Chapter 13

Exes and Hos: The spoiler

Michonne hummed a sweet little ditty to herself as she light-heartedly walked down the hall towards her bedroom thinking, What a difference a new day makes. And that precious little revelation came from her fully knowing that things were on the mend for sure concerning her boy with him knocking on her bedroom door not so long ago proclaiming his hunger, thankfully seeming no worst for wear after last night's emotional rollercoaster ride from Hell that they all rode for a while and had her concerned that this morning would be more of the same for her Handsome no matter how adaptable the child looks to be but surprisingly it wasn't, proving to her that their boy's resilience was in tact and very strong indeed.

"Here you go Bug," Michonne said sweetly as she stepped into the room walked up and handed her favorite seven year two months old guy a bowl of cold cereal with frosted milk on top as he sat on the edge of her bed watching cartoons.

"Are you sure that this will be enough! I can always make you something else if not."

And Michonne's Handsome looked up with a look and said, "Yes ma'am this is enough, I want room for the waffles you promised we are going to make when Cody gets here from Alabama."

"O-okay, and is there something else?" the young woman replied back brightly. She'd not only heard that hesitant tad bit more in her guy's voice, but saw a question reflecting from those lovely Dad eyes of his too.

And the child still looking back at her slowly nods his head. "Why did you call me a bug?" he asked her solemnly.

Michonne smiling sat right down beside her boy and answered, "First of all Mr. Smart Stuff, I didn't call you a bug. I said 'Here you go Bug' as in a name but only because you are so darn cute!"

And her Handsome blushed, turning the most delectable shade of light red, just like his dad does when she's said something that has gotten next to him; they both blush the same way and each time that they do grabs hold tight on her heart and makes her want to just say...oooh how a-dor-a-ble! Michonne also noticed that the child wasn't eating either, and knew why. In all of her grocery shopping she'd forgotten to get some fun cereals for the little man, and all she had in the condo were Frosted Mini Wheats which she and Munchie would snack on sometimes like candy that no doubt probably doesn't constitute anything of fun eating in the mind of a seven year old in ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM but she gave him a little coaxing any ole how.

"Bless your food man before the icy milk melts completely and your cereal began's to sogs. You know that is exactly how Munchie and I always eat ours, but with a bit more ice," she said patting the boy lovingly on his leg as she got up to tend to the four puppies waiting to be fed also, and who later on will be having some of those home made waffles themselves!

And her little man did as he was told and blessed his breakfast while Michonne saw after the pups, but the kid hesitant to dive in just sat there looking back at the cereals, because they were the kind that old people ate; just like his Grandpa Rich does! And Carl didn't care how much he'd smile, chew, pat his belly, wink an eye at his grandson and say, "Hmmm" the boy just knew that the stuff was nasty and would not try them (where were the mini marshmallows of star, rainbows, and clovers). And now Michonne has given him the very exact same unappealing ones with the only difference being this time it's with cold frosty whole milk instead of that watery pretend kind with that light blue cap on the jug that his grandma makes his Grandpa drink!

Maybe the icy milk will help...maybe that's why Michonne and Munchie likes them...maybe they won't taste that bad either, and then maybe mom and Shane are not coming for me, thought the little boy trying real hard to talk himself into eating the things, but all those maybes weren't helping him one bit, especially that last one! Then Michonne (Carl's torturer of sorts at the moment) on her way to her bathroom heard "Wow" and knew exactly what had happened. Handsome had found the little somethin somethin surprise that she'd hidden underneath all that semi healthy stuff. And then when she stepped inside the bathroom was met by a smiling Sheriff Grimes standing in front of the bathroom mirror with that familiar head tilt looking back at her. He too had been at her door earlier while the child was a knocking, but only to stop him from doing so.

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"And just what did you do to get such an exhilarating reaction pray tell," asked the man standing there talking to Michonne's reflection. "Put M&M's under those cereal that Carl's probably never even had by mistake, let alone on purpose!" And Michonne's response to the rather astute dad's assessment was to wrinkle her nose up at him.

"You think you know me oh so well, now don't you?" was all that the semi guilty woman could muster up afterwards as she gracefully walked up next to the man, who watched her every move in the mirror and still with that head tilted dared not speak his true thoughts of, Not as well as I want and would like to, and inwardly a bit mortified at what he'd allowed himself to think still continued with that intense gaze as he replies back with a truth that she could not deny.

"May-be, maybe not," said the Sheriff with the dreamiest smile. "But I do know this to be true about you Miss Rènald and my son too! You both have a sweet tooth which is limitless, and that something such as candy or close to it is the only thing that would have Carl sounding like that when eating those kind of cereals period!"

And Michonne was really beginning to hate that she'd ever shared the fact of not having had any child friendly cereal in the condo with the handsome man. Need she remind him that the only reason that he was even standing there in her bathroom period was because she herself had offered out of the goodness of her kind heart to give him a shave due to the fact that Tony's downstairs was closed until Tuesday, and any other barber shop would be filled to the brim (tomorrow's Sunday) and he'd need to be back home before the meeting at 2. So the law man had best watch himself, and Michonne was more than prepared to tell him as much, and naturally would do it with a great big old smile. But gave up instead, feinging surrender.

"O-kay, you...you're right, you got me there, about the sweet tooth," she said sheepishly with hands up as her big brown eyes innocently peered back at his almost dark blue ones.

"And what else?" Sheriff Grimes replied back tugging at his ear. He wanted his host, and the spoiler of his young son to confess all! But before Michonne could spin, that boy of theirs shrieked out excitedly, "It tastes just like a frosty chocolatey milkshake with some crunch!"

And that had Michonne rolling her eyes thinking, Duh yeah my sweet smart boy, that's exactly why Munchie and I set no limits for their consumption, because anytime is a great time for some chocolatey goodness!

And Sheriff Grimes could only say, "Really, Miss Rènald. Chocolate milkshake and cereals!"

And their Miss Rènald was a deer caught in the smiling man's headlights, wide eyed and speechless which he thought was incredibly adorable until she finished with her explanation, then she was just plan cute!

"Well it's not milkshake pre se," Michonne coyly said in her defence while trying hard not to laugh. Her little buddy in the other room while in the middle of his elation had just sold her out and good fashion too; the squealer! Now there's no way in the world that she can slant any of it to her angle to his dad to their benefit! "It's just some frosty and slushy milk, with a little chocolate syrup that I hid underneath the cereals so when Handsome began to eat would flavor everything chocolate, but No milkshake un-huh no way...too early for your and my boy; our little guy. And certainly not as part of his breakfast either!" Then she smiled even broader.

"Semantics Miss Rènald, semantics along with two different types of syrups-chocolate now, and maple later on equals a mighty high strung kid," said Sheriff Grimes with sparkly blues suddenly realizing something amazing and noteworthy, she'd just said, 'your and my boy; our little guy' and that little voicing of her's which he knew was a true reveal of how she really felt about Carl and to a certain point about him too, and that caused the extremely good looking man to smile with a grin so very captivating that even if he wanted to couldn't hold in.

And like always Michonne noticed both; him and it and had to force herself to speak.

"Wellll Sheriff just consider me like the fun aunt," she said smiling back. "You know the kind that I'm talking about, she's the one that always thinks outside the box when it comes to her nieces and or nephews where their parents won't!"

And Rick Grimes still smiling quickly spoke up as seriously as the truth pertaining to this particular instance was, " Well Miss Rènald that's fine and dandy. You go on and be that kind of an aunt for our boy. The Good Lord knows you're more than welcome to that is-... just as long as you are an aunt from Lori's side of the family and not mine, then there won't be a problem!

And that little fact of the matter caused the Sheriff and Carl's host's big brown eyes to buck with shock and surprise, as she easily without hesitation mouthed "Oh" then the two standing there in her's bathroom side by side and ever so close exchanged wordless looks as they both gazed forward smiling like giddy teenagers with a very extremely good secret that was theirs to keep until Michonne purposely said, "Ready!"

And Sheriff Grimes so caught up in the connection, heartfully hating that broken link wanted nothing more than to confess out loud, With you always, but replied back to her earnestly, "As I'll ever be."

And after getting everything prepared which also included placing towels in the steamer because if Michonne was going to do a thing then she was going to do it right, but then at the last moment found out that the main component for doing the job at all was missing, and that was the gentleman's shaving kit. The Sheriff's in his haste to put a shirt on and get right back to her had forgotten it. And said...

"I'll be right back" as he hastily lefted to retrieve the item, and Michonne not being able to help herself openly laughed at the man, he just like his son was so cute!

And speaking of His Cuteness, the boy in question came in seconds later right after his Dad had left, not fishing for any brownie points mind you but got a boat load anyway just by saying.

"Michonne, I put away my bowl, and thank you, those cereals, they were so good!"

Then the child with a quickness ran up to the young woman all smiles and happy freely gave her a great big ole tight hug, and whispered "I love you."

And Handsome's unexpected confession not only stunned Michonne, but touched her heart deep as well, and also made a jealous Munchie rumble.

"Oh I love you even more my heart," she beamed back while smiling down at her boy lovingly, and gladly returned him a great big ole tight hug just as comparable to his own if not tighter. "How totally thoughtful you are my love, and also so welcomed. I'm really glad that you enjoyed them too buddy."

"Enjoyed what?" questioned her little bud's dad as he came back into the bathroom with shaving kit in hand, already knowing the answer to his own question. It was all about that special breakfast Miss Rènald had fixed for Carl, and for some reason the Sheriff found himself just in love with teasing her about it, and also marveled at his son's flair of knowing just what to say, or do to make her glow which she was doing more than usual at the moment.

Earlier...

Carl seeming much like his old self walked into the bathroom just as though last night's event never even happened and did his ever cute little routine; yawned wide, scratched some, and hurriedly fumbled open his crotch split and peed a whole lot as his dad stood in front of their bathroom mirror with some shaving cream in hand attempting a try at a shave with just his left hand only. Then afterwards his boy said, "Good morning Dad, excuse me Dad" washed his hands and face thoroughly, hugged the man's left leg tight then started to run off!

"And where are you going in such a hurry this morning son?" called out the Sheriff before his boy was able to leave.

"I'm hungry Dad, and I want Michonne to fix me something to eat," his enthusiastic boy replied back as he this time made it out of their bedroom door and ran across the hall to Michonne's with his dad running full force right behind to stop him; he didn't want Carl waking their host but regrettably the law man was way too slow, the seven year two months old boy was already there knocking on her door as if he'd paid for the thing!

Aw son the Sheriff thought as he arrived by his boy's side a slight tad tardy! He shouldn't be there doing that because the young woman in question had been up rather late, they'd both had with her eating a full pupu platter of Thanksgiving leftovers, and desert while he sat drinking decaf along with a small slice of sweet potato pie as they discussed Lori and Shane's pending visit among other things. Besides the Sheriff would have been more than happy to fix Carl some breakfast so that she could sleep in for a while longer. There was no lucid need for everyone to be up so early; at least one of his son's two adults should be fresh for that dreadful meeting at 2.

Then a meer second later Michonne opened the door of her bedroom looked down and was beyond happy to see her Handsome standing there before her looking all bright and lively, dressed in those adorable action comics footie pajamas. Then quickly the delighted woman lovingly bent down and kissed the little scamp on top of his head as a good morning greetings; clearly her prayers had been answered, Handsome seemed happy and himself. And then with an elegant grace she looked back up again, and this time locked eyes with his handsome Sheriff dad who had just been standing there sorta kind of patiently waiting for their first contact since last night which in turn was unceremoniously interrupted by an impatient little boy looking up between the two adults for some attention-Michonne's, and broke their fascinating connection with an "A-hem good morning 'really' I'm hungry...please!"

Then the little stinker boldly walked past her with company in tow-the puppies; plopped down at the foot of the lady's freshly made bed, turned her television set on and politely made himself at home while his four legged friends did the very same on their own pillow near by down on the floor.

"Carl! Manners!" his father sternly warned from the door.

"Sorry," the boy replied back distracted while now laying on his stomach with his hands propped up under his chin; totally engrossed in his program just that quick!

"Okay Handsome, and a good morning to you too!" Michonne said as she and the Sheriff could do nothing more than just look at him. And then smiling found themselves back to what they had been doing before-and that was intensely looking back at the other.

"Good morning Miss Rènald," said the enamored man.

"Good morn-ing She-riff Grimes," was her singsong return.

"I'm really sorry about that and this. I tried to stop that boy before he disturbed you, but he's a fast little thang on those short legs of his."

And their Miss Rènald giggled, which just warm the man's heart to no end.

"No harm done," she said. "And my door is always opened to him no matter what, besides as you can see I was already up."

And Michonne had been for quite some time, and was contentedly in the process of just about finishing up her look with a messy ponytail but lefted it hanging to one side when stopping to answer Handsome's rather strong confident knock, and the way that that thick long loose hair fell in front had her Handsome's dad noticing immediately the moment her door first opened thinking just how beautiful she was and with it fanned to one side like that only enhanced that beauty, which then caused him to ponder just how in the world can one woman look so lovely so early in the morning after having gone to bed so very late the following night. And that wonderment was also the reason why he didn't quite hear her question at first of, "Sheriff are you trying to shave with just one hand?" However when it did register, asked one of his very own questing with a tilt of his head, "And just how did you know that young lady?"

And Michonne with a sly smirk answered, "You lefted a tiny bit of shaving cream, and the evidence is right...,"pointing playfully to the place on her own face as the very attractive man with a hand towel hanging causally from around his neck, and nothing else to shield her eyes as they inadvertently caught sight of his slight Adonis Belt with him standing there all exposed so very early in the morning, hopefully not trying on purpose to upset a girl who was trying so very hard not to be. Because it was Michonne's intention with everything in her to be totally on top of her game, and well prepared for that visit of the Sheriff's two exes who according to Handsome are now man and wife. Naturally nothing else will be acceptable for the sakes of both father and son.

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And with their little guy back in the other room along with the puppies after having declined Michonne's offer to stay and watch while she give his dad a shave, and her and the Sheriff having tried different kinds of sitting positions were they both would be comfortable, with one of those position being Michonne kneeling down on her knees between Sheriff Grimes legs while he sat up close in a chair was not only awkward but quite interesting to say the least, where Munchie, her back, knees, and broken toe weren't having any of it. But finally after a few more trials and errors, and totally less embarrassing, who knew that four firm king size pillows, the use of the bathroom countertop for just the right height, along with a tall stool would do the trick! Even though that too would prove to be most awkward until it was not!

Now was time to get down to the task at hand.

And with a very special kind of tenderness the Sheriff's helped Michonne sit comfortably atop of two of the pillows while the others were used as a back support for her and Munchie's comfort with the law man sitting squarely in front; just close enough to where each were kind of dizzy from the other's proximity and aroma; the cleanliness given off from his soap, and whatever perfume that she was wearing had both Michonne and Sheriff Grimes almost intoxicated with something that they didn't have time for. And to get her mind back on the task at hand, Michonne picked up the kit, opened it and found something quite pleasant, reminiscent of a past time, and also quite unexpected as she looked through the items inside it.

Oooh still waters do run deep, who knew that Sheriff Grimes had a bit of the 007 in him, she thought intrigued and began taking things out one at a time starting with the razor, which was not at all the kind that she thought would be in there. And the Sheriff more surprised than she was looked on in silence as Michonne placed on a thick white plush folded hand towel a DOVO Solingen cut throat straight edge razor, along with all the nostalgic accessories needed for that smooth old fashion shave. There was even a leather strap stone for sharping. And how much more surprised was the man when the young woman skillfully started using it to sharpen the razor. Eventually, in his haste he'd either picked the wrong kit up from home, or Carl had somehow replaced the other one with it which was a gift given by his boy last Chirstmas, because his Grandpa Rich told his impressionable grandson that wimps use plastic to shave with while real men used a straight edge razor "No ifs, ands, or buts, p-e-r-i-o-d!" And Carl would not leave the store or choose another gift until his mother bought it for him to give. It would be the old fashion shaving kit or nothing at all for his dad's Christmas; no matter how Lori tried to convince their son other wise!

"Well Sheriff,' Michonne said as she with precision swiped the blade back and forth. "Didn't think you were one of those guys who'd be into using such an old fashion apparatus."

"No, and why not?" he breath out with an intense glare that would pull Michonne in for keeps if only she'd dare to look back but she wouldn't.

"Oh, I don't know," she said razzing him with a bashful hidden smile while she safely used the top of her thumb to checked the blade for sharpness. "I just took you to be a practical no nonsense just get it done kind of guy, but I could be wrong." And she still didn't trust herself enough to look at him when she'd finished. But Rick Grimes wanted her to look, and tapped her shoulder lightly but when Michonne still wouldn't looked his way leaned in ever so close against her ear and whispered.

"You definitely are wrong on that one Miss Rènald," he said breathy, not smiling but definitely with something else radiating from his tone. "So very wrong ma'am."

And there was a lull that the Sheriff hadn't intend to happen, but for some reason his mouth conveyed what he meant, but none the less preferred unspoken. And to save face for the both of them asked Michonne with a want free voice was she really good about using the razor which she in turn rolled those beautiful eyes of her looking back at him this time.

"Just as good as Sweeny Todd without any murderous intent on my part!" she said extremely serious.

"Oh yeah!" replied the man holding his head slightly sideways with the return of that intense look and a smile this time.

"Sorry," their Miss Rènald said a bit embarrassed. "That was a very wrong kind of anology even with my assertion of fact, and should have said that my grandfather never complained."

"Oh yeah! For-reals!" with the Sheriff in disbelief that he'd just said for-reals. And Michonne not quite believing it either, but not doing any better herself replied back shaking her head up and down.

"Fo' shizzle!"

And then both could do nothing but laugh out loud at the other's silliness with their boy in the other room wondering what was so funny and how adults could be so loopy at times. His mom and Shane laughed a whole lot when they first moved in together, and for no good reason either!

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"You know when I was thirteen I taught myself how to use one of these by shaving the fuzz and then the skin off of peaches," Michonne said as she with caution wiped the razor dry after washing it; very careful not to get the handle wet so that it wouldn't rust.

"You don't say," replied the mesmerized man still devouring her closely with his eyes.

"Un-huh I do, and in only three whole hours too! " she proclaimed proudly. "I was spending the whole summer with my grandparents on their farm in Jackson, AL before I lefted to join my parents in France, my dad was opening up an office there, and would then be doing the same later on in London while my Uncle Henry stayed here in Atlanta. And to think that only happened because Uncle Hank losted the coin toss!"

"Did he now! And why were you so enterprising?" the Sheriff asked, enjoying her and enjoying the conversation even though her age was really nagging at him.

"Well I don't know if it was all that enterprising or not!" Michonne spoke honestly. "I saw a need and wanted to help out and did. It was all for my grandfather, he wasn't too well and loved his shave first thing every morning but was no longer able to do it himself, and the man who'd come every other day to do it for him had to suddenly go out of town. So to take some of the pressure off of my grandmother I learned to help her out in that way.

"Really it was a win win situation for all three of us, and the pigs! My grandfather got his shave every morning while I was there, and peach ice cream too, which was his favorite. My grandmother got some of the pressure off while trying to tend the farm as well as seeing after granddad, and I got the satisfaction of being able to help and devour some mighty good peach cobbler in the process, while the pigs got all the scraps lefted over from my endeavor."

And a more confident Michonne along with that captivating smile looked up at the Sheriff again, finally really trusting herself enough to do so without any hesitation, and continued with her prep.

And after hearing that significant part of his and Carl's Miss Rènald life Rick Grimes sitting oh so close to her could only just look back in amazement at the young woman busying herself and thought, What a beautiful and lovely anomaly you are, with so many just as equally beautiful and lovely hidden layers; a magnificent treasure trove just waiting to be discovered. And the law man knew against an inward struggle that only a man worthy of her (one that's probably close to her age) had that right, and would never ever tire exploring every last glorious one of them and her even if blessed with many lifetimes over and over again.

And Michonne with a very soft soothing voice beckoned him, "Sheriff come in a bit closer please" which quickly bought the man out of his muse and obeyed. Then she with deft fingers and an equally gentle touch prepared Rick's beard by thoroughly washing it then when finished held a warm plushy towel up close that tenderly kissed his skin, and was genuinely missed once the young lady delicately removed it. Michonne then proceeded to paint his face with a lathered soapy brush unlike the last time in which she did it metaphorically with her eyes. However, it would only be half of Sheriff Grimes beard for the moment because his very contrary barber had decided early on that it would be so much fun that way, giving a girl something highly pleasing to look forward to once done with the other half, which puzzled the law man; causing him to wonder.

"Only half?" he breath out with a curious smile after noticing her actions in the mirror facing him.

And Michonne's only reply was "Un-huh" as she slightly cut her eyes up at him with a satisfied grin that the enthralled man wanted in on.

"My face, young lady so spill!" he demanded in a playful tone as an unexpected heat returned, and began raising between the two for good reason; their nearness among some other things trying to boil over.

Then to make it really interesting-as if he wasn't close enough, Michonne asked the intriguing man to scoot in a little bit more; Sheriff Grimes was still too far away, she needed him even closer, and that innocent request/action almost had them at that point of no return with both probably liking it that way! Because their super closeness was causing their breath to hitch in sync; clouding both their train of thought all but completely. Yet, Michonne held strong, she had a job to do! Unwanted company was on its way, and Sheriff Grimes wanted to look his best and he would if she had anything to say about it!

Just like he could never look his best even without a shave!

Then she with an expert grip held the razor firm with her thumb, index, and middle finger on the blade while her little pinky carefully rested on the tang, and with great subtlety Michonne placed her other hand tenderly behind the Sheriff's neck to steady his head. And him wholly impressed watched her intensely with thoughts of her full lips invaded his mind, and not even against his will.

And just as blade was on it way to meet skin the doorbell rung, with Carl yelling out "Michonne, I think that's Cody, do you want me to get it?"

But there was no need for him to do so because with the help of his dad she was already on her way after telling Sheriff Grimes with a cheeky smirk that he wasn't tidy enough after him having offered to go to the door himself. Then Michonne while walking pass her boy, closer to the door challenged Handsome to a race which he accepted, but the jovial young lady with a broken toe took off before the boy could even get up off of the bed with the puppies a close second behind her and him in third yelling and laughing "No fair you cheated!" And Michonne's rebuttal was "You snooze you loose kiddo!" Then she turned the corner towards the front door with a slide, so did Happ, Jazz, Wilson, and Bear but unlike Michonne they kept slidding until they skid into the two ottoman located under the sofa table, but miraculously still catch up with her just before she got to the door while Carl was too tickled to continue.

And Sheriff Grimes grinned heartedly at what he was was hearing and thought too, What a difference a new day makes.

Michonne knew that racing through the condo was not a safe thing to do and pregnant but it got a good laugh out of her boy, Munchie hadn't complained, and the puppies seemed to like it too, but for some reason had stopped just shy of the door and began bristling up with some of their tiny puppy teeth showing. But she thought nothing of it, maybe it was the smell of the University of Alabama on Cody who knows.

Go Bulldogs go! Yeah!

Michonne chuckled, the puppies growled louder, and her Handsome didn't like any of it as he stood back down the hall a ways, and looked on not liking that his friend was opening the door without asking who it was and thought, Don't.

And Michonne disgusted wished she hadn't, because in just that one instant all her joy was gone, and replaced with an old hurt.

"Grandma was right!" she sarcastically said out loud while rolling her eyes. "Satan don't sleep, and neither do his chillens," then quickly tried slamming the open door shut, but Mike remembering the last time was ready, and with fast reflexs stopped it with his hand grabbing the door before it did. And that in turn did nothing only but add a whole lot of insult to Michonne's deep seeded injury.

"Aw Baby Girl, don't be like that," said her ho of an ex smiling a smile that didn't reflect in his eyes. "I do come in peace-promise! I swear. I was out of town on business, and heard about your little one woman rescue mission and I just came to see about you and our-"

But Mike's half truth was cut short by Michonne's...

"Micheal, go to Hell fast you liar, and leave me alone now!" And then groaned "Ugh" thinking that smug fool made her curse! Sorry Munchie!

And Mike not liking what Michonne had just said...not any of it! Not when she aquated him as being one of Satan's children...not when she called him 'Micheal'...not her trying to just slam that door in his face for a second time. And definitely not hearing that she had been seen laughing it up with some old middle aged white guy at the mall.

And the whole while Michonne's Handsome was watching with an uneasy feeling, and so were the still growling puppies! But when she said what she had and in that tone, both the boy and them reacted. Carl ran off to get his dad while the frenzied pups barked profusely.

Michonne didn't hush them once, and a smiling Cody showed up.

"Hi Michonne. Hi Mr. Mike," was what he said; genuinely happy to see them both.

"Oh hey Codes Man," said Mike in return, really genuinely glad to see him too! Because of all the people that Michonne loved and loved her back, Cody and his mom and dad were the only ones that Mike liked with a deep fondness. And, well Terry, now that's just a given!

And Cody worried, looked at Michonne and seeing the strain look under her smile asked Mike what was he doing there when all three knew that he shouldn't even though he really did like the man.

But before Mike could spin anymore of his lies Michonne kisses Cody on top of his head and sent him along with the puppies to go find her Handsome; promising her other boy she'd be close behind once she closed the door on riff-raff. However, Mike wasn't ready to go just yet; not right now and stepped inside closing it softly behind him while Michonne watched Cody make his way down the hall. She wanted to be sure that he was well out of ear shot just in case she had more choice words for her ex. And Cody doing what he had been told to do walked towards the bedrooms as a hurried Sheriff Grimes came out of Michonne's with a worried Carl close behind, and almost ran into the older boy who knew exactly where the man was going.

Then Cody and Carl were told in a serious voice to stay put with them both saying in unison "Yes Sir" while the puppies laid low on the floor with four sets of big sad puppy eyes whimpering, wanting to go and get in on the action too, but knew better than to follow.

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Just minutes before Cody's arrival at the condo...

Rick Grimes already on his way out of the bathroom met a mighty upset Carl. The law man hadn't liked how the puppies were sounding and felt something wasn't quite right that needed to be investigated, and knew for sure once he saw his son that his speculation was spot on. The boy was ashen and had had tears clouding his eyes out of concerned for their Miss Rènald.

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After seeing and hearing his shaken son Sheriff Richard Grimes the man wanted nothing more than just to run up front and be Michonne's protector posthaste, but then he saw Cody, Carl's emotional opposite, and due to years of experience knew that he had to play it cool first and find out what exactly was going on up front before he went in all ablaze; his plan was simple, just stayed out of sight and listen first, but when the law man walked up to the edge of the hall and heard their host in a raised voice demanding someone to leave and his answer was "No" then that strategy quickly flew out of the window and made an already displeased man see red but knew that he still had to handle the situation smartly, because of what was going on today that could affect all of them in a negative way if he didn't, so the Sheriff took a deep breath and prayed that Miss Rènald would play along. Then he with that pronounced bow leggedness of his, a bit antsy and fist clenched, trying really hard to control his anger began walking up towards the front where the two in that heated exchange stood.

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Michonne looking around half listening to Mike's audacity spied out exactly what she was searching for and needed to shush his lying butt up for quite a long time-her bats; a wooden Louisville Slugger, Easton Aluminum, and a Mizono Steel, which any one of the three standing there all tall, inviting, and straight over in her umbrella urn with Mike's name written all over them, and at her arms length would be more than sufficient. However, some tall prayer must have been put up for that fool, because just when the worth young woman was in the process of reaching for her Louisville Slugger she heard those now familiar footsteps of Sheriff Grimes a wee bit before he said that unexpected thing that not only made a girl blush, but also caused a way too sure of himself up until now Mike Rosslyn's eyes to buck.

"Babe! What's taking so long? I just saw Cody-," the law man said straight off the cuff as he still with lather on half of his face coolly walked up behind her making Michonne glad for two different reasons...the Sheriff just being there, and that bewildered look of confusion that it caused on Mike's face as he took them both in. And Rick continued asking her...

"Is there a problem here sweetheart?" as he looked straight ahead unabated at the stunned man, and then placed a strong possessive arm around Michonne's waist, pulling the flushed beauty in ever so softly. And Mike not one to be bullied thought, What the Hell as he looked backed at the interloper just as intense along with a great deal of annoyance until he heard...

"Yes Boo there is! He won't leave," she said way too satisfied for Mike's liking with the almost speechless man wanting to know fast who was this tool anyway all comfortable up in his house, all up under his woman with half of his face covered in lather and in bare feet no less-Michonne!?

But then it occurred to the deflated man, hitting like on!y the truth could. This was no longer his home, and that which had been told him was true, and that particular truth did nothing but make Mike mad, extremely mad because Michonne was his; that baby growing inside of her was proof of that. She can like it or not!

"Michonne what's going on? And just who is this? What is his name, and why is he even here anyway touching you like that?" an irate Mike heard himself saying as he eyed Rick with a death stare, that the Sheriff returned back in spades with a tilted head, and an itch to deliver some damage to the smug face SOB.

And Michonne while after having quickly caught on when Sheriff Grimes first said "Babe" was having soo much fun especially at Mike's expense, and in the midst of his tizzy fit looked back at him in her courtroom mode and thought, Oh well, c'est La vie sweetie just before delievering a well intended coup de grâce directed precisely at her ex boy's pride.

"Oh that's so easy Micheal," she smoothly answered the man back with a click of her tongue and a roll of those big brown beautiful eyes of hers. "It's really none of your bees-wax, and Boo Bear here (she was really getting into it) was invited unlike you who was not. You needs to go! You made your choice, and evidently it wasn't me! So please do what you did before and leave...now!"

And for the longest the three just stood there in the front hall looking back at each other at an impasse in which Mike knew that he was in the wrong but his pride was bigger than his common sense with him knowing without a doubt that he shouldn't even be there, and needed to leave. Michonne was right he'd made his choice and it wasn't her, but when he heard about her and a new man-well that little information unexpectedly just didn't sit right, because Michonne time after time again has proven that she was fine without him and that certainly was more than her prideful ex was able to, willing, or wanted to accept. Then a thought came to Mr. The Center Of His Own World.

"Come on now Mickie you want me to believe that you and HeeHaw are together and him living here too," said Mike hoping it wasn't true, while not even knowing why it bothered him at all, but evidently did especially when he knew that she was all his. "I'd like to know what the family thinks of this, how old is he anyway 40? What you couldn't do better than me? I just know your uncles are having a fit! And there is no way that you're going to show up at the Annual Law Enforcement Ball on the arm of Walker Texas Ranger behind you over there either! Low rent is one thing, but scraping the barrel is another altogether! Hehe."

And Sheriff Grimes said not a thing, but Michonne could feel his body tense up.

"Come on now Micheal, evidently I sho'nuff did find me better...out of this world better, because scraping the barrel is what I did with you! Besides does it even look like I really care, or give one flip what you believe or think," she said with an easy chuckle and then leaned in ever so closer into the Sheriff's enticingly hard chest; enjoying that way more than she should be.

Mike saw.

And that only infuriated the man more, because he knew that she didn't care, not even enough to be mildly angry because he assumed. But then that backwater hick standing waay too close behind his Michonne just had to add his half of a country cent into the mix making it all the more worst for Michael R when he heard...

"Darlin I didn't know you wanted to go, you know we can. All you have to do is say the word, and we will," said her man for show only (yeah right) leaned in tastily low next to Michonne's ear almost turning the girl into goo right there in front of a flabbergasted Mike with mouth wide opened, hating every minute of what was happening when his ex turned her back to him and lovingly cupped the other man's face with a tenderness that did more than stab her exe's heart, but shattered the tiny thing and said, "Only if you want to lover."

And the Sheriff for one split second caught up in the moment looked down at those inviting lips and al-most kissed Michonne dead square on her mouth, but fighting against want opted for a chasted one on her forehead instead after saying "Done baby girl." Then he purposely for the very first time spoke to Mike with a deep blue deathly serious no nonsense stare.

"Now my lovely lady here has asked you to leave at least twice, "said the smothering man with a hiss. "You can go the easy way, or the hard one; either way, no matter which, you are certainly gone."

And Rick not to far from stomping Hell out of the skunk knew that for the sake of Carl he's gotta keep his temper in check and did something that had Michonne missing the warmth of his nearness but only for a moment with his swift return that once more encased her in his strength; the law man had gone and retrieved her land line phone from the hall table and was pressing three buttons to save a life...Mike's!

"Hello 911. My name is Richard Zane Grimes IIIV, I'm Sheriff of King County, my shield number is 52893 and I'm here in Atlanta staying with a friend, who has a situation happening here at her condo were an uninvited person just showed up and refuses to leave even after being asked to do so multiple time. Now I'm more than capable of handling it myself, but in what capacity-as a Sheriff of the law, or as a man that intends on beating Hell out of this old enough to do better fool which the APD would not appreciate, nor will he de-fi-nite-ly not enjoy!" And all that Sheriff Grimes said smooth, fluid, and dead serious while looking straight at Michonne's ex.

"No, no, no, Sheriff Grimes" said the 911 Operator on the other end. "You...you don't have to! Please don't do anything like that! A black and white is already close by in the vicinity, please give me a description of the person tresspassing, and the address thank you!"

And that Rick did begrudgingly fighting hard to control that strong urge to say, Just forget it, I'll handle the stupid bastard my own self! And both Michonne and Mike were taken by surprise; her because of the protectiveness that she felt from Sheriff Grimes, and him due to the well meant threat that wasn't, only because it was a bonafide promise. And if smart would heed it too, but stupid just won't quit!

And Mike Rosslyn being one of those people that Michonne's grandmother would say don't believe cow horns hook boldly walked up close to her and the Sheriff, looking the nothing but serious man straight in the eyes with Michonne wedged in between the two men and said, "You think just because you called 911 that this is all over with, and that I'm leaving. I have more right here than you ever will. Mickie and I have something very important to discuss that has nothing to do with you. So go ahead Mic, tell him!"

And Mic was tired of the whole situation, but especially of Mike period, which he'd deliberately seen to a long while ago.

"Just go Micheal," Michonne said tirely, but with force. "Go home to Haddie, you know your pregnant wife who you said in good conscience couldn't leave alone to raise you child! The one that you said you could not 'live without!' The exact same one you lefted me for, and without a second thought signed-." And that was as far as she got; stopping in mid sentence because Munchie was tide too! Causing its Mama to run fast to the hall bathroom like a runner slidding into home base head first, but instead it was Michonne down on her knees grabbing hold of the commode bowl unceremoniously getting rid of her last night's pupu platter of Thanksgiving leftovers and then some.

Yes, it was sooo official, she was sick and that was as a mighty big dog sounding just like Linda Blair in the Exorcist then she up chucked again. And a very concerned Sheriff Grimes not really knowing what in the world was going on quickly ran to Michonne's side, knelt right down besides her and gently with delicate care held back the young woman's hair so that it wouldn't become tangled up in puke.

And Mike being the overly smug fool that he always is stood in the doorway of the bath all satisfied, proud, relaxed and said, "See, no matter what! Michonne and I will always be connected meaning she is mine, and why I have every right to be here than you. And that's because I did that! Not you!"

And Michonne with her much needed strength turned and just looked at the idiot! She should have been doing other things besides giving Mike an iota of her precious time. Now she's clearly dealing with two babies; one not even born yet and the other almost 30, and both were making her sick!

And with it now suddenly hitting the Sheriff about exactly what was going on and why, an enlightened yet enraged Rick Grimes began to rise up like a Meerkat on its mound getting ready to handle the business of annihilating a trespassing cobra threat, but Michonne stopped the battle ready man with just one word "Handsome" which caused the child's father to take his former position down by her side. And Mike's face dropped, because his plan to provoke his problem didn't work, and also saw something else that couldn't be denied. There really was a thing going on between the two, and not just for show like he'd hope, because Sheriff Walt Longmire over there really does have feelings for what was his! And that light bulb moment left Mike clueless of what to do about that! One word from his woman had the man humbly nodding okay when Mike knew all he wanted was to beat him senseless.

And the doorbell rung, but neither Rick nor Michonne's ex made a move to answers it. The Sheriff didn't trust Mike alone with Michonne no matter how short of a distance he was from her. And no way was Mike going to answer the door either. He was going to jail soon enough, no need hastening the inevitable.

And then it rung again, but this time with a couple of commanding knocks followed by a "Police open up!" And Carl's dad bellowed, "Boy's come here now!"

And the three adults one with her sick noggin deep down in the head with the two men glaring back at the other, with each not giving an inch suddenly heard many feet hitting the wooden floor; four humans, and sixteen not at all. Both Cody and Carl had done exactly as the Sheriff had demanded "Stay put" with each knowing that his voice meant business, and had done just that up until they heard Michonne; even though Munchie was just making itself known its actions caused her boys to be really and truly concerned, because it sounded like their friend was in great distress, and when they both made it it to the man innocently said, "Yes Dad, Yes Sheriff Sir!"

"Answers the door please," said the man with a suspicious eye knowing full well that the boys had been way too close when they shouldn't have. And then they along with the puppies ran fast to opened the door before Terry with his own key could have a chance too. It was the very same one that Michonne had given him a long time ago "just in case" when her father first bought her the condo, and squarely against Mike's open displeasure.

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Terry Anderson along with partner Kal Whitley ordered boys and puppies alike to step out in the hall and wait while they entered the condo with guns down by their side but at the ready. And Mike didn't move or say a word when Terry now with hand cuffs said closely "You know the drill" and proceeded to place them around his part time friend's hanging wrists securing them fixed behind the man's back when then both partners saw Michonne hunched over the commode, and the protectors of her in them both kicked in, but before either could say a word their Me did an even better rendition of that possessed girl and puke once more. Then she feeling way more self conscious than before turned her head slightly and noticed twenty-six pairs of legs-six adult human size ones, and the twenty that belonged to her boys and the puppies who had now made their way inside the good size room front and center pushing pass those standing in the doorway after being given the green light by Officer Kal to come back inside.

Just great, what an event! Equipped with an audience of both human, and of the furry kind, and I'm the headliner! Yeah me, Michonne thought disgusted with everything including herself and began to boo hoo; she'd just met her limit! And everything in that room hearts broke in tiny except for Mike's, because if he allow that to happen then he would loose his edge.

And the Sheriff still down by her side comforted Michonne the only way that he knew how and that was with a damp cool towel around her neck just like he did for Lori when she was pregnant with Carl, and whispered, "It'll be ok-I promise." And Michonne cried harder because she'd forgotten he was there too, witnessing the spectacle that was she!

And Kal an old hand at all of this felt her pain and knew exactly what to do in this particular instance being the dad of three kids himself with another one on the way soon, and gave the two boys a job to do.

"Cody go see if Me has any crackers and Ginger Ale around, and Carl right?" Officer Whitley said smiling as he looked over at the boy shaking his head eagerly. "Well Mr. Carl will you please go and get our Me a pillow and something to throw over her."

"Yes sir," Michonne's Handsome returned back, which made her smile through her apparent agony and his Dad too; their boy was so mannerable. And unfortunately the Sheriff was also a little taken aback too! Seeming that he was possibly the only one out of everyone in the room that hadn't known that Miss Rènald was pregnant after having noticed the not surprised look on both boys face.

And a serious Carl took off following Cody and the puppies to Michonne's bedroom not the kitchen, because everything that they'd been sent to get could be found there including a mini fridge full of cold sodas and a plastic storage locker full of anything considered snacky too! And while the boys were gone the Sheriff gave Terry a full statement as Mike looked on frowning, and then left Michonne in the two officers good and capable hands while he went off to get dressed, because he intends to go down on the same elevator along with them, there was something that Rick wanted Mike to see him handle. And just as soon as the boy's came back, Michonne was taken care of and made as comfortable as possible, and him dressed all four men left.

And Mike just too stupid to stop didn't as he on the elevator ride downstairs tried hard to rub Terry raw only because he knows how the Officer feels about Michonne.

"Well, Terry ole buddy of mine tell me this," he said smugly with a bit of loathing. "How does it really feel to know that you've missed out again with Michonne, and to the likes of Andy Griffith back there this time no less!"

And Officer Terry Andersons wanting so very much to knock his childhood friend's teeth down his fool throat just so he'd shut the hell up! But decide to let the truth do that.

"Well Mike ole buddy tell me this," Terry said just as smugly. "How does it really feel to know just how much you messed up when you walked away from THE very best thing that could have ever graced you pathetic life. Leaving Michonne to be cared for by anyone other than you was the second most unselfish thing you've ever done in your life with the first and most important one being your signing over your rights to being that innocent baby's father, even though that was far from what you meant. You see Mike, all I ever wanted for Me was for her to be happy, and if Sheriff Grimes is that man or any other is blessed enough to put and keep a smile on my girl's face then I can live with that. Now friend the million dollar question is can you without it producing a taste of bile in your mouth?"

And that elevator ride got quiet real quick where three were smiling, while one was lefted looking just like he'd been kicked in the gut by those who were. Then once the doors of the elevator opened on the main floor all three of those smiles promptly disappeared once Sheriff Grimes walked purposely over to the front desk.

Oh-oh, now what, thought both Officers as the man first officially introduced himself and then demanded to know who was it that allowed "that man" with him pointing over to a hand cuffed Mike "in this building let alone stepped into that elevator and then go up to the 30th floor with the express purpose of upsetting Miss Rènald, and didn't call the authorities even before he did especially knowing how quickly things can escalate!"

"Did he hurt Michonne-Miss Rènald I mean?" an extremely concerned Walter asked while Larry the other guard just looked on in silence.

"Not physically anyway," the law man said mad enough to start breathing out fire. "But what he did do was bad enough!" And with the image of Michonne lying on that cold bathroom floor sick made him sick too, and filled blind with anger; just wanting to start grabbing and throwing those responsible. But he heard her say "Handsome" and opted to keep talking instead.

"You knew that man has no business in this building at all, yet he's standing over there looking like the fool that he really is," said the Sheriff in a very low and certainly dangerous tone. "Rest a sure if this ever happens again, or if my friend is hurt in anyway due to that man not being treated exactly like what he is, and that is a threat meant to cause harm to Miss Rènald I will be back, and it will not be pretty for you when I do!"

Then the Sheriff lefted that promise, not a threat hanging in the air as he walked back dying Mike the whole way and then stood in front of the elevator waiting to to back upstairs when the doors swished open and a surprised Rosemary Mills almost ran into him. She saw the hand cuffed Mike.

"Oh I am so sorry Sheriff Grimes for not watching where I was going," she apologized.

"Oh that's okay ma'ma," he said, and it's Rick from now on."

"Okay, but only if you call me Rosemary, or no-deal."

"Deal!" he smile back stepping aside to let the nurse out when he heard something that caused the whole area around the front desk go completely silent, and made Rick pause just as he was about to step step inside the elevator.

"And what in Hell is he going to do about it if I do let him up there again. It's not like he has any jurisdiction here in Atlanta, because his authority only lies down in that potluck backwaters King County," semi shouted the dolt Larry Wilson with not even enough information to justify him being that dumb as he looked over at a smiling Mike Rosslyn.

And before anyone knew what was happening, or could even stop Rick, he had already zeroed in on Larry, reached over the desk grabbed the mighty extremely dumb jackass of a man by his collar; side-eying a shocked Walter looking on and pulled the man up close with his toes just barely touching the carpet covered floor and said all because stupid just want stop, even though it wasn't fashioned to stop especially when there's always a fool somewhere willing to do it's bidding.

"I'm leaving my badge at home and will be handling you or whomever accordingly."

And in that instance a smiling no longer Micheal Rosslyn knew that Rick Grimes was no joke; certainly not one to triffle with. And that was evident to all those in the lobby watching on as he bow leg walked his way back to the elevator got in going back to her and them.