Sunshine filled his room. He had passed out and woke with a dry mouth and bad headache. Clearly he didn't handle hard liquor like he did fifteen years ago. Last night he had finally had that come to Jesus moment he desperately needed. Now he could fix his path and go to a different direction because he knew he had a weakness. Her name was Michonne.
Rick rubbed his eyes and wondered would his friends even want to see him. He quickly threw on a new t-shirt with his jeans and decided to head into the living room.
His friends were sitting around the big dining room table and enjoying breakfast.
"Hey, we ordered you bacon and eggs." Glenn seemed like his normal self as he drank his tea. So he had at least one friend in this room.
Negan and Daryl didn't even look at him, both were scrolling their phones and munching on some toast.
"Thanks," Rick muttered towards Glenn and tried to casually talk so he could break the ice, "Did you guys stay up late?"
"We were back before three am." Glenn answered with a tired smile, "I think tonight I'm gonna just kick back. Two nights in a row like that is killing me."
"Tell me about it," Daryl grumbled and then finally looked at Rick, "We are gonna go walk around town after this, you wanna come?"
He was surprised Daryl swept everything under the carpet. Clearly, this subject wasn't easy for anybody. It was like a big fat elephant in the room. You could see it, but nobody wanted to touch it. He felt awkward because he knew Daryl wasn't exactly the sightseeing type of guy, so Connie at least was definitely going with him. If there was Connie, there was a possibility of Michonne, so it wasn't a great idea from his standpoint.
"I'm going to take it easy today. I'll see you guys later." He took a sip from his orange juice and immediately felt nauseous.
Daryl nodded at him, and licked his fingers before getting up, "I'm gonna take a shower and then we'll go," He turned to look at Negan and Glenn "You two still going?"
"I actually need Negan to go with me and check out the venue like we planned." Rick interrupted him before they had the chance to answer.
Negan looked at him with confusion because everything was very clear when it came to the plans for the renewal. Simon had managed to pull some strings and got them one of the smaller conference rooms. They would decorate it for them and after the ceremony they would continue into one of the restaurants.
The set up would be kind of cheesy, but it was better than being re-married by Elvis.
"Yeah I forgot about that." Negan played along, very interested in what he had to say for himself.
"I'll go with you and the girls," Glenn informed Daryl, "all of them going or?"
"Yeah I think so." He muttered
"Good because if it was just you and Connie I wouldn't three wheel it." Glenn sighed in relief, "I'll take a shower too."
Daryl nodded at him, disappearing into of the rooms and Glenn followed his example. Soon as they were out of earshot Rick rested his elbows on the table and exhaled the nervous sigh he was holding in.
"Talk." Negan wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it on the table.
"I'm sorry," it didn't take him much time to accept that he was the one who needed to apologize first, "I got riled up because I felt guilty."
His friend leaned back in his chair, letting him have the space to talk. He watched Rick squeeze his eyes shut, trying to piece together sentences that would explain his feelings.
"Nothing happened," He wanted to make that very clear, "I don't know how to explain it. I feel different around her."
Negan watched his friend and noticed that he was stressed out in a way that he hadn't seen him before, "and I'm sorry if you felt like me and Daryl came on too strong about it. We never thought you were getting your dick wet, we just noticed the chemistry and it got us worried, that's all."
Rick frowned at his way with words, "You can't let Daryl know that we talked about her. He feels comfortable around Connie and I don't want him to drop all of it because of me."
"He would distance himself from her in a heartbeat." Negan agreed, it was a tough situation, "So what is this? I mean I get it she is freaking gorgeous."
He felt strange talking about it, "It's not that."
Negan looked at him with doubt.
"It's just a...vibe." Rick grimaced at himself and buried his face into his hands.
"A vibe?" Negan snorted, "Are you still drunk?"
"No," He spoke with frustration as he lifted his face and gritted his teeth, "It's hard to explain."
His friend sighed deeply, "I can't help you, if you won't talk."
Rick's demeanor changed, he tried to regain his composure, "I liked talking to her and she is very good person, but it's not worth the hassle. I have friends, I don't need new ones. Lori wouldn't want me to spend time with her."
"Yeah, because Lori has been a saint your entire marriage," Negan rolled his eyes hard and scoffed, "I mean I get it. It's nice to have another woman to look at and talk to. It's not that serious, but you need to back away now when it's still possible."
Rick knew he was right and nodded, "I know. I just felt good around her, that's all."
"Now you forget about this," Negan leaned across the table to look at him directly, "Get it out of your system and move on. Besides, this romance Daryls got going on won't go home with him, I'm sure of it. So you're good and you don't have to see her ever again."
He noticed the doubt written on Negans face. He couldn't hide it, even though his words were encouraging. Rick was the one who held the cards in his own hands. He could decide to stay away from her and fix this before it got ugly.
"Rick you are a good man and I'll always have your back," Negan squeezed his shoulder as he got up from the table, "But you are only a man. Remember that. "
Rick swallowed nervously because he knew exactly what he meant.
Michonne tapped her takeaway coffee cup lightly with her finger as she walked with Sasha. It had been a successful night. Good company, drinks, gambling and then a long bath. Nothing too crazy or out of control. She watched as Connie signed to Daryl and smiled. They walked ahead and were very animated about the things they were seeing.
Connie was a sweet spirit. She was like a fairy out of a storybook. So kind and so accepting of everybody. She would sprinkle that positive energy around her and everybody gravitated towards her. Michonne was happy to see that she got every bit of attention from him. They were so in sync that she felt a sting of jealousy for the connection they seemed to already share.
Her thoughts went back to the previous night and a certain Sheriff. She didn't want to admit that she was longing for his company. He kept her on her toes and it had been quite fun to push him into a corner and see the way he would react. She knew she hadn't been the most pleasant human being to him, but she couldn't help herself. There was something about this man that really awakened her interest.
"What's on your mind?" Sasha asked as she noticed how deep in thought she was.
The tall buildings surrounded them, the noise and lights were tamed compared to the night time.
"Why is it this hot outside." Michonne wondered aloud, ignoring her friends question as she wiped away the sweat forming over her eyebrow.
"Quit changing the subject," Sasha nudged her, "You've been quiet since breakfast. So what's up?"
Michonne stopped abruptly in the middle of the street, "Sasha, I told you a million times last night and this morning. I'm fine and you need to mind your business before I call Abraham and ask him to come and get you."
With that she took off walking again after Connie and Daryl. Glenn walked behind them, taking photos of the scenery.
Sasha laughed at her attitude and catched up to her, "You know it's not the end of the world if you admit it. The Sheriff was hot and intriguing."
"Sasha," Michonne warned her again, she didn't want to talk about it, "I love you, but can't I just enjoy this without you hovering over me and bugging me about Rick Grimes?"
"Fine." She gave up, and tossed her own coffee cup into the nearby trash can.
They kept walking and Michonne catched up to the pair in front of them, tapping Daryls shoulder, "I need to steal you for a moment."
Connie looked at her suspiciously, and she signed to her, "Don't worry."
Connie nodded at her friend and walked towards Sasha who was having a full on photoshoot with Glenn. Michonne laughed at the sight of them. Glenn was naturally hilarious, they were all very fond of him.
Daryl was nervous, he didn't know what the dark beauty wanted from him, but he was curious.
"You need to ask her on a date already." Michonne smacked him hard on his arm soon as Connie looked elsewhere.
"Ouch woman!" Daryl winced and rubbed his arm that took a hit, "No wonder Ricks eye still hurts."
She grinned proudly before turning serious again, "I'm serious, you have to take her out."
Daryl narrowed his eyes at her, "We are doing that right now."
"Just the two of you," Michonne found it mind-boggling that a grown man didn't pick up the signals, "I told you last night, ask her sightseeing and all of sudden you ask your buddies to come with."
"I didn't think she'd mind." He glanced at Connie who waved back at them and smiled.
"Jesus Christ," Michonne sighed deeply, "Take her to dinner tonight okay?"
"Uh," Daryl looked at his feet in embarrassment, "I don't have that much-"
"I'll pay," She quickly understood the issue, "Just take her out, so you don't regret anything when you go back home."
He seemed reluctant, he didn't want to be a burden for anybody, "Nah, I don't wanna take your money."
"Listen," Michonne looked towards Connie and smiled, "She deserves it. You can pay me back. Just take her on a date. I know you want to."
He groaned inwardly. It was hard for him to accept help. He was so used to handling everything on his own that it felt wrong to ever count on anybody else. His friends had taught him along the way that it was okay to ask for help and receive it, but it was still unfamiliar to him.
This time he wanted to make exception. She was worth it.
He finally nodded her, "I'll pay you back double."
"I don't care, pay me or don't pay me. I just want you to have an amazing time together."
Daryl could tell she was sincere and she cared for Connie very deeply.
"You're a good friend." He said as softly as his deep voice allowed him to.
Michonne smiled back, "I try my best. She has to put up with me everyday."
He watched Connie from where they were standing and felt a sting of happiness. It had been a long time since he felt like this.
Carl paced around his room nervously.
"You're making me dizzy." Enid complained for the hundredth time as she watched him from his bedroom floor.
"I don't get it." He muttered as he paced back and forth, "Why is mom talking to Shane behind everybodys backs. He is like family. Why is it a secret?"
"Probably because whatever happened between your dad and Shane, has something to do with your mom." She suggested casually as she flipped the pages from the comic book she was reading, "Maybe they were lovers."
"Mom and Shane?" Carl wanted to hurl his insides at the thought, "No way."
"Whatever it was, well they are still talking in secret," Enid shrugged as she tossed the comic book from her lap, "I would be so mad at my mom if she kept that from me. You've been worried about Shane since he left, he was an asshole for blocking your number and meanwhile they've been texting. That's so messed up."
He sat down next to her and agreed, "Yeah and Lucille knew how depressed I was about it. Even last week I told her how I miss Shane. She said nothing."
"Grown ups are freaking idiots," She rolled her eyes, "they think we don't see everything that's happening under our noses and if we tell them, they act all high and mighty."
"Should I tell my dad?" He wondered, "I mean I should, I know, but I think he is gonna lose his shit. Last time he almost lost his job."
"He deserves to know," Enid was very opinionated and she was sure to let him know what was the right thing to do, "The last few years of his life have been based on lies. You have to tell him."
"but my mom-"
"Your mom lied. When you lie to the people you love like that, you don't deserve good things." She was frustrated at him, "Why aren't you mad at her?"
"I don't know what happened with her and Shane, but she is the one who is here," He had buried a lot of feelings when it came to his dad, his voice cracked as he continued, "He doesn't care. Mom works a lot, just like him, but she is here for us. He cares more about other peoples kids and the ones who need saving."
She felt conflicted. Enid couldn't know what it felt like in his shoes, but at the same time she was fuming. Lori had put her own son through so much misery when she could have told him the truth about Shane. She had watched from the frontrow. Carl was miserable when he disappeared and after his dad got shot, he went through a lot. It just didn't sit right with her that his mom lied and it caused him a lot of pain.
"You need to tell him. It's the right thing to do." She spoke softly, "If he finds out years later it's going to hurt him more than anything."
Carl leaned against the wall and sighed, "This fucking sucks."
She leaned against his shoulder, "I know."
Rick had left the suite to catch some air. Negan decided to have himself a little nap, so there was no use in sitting around alone as he waited for him to wakeup.
He was walking out of the building, but decided to abandon the idea as the pressure of the situation suddenly came back. His mind was still processing the last few days and the realization that he had earlier. He had a crush. A very intense one because it seemed like he was searching for her out of all the people he saw pass him. .
His mind was going into places he didn't like. He needed to quiet down the thoughts, call Lori, and enjoy the rest of the day. Rick decided to head towards the elevators and without thinking about it he pressed the button. It was like a reflex, like he was on autopilot. So he was back at the same damn bar they spent their last two nights at. The rooftop lounge. During the day it looked bigger because of the sunlight shining into the room. He liked this place because it was like a secret hideout. There was never too many people, probably because their drinks were shockingly overpriced, but that was better than okay for him. He would gladly pay a bit extra if it meant peace and quiet.
"What can I get you?" the bartender asked as he took a familiar seat.
"Something strong." He answered with his southern accent.
The bartender did as was told and poured him whiskey into a crystal glass.
Rick stared at the drink. It was five o'clock somewhere. He didn't even have a chance to take a first sip when her voice surprised him.
"I'll have what he is having."
He had to take a double take and looked at her dumbfounded.
"So did you get lecture like I did?" She sat next to him, tossing her high end sunglasses on the counter and leaving a empty seat between them.
Rick was still staring at her. Meanwhile the bartender filled her glass. She was dressed more casual this time. Just a pair of jeans and a white tank top that made her look insanely good.
Michonne waited for him to answer and stared back, "What?"
He shook his head and swallowed, "I just... I almost didn't recognize you."
"Yeah, must be the hair, " She pointed at her hair, her long dreads were perfectly placed on a high ponytail, "Or the lack of a dress."
He was still staring at her, hoping it didn't look like he was having a stroke, "You look good."
She raised her eyebrows at him and pointed at his drink, "How many of those you've had?"
"No, I mean you always look good." He sputtered out quickly, "You look different that's all."
She laughed, "Oh okay. So that was your odd way of complimenting me."
"Just take the compliment," He groaned playfully, he was embarrassed, "You ditched everybody else? Again?"
"Not for you, don't get it twisted," She continued with the banter and took a sip from her whiskey, "I came back earlier to make a reservation for Daryl and Connie."
"Oh?" He was a bit shocked.
"Your friend is not very natural when it comes to dating, so I offered my helping hand." She clarified, "She deserves a proper date already, don't you think?"
"Sure," He agreed and kept with the light playful tone in his voice, "I'm surprised you talked Daryl into it, but then again you got me breaking the law so I'm not so surprised."
Michonne cackled, "Wait you're still putting that on me?"
"Yeah I am," He turned his seat towards her and grinned, "Also, next time don't mess with my phone."
"Next time?" She was quick to counter back, ignoring the topic and shifting the conversation into a new direction, "Maybe Sasha was right after all, and you are completely obsessed with me."
He shamelessly smirked back, "I am obsessed? Look who is having full blown conversations about me with her friends."
Michonne waved him off like she had many times before, it was like a habit at this point, "You are-"
"Obnoxious, I know, you've told me before." He finished for her, proud grin on his face.
The same tension they left at the roof came back. His blue eyes wandered over her face, and she literally felt it in her bones. She stared back at him, her eyes never leaving his. He was about to say something, but then they noticed somebody appear into their space.
"Hey," A man approached the bar, he stood closely behind her, "Can I buy you a drink?"
It was an innocent question. He was wearing a suit and was clean shaven. She was used to men hitting on her, it happened a lot in her circle of work, but she usually brushed them off. She didn't really care for the business type as usually they were very uptight. The type of men she would eat alive in the courtroom.
"I'm actually-"
She didn't have a chance to respond as Rick jumped into the conversation, "She is busy."
Michonne shot Rick an annoyed look, she didn't like the way he answered for her, "Yeah I'm with a friend and my glass is still full."
The man looked at them and nodded, "I see."
"You can leave now." Rick was agitated, he didn't like how he stood behind her while she was sitting down. It felt wrong.
The man didn't take his attitude well, he still wasn't budging, "What the hell is your problem man?"
She saw his eyes switch off, it was like his gaze hardened and turned into stone, "Rick." Michonne tried to warn him. She didn't want him get sucked into this mans game. She knew the type too well.
He didn't listen and kept staring at the stranger, "Why don't you back the fuck off and let her sit in peace."
Michonne turned to look at the man and tried to sound friendly even though she was as angry as Rick at this point, "We don't want any trouble just leave us be."
"What is he? Your bodyguard? ," He laughed mockingly, "Jeez, I just wanted to buy you a drink."
"And I appreciate that, but no thank you." Michonne answered matter-of-factly.
Rick kept his eyes on him, his gaze still speaking louder than any words.
The man finally turned around and muttered under his breath, "Bitch."
He hopped off his seat quickly, almost knocking the bar stool with him as he jumped up, "What did you say?"
She knew exactly where this was going. Michonne got up and placed herself between the men, but stared at Rick, trying to calm him down with her expression. She didn't want him to make any bad decisions, "Don't."
The man was clearly looking for trouble because he laughed loudly, "I said, Bitch!"
And that was all it took. He respectfully moved her from his way by her shoulders and launched at him. It was pure rage that came out of him. Rick didn't waste time, he punched him square in the face. Not once, twice or three times. He attacked him in a way that shocked her.
It all happened very quickly. The bouncers that the bartender had alerted earlier were tearing him off of him, and separated the men.
"You fucking psycho!" the other man yelled as he held his nose in pain, there was blood running down his face, "I'm going to fucking ruin you!"
The bouncers were holding Rick back who was in a very angry state as he tried to get himself free. It was like he only saw red.
"Yeah we need back up, call the cops."
Michonne heard the third bouncer say into a walkie-talkie.
"Shit." She muttered to herself as she knew this was about to get very complicated.
Finally got this finished. Thanks for the love xx