Chapter 6 - Haunting The Past

Everything was deathly quiet other than the sounds and movement of the vehicles. Though they had been driving for thirty minutes, it felt like hours. Merle had the group blindfolded, bound, and split up into two, separating the women from the men. Though Rick's group had more people, they had run out of ammunition, which Merle and his men had in spades. If they had fought back and, by some miracle, won, there would have been casualties. They already had Michonne, Shane, and himself at gunpoint. He sure wasn't going to take that risk. He had to admit that Merle made a smart play by splitting them up. His time in the military wasn't for nothing. The women were basically collateral in case they tried to 'step out of line'. Beth, Maggie and Patricia couldn't defend themselves. Andrea was becoming a decent shot, but that wouldn't help in this situation and Michonne was heavily pregnant and caring for young Sofia; even if she wanted to help, there was nothing she could do in her current state. There was Sasha. He didn't expect her to do much on her own in this situation, but at least if anything happened, push came to shove, he could count on her to protect Michonne, Sofia, and herself.

Shane was on his left. He could feel him hitting his head against the vehicle in frustration and Jeff was on his right, trying to break the bonds, holding his hands. He didn't know where Daryl's exact position was but he knew that he was close. He didn't know if the others were safe and he didn't know if where they were being taken was safe; however, he could count on two things and knew they would be fine, for now. They had taken them all alive when they could have killed them, and regardless of how terrible a person Merle was, he would never harm Daryl's life. The ride went on for about seven minutes more before they pulled in somewhere and came to a stop. Shane and Jeff immediately ceased what they were doing, putting their guard up. The next thing they heard was the sound of the van opening at the back. Merle's men didn't say a thing, only pulling them out by force and pulling off the blindfolds, still leaving their hands bound. Rick and the others were adjusting their eyes to the light again when they heard Merle walk up and speak.

"Alrighty then! Gargulio! Go fetch the governor."

Rick observed as the lad in his late teens to early twenties continued on his route, and he immediately realised that they were in some back area. As his gaze sought for Michonne and the others, he began to turn around. Just then, he noticed the women being forcefully shoved in his direction.

"Slow your roll, officer-friendly!"

"Why the hell are we here, Merle? What the hell do you want from us?"

"Hmm." Merle looked over to the women. "Maybe I'll show my boys here a good time."

Rick could feel his rage soaring, but he kept it in check since they were at a disadvantage, and he had to hold Shane back with his body, which was about to fly on Merle. Part of him wanted to let him go, but Rick would never risk the repercussions, particularly when they couldn't fight back adequately. Besides, he recognised this to be a warning. The girls made their way over. Rick performed a quick visual check as Shane eventually calmed down. If his hands were free, he'd make a thorough one.

"Michonne…"

"We're fine… I'm fine." He looked into her eyes, searching for any mis or half-truths. When he got his answer, he nodded in acceptance.

"Sorry to break up the reunion but we got business."

A man in his late thirties or early forties walked up from behind with a dorky-looking fellow behind him. He was dressed formally in a grey button-up shirt and long black dress trousers. He had dark brown hair and slight stubble on his chin. Rick could see right away that this man was different from Merle and the others, and it wasn't only his clean-cut appearance for being near the end of the world. Something seemed unsettling about him. After experiencing a shift in her presence, he turned to Michonne, only to find her eyes mounted to him, scrutinising his every motion like an eagle or a hawk. If he felt it, he was certain she did as well. She had that gut intuition that never let her down. This man was dangerous—not in the way the stupid kid at the farm was.

"Merle. What is this?"

"The folk I told you about."

"That ain't what I mean and you know it...You brought these folks here against their will."

"They was around the area where Tim went missing."

"We told you we didn't see anyone!" Michonne was getting pissed.

"I can tell, miss. Do these folks look threatening to you people? Binding the hands of this poor, pregnant woman and a child for Christ's sake. Have you no shame? Break their bonds now! All of 'em. I'm truly sorry for my men's behaviour."

Their ties were cut one by one, from back to front, and when they finished with Rick's, he dragged Michonne behind him, who in turn pulled Sofia behind her. Hershel drew his girls in closer, and Glenn joined them. Tyrese and Daryl checked on Sasha, as Dale went to Andrea and Jeff and Tdog quelled Patricia. Rick gripped Shane's shoulder and shared a glance before refocusing his gaze on the man in front of him.

"Who the hell are you?"

"I'm Philip Blake. They can be overly aggressive; I just hope you don't hold it over 'em. What's your name?"

"It's Rick… Rick Grimes. Why are we here?"

"We'll, Rick… I guess you're the leader?"

"And why would you say that?"

"Just a hunch. I'm a great judge of character."

"You still haven't answered my question."

"I will answer whatever you want in due time, but first." He clapped his hands together. "Bob, take these lovely folk to May; get cleaned up. Let Molly give 'em some food as well, while Rick and I talk."

"Rick." Michonne squeezed his hand in worry. "I know." He squeezed her back and kissed her forehead. "Go with Shane. I'll be fine."

"It's just a friendly talk, miss." He put up his right hand. "I swear it."

She started walking away from him before coming to a halt. Shane was standing there, waiting for her. She looked back, her brown eyes wide with helplessness. He smiled reassuringly at her, tipping his chin to Shane before she commenced her walk, grabbing Sophia's hand and making her way to Shane as Rick had requested. He stood there and observed her until she was out of sight shortly after, directing his whole focus to the man named Philip.

"You wanted to talk. Let's talk."

Rick stood in the man's office, looking around every crease and corner of the room. From the decorations to the framed picture with him and what he assumed were his wife and child, from the guns to the cabinet full of liquor, Philip walked to.

"Gin?"

"Whiskey."

"Should've guessed. What do you like?"

"Bourbon."

"Well, you're in luck."

He chuckled as he grabbed a bottle and two glasses and sat at his desk, pouring for them both. He gestured for Rick to sit in the seat in front of him. Rick stared at Philip, then at the chair, then back at Philip before finally taking a seat.

"This is Stagg Jr. Rare and hard to track down before the world went to hell. Know it?"

"I've had it before."

"Oh, me too. This will be the second time. And you?" He took a sip from his glass.

"A few times."

"Really, must've had some life before all this."

"Not really. Was a gift."

"Some gift? Mind, I ask who?" Rick looked at him quietly for a while, tossing around the drink in his glass.

"Where did you take my people?"

"I told you. Get cleaned up. Have a meal… You folks look like you've been on the road for some time. A child and a pregnant woman in toe. She's your wife, right? Is she the one who gifted you the Stagg?"

"Her father."

"Father-in-law huh? Good for you. You proposed or something?"

"Graduated."

"I see. Couldn't have been easy… keeping her safe. She looks far along. What, six months?"

"Seven."

"And the little girl. She yours?"

"We're responsible for her, so yes." He finally took a drink from his glass.

"This is a good place… For that little girl, for your wife, for that baby of yours."

"We don't know you."

"I know, but we got about 60 people here, give or take. Electricity, food, rooms, water tanks and most of all, safety from the bitters. Rick, the road is no place for a pregnant woman and a child."

"We don't know you."

"I'm offering you a place for you and your people to lay your heads. I don't get the resistance."

"You took us by force."

"Merle took you by force, and I don't agree with that; I already gave him an air full. What he did was kidnapping, point blank." He threw up his hands, pleading his innocence.

"Anyone that's in business with someone like Merle isn't anyone I'd wanna deal with. Beside, you got people going around calling you governor. Ain't that something?"

"I can agree that he isn't the best person, but it ain't about what I like; it's about what's best. You know Merle. Military man. It isn't easy running this place; sometimes you need a guy like him, whether you like it or not. He gets the dirty jobs done, which helps keep this place safe. That, Rick, is very important. As for the title, it's more like a nickname. The good folks here gave it to me. I hope you don't take this as bragging but I told you we got about sixty people here. We saved every last one and Merle is a good part of that."

"Is that what you're tryna do now? Save us? I don't remember asking for anybody's goddamn charity."

"I'm not tryna save you. I'm tryna save what's important to you. As I said, the road is no place for a pregnant woman and a child. This is simply from one father to another."

"What's the catch?"

"Catch?"

"There's no free meal, right? Especially these days." Philip chuckled at Rick's blatant distrust.

"I expect most of your group to become functioning members of this community."

"Meaning?"

"Jobs, following the rules. Pretty much assimilation."

"Even if I'm to think about it, my people need to have a say."

"Alright, I'll give you a night or two to think it over, but first, let's get you to your folks. I'm sure the wife is very worried about you."

Rick drank the last of his Bourbon and followed Philip out of the office, where they ran into the dopey-looking man from earlier. Rick locked his gaze on him as he introduced himself as Milton Mamet. He was so annoyed by the man that he scarcely acknowledged him. Facing the opposite direction, Rick noticed the scenery. A bookstore, a few food stalls, and a couple of sycamore and pine trees—it was almost like a guarded apartment street or something comparable to a college campus, with many people up and about, quite different from the rear they entered from. Rick had a brief pause in time. He had the thought when Michonne flashed across his head, albeit that's all it was—a thought.

"Rick, mind I ask what you did before?"

"A cop."

"The misses?"

"Preparing for the bar."

"Ah, both part of the law. I was a management employee working for someone younger with half my IQ. Milton was a scientist and still is, trying to find a cure. How did you and your wife meet?"

"Collage. First love?"

"No, not really." Rick had no intention of explaining anything. "My people?"

"Up ahead. Go in; they'll direct you. Remember to think on it."

He watched Philip stroll away before opening the door, where he encountered a brunette woman with a lean frame who seemed to be in her early to mid-thirties. She approached him with an outstretched hand as she saw him enter.

"Rick, right? I'm May. The governor told us about you and your group. We're very happy to have you here and as part of this community."

Rick scowled as his penetrating blue eyes remained on her flatty, capturing everything she did and said while she waited with her hand in the air. She underwent scrutiny from those predatory eyes as he remained in that posture for a few seconds, as if he was looking for a weakness, but she kept her ground unwaveringly, only to have him break eye contact and shake her hand. The heavy aura that had been weighing down on her had vanished, taking her by surprise and leaving her speechless as she merely gazed at him. It was then that she realised her heart was beating rapidly.

"My people?"

"Huh? Oh! Uhm, they're gathered in the joint quarters, but everyone has already been assigned their own rooms. I already know where to place you as well. We're on the same floor so if you need anything, you could just find me there."

"No need, just take me to my people."

"Oh, okay…. Follow me then."

Given that they were just down the hall, they didn't take long at all. More than a dozen heads turned to him as he passed the walkway's threshold. It was comforting to know they were unharmed. Michonne didn't even give him an opportunity to go over, as she impatiently proceeded to check him from head to toe. Satisfied, she breathed a sigh of relief as she touched his cheek with her right hand.

"Rick"

"I hear; I'm fine." He spoke tenderly. "I'm fine."

"I was worried."

"I know." He cupped her hand with his and kissed her palm.

"What did he want?"

Rick took her hand from his cheek yet still held it firm, clasping their fingers in unison, pivoting to see May gawking at them. His huge blue eyes gave her a quizzical look, which she understood immediately. She spun, going about her way. Daryl walked to the walkway, playing lookout, while Rick took Michonne to sit back down, wanting her off her feet and went to the centre to relay his discourse with everyone.

"So…What did you guys talk about?"

"Give him a chance, Glenn. He's getting there." Rick nodded at Michonne in thanks.

"I'll cut to the chase. He says he wants us to stay here and become part of their community."

"Is he giving us a choice?" He wasn't surprised to hear this from Sasha. If it wasn't her, it would be Michonne. Rick smiled slightly.

Is that what they call women's intuition?

"So he says, but... I'm not sure I believe that. There is something about him—something about this place—that rubs me the wrong way."

"You can't be serious! Someone is offering us shelter and you're talking about being rubbed the wrong way? Is anyone else hearing this?"

"I'm saying things are off, Andrea."

"And I'm saying we need more than that. We've been on the road for weeks! We can't keep going on like that. Did you even think Sofia or your baby on the way? You still want them on the road? Off of feelings?"

"Watch your tone, Andrea! You have no right."

"You know damn well I'm right, Michonne! If this were anyone else but Rick talking, you would be saying this bullshit!"

"My opinion has nothing to do with Rick's and I'm sure everybody in here knows that! I don't like this place either."

"So that's it, huh? Back on the road to die because the two of you have feel—"

"Enough of this!" Rick wiped his eye with his thumb, trying to relax his emotions. "I know it ain't up to me to make a decision like that; I know you don't want me to, so I'll let you make the decision."

"And you? What will you do?"

Rick glanced at Hershel, hands on his hips, contemplating his question as his eyes became clouded with reflection. Hershel's question indicated that he wanted to stay, which meant Beth, Maggie, and Glenn were all staying. Andrea had previously stated her stance. He cocked his head in the direction of Michonne. His glance shifted from her face to her tummy, which she cradled protectively in her hands. He couldn't leave even if he wanted to. Not without cause, especially since an opportunity was written here for all to see.

"I'll go with what everyone decides. We're a team."

Maggie, Beth, Glenn, TDog, Andrea, Jeff, Patricia, and Tyrese elected to stay, followed by Herschel. They didn't need to hear anything further because the majority had already ruled in their favour. On the one hand, he realised they needed somewhere to settle in and that people were at their wit's end. Michonne and Sophia needed a safe haven, and this could be it, however, Rick couldn't trust human nature; he couldn't trust people in general; he had too much to lose. Nevertheless, if they desired this place, he had no right to take it away from them. He had no justification.

"I'll tell Philip in two days, like he wanted us to. During that time, I suggest you guys think on it, make sure this is what you want. It's been a long day; everyone should get some rest. We all need it."

After the meeting, they all walked to their own rooms. Sophia went with Sasha and Michonne grasped Rick's hand in hers, guiding him to what would be theirs. The two seemed to have decided what they would do. It was a nice one-bedroom space, great for them both. Before he could move, his lover broke contact and marched directly to the bed, stretching out all her limbs as her back met the mattress. He knew she'd be worn out after a month of looking for food and shelter. The sight of her finally relaxing flooded his entire existence with boundless tranquillity and joy. She had cleaned up well. Making his way over to her, he hadn't seen her in a dress for a while, even at the farm. Rick guesses that with her growing belly, she didn't want the unnecessary hassle that came with tight-fit jeans that she loved. Sitting on the bed, he placed her feet on his lap, massaging them one at a time. He would do it whenever he had a chance, even when on the road. It helped her sleep undisturbed, limiting the cramping she would get every now and then.

A foot massage and a real bed... I know she's on cloud nine.

"Hi, Officer."

"Hi, beautiful."

"Your kid is quite restless. What are we going to do when she actually gets here, hmm?"

"Give her whatever she wants; whatever we can. She deserves better; she deserves everything and I'm gonna give her everything I can."

She gazed at him. Her eyes sparkled as she giggled. He always took his task seriously, as if life depended on it. The longer she looked at him, the softer her eyes grew. She giggled at him one more time, making Rick turn to her with a befuddled smile.

"What's got you giddy?"

"It's nothing!"

"Nothing?"

"Nothing! Want to cuddle with me?"

"Oh? You won't get cranky later?"

"I promise I won't. Go ahead and clean up. I left water for you."

"Tryna say I stink?"

"Yes! And hurry back to cuddle me."

He let out a lengthy sigh before biting into his bottom lip, trying to contain his grin as he left to go to the bathroom. Philip said they had water tanks. Rick guessed they weren't hooked up for conservation purposes, but he was still happy to have clean water. When he got out, he found himself a towel folded on the counter, wrapped his waist and strolled back to the room. He half expected her to fall asleep without his company; she usually was; however, she'd been sprawled out reading a book, not a single care in the world."

"I'm back."

"I know. Want a prize? Oh, your clothes are on the table."

"Says the one who's been begging me for cuddles." He laughed, putting on the clothes she got for him.

"Don't tease me! I'm not the one who wants your cuddles; she is!"

"Is that so? She tell you that?" He pulled on his shirt, climbed into bed, and grabbed her from behind, making sure she was watching in his eyes.

"Mhmm."

"Mhmm?" He gave her a long, deep kiss and stroked her belly with his thumb. "We got a genius on our hands then." He gave her a quick peck on the lips and buried his head in the knick of her neck. "What were you reading?"

"Poetry. Want to hear some?"

"Okay."

"Like what?"

"What are you reading now." She smirked at his question.

"There is a strong wall about me to protect me:

It is built of the words you have said to me.

There are swords about me to keep me safe:

They are the kisses of your lips.

Before me goes a shield to guard me from harm:

It is the shadow of your arms between me and danger.

All the wishes of my mind know your name,

And the white desires of my heart

They are acquainted with you.

The cry of my body for completeness,

That is a cry to you.

My blood beats out your name to me, unceasing, pitiless—

Your name, your name."

"Before me goes a shield to guard me from harm: It is the shadow of your arms between me and danger… It's nice… Who wrote this?"

"It's 'Love Song' by Mary Carolyn Davies."

"Well, if she's still alive and we meet her, I'll tell her how much I liked it."

"That won't happen... Her sunset in 1974. She was from Oregon, you know."

"Oregon? I've never been."

"Me either… Maybe one day all three of us and Sophia will get to go. Sasha, Daryl and Shane can come too… throw Jeff and Ty in there for good measure."

"Maybe…" He kissed her nose.

"Now that you're all clean and next to me, are you ready to talk?"

His head poked up. He knew it was coming. What he didn't know was that she would disarm and strip him mentally to do so. He thought she would have let it be, for now.

"You would've been a great frickin attorney. You know that?"

"Don't change the subject. Don't shut me out."

Rick breathed heavy air at her plea. There was so much on his mind—so much fear—that he was unsure if he could articulate it well, but she wouldn't stop worrying about him so he'd try for her; it was all he could do.

"Since everything happened, since I've been with the group, I've just been making it up as I go... When there are hard calls that they don't got the courage to make, they want me to make 'em—they bombard me for an answer, but God forbid they see better or they don't like a choice; it's not my call." He sat up, pinching his nose bridge and Michonne laid her head on his lap.

"You have a lot on your shoulders. It's too much for any one person. You're not alone."

"I didn't ask for it but it's my responsibility, and it's also my responsibility to keep you safe—keep us safe. This might be what's needed—what we want—but I'm not sure of it yet. If there is even a lick of something going on here—of something wrong with that man—I'm not taking that chance. Not with you, not with Sophia, not with my family and you might not like it but it is what it is, I just hope you can forgive me."

"You not trusting this place is Shane's wet dream!" She gave a light laugh, trying to lighten things up. "There's nothing to forgive, Rick." She sat up in front of him and held his face, giving him a sweet and light kiss. "You did all you could to keep us safe, and you did a damn good job at it... Rick, I'm with you; whatever you do from here on out, it's us. Not you, but us."

Rick could feel the weight on his shoulders relax a bit. It was therapeutic to get some stuff off his chest and have someone there to talk to. He couldn't tell her everything; she didn't need that extra stress. He gazed at her angelic face, pulling her into a protective cocoon of his warmth. He loved this woman. He had loved her for a long time. He had her now, though it was bittersweet. He was patient for almost four years and when he finally got her seven months ago, the world spat in his face. Two measly months together, and without a name to what they had, then came news of their little girl; they were ready to take that step. He even thought heaven was helping him out, but he was wrong. He thought about Lori and what she had said almost a year ago, now.

/11 months prior/

"I get it! You need time. I can give you that. We've taken breaks before."

"Lori, I don't need time; I'm done."

"You don't mean that!" She grabbed his arms, but he pulled them away from her.

"Yes! Yes, I do!"

"Why? We've been together since college. Rick, that's six years! We've had our break-ups here and there, and we've had our ups and downs, but we always found our way back. So why?"

"Lori, you cheated on me!"

"So have you! We've cheated on each other multiple times! Why is this any different?"

"That's the point! This ain't what a relationship is supposed to look like! We had a deal. Said we wasn't gonna do that shit again, that we'd try, but you did! You were the one who tainted our relationship in the first place. What happened after that, you set the tune! So I don't wanna hear why; you fucking know why!" She stared at him and laughed out loud, like she'd lost her mind.

"You're right, Rick. I know why… It's her right."

"What the fuck are you talking about—"

"Of course it's her! After all this time, Rick. She's with someone else, no matter how much you hate it! I love you, Rick! We weren't perfect but we were fine. Why are you letting it bother you now? You talk about how I defiled our relationship; what about you? You didn't defile your relationship when you started thinking about another woman while you were with me?" She was so loud Rick was sure the other tents could hear everything. "Do you know how hard it was seeing you look at her like that? While you were with me? Do you know how lonely that feels? Let be honest for once."

"Honest…Okay… I knew it was wrong. I did. I felt so guilty. I ignored it for a long time until I couldn't; she got with that asshole and by that time I didn't ignore it anymore because you had cheated on me three times already. I didn't do that to you."

"Are you going to say that me fucking three other nobodies is the same as you catching romantic feelings for someone else?"

"Yes! I never once acted on it, Lori! Not once! She doesn't even know! Maybe I could have moved past it! Just maybe I'd have been able to let her go, but you—" Rick took a minute to control himself. "I tried! I did try! Six years of us being on and off—most of which was us fucking other people! Goddammit, Lori." He put his hands on his hips, looking her deep in the eyes. "We gotta stop... You want us to go on like this?"

"Do you love her? I know you have feelings for her, but how deep? Maybe we can get past it like you wanted to."

"Lori—"

"Do you?" They stood there, eyes locked in a shared understanding, knowing that the next few words were crucial.

"I love her... I'm in love with her… Of course, I'm in love with her."

"All this time!"

"I'm sorry. I realised I should've ended this a long time ago. This thing between us shouldn't have dragged on for so long. That wasn't fair to either of us."

"She's with someone else."

"Not for long. She doesn't love him. She's gonna leave him. Give it a few months."

"Is that why you did this now?"

"Yeah…" She cackled at his blunt response.

"You're gonna pay for this. You think she'll care about you once she sees what you are? I can't wait to see you lose everything you care about, one way or another…" Lori's voice was quiet, cold, calculated and empty, just like the dead stare she stabbed him with.

"You ain't gotta worry about that; we'll be fine."

Lori simply smiled, taking her purse from the counter. She walked over to him, watched him from head to toe and placed a hand on his chest for about seven seconds, only to turn and leave. That was the last time Rick saw her.

/Present/

She would call him every once in a while but he would only answer in passing. The last time he saw anything of her was a text she sent in the early morning—the one where he and Michonne slept together for the first time. Lori's words didn't bother him then; nevertheless, they bothered him now. Maybe it was irrational; however, fear is irrational more often than not and Rick knew he was afraid. Afraid for the future and afraid for her.

"Rick?"

"Mhmm?"

"Where did you go? Your thoughts were far…"

"Just thinking about us, the baby, everything…"

"Remember what I said; I'm with you; whatever you do from here on out, it's us. Not you, but ?"

"Okay. Go take a nap… I here watching over you." He held her warmly in his embrace, kissing the crown of her head. She was dozing off when she asked mid-sleep.

"Can you teach Sophie, she has to learn…"

"I will…"

Michonne slept until the next day. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by a small, round face and hazel eyes laying next to her that certainly weren't Rick's. Disoriented from her sleep, she took a while to make sense of her surroundings.

"Sophia?"

"Finally! I thought you'd never wake up! Rick, she's awake!" The little girl climbed off the bed outside the door.

"Where is all this energy coming from? It's too early." She groaned, stretching her body. On cue, Rick came in with a plate and Sophia as his little tail.

"It's only early in your book. Darling, it's goddamn noon. You're just in time for lunch."

"Really?"

"Yep! On the bright side, you can use the pregnancy as an excuse to be lazy; no one will judge you, no one other than me, of course." Michonne hit his shoulder. "I'm joking, I'm joking." He said this, throwing up his arms in surrender. "Kinda… It's good that you slept in; I like when you're lazy."

"So I'm lazy, huh?"

"For today? Yes! I want you to be."

"Pass the plate."

"Hungry?"

"Starving!" She took the plate and went to work quickly. "Sophie, did you do anything constructive for the morning?"

"Rick and Shane took me outside! But we snuck out." She whispered the last part as if she weren't speaking loudly at first. Michonne turned to Rick.

"Snuck out?"

"There was some stuff I wanted to check out. If anything happens, I wanna know we can slip out of, where to head. I took Sophia out because, if you want me to teach her, I will; I told you that yesterday. She did really good today! She was afraid for a while, but eased up once she felt safe. I honestly didn't expect it." Michonne tossed her attention back to Sophia. Her eyes gleamed when she heard the news.

"Really?" She rubbed Sophia's hair. "I'm so proud of you! Thank you, Rick."

"Don't thank me; this is what I'm supposed to do." His lips pulled back in a wide, beaming grin. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect us—to protect our family."

"Rick I want to talk to the governor one-on-one."

"No. I wouldn't feel comfortable with that."

"Why not? I want to get a feel of him myself…"

"If I agree to this, you gonna keep your distance after that?"

"I will, I promise."

"Try to keep his knowledge on us basic. No more than necessary."

"Okay."

"I just need you safe."

"I know." She put down the plate and played with his fingers.

Philip was sitting at his desk with Milton when one of his aides, Molly, walked in to inform him that he had a guest. He was confused as to who; generally, when there was an issue, everyone went to Molly or May. He soon remembered that the bunch from the day prior had been like fish out of water, and he couldn't help but wonder who had decided to pay him a visit.

Is it you, Rick? I did expect him to seek me out so soon.

Philip smirked in satisfaction, though he was confused as to whether he had read Rick wrongly. He turned to Molly with a raised mood.

"Let Rick in."

"It's not Rick."
"Then who is it?"

"Michonne?"

"Michonne? Ah, the wife. Let her in."

He allowed Molly to leave with Milton after letting Michonne in. She was the last person he expected to see. Directing her to their seats, he offered her a bottled water. She accepted without reservation.

She's a lot more open and welcoming than Rick. She was watching me, like I stole from her yesterday.

"I have to say, I'm surprised you're here."

"And why is that? Isn't it reasonable that I'd want to meet the man offering us a place to rest our heads?"

"It is reasonable but gotta say, Rick sure don't seem like the type."

"The type to do what? You think he's from the 50s?"

"No, not that. He seems the protective type. That's not a bad thing, by the way. A man should protect what he's got. I know he doesn't trust this place, so I'm rather shocked you're here."

"Well, you gave us a place to lay our heads, food, clean water and clothes. I wanted to thank you."

"Well, you're very welcome, though there really is no need." Michonne smiled at his words.

"I'm quite glad you think that. With the world so broken, kindness isn't easily found, nor is it easily given. Please forgive us for our brashness yesterday. It also helps that we're rested and fed." She gave a light laugh at herself.

"Completely understood. I'm sure it was hard for you, of all people. Have you gotten a check-up yet? We have Milton. He may not be an obstetrician, but better than nothing, right?"

"Right! I'll pay him a visit."

"So since staying, I should get to know my new patrons?"

"I don't know about staying…"

"If you want to, I'm sure Rick would listen; even if the others don't wanna stay, I'm sure he'll do what's best for you and that little girl." Michonne gave a slight smile and got up, going over to a decorated wall.

"These paintings... were they here before?" Her eyes narrowed to slits.

"Uh, no." Philip got up, going over to her. "I collected 'em. You a fan?"

"Yes! I love Wyeth. He was a talent."

"A fellow Wyeth fan. Know this one? I could never place a name to it."

"Alyssa Monks."

"Monks… I heard of her. I've never seen her work, though—well, before all this. I understand you were preparing for the bar."

Rick must have given him this information.

"Yes… Things don't always go as planned." She stroked her large belly.

"No, they do not. The world is a cruel place; we just gotta live with it. It takes and it takes. One day at a time—that's how you take it."

"Those words make a whole lot more sense now, huh? Do you have anyone? Anybody you care about?"

"Everybody I care about is gone." His tone dropped.

"I see. Sorry, I brought it up."

"No, I've come to terms with it; I had to—to survive." He sipped from his glass and looked at Michonne. "My wife died three months before all this and my little girl... bitters got to her. Wasn't even anything to bury."

"How old was she?"

"Three."
"I don't even know what to say... I can't even imagine... How? How did you go on?"

"I wanna live. It's as simple as that. I'll do what I must." She examined him as if her bullshit metre was in the red zone.

"Doesn't seem to me that you allowed yourself to grieve. You haven't allowed yourself to reflect on what happened, and so you haven't come to terms with it, not like you said." She held a fixed expression with her sensitive brown eyes while his twitched at his mask cracking.

"Have you lost anyone?" His eyes were never still, and he only glanced at her in passing.

"I heard my parents being ripped apart on the phone. I have an older brother; he left before things got too bad. I don't know if he's alive; I try not to think about it since I have my own life and the people with me to worry about. He left me to save his wife and child so I don't feel bad either. He's not my concern nor am I his."

"That's quite cold."

"Maybe; maybe not. I have to think about what is in front of me. I had a choice to leave to go with him but I chose to stay. We pick our paths; no point in dwelling on it now."

"Were the two of you close?"

"Not really. He's eight years older than me, and we also have different mothers; for the most part, our relationship is defined by him being my blood brother. I've stayed with him a few times. I liked my nephew. That's really the extent of it. What about your family life? Other than your wife and daughter, of course."

"I had a bother myself we were pretty close. My mother was hard on me and my father was hard. Military."

"Ah, a military brat."

"Mmm, he was abusive. Beat me so hard one time he broke my arm. My brother would always take the blame, it didn't matter. I tell you, one time I scratched a disc of my old man's. I was sure he was gonna kill me, but here came my brother. Beat him till he bled."

"Sounded like a real piece of work."

"Mmm. They both went on to be preachers, died when I was twenty-seven… Ain't that something… What did your folk do?"

"My dad was a lawyer, and my mom... She was a professor. They were good parents; I grew up happy and sheltered so I can't pretend to understand your experiences; I can only offer my sympathy."

"It's better than that fake emotional mask they put on. It's insulting."

"I have to ask Governor—"

"Call me Philip; you're the only person I've actually had a real conversation with in a while."

"Well, Philip, I have to ask; why do all this? Surely it's easier being on your own with a few people than trying to feed and shelter all these mouths. Why take on such a burden?"

"Because I can." He took another sip from his glass and said, "Instead of waiting for some hero to show up, I can do it myself. I know I can save people and save lives, just like you and your baby. I want to. It's as simple as that."

"I see." She swallowed hard and set her face to a gentle expression. "I enjoyed your talk, Philip, but I should be heading back. I'm sure Rick and Sophia are waiting."

"I did too. It'd be nice to have a companion to talk to… If you choose to stay, that is. I haven't had a friend in a long time… If you need anything, come directly to me."

Michonne nodded her head in thanks. She kept her smile on her face even as she walked out the door, only letting it slip when she was far enough away. She didn't go to her room but went to Hershel. She needed to talk to the old man about certain plans. She could somewhat tell what kind of man Philip was personality-wise, his childhood and eye for art aided her; however, she needed more time to know if he was something she was capable of dealing with mentally.

Rick was right to be wary. That man is unpredictable… Still, the discussion was fruitful, though I can't exactly get a proper read on him. He is an enigma. That makes him dangerous.

"So, how did your talk with her go?"

"Very Well." Philip leaned back into his chair and looked at Milton. "She came here to probe me—see what she could learn." He burst into a haughty laugh. "Still, I enjoyed this dance."

"What are you going to do if they decide to leave?"

"They won't. She came here to see what she gonna have to deal with in the future. She wouldn't have bothered if they intended to leave."

"They seem… unmanageable."

"Michonne, yes. For now. I'm quite confident. I watched 'em well yesterday. May also informed me of their actions; they decided the moment Rick went back. He's wild, though not untrainable; there's the one who tried to attack Merle yesterday. Wild, untrusting, predictable. Not exactly a challenge... At least they're not the ones I have to worry about."

"Michonne?"

"Capricious little thing, isn't she? She and I have a long walts to look forward to, and I, for one, can't wait. Tell May to send her the Duchess cookies that Molly baked, a welcoming gift."

Michonne had spoken to Hershel, asking him to keep his occupation to himself and lying about it if he had to. When he agreed, she went to the others, requesting that they only give out surface-level information if necessary for safety. She didn't want anything used against them. Not until she was sure they could trust this place. She would need to work fast. She then went to Shane.

"Hey, stranger."

"Hey… I'm surprised you're here. Thought you were still gonna be mad at me."

"You may be a dumbass and I may curse you out every day, but I could never stay mad at you, Shane. You know that."

"So…"

"I need you to do something."

"And what's that?"

"The governor has an assistant by the name of Molly. Use that dumb charm or magic dick, or whatever it is that women see in you. Get close to her and get what you can."

"The person who berates me for using women... wants me to use a woman?" He had a baiting smirk on his face.

"Yes… If it can help us stay safe, then yes."

"You gonna tell me why?"

"You don't want to?"

"I'll do it, but tell me."

"What do you think about this place? You haven't said anything since we got here."

"I don't like the people. That sounds repetitive at this stage, huh?"

"No, it doesn't." He stared at her deeply. He wasn't expecting her response.

"It ain't about what I want... It ain't never been about that."

"I know, Shane... After ten tonight, come to Sasha's room, we'll talk about everything. I expect you to get to work before then…"

"I don't know why it's so hard for you to understand why the ladies love me, but then again, you weren't dickmatize."

"I had sense. Even at twenty-one. Don't forget."

"I won't. Get out of her and go take a damn nap."

After that, she killed time in her room with Sophia, sending her to Patricia. Regardless of her thoughts and actions, she wanted this place to be real. Not just for her baby and Sophia, but for Rick. He was and always has been strong, but he shouldn't have to be to this extent. She didn't want that for him. It was unfair. He didn't ask for any of it. She stared at his face while he held her waist, guiding her to Sasha's room. It was around 10:30 p.m. They had decided to meet up with Shane, Maggie, Sasha, Glenn and Daryl. Peeping her gaze, he stared brazenly into her eyes.

"Like what you see?"

"Don't be so vain. My gosh!" He chuckled at her annoyance.

"You never told me how things went with the governor."

"You were with Daryl and Glenn doing God knows what... You're right, though. I can't get a reading on him properly but my gut's been going off. It was a good talk. He even sent me a gift in thanks. Stuffed cookies.

"Of course, your mind is on food... As long as you stay away."

"I don't know if I can keep that promise."

"Why not."

"Rick, something tells me I need to. If he's a danger to us and we're here, Rick, we need to know."

"If he's a danger to us and I get the faintest clue, we are gone! We'll discuss this later."

"Alright, we can. I don't think my opinion will change." His forehead creased in frustration as he looked at her. He couldn't deal with this conversation now.

"They're experimenting on walkers here."

"What?" She cast him a sceptical glance.

"The scientist guy. Don't worry. From what Glenn saw, it's just bullshit. We're gonna have to keep an eye on what they're doing if we're staying here."

"You had Glenn playing scout?"

"Yep, they also got heavy artillery."

"So they can actually protect this place, huh… How would they even get that stuff?"

"Don't know, but I'm gonna find out. Let's head head in."

Author's note

Thank you all for your support! I always love to hear your thoughts, naturally. I was wondering if I should tell you all I'm sick… AGAIN…I know! If you're tired of hearing it, imagine me and my weakass immune system are… A sad affair…

This chapter was less active and more character and dialogue-heavy, but fear not; the next chapter will have more action. What do you think will happen? Open to predictions!

I want ideas for baby names. I had some since this story was a thought, but keep changing my mind. I have been thinking of one that begins with R or M for Rick and Michonne. I had Maya, Riley, Robin, Missy, Monroe, Risa, Rissa, Reign, Morgan, Macie etc… But I think you guys should decide on Baby Grimes' name; I'll pick one from the comments.

And did any of you peeped that neither Rick nor Michonne have said certain words to one another?