She eyed her from across the table, but couldn't concentrate at the words coming out of her mouth. It was like you knew this person, but at the same time all these changes happened and she was evolving with it.

"Sasha." Michonne snapped her fingers in front of her.

"Yeah?"

Michonne could see how her mind was somewhere else, "What's the point of having a meeting if you aren't here?"

Sasha swallowed and nodded, "You're right, I'm sorry. It's just..."

She waited for her best friend to continue.

"You're really having a baby." She looked at her now visible baby bump. It was very clear to the eye these days. Not huge, but you couldn't mistake it for anything else. People would congratulate her, but Michonne would sense how some gave her serious side eye. Being a dark skinned woman on this field was already challenging, but now it felt like she had to really convince her clients and the courtroom in a totally different way.

Michonne laughed softly, "I am. Yesterday I walked past a mirror and I had to really double check if it was me."

Sasha twirled in her office chair slowly, "I'm just glad Lori kicked you guys out of that dusty town."

"She didn't kick us out," Michonne chuckled awkwardly, "She just made sense. I get it, I wouldn't want my ass close by either if I was in her shoes."

"Yeah girl you stole her man and got knocked up soon as you guys got freaky."

"I did not," She stared at her friend, "And I did not steal Rick from her. You can't steal a person."

"Do I need to remind you about Las Vegas and all the making out you guys did while he was married?" Sasha raised her brows, "You guys were like animals in heat since you saw each other. It was so obvious."

Michonne was flustered and groaned, "Thank you for reminding me that I was the other woman. Besides it wasn't that simple. Lori was doing her own shit on the side."

"Well it's the God's honest truth baby," Sasha chuckled, giving her a little deserved hard time, "Aren't you afraid he is gonna do that to you one day?"

She couldn't have kept a straight face if she tried, "Rick? You mean Rick would leave me for a another woman? The same Rick who last week took care of Andre when he literally threw up on him after that stomach bug. The same Rick who just moved his whole life into a strange city when he has lived in the same place his entire life. The same Rick who is so deeply obsessed with me that he learned how to change his phone screen into my picture. That Rick?"

Sasha knew as the words left her best friends mouth how wrong she was, "Yeah goddamn, you're right. Cows would fly before that happened," She scrunched her nose, "You're even on his phone? That's kind of corny."

"You're the one to talk," laugher echoed in their office, "Abe tattooed your name on his shoulder two weeks after knowing you. Now that's corny."

"I guess it's a white guy thing," Sasha thought aloud, "Maybe we should regroup and think about this."

Michonne cackled and pointed at her stomach, "Really? Now you want to regroup? It's a little late for that."

"How's bean?" She asked eyes twinkling at the bump. She felt happy that her bestie had the chance to experience this pregnancy with a man who worshipped the ground she walked on. Rick was sweet. He still annoyed Sasha sometimes, but mainly he was sweet. He took care of Andre and Michonne like he had promised months ago. He would do everything he needed to make her life easier. If she didn't have time to pick up lunch, he would sure as hell be there with everything she craved for. Sasha loved that. Finally she had a man who treated her like she deserved to be treated. Rick Grimes wasn't totally useless after all.

"The baby is moving around like crazy," She closed her laptop, "I can't really sleep and Rick is not helping. He is not used to the new rhythm yet. He keeps waking up in the middle of night to the tiniest noises because he is waiting for someone to call him for duty."

"Well he is not used to being at home, it's going to take awhile," Sasha figured, "I don't want to sound like a debbie downer, but what about money? You guys still okay?"

"Well his money is tied together with Loris, they are almost done with splitting their assets, but it will take some more time, " She couldn't be bothered with Lori anymore and it read on her face, "We need everything with that settled before we can apply for a new loan to start the building process. I bought the lot already."

"Wait, you bought it?" Sasha gasped in denial, "Michonne, that's a big deal. You are taking a huge risk."

"I know I am," She nodded, "I used some of my savings. It wasn't exactly millions of dollars. Right now it's in my name and when Rick is stable he'll buy his share."

"How does Rick feel about it?" Sasha was eager to know.

"He is... ugh frustrated," Michonne told her honestly, "He knows we are relying on my income. Everything he's got goes to his kids or legal bills. It's not easy on him. You know how men get with these things. He isn't different. He feels bad, but he knows it's only temporary."

"And with little bean coming... Gosh I do not envy you guys right now," She felt a headache coming even thinking about it, "How are you? I Mean you've been going through a lot. The money, Lori, Mike and the upcoming mediation... "

She grimaced at the mention of his name, "I don't know how to answer that. I try not to think about it."

"You need to air it out," She was trying to be supportive as possible, "you remember what happened the last time you bottled things up?"

"After mom?" Michonne didn't want to think about that period in her life, "That's different. I went through filing a divorce and losing her back to back. No wonder I couldn't get out of bed. I was overwhelmed."

"My point exactly, I don't want you to end up like that ever again," She got up from her seat and approached her, "So, whatever it is you talk to me or talk to Rick. If you need support, you got it. Remember that."

Michonne hugged her best friend and murmured, "Thank you Sasha."

"Shit" Rick muttered under his breath as he sorted through Andres bedroom while he was still at school.

He tried to keep track of the immaculate system Michonne had in place. Everything was cordinated and had a clear place where it belonged. The first week when he cleaned and put all the legos in one bin, she couldn't hide her expression of panic and her eye twitching. It made him laugh, but laughter turned into panic when he realized she wasn't kidding. Michonne was organized in a way that made his head spin, but he would learn. Probably. Maybe. He smiled as he thought about their lives coming together. They were perfectly intertwined right now. Those deep conversations in the middle of the night were his favorites. Rick knew he had someone who understood him and he could tell her everything. He couldn't have been luckier. The guilt he carried over how they met each other was starting to disappear. He couldn't carry that when he had a woman like Michonne.

He cursed as the inevitable happened and one piece was left on the bottom of his feet. It reminded him of Carl being little and how it happened daily back then. It made him smile wider because to experience this again was actually a blessing.

When Rick finally secured the last legos in the correct bin, he returned downstairs to make sure things were tidy. The first time he visited her home he was blown away because it felt so different from his house back in King County. He actually liked living this way. Everything was easier when it was connected to a remote. He opened the blinders with one push of a button and looked outside at the pool. He hadn't tried it out yet.

He would run daily to get familiar with the place and street names. It made him amused how people around the block woule stare at him. He was like a show pony when neighbors realized Michonne, the powerful dark skinned lawyer had a white man who looked like he could be starring in a Walmart commercial.

Rick looked over at the calendar on her fridge and smiled. Ten weeks to go.

He felt light. He had never had so many responsibilities on his shoulders, but at the same time it was like he had jumped into a dream. Suddenly the world was a bit more colorful because of her. His children were troopers and exhibited the type of loyalty that he had hoped they would eventually learn from him. They did, and they exceeded every aspect. They visited regularly and wanted to be apart of this. It was a huge win for them. Michonne and Judith were still trying to find mutual ground, but it was happening, slow and steady. Carl was close to getting his license which would help a lot in the future. He couldn't have been prouder of him.

Ten weeks.

The words were going around in his mind and he felt afraid, if he said it out loud the cruel world could find a way to tear away his happiness. He was going to be a father, again and he loved it. When he couldn't sleep he would try to picture their child. It was wild.

His train of thought was interrupted when he realized a van was parking in front of their house.

"What the fuck?" He looked at the big white van and quickly ran outside.

The engine was closed off and he watched Negan jump out of the drivers seat.

"Hey prick!" He leaned back and flashed his white teeth.

Rick wasn't exactly surprised he out of all people would show up unannounced, "Negan, what are you doing here?"

His friend laughed lowly, "Well, you left a ton of shit in my garage," He reached for the passenger side seat and pulled out his beloved baseball bat, "And my Lucille was not having it."

Rick could only imagine what this looked like from the outside looking in.

"Jesus Christ," He grimaced and pointed at the bat, "Would you put that away? My neighbors are already wondering what she sees in me, they don't need to see a madman on her driveway swinging a bat in broad daylight."

"Fine." He grumbled and tossed the bat back in the van, he looked at the big house and patted Ricks shoulder, "Holy smokes, my boy went from rags to riches."

Rick rolled his eyes and chuckled awkwardly. Negan tossed him the van keys and waltzed inside like he was the owner of the house.

His eyes widened and he couldn't stop himself from grinning, "This place is... Magnificent!"

He could only imagine the cost of the kitchen itself, everything seemed brand new and up to date. He opened the huge fridge and reached for a beer, "Looks like you knew I was coming."

Rick was amused by him.

With the beer in hand he stopped before the huge glass window and looked at the big sparkling pool, "You're telling me you got all of this and that glorious ass of hers? God must love you Rick Grimes."

He had to laugh with his friend on that one. He retrieved his own beer and settled next to his friend, "It's nice to see you Negan."

He extended his beer halfway and they clinked their drinks like they always would, "You too prick."

Michonne scrunched her eyebrows together as she realized there was a white van blocking her from her driveway.

"What the-?" She huffed out, annoyed.

She abandoned her car on the side of the road and heard loud talking coming from her backyard. She walked around the corner of her house, still in her heels and tight black knitted dress.

The sight of Negan floating around in the pool with his boxers and a beer in hand caught her off guard. Rick was sitting in the sun chair, talking to his friend with his own beer and she coughed to make her presence known.

"I didn't know we would have company today."

Rick quickly abandoned his seat and beer to kiss her, "Hey."

She smiled against him, unable to resist the feeling of happiness even though having Negan in the pool wasn't exactly what she wanted to see.

He had swimmed closer and leaned against the edge of the pool, he was dripping wet, "What a sight. With the bump and all."

Michonne forced a smile and looked at the two of them, "What's up with the van?"

"He brought some of my stuff."

"And things." Negan finished for his friend with a wink.

"Could you move it and park my car," She said quietly to Rick and turned around, "I'm gonna take a nap."

He could sense how tense she was and followed her inside.

She sorted through a couple of bills on their kitchen counter and sighed at the never ending responsibilities. He came up behind her, and enveloped her in warm embrace. She was stiff, her shoulders tensed at his touch which wasn't common.

"You wanna talk about it?"

She shook her head stubbornly, "Just move the van."

Rick knew it wasn't about the car sitting on her driveway, "You know he doesn't have any grounds to demand a thing in mediation. Mike hasn't lifted a finger after demanding more time. If he wanted that he would have shown up and got him. He hasn't. It's not about Andre."

Michonne knew he was right, and when the letter came that he wanted to review their custody agreement in mediation it didn't bother her. She knew deep down, she got nothing to worry about. As the day came closer, the worries grew. Him being radio silent also made her concerned. He was up to no good.

She grabbed his arm roughly, desperate for a comforting touch, "You're right. I'm sorry I didn't mean to be an asshole."

He kissed her neck, "We got this. Don't let that fool in that beautiful head of yours."

She turned around, her blossoming bump between them, his hands dropped to caress her, "I'm just ready for this to happen and move on. I'm done with the Lori and Mike. I want to focus on what's to come."

Rick couldn't fight back the grin on his face that formed whenever his hands found her round stomach, "I'm gonna start the nursery soon."

"Judith will kill you if you go shopping without her." Michonne reminded him, her expression finally turning more bright.

He kept grinning at her joy filled face, stroking his hand softly over her cheek now. She could see how his eyes took in every bit of her and it still made her insecure. She didn't understand what he saw in her, it was hard to comprehend how much he loved her.

"What?" She laughed lightly, feeling nervous.

Rick turned more serious, his eyes focused on her, "I just... I'm happy I took a chance."

"What?"

"The night before we left for Vegas I thought to myself maybe we should cancel," He smiled as he played with her braids, "I'm glad I never did anything about it."

Michonne leaned into his touch, her anxiety from earlier leaving her body as she relaxed, "I'm glad too."

Rick kissed her forehead and closed his eyes as he pulled her fully into his arms, "Thank you."

She chuckled into his chest, "There you go thanking me again."

He swayed a little and she moved in the same rhythm. Everything that had happened had solified their connection. They were so in tune with each other.

"Young love... What a delight."

Her eyes flew open and she saw Negan standing there, dripping wet with a towel over his neck as he admired their sweet moment.

"So lovebirds, where am I putting my stuff?" He continued casually towards the fridge to grab another beer.

Michonne stared at Rick to see what he would answer. She knew if he gave Negan the green light he would be staying with them for the next couple of months. It was the last thing she needed.

He couldn't get a word out when a big car honk startled them. They all rushed outside and saw a huge RV parked behind Michonnes car.

The door flew open and Connie wasted no time. She ran to hug her best friend. Michonne screamed out happily, her hands tight around the small woman who surprised her. Rick and Negan looked at each other with knowing smiles as none other than Daryl Dixon hopped out of the RV with Dog.

He lifted his shades from his eyes and grumbled towards Negan, "What is this asshole doing here?"

Daryl was tan. Rick had to take a double check when he looked at his childhood best friend. Connie had probably cut his hair because it didn't look so uneven, it was still long, but he didn't look like a total bum like he used to. He had also put on a few pounds which made Rick smile. He had seriously found his endgame. He felt only happiness as Daryl told them about the places they had visited.

The girls were in the living room looking at the ultrasound pictures. Connie was holding Michonnes hand tightly like she couldn't let her friend go because she had missed her so much.

"Y'all having a baby is wild." Daryl sipped his beer as they stood around the big kitchen.

Rick kept his eyes firmly on Michonne and smiled.

"Get used to this," Negan pointed at his friend, "He is like this, all day, everyday with her. It's like he ain't ever seen her before and then remembers he gets to tap that ass every night if he chooses to."

"We didn't plan it," Rick looked at Daryl and ignored Negans nonsense, "but, it's everything and more."

He didn't have proper words to describe it. He kept repeating the same thing because that's how it felt. She was everything to him. This child was everything to him.

"Watch out, you're next." Negan joked towards Daryl, Connie was looking at the ultrasound pictures intently.

Daryl just grumbled awkwardly, "Nah, not yet. We ain't in a hurry."

"Kids are a blessing," Rick concluded, "I don't care if anybody thinks it's ridiculous that I'm this age and starting over. I'm still doing it, and I can't wait."

"I'd be having a litter if I was with her."

Both Rick and Daryl shot their eyes towards Negan. He laughed and held out his hands in mock surrender, "Just stating the facts, don't get your panties in bunch."

"Knock it off." Rick warned him once again.

"Y'all got that mess with Lori figured out?" Daryl murmuded, "I heard rumors from Carol that she ain't looking to start trouble anymore."

Rick sighed, "Lori ain't the issue now. It's that asshole Mike."

Negan chuckled, "I'd have an issue if I was him."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He squinted his eyes as he asked.

"Just saying, " Negan slammed his beer bottle dramatically on the counter, "She's got a white dude up in here raising his boy. That's a whole different ballgame. Then you look at her and realize ah man I had it all and now this regular Joe is hitting it, putting babies in and shit."

Even Daryl chuckled back because he was right. Negan might be the most insufferable person on this planet, but when it came to people, he knew how to read them.

"You think he is trying to mess things up because he is jealous ?" Rick leaned against the kitchen counter and crossed his arms.

He didn't deal well with the idea of her having a past. Rationally he knew she was married and had a baby with this man, but the thought made his stomach turn. He'd rather pretend there was no such thing. Andre was brought by a stork in his mind. Rick was possessive of her and he wasn't ashamed to admit that.

"Don't listen to this fool," Daryl shook his head, "Whatever he does, it don't matter. Michonne is a smart gal she ain't letting him come between y'all. She's gonna keep it moving."

Rick rubbed his bearded chin and nodded repeatedly, "Yeah, you're right. I gotta trust her and keep it together."

"Or you go to his door with a bat and show him who's the man in this household." Negan suggested innocently.

Rick laughed with a crooked grin and shook his head, "That's plan b."

"Alright, shady boots." Daryl raised his beer at him with a laugh and Rick rolled his eyes at the familiar nickname.

Rick would reach for her hand whenever it was possible. She squeezed him back signaling her appreciation for his gesture. A part of him was sure Mike wouldn't even show up. The other part feared he had figured a way to weasel into her life. He had a hard time keeping his eyes on the road. He was glad Connie and Daryl showed up when they did. Negan was an uninvited bonus in this equation, but Michonne got to enjoy a couple of days of having their friends and laughter. It was the most important thing to him.

She didn't say much during the car ride. She would look outside and caress her stomach. Her eyes would water as she recalled all the hardships she had faced when it came to being a mom for the first time. She had never been able to be just a regular mom to Andre becuse Mike had made it impossible. She had never been allowed to nurture her child without the constant fears and doubts he caused. He wasn't violent, he wasn't the boogeyman other women faced in men. Mike was good at playing mind games. Michonne was afraid. She just had a bad feeling and it grew as they got closer.

"I love you." His voice came out strangled.

Her eyes landed on him and he could swear he saw the future in her eyes. Her hand sneaked behind his neck and her delicate fingers landed on his wispy curls.

"I love you more."

Each time she said it back, he cherished it more. She was grateful that he brought her back to earth. When they parked, she didn't sigh, she didn't give away any signs of her nerves being in shambles. She applied more lipstick and got out, that rehearsed exterior kicking in. She was tough as nails.

"I know I can't come in there," Ricks voice was always raspier and lower when he was nervous, "But I'll be here. You shout for me, I'll be there."

The thought made her giggle, "And you're gonna kick some ass then or what?"

"If you need me to." He wasn't really joking.

As they reached the right lobby and waited together, Sasha practically ran into the quiet room.

She breathed heavily and reached to kiss her friends cheek, "I'm sorry the traffic was crazy."

Michonne always appreciated the support. She told her not to come, but obviously she didn't listen. Rick sat next to her, sticking out like a sore thumb in his grey blazer that didn't suit his usual attire. He looked out of place with his longer beard and careless hair he had slicked back.

Sasha gave him the familiar nod he was already used to, "Grimes."

"Sasha." He said back politely.

They sat shoulder to shoulder, all just as eager to get this thing on the road. Michonne stared at the big white clock in front of her and prayed Mike wouldn't show up. He had a minute to go until he was considered late.

She kept rubbing her growing belly and closed her eyes as she tried to soothe herself. His hand rested on her thigh for comfort.

"You've got to be shitting me." Sasha muttered with anger.

Michonne snapped her eyes open and it took a second to adjust her vision. She didn't want to believe what she saw.

Rick looked at the two women who displayed very different feelings. Sasha had never looked so intense. She held on to her friends shoulder and whispered something to her. Michonne was dazed. Out of it. He searched for her eyes, but she kept staring at the men.

Mike was talking to an older man, white, clean shaven and with a suit. Rick knew there was an issue. Sasha and Michonne clearly knew him. He watched the man glance at the women and then back at Mike with a wide snobby smirk. He seemed too jolly for the occasion.

"Are the parents of Andre Anthony here?" A woman with glasses showed up with a folder in hand.

Michonne got up quickly. Rick still didn't catch her eyes, for some reason she wouldn't look at him. Sasha whispered something in her ear again and squeezed her hand. Mike now eyed her blatantly. He finally saw her bump and Rick could tell it shocked him.

He didn't waste time to grab her and pulled her in his arms, she was stiff and it felt like she was fighting this moment.

"I'm here. Remember that." He said in her ear and kissed the side of her face. She finally lifted her almond shaped big brown eyes and he could see a glimmer of heartache. She was in pain. Something had switched.

But, she couldn't dwell now. She composed herself and walked behind the woman into a closed office space. Mike said his goodbyes to his unknown companion and followed along.

The man who he left behind smiled and waved at Sasha. Sasha gave him the dirtiest look she could manage. He kept grinning as he walked away.

"Who was that?" He demanded from Sasha when they were left alone, his patience running thin because it felt like he was missing a piece of the puzzle.

Sasha sighed, her eyes were suddenly teary. Rick had never seen her so upset, so shaken up.

"It's not my place to tell you," She pointed towards the office Mike and Michonne walked into, "But that man in there, did something no human would do."

If smoke could come out of his ears, it would have. Rick felt sick to his stomach for her. He knew this would end badly for someone.

He didn't want to pry. The car ride home they only talked about Andre. She told him very clearly how they would possibly go into court. The mediation didn't do any good. They didn't reach a mutual agreement, but Mike was also talking in circles like always. She kept it short and closed her eyes. She couldn't talk about it yet. It was hard to give her the space she needed, when he desperately wanted to take the hurt away. He couldn't do that if he didn't know what was going on.

Rick watched her do her evening routine. She was like piece of glass with a fracture. It was expanding with every chore and every moment. She kept to herself and avoided his presence. As the evening turned into night, he took care of Andres bedtime routine and read him his favorite book about Spider man. He kissed the boy on his forehead when he was deep asleep. He loved him and this uncontrollable feeling of guilt was gnawing at him. He wanted to protect him and it frustrated him that he couldn't do that properly.

Connie had taken Michonne upstairs into their bedroom. She gave Rick a nod when she got out of the room and went outside to join Negan and Daryl. Their friends thankfully got the clue and gave them the space they needed. Everyone was walking on eggshells.

He opened the bedroom door slowly and saw her sitting on the edge of the big bed. He wasn't used to seeing her like this. She was defeated.

Rick sat next to her and waited. She couldn't keep it in anymore. Tears fell down her cheeks, her mascara stained eyes broke his heart.

He grabbed her shoulders to make her face him, he tucked her hair behind her ears and wiped away the tears, "Talk to me. Please."

She looked upwards like she was ashamed he had to witness this sudden burst of emotions.

"Michonne," He rasped out her name and she locked eyes with him, "Please."

She nodded reluctantly. Michonne knew he deserved to know, her voice was smaller than usual, "Philip Blake was one of the youngest teachers we had in law school. I only had one course with him, but I think everyone had heard the stories around campus. He was targeting the weaker girls in his glasses. It was a pattern. He would promise them good grades and showered them with attention. Sasha and I quickly caught on and realized the stories weren't just stories. He would groom the mousy girls in class while he was married with children," She went on, the sentences coming out in fast pace, "It wasn't innocent though. One of his students even hanged herself. She left a note and blamed him. It was a big thing back then, but it resulted into nothing. Nobody said it out loud, but I guess a lot of students knew they were sort of an item."

"Jesus." Rick muttered as he listened her closely.

"When our course started I saw him choose another girl. She was the quiet one who sat in the corner by herself. He would talk to her differently. I just got bad vibes from him. I watched for months and then I decided enough is enough," She kept staring into Ricks eyes and found comfort in them, "I basically hunted him for weeks to learn his routines. Until I caught them in the parking lot. They were handsy in his car. I knew he would slip up eventually. I filmed it. I took photos. I went to the headmaster. He was fired. His wife left his ass and took the kids. He didn't know it was me who ratted him out, but eventually I guess he found that information somewhere."

"You did the right thing."

She took a deep breath, the next part was harder, "He didn't approach me at that point. He left New York. I graduated. I thought that was the end of it. A couple years went by and I finally found a law firm that felt right for me. I was still doing basic shit, but nonetheless I liked working there. Then there was the first Christmas party," Her voice suddenly turned shaky," I didn't notice him, but there he was. He was apparently working in the same company, but in a different state. I wasn't even drunk. I was just unaware. I left the party and I took the elevator. I was texting Mike how it was lame and I just wanted to get home to my boys. Andre was just a baby."

A small smile that appeared on her face when she reminisced Andres adorable chubby cheeks disappiered quickly. She couldn't swallow the lump in her throat. Michonne still continued bravely, "I still remember that feeling when I looked up from my phone and he was right there in front of me. I remember he reeked of booze and I felt like I was in danger. He went on this tirade over how I ruined his life and I mentally closed my ears from him and watched the elevator numbers go down. I could sense relief each time a floor went by, but I also hoped someone would step in. Nobody came. He was yelling, practically foaming out of his mouth. I felt paralyzed, and then... he grabbed my throat."

Rick was red faced, his knuckles were white from the tight fists he was holding by his sides.

She gulped, it was a hard memory to unblock, "This was way before I took any proper martial arts. I didn't know how to fight back. He stopped the elevator between floors. He kept pushing me around, his hand reached inside my skirt and I was screaming on the inside. I knew he wanted to embarrass me. He wanted to violate me. I don't know how long it lasted, but I remember thinking if he rapes me now I will gladly go to jail because I would kill him after. He didn't have time to do anything...well you know. He groped me, but then the elevator moved again. He accidently pushed the button when I was fighting him off and it stopped on the next floor. He panicked and ran out soon as the doors opened. A couple of drunk guys from a different division hopped on. They didn't even notice me. I walked home. I don't remember much. I just kept picturing Andre and I somehow got home. I told Mike. I called Sasha. I called... my mom," Her voice broke and she sniffled,"She was there in a heartbeat. She was insisting me to report it, but I was stupid. Mike was also worried for my reputation. I couldn't be taken seriously if I accused him when nothing really happened. Those were his words. I don't know why I ever listened to him. I guess I just wanted to go back to normal."

Rick got up. He couldn't sit around and listen to this anymore. His forehead was sweaty. He could feel the animal inside of him roaring to be released from his cage.

"Soon after that we relocated to Atlanta. I haven't seen him in a long time. I made the effort to learn how to defend myself. I wanted to drop him if he ever tried anything again," Michonne was trying her hardest to keep it together, "Mike hinted in mediation that he might be hiring a new lawyer. He basically brought him out just to rub it in my face. He wanted to show me he could still hurt me. He was looking for a reaction."

He felt anger and disgust. This was level of betrayal that went beyond. He wasn't going to watch him do this to her. He had to put a stop to this before it turned into something else. She was in a fragile state and it terrified him what this could lead to.

He kneeled in front of her, hugging her lower half, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

She rubbed her tired eyes and kissed the top of his head, "It's okay. You weren't there."

"I should have-" He was having a hard time keeping it together, "Fuck. Michonne, baby, he is sick. That's sick. He won't be playing around like that. I ain't watching by."

She felt lighter after sharing one of the most traumatic experiences in her life to him. Michonne hadn't visited that memory in a long time.

"Michonne," Rick pulled her attention on him and his blue eyes were fire,"You know what I have to do."

She trusted him. Whatever he was planning on doing, she one hundred percent trusted.

Michonne kissed his forehead and whispered confidently, "I was counting on it."

He took quick steps. Determined ones. He marched downstairs and Connie sent him a questioning stare while laying down on the couch with Dog.

"Stay with her until I'm back?" Rick asked slowly and pointed upstairs, so that she understood.

Connie nodded and went upstairs immediately.

Adrenaline was running. He was in a zone that was dangerous to be in. His whole body was up in flames from the inside. This rage he had would be damaging. This rage, was far too familiar.

He found his friends on their backyard. Both of them could see it in his eyes. He was out for blood.

Rick tossed Daryl his car keyes and looked at Negan, "Get the bat."

So my hand is healing after surgery. Finally got this done. Whew.

Thank you for your patience dear reader!