As if it wasn't enough that sight, the dress was form-fitting, hung to all of her curves up to her mid-thighs where it would open flow and cascaded to the floor around her. There was some glitter in it, just the right amount to make her look elegant. Her hair was out of her face, half up, half down with some beads entangled to match her outfit.

She smiled when she saw him and all the nervousness she was feeling was suddenly replaced by a warm feeling of confidence. He was looking breathtakingly handsome in his all navy suit and his tie. Hair perfectly combed and his salt and pepper beard reduced just to a trimmed and neat stubble. He was staring at her with those wild and piercing eyes, charged with emotions she could see through and feel all the promises they've been saying to each other these past weeks.

She said goodbye to Kale and walked to him, her eyes never leaving his, and took the hand he was offering. They stayed there for a few seconds, just drinking into each other's presence, breathing their essences, feeling their skins through their hands.

"Hey", he said.

"Hey."

"Did I pass the test?", he asked without taking his eyes off her.

"Not bad. But still, the socks don't match your suit."

"They are not for my suit, they are to match your dress." She smiled a little bit because definitely, they did match her outfit, which was odd.

"It should have been your tie matching my dress, Grimes."

"Well, that's the next closest thing," he said nonchalantly and she choked a laugh.

"You are as clueless with your socks as you are with technology. I guess you were lucky they do match."

"No, Michonne. It's proof of how connected we are," he said seriously, still looking at her and she felt a chill down her spine.

"We better get going. Don't want to be late."

"One's never late to these events. By the way, you look gorgeous," he whispered in her ear, and she smiled while he opened the car door for her without letting go of her hand and helped her go inside.

It was a good night. They spent a fine time, sharing with the people that attended, many photographers and actors they both already knew. Rick was right in a way, he attracted attention but so did she. The best part of the evening: having each other's company, talking about anything and everything. Intense staring, slight touches, all hidden by a crowd of people drinking, chatting, and posing for pictures trying to be the next face cover of the magazine.

They held hands all the way back to her place, her left side pressed to his right, her head on his shoulder while his thumb unconsciously drew small circles on the back of her hand. It was soothing, calm. It felt the right place for them to be. The enchantment was broken when the car stopped. He got out slowly, dragging the moment, not wanting to let her go just yet. Rick helped her out and walked her to the door. They stood there, timidly holding hands and staring at each other for what felt like a lifetime. Rick broke the moment when he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Too close. Too dangerously close. And it was so slowly Michonne felt every fiber of his skin in that spot of her face and she closed her eyes for the second it lasted. He whispered a thank you and goodnight, she could only muster goodnight before he headed back to the car. She stood there still feeling his lips tingling on her skin. It's been a good night indeed.


Now...

They have all arrived earlier that day and were still getting some of their credentials and the schedule for panels and such. There was a mass of people, security guards, producers, actors, photographers, and of course, the fans. Rick had found out they were both in most of them together, mainly seated next to each other because of their main roles.

Michonne was laughing now with Maggie and Rick could only give a discreet glance at her, enjoying the way her laugh made her look and how her eyes were always bright. He was half enthralled by those lips but forced himself back to reality once she looked at him again. He smiled and just nodded, a silent agreement that it's been long enough time.

Rick excused himself saying it was time to go back to the hotel. He also saw Michonne say something to Maggie and afterward, she walked in his direction. They stared at each other probably longer than they should have. Rick spoke first.

"Hey, I almost can't see you."

"I know, this is crazy. Thought one'd get used to it by then but no."

He only nodded and without saying much she knew they could move away from where they were. Rick placed his hand on Michonne's lower back not wasting a moment to touch her and they started heading out. They were more at ease with each other now, but the tension was there, now more than ever. He could feel that Michonne despite his declaration was still the same person when they were in front of others. Inside, he was a bit of a mess because he was sure he was not hiding his feelings so well. But again they were playing a couple in the show and there was nothing weird about them doing interviews or hanging out together. Maybe she was doing better than him.

But she was not. She was putting on her actress's face and avoided looking at his eyes too much. It was right there. There was some easiness in their relationship but feelings and promises had been said and that changed a lot between them.

It was crowded and they had to go through a sea of people. Everyone was busy, minding their own when Rick looked around them. He moved his hand from her back and placed it on his side and slowly, discreetly intertwined his fingers with hers. He felt her flinch and he smiled internally, but she didn't back away. She kept walking almost in front of him and their hands were hidden by her side.

There was only so much they could do. But small things like these, they would take it anytime. Michonne learned to let go a bit of that fear but not all, especially since his wife was there. She held his hand for a few more steps and squeezed it before letting it go. Just in time to see Lori turned around and found them with her eyes.

"Rick, I was looking for you. Hi, Michonne," she said once she approached them.

"Lori, hi." It was all she managed and her heart beat faster.

"What is it? I told you I'd be back in a few. Couldn't you just wait?"

"It took you forever. Judith needs to eat. We have to go."

"I know my daughter's eating times." He said annoyed and turned to Michonne more annoyed with Lori for breaking their little moment. "See you later, Chonne. If you see Daryl by any chance tell him to call me. We need to go over some stuff before the first panel."

Michonne nodded and Rick signaled for Lori to walk ahead of him. Two steps and he looked back at her. She stayed there with a heavyweight in her heart. What are you doing, Michonne? This is insane. I should've probably sat back this time. Vogue was one thing, this... this is another game level. Excruciating for her. Painful. This was the ultimate test to her strength to stick by her feelings and not give up on the man he was falling so hard for.

"So, why is she here?" Sasha's voice startled her.

"Oh my god! Don't do that!"

"Why is she here?" She repeated as if Michonne hadn't said anything.

"She wanted to come. It's his wife after all."

"His wife in the paper you mean."

"Whatever, Sash. She had every right to."

"What right? They are getting a divorce," she hissed.

"Nobody knows, so stop saying it."

"You sound like Daryl," she rolled her eyes.

"But stop mentioning it. I'm fine. I got this."

"Ok, but holler if you need help." Michonne had to laugh then.

"This is not a war zone, Sasha. It's our lives. I love you but you better stay out of it." Michonne was serious.

"I'm out of it but you are wrong, with her, it is war. Don't be so naive. I know you're the one who is suffering the most, even if you won't admit it."

"Would you stop?" Michonne looked around and opened her eyes to make her notice they were not alone and surrounded by people. "I told you, I got this. Trust me. I'm fine."

"Ok, if you say you're fine, I'll take your word. But I'm here. Probably for the last time."

"Don't be ridiculous, you'll come back every year with Daryl."

"Not if I'm busy filming other things…"

Michonne hugged her. She was right about it, her character had been killed off the show. But they were friends before this and they will continue to be after.

"Come on, let's find your bf. I have a message for him."


"Since when do you call her Chonne?"

"Huh?" Rick was looking out the window and wasn't paying attention to Lori's rampant speech.

"Since when do you call Michonne, Chonne?"

"We all call her that."

"First time I heard you call her that." Rick glared at her.

"No, it's not. I've called her that before."

"Not in front of me. That's too… familiar, I would've noticed," she said suspiciously.

"That's how much attention you have been paying to my job and my coworkers," he didn't hesitate to shoot back.

"You know how boring I always found this."

"Clearly. You have missed it for the last three years and you wanted to come to this one when we are divorcing. Ironic."

"I was pregnant, Rick. And then I wasn't going to bring baby Judith to this noise and craziness. Carl was more than happy to keep you company."

"Yeah yeah. Whatever, that's in the past. It doesn't matter anymore."

She walked closer to him.

"Rick…"

"Lori, it was fine for you to come. But we are not pretending to be together anymore. Everyone knows."

"Not everyone."

"Everyone that matters knows."

"You don't have to do this, Rick. Not in here. Don't make me look like that in front of everyone. You are the one who wants the divorce. At least give me some dignity."

"Why? It's not like we love each other anymore, Lori."

"It's… We are not telling the press and the company doesn't want to mention it either. We should still play the part, for your job's sake". It was clear he was not going back.

"Since when do you care?"

"Don't be like that. I do care".

"Fine! To be crystal clear I'm not doing it because you asked but because the production did. And only when we're in front of people and by people, I mean fans and the press. The rest knows the truth so there's no use in pretending."

"Ok. That's ok." He was already walking out of the room.


Daryl looked at Michonne sitting in front of them. Sasha was away from them, busy on her phone talking about her film. Daryl was trying to read her but she was focused, drinking her green smoothie while scrolling through her phone. She looked up and found his eyes staring at her and she frowned.

"What's up, Dixon? Why that face?" she asked, sipping.

"Nuthin' "

"You wanna try that again? You are looking at me with your laser face."

"My what?"

"Just spill it. Come on."

"What are you doing, Chonne? I mean, she is here. Three's a fuckin crowd."

"I'm not doing anything, what's wrong with you two? It's Comic-Con. I can't avoid it any more than I can avoid him. It'll be weird and will raise questions. You know that."

"Try. This is gonna blow in your face."

"There's nothing to blow in my face, Daryl. Don't be a drama queen."

"He can't control himself. We've all noticed and it's only a matter of time before she does too. She's sharp, she's missed the last cons but now she'll be in the hunt." Michonne furrowed her brows. "She's not stupid. She knows there's someone else and Rick is working all the time he is not with his family. Two plus two…"

Shit. She hasn't thought about that.

"Don't worry, Daryl. I'm fine and I got this."

"You ain't got shit. You are as bat crazy as he is. Here I was thinking you were the smartest of us all".

"Drama queen", she repeated this time looking at her phone again.

"I mean, you took him to the Vogue gala. What were you thinking?! Eh?"

"You're just jealous I didn't ask you".

"Pffft, I woulda said no."

"Yeah right, you say that now…"

"Stop deflecting, Michonne." Now she gave him her full attention because he used her complete name.

"Nothing happened. So, stop. You're making it look worse than it really is."

"I don't want you to suffer. I guess it's hard not being able to show how you really feel for each other, I can't even imagine how it can be for you with her here. You know I care."

"I know and I appreciate every bit of it. But it's my life." She squeezed his hands lightly. "Let me deal with it. Ok?"

"Deal with what?", said Sasha at the time she took her seat next to Daryl.

"You too", Michonne said pointing to her. "Stop playing Cupid."

Daryl smiled and Sasha snorted a bit. Michonne knew it was them looking out for her and smiled too, especially Sasha, she had always been a nutcase but she was the best friend she could ever ask for. They were going to do it even if she asked them not to. She saw Sasha's face contorted in a growl and then a heavy sigh. And then Daryl's laugh also died and he gave her a sad look. Michonne moved around to see what was happening and heard Sasha whispering:

"You've gotta be kidding me. What the fuck is he doing here too?"


A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope you liked it. Leave a review to know your thoughts, trust me when I say, they are all welcome. Michonne's dress for the gala was inspired by one Danai actually wore for the Uptown magazine cover which she shared with the women of the play Eclipsed. I'd post a link but I have no idea how. Stay safe y'all! Much love! ;)