Hey folks. So this is a filler on what's happened over the last two years. Mostly backstory. Next chapter will move a lot faster. Thanks again for reading! Writing fiction is really such a joy. Enjoy.

After Michonne moved to Chicago, she quickly found her stride in the academy. Her love of learning apparent to all of her professors and colleagues. Michonne joined a running group to have an outlet where they would run along Lake Michigan. A budding friendship with an older man quickly turned into more. Negan, who was in his mid-thirties and worked in advertising, spent a concerted amount of effort wooing Michonne. He was kind to her even when he was rude and crass with just about everyone else. He was assertive, decisive, and open- everything Rick refused to be before she left his life. Negan asked her to move in after 6 months and within a year he had proposed. Michonnes parents were happy for her, pleased that Michonne had found someone who knew their way- they mostly liked Negan, even though he was gruff and would often give you the alpha side of him he cared deeply for family traditions. Anyone could tell by the way he spoke to Michonne that he loved her dearly, everyone else was a waste of time.

And in many ways Michonne cared for Negan- he was attractive, successful, and gave her a life. She did as she pleased which basically meant school and he was there to support her. Negan was always away on business and when he was home, they would go to hip restaurants, or art shows and he would parade her around calling her his 'hot brainiac'. Michonne had spent so much time running from Rick that when Negan proposed she felt that it was only right, Negan was sure and his certainty made her feel certain about him. She had invited Rick to the wedding not out of spite, but because she loved him and wanted him to be there for her. He had refused to come and a part of her was grateful. Right after her honeymoon, Sasha had told her that Rick had moved in with some woman named Lori. "Let me guess, she's a waif white woman whose parents are well to do southern gentry. Oh, does her daddy like to go to the rodeo?" Michonne scoffed. Sasha was apologetic about telling Michonne but she assured Sasha that it was fine- Rick had found his perfect girl and she was happy.

Rick had been seeing Lori right as he found out Michonne had gotten engaged from Glenn, who found out from Maggie (of course). Rick's shock at the news that Michonne had seemingly left him behind in her new life hurt him. He didn't think when she said that there would be no one left, that she would actually move on. Her ability to start seeing this man, Negan, propelled him forward. Soon after Michonne's engagement Rick doubled down on his relationship with Lori, taking her to see his parents, being present, doing everything to ensure she'd choose him and she did. Lori had been instantly smitten with Rick, he was charming, confident and not too cocky, and he treated her like the only woman in the world. Ricks parents were surprised the first time Lori came over, his father making an offhand remark about how age brings wisdom in reference to Lori and Rick. Rick knew his father was garbage but didn't want to cause any trouble, and he did care for Lori- she was a sure bet and her certainty of him made it easy for him to propose after a year of dating. Hell, he thought, if Michonne could get married to some guy she barely knows why can't I.

Rick had not seen Michonne for a year and happened to run into her at her favorite coffee shop. He had stopped in to grab his Mama those cupcakes she loved so much, and there she was standing in line on her phone. Her back was turned and she was wearing a pair of fitted jeans and a simple white top. Her laughter hitting him in the gut like a ton of bricks as he came to his senses. After she had paid for her order she turned around only to come eye to eye with Rick Grimes. Michonne stopped in her tracks, her face drawing into a smile as she met the eyes of her once lover and former best friend. She sauntered down the line to meet him. Rick watched as Michonne walked in slow motion, his eyes darting from her face, to her body and back. He had forgotten what the sun felt like, and when she was close he could smell it- lavender and coconuts. His heart felt constrained, his faculties faltered when he heard her say "Hey Rick" the rich velvet of her voice hitting him in the chest.

"Chonne. You look great." he said, a hint of sadness in his tone.

"Getting cupcakes for your Mama?" she asked, a flash of surprise across his face.

"I remember everything." she said with a shrug.

"You in town?" Rick followed up, ignoring her question.

"For the weekend. I'm staying with my parents before my field work. I'll be out of the country for 3 months."

Rick wanted to ask her where she was going, how her first year of her PhD was, if she missed home. Instead he just nodded. The fitful moment of silence continued when her phone buzzed.

"Sorry, I've got to take this, it's my adviser." she said

"Go on Darlin'. It was nice to see you." he said placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Good to see you too Rick. Tell your Mama I send my regards." she said touching his hand over hers and walking away.

Rick felt deflated. How could she just stand there casually and talk to him. Didn't she hate him? Didn't she feel anything for him? His thoughts raced from the bakery through his time with his parents til he got home to Lori. Lori, sitting at their small kitchen table working. All of his fretting ceased when she was with him because she wanted him, and he wanted to be wanted, to be needed. So he took all he could get.