"You can't be serious," She chuckled at the boy, "The cherry one is the bomb."

Carl licked his spoon and shrugged, "Nah, I'm all about the lemon."

"That one tastes like soap." Michonne grimaced back.

"You've eaten soap?" He raised his brow at her.

She laughed, "Ha ha, you got me."

She shifted on the hospital bed to find a more comfortable position and Carl immediately grabbed her arm to support her shift. He could see the pain on her face sometimes and it was hard to witness.

She looked at him and smiled as a thank you. He leaned in the chair next her and propped his feet up against her bed like he always did.

"So, when are you getting out of here?" He asked as he finished his jello.

Michonne sighed, stretching her arms and pulling half of her braids up, "I don't know. They won't discharge me before everything checks out."

"I'm getting out soon," He announced gladly, "Maybe even later today."

"That's good," She felt happy for him and more importantly his broken rib was bothering him less day by day, "but I'm gonna miss our jello time though."

Carl smiled back, he wasn't the type to smile a lot, but with her it felt natural, "We'll have more of those when you get out of here."

She felt grateful that she had found a friend in Carl. Never, in her wildest dreams she imagined that she could bond with a teenager like this. She could only hope one day Andre grew up to be just as level headed and sincere.

"Are you feeling nervous?" Michonne studied his face.

He looked at the wall and sighed, grunting, "I don't know. I feel like it's gonna be different. I mean I know I'm the same person, but... I guess it's kind of weird."

"Don't let anyone talk any shit about it," She told him, her expression hardened, "Don't let anyone tell you how you should feel about it or how you should be after it."

"I won't."

As they finished up their delicious hospital dessert Rick waltzed with a big bag. Carl eyed Michonne with the classic, "here we go again" look and she laughed. He did this daily at this point.

He set the bag on the lounge chair, "Ah, I got you more of those face masks you wanted and coconut oil, " he emptied the contents there, "And a blanket. I tried to find the fluffiest one possible since you're so cold here, but they didn't have the one I wanted, so I figured-"

Rick turned to look at the pair and they were both visibly amused.

"Rick," Michonne held her hand to him and patted her blanket, "I appreciate the gesture, but you just got me this one yesterday."

He shrugged, "Yeah, but you said you are cold here."

She couldn't get over how sweet he was being. A little over the top, but also sweet.

"I think I've never heard you say fluffy, " Carl snickered at his dad, "Fluffyyy."

Rick pushed his legs down from Michonnes bed and eyed him, "Aren't you supposed to be seeing the doctor so he can clear you?"

"Well excuse me for having lunch," Carl got up slowly and gave Michonne a peace sign, "I'm still sticking with Lemon."

She tossed him a sign back and watched him disappier.

He didn't understand exactly how they ended up as besties, but it made his heart smile, "Thank you."

Michonne looked up at him, confused,"What do you mean?"

"For being there for him. He's been through a lot," Rick sat on the edge of her bed, "I know he is nervous about going out there and doing normal stuff again. Everybody around town knows what happened."

"He'll do amazing," She raised her hands on his shoulders and pulled him in for a kiss, "Hey."

"Hey," He pushed her braid behind her ear as they settled into the comfortable bubble they had created during her hospital stay, "How is the pain today?"

Michonne didn't like to feel weak or being catered to. She had to bite her tongue and let him do his part. He needed to feel like he was taking care of her and in reality he was. She couldn't have ever managed without him. He helped her eat, he helped her into the bathroom and shower, and everything in between. Rick showered her with love and affection in ways that she hadn't ever experienced before.

"Not bad, " She wanted to change the topic and got comfortable under her blanket, "Is Andre okay?"

"He wanted to come with me again, but I told him it's way more fun to go fish with Daryl and Connie," He rubbed her injured hand gently, " Sasha will bring him tomorrow. You need to rest so don't worry about it. We've got him."

She smiled gratefully, unable to let her mind fully go there. The thought of Andre made her heart ache, "Thanks for being there for him. I know how scared he was."

"Well week and a half ago this was much more terrifying for all of us," He looked at her healing face and tried to wipe away the image of her in the state that she was originally in, "I'm just happy you sound and look more like yourself. I'll bring a blanket everyday if it means I get you back."

She smiled widely at him, "You're too much Rick Grimes."

He kissed her quickly before noticing the new IV drip that was placed on her arm, "Didn't they take those out already?"

She hesitated a little, not ready to talk about the big fat elephant in the room, "It's just more fluids."

It wasn't a lie. It was just hard to explain to him what the situation was when she didn't fully know herself. She needed more time to process this.

He narrowed his steely blues at her, "You sure everything is fine?"

Michonne nodded quickly, "I promise."

She was way over her head with this one.

Rick could see she was lost in her own thoughts, she wasn't fully in the moment yet, but it was understandable. She had went through something traumatic.

He suddenly regretted asking her if she was fine. Of course she wasn't after what they went through with Carl.

"I hope you know we can talk about it," He didn't want it to be left unsaid, "Everything that happened. I hope you know I'm here for you."

She looked up into his eyes, "I know Rick. I think I just need some time. I don't really remember all of it."

He gently kissed her cheek, "I'm sorry you had to go through this. If I had known-"

"I'm fine. I promise." Michonne cut him off. She was putting on a brave face like she was used to, but he knew better. He needed to wait until she was ready to fully talk about what had happened.

Rick couldn't help himself and kissed her again. It was like every fibre in him was screaming to keep her close. She kissed him back with equal passion and smiled against his lips, "We need to stop."

He pulled away, smiling, "Yeah, sorry."

"Jesus Christ," She tossed her head back and laughed, "Stop apologizing already."

It reminded her of Las Vegas and the first proper conversation they ever had together.

Rick was just glad he could make her laugh. If it meant apologizing a thousand times to hear her lose it, he would do it in a heartbeat.

As they smiled at each other, a voice interrupted them from the doorway, "It's good to see you in high spirits Michonne."

Her doctor, a determined brilliant mind who had performed her surgery walked in with her chart. She smiled at Rick, "You manage to keep her in check?"

"I try my best Deanna." He joked back.

He could tell Michonne was nervous again. She streched her arms and looked at him pointedly, "Rick could you get me something sweet from the cafeteria?" Michonne suggested, "We are just doing a routine thing here, so now is the perfect time."

"Sure." He kissed her cheek once again and passed the doctor on his way out.

The elder woman, Deanna Jackson smiled at him as he left the room. She looked at her patient as she pulled on her protective gloves.

"So, how are you feeling today?"

Michonne shrugged, "A little dizzy sometimes if I get up or move around too quickly, but nothing worth complaining about."

"Well you had major surgery," She stopped by her bed, "May I?"

She nodded and the doctor lifted her hospital shirt. She wasn't too bothered by the scar that would form on her left side, under her ribcage where they had opened her up.

"Well this is healing up nicely," Her lips twiched upwards, giving a comforting smile, "The incision is clean, it will leave a nice battle wound so to speak."

Michonne watched her toss her gloves away and fixed her own posture. She checked her IV and then looked at the chart a few times.

Doctor Jackson kept smiling back as she grabbed a chair and sat next to her, "I'm very content with the results right now, but I can't discharge you until we get full exam on the baby and the nurse told me you refused that last time she offered it, but since you have that IV in your arm I guess it's known to you how important it is for us to also treat the other patient inside you."

"I- I didn't refuse, " it was awkward, "I was in pain and it just was bad timing. I told her I can do that with my own gynecologist back in Atlanta."

The doctor sighed, "Darling, It's always a risk when you have to have emergency surgery and there is a baby involved," She went on to explain, "Your spleen ruptured, it's a big deal. We were in a rush to save your life and it was a matter of life and death when there is trauma like this. We didn't have the equipment or the time to confirm if there indeed was a viable pregnancy. You were our priority."

"And I completely understand that."

"Afterwards when we checked your blood and it came up with high hcg levels, it does indeed indicate a pregnancy and I have to insist on having that exam here because you're under my care and pregnancy can cause complications in your recovery. Also, the baby needs more attention, more sonograms than usually so that we can make sure it develops like it should. There was massive blood loss so complications and miscarriage aren't off the table."

Michonne chewed on the inside of her cheek and wondered why she couldn't face the facts.

The doctor looked at her, giving her a gentle smile," regardless what you decide to do with this pregnancy it's important for us to get confirmation if the fetus is in fact alive. We need to start somewhere."

"You think there is a chance to even have a healthy child after everything?" She asked her directly, "I just... I don't have any symptoms like I did before."

"Well we can't really determine how far along you are without an proper gynecologist exam," The doctor explained, "The hcg isn't a proper way to determine anything because the situation might have changed after the first blood test. I would have guessed something between six to eight weeks, and you might know as a mother how symptoms might disappier and the baby is still perfectly fine. I've done major surgery on many pregnant women and the pregnacies have been healthy until delivery and the babies have been healthy."

She took a deep breathe, "Yeah, fine. I guess we have to do the exam."

"If there isn't a heartbeat," She kept her calm tone of voice, "We have to terminate and take it out soon as possible because it's a risk for your recovery. There is a huge risk of infection, but to be honest with you, you aren't showing any signs of distress. Your body would be reacting already with a high fever and bleeding."

Michonne felt uneasy about everything. She hated herself for being so stubborn and scared. She should have allowed Rick to be in on this.

"I'm not going to say it's going to be alright," the doctors heavy southern accent was very present, "Whatever happens you seem to have a very strong family around you. Trust yourself and them. That's the part that will be alright."

Carl was happy to be out of the hospital. He didn't really hear what Enid was saying next to him. They sat in front of his house, just enjoying the peaceful day.

"Ron wanted me to tell you something."

"Huh?" Carl snapped out of his haze and looked at her.

"Ron, he wanted to apologize," Enid pushed her long hair back, "They are moving away. His mom wants a fresh start and he just wanted you to know he didn't know it was going to be like that."

Carl thought about it shortly and nodded. What could he say? He didn't know if he was fully capable of saying he accepted when things were this fresh. Maybe one day he would.

"How's Michonne?" She changed the subject smoothly.

"Healing," He said back, the tension in him going away, "I mean they opened her up and everything. I'm just happy she is here."

"Me too," Enid agreed, taking his hand in hers, "I kind of owe her."

Carl smiled wide, "You think I would leave you here alone with our stupid parents?"

She smiled back, "I knew you wouldn't."

Just as they were about to lock lips a loud honk interrupted them. They awkwardly pulled apart and watched the black range rover park on the next door pavement.

"What's up lovebirds!" Negan hopped out of the car with a toothpick in his mouth and grinned.

Before Carl had a chance to say anything the passenger side door flew open and Judith ran to him, hugging him tight.

"Why the hell did you almost die!" She demanded loudly and punched his left arm, "You aren't supposed to do anything stupid, stupid!"

Negan laughed and pulled the sister off of him, "Hey, little rascal ease up. The boy broke a rib, cut him some slack."

Carl smiled at frowning Judith, "Nice to see you too."

Enid was used to the dynamic they shared and smiled at the interaction.

"Wasn't mom supposed to pick you up?" He questioned curiously and then looked at Negan, "Where is she?"

He straightened his leather jacket and tossed the toothpick out of his mouth, "Ah, your lovely mother," He told him no lies, "Well she went to the hospital to talk to the new updated version of Mrs.Grimes." Negan turned to Judith, "I got stuck with picking this one up from your grandma, who is still fine as hell by the way."

Carl grimaced at the joke and got back to the topic in hand, "Mom went to see Michonne?"

"Yep," He looked at the blue sky, "It's a new world Carl. Looks like your folks finally woke up and smelled the coffee."

"I guess that's good," Carl looked at Judith, "How do you feel about it all?"

"Oh, how mom is dating Shane who used to be dads best friend and dad is dating Michonne who is Connies best friend, who happens to be married to Daryl who is dads best friend?"

Enid could only laugh at her sense of humour.

Judith continued with a sigh, "Oh I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"She is all brains this one. No use in stressing about other peoples shit." Negan ruffled her head

She smacked his hand away, "Yeah and soon you're no brains at all."

Carl felt a bit more normal as he watched his little sister and Negan banter. It meant the world to him.

She had secretly hoped he didn't get called back to work, but he did and she had to come to terms with the results of the ultrasound by herself. As she laid in her room and forced herself to keep the tears away there was a knock on her door.

She wiped her face with her hand and fixed herself, trying her hardest to block out the news that she had received. She was overwhelmed.

To her surprise Lori walked in, nervously fiddling with the sleeve of the light blue cardigan she was wearing, "Hey."

She was the last person she expected to see there. Her walls were back up and her face turned blank, "Rick is not here. He was called in."

"I'm not looking for him," She cautiously walked a few steps forward as the door closed behind her, "could we talk?"

Here she was trying to piece herself back together mentally and of course in walks the future ex wife who hates her guts.

Michonne looked at the chair next to her bed and nodded reluctantly. This was the last thing she wanted to do, but at the same time it was a good distraction for the ongoing mess inside her mind.

Lori sat on the chair and pulled her hair back behind her ears. The two women stared at each other in silence for a few minutes until she spoke, "First I wanna say, I'm thankful for what you did for Carl."

She felt disturbed over the fact that Lori was thanking her. It felt like the twilight zone.

"You possibly saved his life," Lori continued, slightly emotional, "Whatever is going on between us it's secondary when the kids are affected. I'm glad you were smart enough to see that when I couldn't."

This truly was odd. Was she dreaming? Did she drop dead all of a sudden?

Michonne felt numb as she listened to her.

"I'm taking accountability for my mistakes and I'm not saying I understand what you and Rick were doing, but I can admit I was wrong with some of it."

Silence stretched between them. It was uncomfortable.

"Well," She finally spoke up, "You were in shock. I understand. I think Rick was wrong for leading you on, and he knows that. He had no intention on hurting you, but I guess it just... spiraled."

Lori nodded agreeing with her, "I'm just grateful that you brought my son back home. Thank you Michonne."

"I didn't think there was any other option," She looked away from her as the earlier exam weighed heavily on her mind, "Our kids are worth it all. Nothing else really matters."

"I hope we can reach an understanding," She said quietly, "I'm ready to open up a new chapter in my life and it doesn't have room for any hate. I just... know we have to start somewhere if you and Rick are serious."

Loris voice sounded condescending. It didn't sit right with her, "I'm sorry," Michonne shook her head with an awkward laugh, "I appreciate the gratefulness, but we are not going to sit here and pretend things just magically change from now on."

She was confused by the change in her attitude, "I don't understand."

"It was like ten seconds ago when you were ready to raise hell over Ricks decisions," She wasn't there to make nice when it felt like the other woman was still playing a game, "Then you come here thanking me, but can't help yourself and have to toss a snide comment in there."

"I'm really not sure what you're getting at."

"You think we are not serious? Are you high?" Michonne raised her voice, the anger getting the best of her, "I mean, I'm here in this fucking town where apparently people get kidnapped for doing their job! And yes, I fucking had to fall in love with a man who has a freaking wife and kids and friends, and this fucking community that's been breathing down on my fucking neck," Her throat ached as she spewed out her facts, "Like I'm supposed to prove myself to you and these people here when he is the one who made the fucking decision to choose this and to choose us. Then you act like he is the devil himself when he is done! You were dreaming about another man yourself! Now you come here, acting nice because Rick is yesterdays news so it's clearly worked out for you. You got Shane in the bag finally, bravo! So now you can thank me and be nice? Really?"

Lori was like a deer caught in headlights, her brown eyes wide open and brows raised at her sudden burst.

Michonnes chest heaved up and down. Everything had unraveled. She didn't even realize that they weren't alone anymore.

Rick walked fully into the room, he had heard her outburst and opened the door without understanding what he was walking into. He stood there frozen, his other hand still on the door handle. Michonne hadn't intended him to hear the words that had just uncontrollably poured out of her.

"Lori," He looked at the mother of his kids and held the door open for her, "You should go."

Michonne felt like she could die. She hadn't realized how hard it would be, it felt different to see him after what she had experienced earlier. She felt vulnerable in ways that she had never felt before. She had said those certain words out loud on top of it all, sealing their relationship and it was the worst possible time to do it when this big secret loomed over their heads.

Lori didn't say anything, she just got up, took her bag and glanced at the two of them like they were equally insane. As the door closed behind her, Michonne opened her mouth, her voice was slow and hesitant, "Rick-"

He closed the distance separating them in long strides. He grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her passionately.

It's the type of kiss that she hadn't experienced before in their relationship. It felt heartbreaking and breathtaking at the same time. He pulled away to catch his breath and kissed her quickly again, whispering against her, "I love you too."

This time it was her who allowed the tears to fall freely. He didn't understand her reaction, his eyes searching hers, "hey, it's okay. It's not bad thing is it?"

She looked up at the ceiling and hoped her mom was there to give her the right words and the wisdom she desperately needed at this moment.

"What's going on?" Rick could see the nerves consuming her, but kept his own nerves in check, "Just take a deep breath. I got you."

Her eyes then locked with his. She could remember her saying those same words to him when he told her his darkest secret.

Michonne wiped the tears from her face and exhaled shakily. She reached under her blanket, the one of many blankets he had carefully picked out for her and pulled out something that looked like a thin piece of paper.

He watched her face carefully, intensively, as she handed it to him. He wasn't prepared for the news, but soon as that material touched his fingertips he knew. His gaze dropped down on the little thin square.

It was a photo. A sonogram. A baby.

Michonne probably didn't breath at all during that moment. She watched his reaction and he gave nothing away. He didn't flinch, his eyes didn't look elsewhere. He just stood there, staring and trying to piece together what he was seeing.

"I had a feeling before I ended up here," She swallowed, forcing herself to talk, "it was the same with Andre. I've been taking my pills like clockwork, you know I don't play around with those. The same brand for almost seven years and at the same time. Never any issues. Until... well this."

She didn't know why she felt like she needed to explain.

He still kept her eyes firmly on the picture. He didn't understand the numbers or the measurements, but the understood the fact that she was indeed pregnant.

"They tested me here after the surgery," She continued, prepared for the worst reaction, "It came out positive, but I thought there was no way in hell," She choked up, losing it, "It would survive after all that and a part of me felt relieved because I didn't want this-"

"Michonne." He said her name softly when he noticed her breaking apart.

"No, Rick. I need to say this," She stubbornly wiped away her fresh tears, "I didn't want this, but I think I do now and I can do it again on my own. I don't expect anything from you. I don't want you to do this only for me-"

"Michonne." He repeated her name to stop her from rambling.

She waited anxiously for him to continue.

Rick looked at the photo once again and then back at her, "This," His lips curved into a bright smile, "Is everything and more."

Hellooo guys.

Sorry last week was hectic. I needed this to be just right.

This chapter was the fluff we needed after the hell they've been going through.

I'm still undecided if Im ending at chapter forty. Depends on how my vision goes.

Anyway have a nice week, thanks for the love!