Michonne cursed loudly as she threw her phone on her bed.
"Fuck everything." She muttered as she sat down on the squeaky bed that destoryed her back after the first night.
She rubbed her neck as it hurt from the cheap pillow. God, this place was not for her.
"What's wrong?" Sasha asked, her mouth full of toothpaste because she was washing her teeth. It was kind of funny how they still shared hotel rooms, it reminded her of their school years together.
"Mike."
Sasha didn't even have to ask the details, she knew immediately what was the issue, "He didn't pick up Andre again?"
"Yep," Michonne felt like she wanted to throw up, the thought of this incompetent asshole made her sick to her stomach, "Why the fuck did he fight for those two weekends a month when he doesn't fucking show up."
"Yeah, we need to do something about it." Sasha quipped from the bathroom. Immediately ready for war for her and her son.
"I'm going to file for sole custody. I'm done with his nonsense." She was so overwhelmed with everything. She really wanted his son to have a balanced relationship with both of them, but it seemed like Mike was done with being a father. Michonne knew her son was going to be the one suffering and it broke her heart that she couldn't do more.
Now, she was basically stuck in the middle of nowhere with this issue and it was not like it was the only thing bothering her. Seeing Rick at the diner with his family was not easy. She kept tossing and turning all night, wondering to herself why on earth did she have to step into this toxic situation.
"Hey don't worry about it," Sasha showed up from the tiny bathroom and encouraged her, "Kelly is driving up here anyway. She will bring him and that's all. I'll find another place to stay, you guys stay in this room."
Thankfully her son was at Connies parents and it wasn't an issue to get him here. The issue was that she didn't want him to be in the middle of her own mistakes. That kid had been through enough, she didn't need him to be exposed to this mess and he deserved to have his time with his dad.
"I hate Las Vegas," Michonne announced, it felt like everything bad was piling on her, "and guys with a stupid dogs named Dog."
Sasha laughed at her, "Don't you dare put that on Connie and Daryl. You and Grimes created this warped relationship all by yourselves and nobody else had nothing to do with it."
She didn't like how all of it made her feel. She was never uncertain about anything. Michonne knew she was wrong for reaching out in the first place. She could now admit that. She should have never allowed herself to be so weak. It was frustrating. Rick Grimes was frustrating. He was like a fish in bowl that went around in circles and waited for a better outcome each time another lap was made. He couldn't face the facts. She tried her best to encourage him to speak to his wife. First she wanted him to succeed and get past this hurdle. Then as the messages and conversations turned longer, it changed. She secretly stopped hoping the best outcome for him, simply for selfish reasons. She liked him. He got inside her head and now it was harder to ignore him.
"You know yesterday what went down with the two of you was the thing I was talking about." Sasha eyed her.
"What thing?" She was bad at playing innocent.
Sasha rolled her eyes at her best friend, "The heat. The sexual tension. It's insane."
Michonne kept shaking her head, "I don't know what you are talking about."
"That's cute, but yes you do because you're the one who started it."
"I did not." She protested.
"Yes girl, you did."
She just wanted to end this. She needed to see him before her son was in town. The thought of not being able to control what happened terrified her.
"What are you thinking?"
"I think I need to take a little trip to the Sheriffs office."
Rick leaned in his office chair, his feet on his desk carelessly and coffee in hand.
Last night had been sort of a twilight zone. They had their dinner and he went back to work. Thankfully it wasn't a busy night and he could dwell in peace. Lori was shocked over his statement. She seemed happy about it and she really wanted to figure out a plan to overcome everything. He agreed.
Soon as he said it he felt sort of frantic. Like Negan would say, he was knee deep in shit. To make it worse, he caused it himself. He kept making things more difficult. He felt like a teenager all of sudden who acted impulsively and didn't have control over his feelings.
A knock on his door interrupted his haze.
"Yeah?" He sat more appropriately and placed his mug on the table.
Aaron peaked from the door, "There is a woman asking for you."
Well this was unexpected. He didn't have to guess twice who it was. Rick never thought in a million years that she would show up at his work, he bit his lips together anxiously, "Shit, I mean. Who?"
Aaron was a bit confused by his reaction, "Michonne Anthony."
"Sure, send her in." He said simply, trying to sound nonchalant and Aaron nodded.
His feet suddenly shook under the table and he cleared his throat nervously. It didn't take long before she walked inside. He could hear her heels tap against the floor as he kept his gaze down on the papers in front of him. He actually felt a bit ridiculous. She was not buying it anyway.
"Huh, it's a lot bigger than a janitors closet," She said, referring to their talk before about his tiny office, "liar liar pants on fire."
He finally lifted his gaze and tried his best to keep a serious face, "What can I do for you?"
Michonne could totally see through his facade. He was only playing cool and unbothered. He kept staring at her. She didn't hesitate to stare back. Of course she had to stroll up there in her tight white dress and heels.
"Look, I did you a favor," Her voice was tense, "I didn't mean to just stop answering, but I did it for you. It's much easier this way."
Rick looked at her defiantly, "So you know better than me? I don't have a say in anything?"
Michonne rolled her eyes. Here we go again.
"We both know it went too far," She argued, it came natural to her obviously, "I made a mistake and I'm sorry for leading you on."
Rick scoffed and narrowed his eyes at her, "Leading me on? Why do you make it sound like I was a helpless puppy following you?"
She walked around his small office in frustration, trying to look at the walls and other things instead of his face. She stopped before a bookshelf and looked at photo of his family, "I told you already in Vegas that I don't want to get mixed up in anything. I should have never texted you after what happened."
He furrowed his brows in confusion, "What happened to being friends?"
She picked up the photo to look at it more closely and ignored his question, "You have a beautiful family."
Rick could tell from her expression something was bothering her, "He bailed on him again, didn't he?"
Michonne was surprised that he remembered. It felt nice to be heard. She tried her best to suppress her feelings of gratitude and smiled weakly, "It's only a win for me because I get to have my favorite person for the whole weekend to myself and I don't have to be at the office."
He got up from his chair and walked in front of his desk, leaning against it, "It's okay to feel shitty about it. I know how much you wanted it to happen for Andre."
She carefully placed the photo back on the shelf and turned to look at him, "And that's why I am here."
Rick was puzzled.
"I don't want Andre to see anything or to hear anything that he is not supposed to," She explained her point of view, "No snide comments or whatever this fucking tense energy between us is."
"You do realize I wasn't the one who started yesterday?" He laughed and smirked back, "You can't put that on me. I was being completely normal."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," She could see how proud he was, "From this moment on we will be just acquaintances. You know nothing and I know nothing. I don't need your wife coming at me tonight in front of my son."
"Did you just fire me as a friend and lower my position to an acquaintance?" He couldn't help himself as he joked, "Ouch."
"This is what I'm talking about," Michonne groaned, he was impossible, "Stop flirting!"
Rick smiled from ear to ear, playing innocent, "It's not my fault you think everything I say is flirting. Maybe, just, maybe it's you who is flirting."
"You're so obnoxious," She turned her face away, she was clearly flustered, "You know your wife is going to notice. Even Stevie Wonder could see you qawking at me."
He was not going to deny it and his blue eyes looked straight at her, "I'll try my best to look the other way."
"Yeah, you better if you want to get back into that bedroom and off the couch." She felt squirmish under his gaze.
"I'm done with the couch."
It immediately piqued her interest, "Oh?"
He swallowed, regretting he said anything, "We are trying to get back on track. You were right, counseling was helpful."
Rick could see the look of irritability cross her face ever so slightly.
"Just leave me out of this okay?" Michonne demanded, "Don't tell her about me. At least not until I'm gone. I don't need any outbursts in front of Andre. Not from you or your wife."
He felt hurt, "You think I would be stupid enough to tell her when you are in town?"
"I don't know Rick. You don't make sense to me." She said honestly, "I need there to be distance, so don't approach us tonight."
He nodded. The playful atmosphere had turned sour once again. Both of their emotions seemed to be all over the place.
"I'll keep away. I promise."
"Good." Michonne nodded and walked towards his door briskly, but he stopped her by her forearm as she crossed him.
"If it's really what you want." He held on to her and it felt like her whole body was on fire. She looked at him and he stared back, unflinching. She pulled her arm away, not saying a word. She walked out of his office and the door slammed shut.
A couple minutes later Aaron walked into his office with a file in his hands, "Rick?"
"What?" He mumbled, deep in thought.
"The file you asked," He said as he put the papers on his desk and asked carefully, "Just curious, who is she and how do you know someone who is dressed head to toe in Chanel?"
Rick laughed and said with a smile, "She is a friend."
It was a hot afternoon in Georgia. She tried her best to keep herself positive, but the talk earlier with Rick was taking a toll on her.
"Momma, are we going to see aunt Connies other house?" Andre asked her from the backseat.
"Yes baby." She smiled at him through the car mirror.
"Technically it's Daryls house, but auntie Connie now owns half." Sasha explained from the passenger side.
"I don't know Daryl."Andre thought out loud, "I hope he is nice."
"He is, I promise," Michonne wanted him to feel comfortable, he was always nervous when he met new people, "They are all nice. I know you will have fun."
She could tell when Kelly dropped him off that he was more quiet than usual. It just tore her apart that he was left disappointed again.
She could feel herself more nervous as they got closer. As she pulled into the street, she decided she was not going to give a man the power to overwhelm her. She had a job to do. She needed to be a mother first.
She parked her car and unbuckled her seatbelt, "Ready peanut?"
Andre smiled a bit hesitantly at her mom and nodded. Sasha helped him out of the car and it seemed like everybody was already there. Michonne took Andres hand and they walked up to the house.
Daryl seemed to own a big chunk of land, Michonne was not surprised why Connie had been happy to spend her time there. It was peaceful and the white house itself looked quite well kept. It seemed like a proper family home which didn't go together with Daryl Dixon.
Connie ran up to them, signing, "You made it!"
She hugged them all, giving Andre big kisses even though she had just seen him when she was visiting Atlanta, "Isn't it awesome?"
Andre of course knew sign language, he signed back, "It looks nice aunt Connie. Where is the dog?"
Connie, who was just glowing in her print dress smiled back and pointed at the backyard, "I'll show you."
Andre giggled and followed her, all of his hesitation gone. Michonne smiled at them and waved a little at her precious little man.
"Michonne," Daryl walked up to them casually with a beer in hand, "Sasha."
The women nodded at him and said their hellos. Sasha looked at the property and asked curiously, "This is all yours? What's the story?"
Daryl scratched the back of his head, "It's my childhood home. My family owned the land. It was in crappy condition, but I fixed it myself. Still got work to do, but it's alright right now. I'm still in debt for the construction, but one day at a time. I ain't got time to worry about it."
They were both impressed.
"So you own it, just you?" Michonne asked, trying her best not to step over the lines.
"Yeah my parents haven't been around in a long time and my brother died a few years back. It's just me and Dog," He looked a bit uneasy as he explained, "and Connie now of course."
They could tell how the tone of his voice changed when he talked about her. It was endearing. Connies family had only nice things to say about him, even Kelly was a fan which didn't surprise Michonne and Sasha. Daryl was like a broken bird under that manly shell.
"Let me take you back." He took a sip from his beer and showed them the way, "Everybody is there."
Michonne gulped and pulled her sunglasses on her face. They followed him into the big backyard with a huge terrace. Andre was busy petting the famous dog with Connie and Kelly. Michonne saw familiar faces everywhere. There were Glenn and Maggie sitting around the big table with Negan and Lucille. Carol noticed them first and practically ran up to them with hugs. Michonne could tell under that overly excited little lady was a very sharp person.
"I'm Carols husband Ezekiel," The darker man with her extended his hand to Michonne, "Nice to have you here. Your little fella is adorable."
"Thank you." Michonne smiled as she shook his hand. He seemed like a nice person.
"Our kids don't really have time to socialize anymore" He pointed at the table where a couple of teenagers sat with Ricks son Carl, all of them glued to their phones, "They are like zombies now. I don't even bother anymore. Enjoy your boy before he is one of them."
Michonne laughed. It was an amusing sight. Sasha had abandoned her side to greet Glenn and Negan. Then she looked over at the grill and saw him there with his daughter. He looked so different from just a couple hours earlier. The unform was gone. He was just chilling there in his white cotton shirt and dark sunglasses. It killed her that he looked so good.
Rick had noticed her soon as she walked in. She had changed into a yellow backless dress that fit her like a glove. The entire time he had known her he hadn't seen her twice in a same dress. The thought of her massive closet was funny to him. She was clearly the polar opposite of him. Their earlier encounter replayed in his mind. He was contemplating on doing something that she specifically asked him not to do.
"Judith, let's go say hi to someone." Rick decided, he wanted to do what felt right to him, "Negan you're up!"
"Yes, Sir!" His friend hopped from his seat without hesitation and walked towards the grill, taking over.
Michonne watched in confusion as Rick just waltzed over to her son. It took her a few seconds to register what he was doing, but just as quickly she walked to Andre and stood in front of him. Connie and Kelly were watching by, intrigued.
"Don't." She whispered, anxious about what he was going to do.
"Trust me." He whispered back and looked at Judith.
She didn't have any other option as she could see his smart daughter pick up on the unspoken words between them. She stepped aside and Rick knelt down to Andres level.
"Hi, you're Andre right?" he asked the little boy.
He nodded shyly, the man was a bit scary looking to him with his greyish beard and hair.
"You know I'm the Sheriff." Rick pulled out his badge from his pocket and showed it to him.
"Did I do something bad?" The little boy asked, startled.
Michonne glared at Rick and he laughed, "No, buddy I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."
Andre kept looking at him sceptically.
Rick put his badge away and reached for his other pocket, he pulled out a plastic badge and handed it to him, "This is for you."
"Why?" Andre looked at the shiny badge curiously.
"Your dad helped me with something and I promised him I would deliver it to you. He wanted you to have it."
At the mention of his father, his eyes brightened up instantly.
Judith interrupted, "Isn't that from your halloween-"
Rick stopped her and looked at her with raised brows, "It's neat honey, isn't it?"
Judith finally catched on and nodded, "Yeah. Dad gives those out only if you really deserve it."
Michonne was speechless as she watched by.
Andre kept looking at the badge and then crinkled his nose in confusion, "But my dad is not a police officer."
"No he isn't, but he did a big favor for me and he wanted you to have that," Rick tried his best to convince him, "You hold on to it. Sometimes your dad may not be around, but he always has you on his mind. I know he wanted to spend time with you today, but he had to help other people out."
The boy squeezed the badge in his hands tightly and smiled big, "Thank you Sheriff."
Rick smiled at him, he felt good for bringing him happiness, "You know Judith was really excited to meet you. She could show you all the best things Daryl has in this huge backyard. There is even a trampoline behind the garage."
His daughter was nodding, "If you want to?"
Judith was obviously older, but she liked playing with little kids, she liked taking care of others and she didn't mind at all to chaperone Andre.
"Momma can I go with Judith?" His eyes twinkled first time excitedly after a rough morning.
Michonne felt her heart swell, "Of course. Just don't go far."
The older girl nodded, "I'll take care of him, I promise."
She smiled at her and nodded back. With that they ran excitedly into their own adventures.
Michonne and Rick were left standing there, obviously with their friends all around them. But just for a moment it felt like they were there all alone.
"Thank you." Was the only thing she could say. She smiled at him, her eyes bright just like her sons.
Her words hit him in a way he hoped they didn't. The hold she had on him tightening every single time they saw each other. He nodded. He didn't know where they stood, but he had wanted to fix it, whatever it was that was slipping through his fingers. Michonne turned around to talk to Connie and Kelly who had observed the whole thing. Connie looked at Rick and signed thank you which he could understand.
"I'm sorry I took so long, it was crazy at work," Lori came out of nowhere and kissed him, "Where is Judith?"
Lori looked at him lovingly and he looked away, "She is around. I need to get back to the grill."
He walked off to Negan. Lori was left there puzzled at his standoffish behavior.
Michonne tried her best to focus her attention elsewhere. She would take a quick glance at him and he would glance back. Just for a second their eyes met and then they continued talking to other people. Lori stood there next to him, her wine in hand and he listened to her talk. She could sense Sashas judging eyes on her every single time Rick looked towards her.
She sipped on her lemonade and leaned back, trying to shake him off. She didn't want to wonder what he was thinking or doing.
Her eyes landed on Maggie who was wrapped up in Glenns embrace. All evening she had picked up on a certain energy around the couple.
"Congratulations." She whispered at them.
They both looked at her wide eyed.
"Thanks, we are not that far along yet," Glenn asnwered casually before trying his best to cover up for his slip up, "I mean what do you mean?"
Maggie chuckled at her husband and playfully patted his chest, "You really suck at secrets," She didn't seem too anxious about sharing the wonderful news and looked at Michonne, smiling, "What gave it away? Our friends haven't noticed anything."
She smiled at them warmly, "It's the glow and the love. You can just tell."
Maggie squeezed Glenns hand. Happiness oozing from her.
"It's the best adventure you will have," Michonne thought back to her own pregnancy, "I promise."
Their peaceful moment was cut off by Daryls loud whistling, "Alright! Listen up y'all!"
Daryl took Connies hand and they walked up to the big table where most of them were gathered around, "We want to thank everyone here for coming."
"Just tell us already." Rick joked as he approached the table and stopped behind Michonnes chair. She couldn't tell if it was intentional.
Daryl flipped him off with a grunt.
"Come on now, boys behave!"Lucille snorted, clearly tipsy.
"As I was saying," Daryl continued, he did his best to sign as he talked, "We have decided where we want to live."
He looked for reassurance from Connie and she nodded, smiling sweetly like always.
"Nowhere! " He announced with a huge proud smile as he pulled her closer.
Everyone was confused.
"What does that mean?"Lori was the one to ask.
"Oh hell no," Negan laughed, "You got this beautiful wife and you gonna force her on your bike?"
"Nah, man," Daryl shook his head and explained further, "We are gonna sell our homes. Then we will get an rv and see the world."
"I call dibs on the bike!" Carl shouted from the back.
Laughter broke out. The announcement was pure chaos.
"Nah, your dad is gonna keep it nice and warm for me in his garage. Ain't nobody touching it." Daryl was not joking.
"Since when did I agree to that?" Rick scrunched his eyebrows together.
"Right now, brother." Daryl winked at him.
"Just wait!" Michonne said loudly and looked at Connie, signing, "Are you serious right now?"
"Are you two going to just drop everything? what about work?" Sasha asked the couple, worried about their plan.
Connie smiled as she walked up to her friends and signed, "We want to explore and have fun. Both of us have worked for years and right now its time to just forget about what is expected from us. We want to see and experience this world together."
Kelly explained outloud what she said to everyone.
"I think it's wonderful," Carol said, a little teary eyed, "You two do whatever you feel like is the right thing to do. We got you."
Connie smiled and hugged her as a thank you.
"It's gonna take time to even sell everything," Daryl explained as he lighted up a cigarette, "It's not like we are leaving tomorrow. We will have to take care of things."
"Uncle Daryl!" Judith yelled from the other end of the yard, "You promised!"
"Yeah, Yeah, I'm sorry!" He put out his cigarette.
Michonne felt like passing out at the news. For her it seemed reckless, but she could never tell Connie that. She knew she just had to go with the flow.
Rick still stood behind her, trying his best not to stare at her bare back. She could sense his eyes on her. She really needed a drink.
"We have one more thing." Daryl announced.
"Is she pregnant?" Negan guessed with a laugh.
Connie shot him a look.
"Man just shut up," Daryl grunted, annoyed, "Before we sell all of this, we want to have our real wedding here."
"That's fun!" Maggie clapped, "When?"
Connie and Daryl looked at each other, "Two weeks."
Their friends started to question the plan and the chatter was nonstop, but Rick could only focus on her. Her scent was driving him insane, most of this announcement not even registering in his mind. He couldn't care less right now because all he saw was her.
Without thinking about it he reached out and squeezed her shoulder softly before stepping away. She was startled by his sudden touch. It was a daring move in front of everybody. As Rick walked away to get some space Lori wondered what on earh had she just witnessed.
Thank you for all the well wishes. I actually had covid. I still have some symptoms, jeez. Anyway welcome aboard all the new readers, and of course thanks for the love. I love the feedback and hope this chapter was worth the wait. I loved writing this one!