A/N:*** Happy Holidays to you all! With Christmas, Kwanzaa, two family birthdays and New Years festivities steadily approaching, I got thrown off my writing schedule. But I wanted to get a chapter out as thanks for all your support in reading this angsty ass story lol I'm also working on completing A Holiday Mishap. Another chapter of Confessions will be coming soon as well. Then I'll dive back into Endured *sweats* But I just wanted to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season while we get ready to ring in Richonne's Year!

~~7~~

Michonne clomped down the stairs in her combat boots heading straight for the living room. This morning's requirement to conceal her irritation was over. Andre was off to school and now she could unleash her fury. It was a Monday which meant chores and errands needed to be completed. And she intended to have assistance today.

Once Andre departed, she went back upstairs locking the bedroom door to avoid any attempts at half assed begging. A warm, undisturbed shower in the ensuite was the first step on the agenda. But now she was ready for the follow up.

In the period it took her to bathe and get fully dressed, the man she currently scowled down at apparently had enough time to fall back soundly asleep. The tranquility annoyed her to no end. Michonne used her shin, roughly swinging it into the sleeping man's limp arm causing him to startle. She had to hold back the giggle wanting to erupt from her as he confusedly stared around.

"Michonne, what the hell?" a bare-chested Mike stumbled to sit up on the couch, staring up at her vexed face.

There was one thing Michonne couldn't deny and that was how amazing her husband's body was. Mike had always been a gym rat. In fact, it's how they met back in the day. He approached her after being impressed by her level of fitness in their college campus gym. They both remained in shape over the years, but his strength grew displaying itself on his chest, back and arms. Damn it, on all his physique, she grumbled. But it also unfortunately inflated his ego which was the biggest turn off. Therefore, she stared at him completely unaffected by his good looks.

"If you are going to be here then you will help. Help with all the things that need to be done." she pointed around as though the tasks were readily seen in her spotless home, disregarding the dumbstruck look on his face.

"You told me to call out of work in the office today. I thought we were going to talk about us. Talk about when I can get off this damn couch and come back to our bed."

Michonne snorted at him, truly amused by his overconfidence before starting for the kitchen. She began to brew a large cup of tea for herself while Mike unraveled himself from the flat sheets, he'd been laying on to follow her. He yawned and stood on the opposite side of the island looking at her as though he didn't comprehend her mood.

"Can I get a cup of coffee?"

"You sure can." Michonne gestured to the machine behind her. Mike sighed audibly but moved to brew his own breakfast beverage.

"How long are you going to keep this up?"

"Keep what up?" she blinked her eyes at him rapidly when he returned to the counter.

"You know exactly what I mean. This cold shoulder act."

Michonne glowered at him. "Oh, this isn't an act. It's what you deserve. Actually. You deserve to be back out wherever you were the very first time you didn't come home for days."

"Why do you have to keep bringing up old stuff? I thought we moved past that?"

Michonne chuckled at his audacity. "I did too Mike. But then you tried it again. Am I supposed to let you just waltz in whenever you please?"

"This time, I was running late. Once I got home, I helped with the rest of Andre's weekend, didn't I."

"Are you holding for a round of applause?"

Mike exhaled at her sarcasm. "How many times do I have to tell you. I really was at Terry's place. I feel asleep over there after we finished watching the game."

Michonne side eyed him as she poured her boiling water over her teabag. Mike swallowed alarmedly while the steaming kettle was in her hand.

"Okay, I did have a few too many beers. I needed to sober up before driving home."

"Because hanging out with your friend and having a few cold ones was the priority versus coming straight home."

Mike opened his mouth, but he had no rebuttal. Watching Michonne nonchalantly add honey to her cup and stir was all he could do. Then she unceremoniously pulled her phone from the back pocket of her jeans and clicked on the screen a few times. A personalized chime Mike set for her went off on his device, letting him know she'd just messaged him. He looked at her in disbelief then went to retrieve his phone from the coffee table.

He opened her text message to see it contained a chore list. "Really?"

"Yes, really. It's what I've been doing for a couple weeks. Only fair for some reciprocity." she shrugged before taking a careful sip.

"You wouldn't let me come home." Mike puffed his chest, becoming indignant. "You know how embarrassing it is for me to have to bum on my mom's sofa."

"Why didn't you sleep in your old bedroom?"

"You know she turned it into a Zen relaxation room. She didn't want my negative energy in there."

Michonne nearly choked on her cackle with hot tea in her mouth.

"It's not funny. My back is still aching with you relegating me to our sofa."

Michonne noticed Mike trying to hide an impish grin unsuccessfully after running his eyes over her body. Tight jeans and a Henley top made for a relaxed outfit, but he gawked regardless.

"If you'd just let me come back upstairs into our bed, we might be able to help work the kinks out."

Michonne had had enough of his bullshit. She placed her mug down hard enough for its impact to resound on the tile. Then let her eyes roll up and down wincingly at her husband of eleven years.

"Your charm has gotten you out of a lot of jams but not this one. I will not be helping you stretch out a damn thing." Mike had the nerve to huff prompting her continuation.

"You want to know what's embarrassing- Your husband not being reliable for the simplest of tasks when we should have your eyes on the future. What's really embarrassing is finding out your spouse is running around the state of Georgia jumping into bed with other women. Wondering when people look at you out in public, if they knew about your marital issues before you even did."

"I'm sorry."

"What wasn't amusing was having Andre ask why I wouldn't let you come home. Because your mother told him I put you out." she cackled humorlessly and went to the cupboard to gather her thermos, slamming it on the counter. "No accountability for what her sons done. Let's make his wife the bad guy."

"I spoke to her about that. She's sorry-" Mike tried but Michonne went on unphased by another lackluster apology.

"You finagle your way back home by telling our son you'd help with his sleepover. Including setting up the tent, effectively tying my hands. Then you show up late."

"You don't know what it's like watching our son wait for you…" Michonne paused when her eyes became glassy, needing a second to compose herself with a calming breath. "…after you told him you'd be there. Him expecting you to be here the way you used to, only to be disappointed."

Mike took a sullen step towards her, and she stepped back afraid of what she'd do with this anger. He anxiously paused his movements before scrolling through his phone. Michonne waited until her device chimed his identifying tone. She dabbed at her eyes before looking to see he'd forwarded her an email. She reluctantly opened it and stared trying to decipher what it was.

"That's the receipt for the counseling session I've already had."

Michonne took a deep breath then poured her tea into the bottle she'd retrieved. She chewed her lip spotting the date for his follow-up.

"I see the therapist again this afternoon." Mike inched forward hoping her shield was lowering. "I was planning on telling you today. I thought maybe you could go with me. That way we can start the work on our process at the same time."

Michonne wavered because her husband shot down the suggestion of therapy in the past. Mike taking the initiative to not only find a therapist but to attend a session was more than she could've expected. But she remained quiet, letting him plead his new case.

"Baby, I know I have things to work on for myself. But I want to work on us too. Not just for you and me, but for Andre."

Mike exhaled deeply. "I want to be a better father for our son. But you know my dad wasn't around much. Just me and my mom and whatever guy she was seeing from time to time. I realize aspiring to be greater than my absent father is not enough. Wanting to be a good husband is not enough. I've got to obtain the tools. I've got to start learning them somewhere. I can get that in therapy."

Mike tentatively stepped closer and slowly raised his hand. He used the pad of his thumb to softly stroke a course across Michonne's soft cheek. "Remember how we were in the beginning of our marriage. I can be that husband again. Maybe even better, if you are willing to give me a chance. I still love you, baby. I miss you, Michie."

Michonne breathed, torn by his remorseful words. Words she'd yearned to not only hear but see put into place so many times before. She looked up at the handsome face towering above her.

"I'm glad you have started counseling. And you should go today... Without me."

She stepped back and out of Mike's reach causing the hopefulness to decline in his eyes. Viewing his crestfallen state would normally have her buckling because she loved him very deeply before he caused her much pain. Yet her wherewithal was unexpectantly bolstered recalling the recent sparks she felt with another man.

It was ironic that Mike's own tardiness ended up increasing the resistance she currently used to thwart him. His lateness coincidentally opened the door for the outside attraction to get to an almost overpowering level. The intensity of yearning reminded Michonne of what she was missing out on while concentrating on holding everything together. Even if she could, that desirous feeling wasn't something she could conjure, let alone entrust to her husband as it stood.

"Michonne-"

She raised a hand to halt him. "Mike, I'm glad you saved the flowers and candy routine. But it's going to take time for me to have faith in you again. Perhaps we can build back confidence. Or maybe we'll figure out it's time to move on. I just want to make sure whatever we decide that Andre is our priority. Not you, getting back in my bed."

"Our bed." he corrected so she squinted at him, but Mike raised his hands in defeat. "Yes, Andre is the number one priority. Always. If you can give me some time, I will show you. I will show you both."

"Actions speak louder than words, Mike. And you can start by completing that list of chores."

Michonne picked up her thermos and started towards the front door.

"Where are you going?" Mike stood once again dumbstruck, in his pajama pants in the middle of the floor looking after her.

"I'm going to the spa for a massage then brunch with Sasha. But don't worry, I will be finished in time to meet Andre at the bus stop. And I'll even make dinner. I truly hope you have a productive therapy session."

Michonne grabbed her bag and keys. "Oh, and Mike… enjoy your coffee." she added then walked out with an accomplished grin on her face.

"Carl!" Rick shouted out when the voicemail for his son's phone began to play. He pressed end on the call and tried dialing it again. He wasn't even using the hands-free option because not only was he running late but he was also flustered. Genuinely, the worst conditions for racing towards a school zone. Rick slowed down after the voicemail picked up once more.

"Carl, I'm running late because there was a small accident at the site. I'm on the way to the school to pick you up." he left a message hoping his son would listen to it.

Just minutes later he pulled up to Patton Elementary School. The area was mostly bare, just a few kids straggling about in the school yard. A couple clusters of parents conversed with one another while their children played.

"Do any of you know my son Carl?" he asked various groups of children, and they all shook their heads negatively.

Of course, this made sense with his son having transferred in not too long ago. Carl had only just begun to acquaint himself. These kids didn't know him well enough yet. Rick even showed a picture from his phone to the semi-concerned adults around. They all apologized and wished him well in his search, which frustrated him even more.

He pulled out his phone when he realized two kids that did know Carl weren't anywhere to be seen. He dialed Jessie hoping Ron and Sam had an answer. Maybe Carl was with them.

"Jessie did Carl walk home with Ron and Sam today?" he frantically asked when she picked up.

"No, is everything okay?"

"No, I was running late to pick Carl up and now I can't find him."

"Rick, calm down. Carl is in the fifth grade, I'm sure he's around somewhere. Have you tried calling him?"

"Of course, I have. Can you ask your boys if they saw him?"

"Sure."

Rick could hear Jessie calling for her sons in the background. "Ron. Sam, did you see Carl afterschool today?"

"Why would I know where he is? I have to watch Sam and him now?" Ron grumbled loud enough for Rick to hear but then Sam spoke up timidly.

"I saw Carl over by the school bus stops."

"Rick, Sam says Carl was near the bus stop." Jessie relayed, leaving out Ron's snarky comment. But Rick didn't have time to digest the lack of concern right now. His son was missing.

"Maybe he walked to the store for some candy or chips." Jessie suggested.

"Maybe you are right about the store. I can see a bunch of kids clustered around it all the way from here. Let me go check."

"Please keep me updated. I'm sure he will show up."

Rick didn't have time for pleasantries, he hung up and began to jog down the street. But just as quickly as he began, he heard the programmed chime for Carl resound from his phone. He stopped to hastily answer.

"Carl! Where are you? Why didn't you answer my calls?"

"Dad, I'm fine. You and Mom put the parental controls on my phone, remember. Do not disturb just ended."

"That doesn't stop you from calling me."

"I-I kinda forgot because I was having fun." Carl replied nonchalantly as though his father wasn't just running around the school grounds frightfully. Unnerving everyone, making them think he was losing his damn mind.

"Where are you?"

"Don't be mad. But I got on the school bus with Andre."

"I'm glad you are okay but why would you do that?"

"Hershel was absent today and Andre didn't want me to be left behind all alone. He told me to come home with him." Rick sighed in relief that at least one child was looking out for his son.

"That was very kind of Andre. But where are you both now? I'm coming to get you two." he started towards his car with his keys already out.

"We are with Ms. Michonne. She told me to call you." Rick's step faltered and he wasn't sure he'd hear correctly even though it made absolute sense.

"With… with who?"

"Andre's mom. You remember Ms. Michonne." he could hear the mischievous smile in his son's voice. "We are at the ice cream shop you took me to."

Rick resumed his path arriving at his car and climbed in. "I'm on my way."

"Okay, Dad. See you soon." Carl responded then hung up not knowing that his father's heart raced for a different reason now.

Rick pulled down the vizor and nervously rearranged his tousled hair. He was wearing a brown plaid button-up shirt and well-worn jeans as was usual for work. He took a few deep breaths to calm the flutters in his belly. But then a broad smile grew on his face, and he snickered as he pulled off. Carl was thankfully safe, but he was grateful for more than one reason. These coincidental run ins were raking up.

"Wait, you read comic books too?" Carl excitedly asked.

"My mom has a whole collection way, way bigger than mine." Andre grinned proudly.

"Wow!"

"I started collecting before I was your ages even. I've had a long, long time to grow my collection." Michonne reminded them both.

"When I come over next time, could I see some?"

Michonne smirked at how welcome in her home the freckle faced boy felt already. "Sure."

The trio sat in a booth against the glass paned windows of the parlor while they waited for Rick to arrive. Andre licked his steadily melting ice cream cone then leaned towards Carl as though he had a secret to tell.

"Once I start middle school, my mom says I can start reading… Invincible."

"That's so cool. Maybe I can read them then too." Carl looked at Michonne with hope.

"I'll have to speak to your parents first because those comics can get pretty gory."

"My dad doesn't even get regular comics. But I think you can convince him." Carl smiled cleverly at her.

Michonne ate a spoonful of her ice cream to hide her flush. "Maybe."

"You have plenty of time. Andre, Hershel and I will be best friends even when we start middle school next year."

"Yeah. Mom, you have to make sure Carl goes to the same school as us next year."

"And how am I supposed to do that?" Michonne raised an eyebrow at the conspiring pair. They glanced at one another before Carl spoke about what was already clearly discussed.

"I was telling my dad how much I loved your food. And he told me you packed him a plate and he ate it at work the next day."

"So… maybe we have another camp out and you cook. While we are in the backyard you talk to Mr. Rick." Andre shrugged as though it was easy as pie.

The boys quickly licked their treats. Trying to get control of the slipping sprinkles nearing their hands until Carl's face shifted to worry with a glance out the window.

"Here comes my dad. Maybe you can practice today so I don't get in trouble for leaving school grounds."

Michonne snuck a glance behind her out the window. Rick had climbed out of his car and spotted them through the glass. He walked with purpose towards the entrance. She ignored the butterflies in her stomach because she was on parent duty right now. She could see the nervousness on Carl's face even while he gobbled down his frozen dessert. Thus, she decided to preemptively intervene on his behalf.

Michonne handed the boys napkins before walking to intercept Rick as he came through the door. Her heart was picking up from seeing him again, but she needed to get to business. "Don't be too upset with him."

"He nearly gave me a heart attack."

"I know. Dread and worry crashed into you suddenly. Now, you know he's safe and sound and there's an anger brewing. But it's really that you were scared. More scared than you've ever been in your life." she whispered.

Rick exhaled deeply because it was exactly how he felt. Michonne was a parent too. She completely understood and put words to his feelings, helping him compose himself.

"A stern talking to is definitely in order. And perhaps a slight tweak to his phone's do not disturb schedule."

Rick smirked understanding. "A plan for where to go in emergencies also."

Michonne smiled. "Imagine my surprise when they both got off the school bus."

"Didn't know Andre took the bus. Guess that's why I never saw you at pickup before."

Rick looked her over and she warmed. "We aren't exactly within walking distance of the school. I schedule my appointments around when the bus drops him off. Just in case I'm the only one that can get to him in time."

She didn't have to mention Mike because she knew Rick understood.

"Right. I want to thank Andre for looking out for Carl."

"I think he'll appreciate that coming from you."

"Really?"

"You made a great impression on him and Hershel."

Rick smiled then extended his hand letting Michonne know she should walk first. The twist in her hips returned as he followed her over to the table. Carl jumped up, hugging his father tightly around the waist.

"I'm sorry Dad."

Rick returned the embrace realizing just how happy he truly was to see his son safe. "You scared me, Buddy."

"I know. I won't do it ever again."

Carl looked up at him earnestly. Rick smiled because he knew his son believed it. Having been a child once himself, he knew there would be many a time his son would have him worried beyond measure. It was just a part of being a parent. But he decided to let him off the hook this time, not just because of where it led them both. "Good."

His son released him when he started to address the other young man. "Andre, having Carl get on the school bus with you was quick thinking. I'm glad he has a friend like you looking out for him."

"He's my best friend." Andre smiled as if it was simple as A.B.C.

"Dad, come sit."

Carl returned to his seat in the booth on the same side as his friend. Rick chewed his lip anxiously because the only available space was next to Michonne who had already taken her seat. When she noticed he was dithering, she moved over making space for him and the boys grinned. Rick slid in trying to leave a gap between them, but the bench wasn't that long. He'd look awkward if he kept the distance, so he cautiously moved in until they slightly touched. He didn't feel her body tense with the closeness, and he relaxed also. Again, he recognized how natural it felt to be near her. He wondered if she felt the same way too.

"Ms. Michonne is so cool Dad."

Michonne blushed when Rick glanced at her. "How so?"

"She collects comic books. She plays video games. Even her job is cool."

"I know. She cut my hair."

"Really? Could you cut my hair too?"

"If you want. If your parents say it's okay, of course."

"Dad?"

"Your mother will just have to get over not butchering your hair anymore."

Rick and Carl's laughter was contagious, making Andre and Michonne join in. But she had a counter. "I actually think you should let it grow out more."

"Like my dad's?" Carl made an unsavory face.

"What are you saying about my work?' Michonne smirked.

"No, it's great. I just don't know about looking just like my dad. We both already have blue eyes, freckles and brown hair."

"There are worse things than looking like your father." she ignored the warmth radiating towards her from Rick by reaching out to toy with his sons' short hair, getting a vision for what could be.

"What I was thinking was not quite the same. His hair is a bit curlier than yours."

"I'm thinking… A little longer in the front and on the sides. Not too long but, maybe past your ears."

Michonne pivoted to Rick. "What do you think?"

"I think whatever you suggest would be great as long as he doesn't look any more like me, I guess." they all chortled.

"You're not so bad."

Michonne couldn't resist shaping a few curls that had flipped no doubt in Rick's previous frantic state. She tried to not put too much into the way he indulgently stared at her as she fussed with his hair. His blue eyes called out to her, making her heart speed up until she gave in and gazed back at them. She coquettishly grinned feeling the heat emanating off them. That was until an older woman walking by stopped before their table. Michonne dropped her hand guiltily even with the woman's kind smile.

"I was on my way out but, I just had to come by and tell you that you have a beautiful family."

"Oh, we are-" Rick and Michonne both rushed to correct but their sons cut them off.

"Thank you." Andre and Carl smiled at the woman.

"Is it okay if I give them some quarters for the gumball machine over there?" she pointed, and the boys' faces lit up. Rick looked to Michonne for the answer and when she playfully shrugged, he took that as a yes.

"Sure."

The woman passed the boys the change and they jumped up. Carl was ready to hightail it to the candy machine, but Andre looked to the senior.

"Let me get the door for you." The gesture halted Carl's previous steps and he instead joined Andre in walking to the front door.

"Such kind young men. You two are raising them well. You don't see that much nowadays."

"Thank you." Rick reddened at them being mistaken for not just a couple but a family. A happy family at that.

The parents watched their boys hold the door open while thanking the woman. Then they scurried over to retrieve their rewards. It left the adults alone, cozily sitting next to one another in the booth. Michonne almost expected it to be awkward but instead she felt comfortable. She hadn't forgotten how Rick made sure she was okay before he left the barbershop when Mike unexpectedly showed up. At first glance it might've come off as covetous, but the reassuring squeeze of her hand affirmed that it was care. Michonne wavered on whether to address it, but a ringtone chimed from Rick's phone.

Rick quickly silenced the accustomed ringtone then rapidly typed a message to the caller.

Carl is okay. I found him

He hit send and went to stuff the device away, but a reply alert sounded.

I'm so relieved

Rick exhaled, placing the phone down on the table. He would worry about that later. Right now, Andre and Carl were preoccupied chatting with some other kids around their ages over their spoils. And he wasn't going to squander his chance to converse with Michonne uninterrupted. He wondered if Michonne picked the kids up from her neighborhood bus stop, why were they at the ice cream parlor?

"How did you end up here?" he fearfully asked. Worrying that she didn't want him in her home again for concern of what happened last time nagged at him.

"Oh…" she grinned relaxing his nerves. "Earlier, I had a great brunch with Sasha. We talked about some plans I'd put off. It got me to thinking about doing a bit of reconnaissance in the preexisting mall. I was going to drag Andre along with me for a bit. Once I realized Carl had absconded, I decided this would be a better option to wait for you."

Rick replayed one of their previous conversations for context clues. "You were looking at real estate in my area."

"I was. Over here also. And coincidentally, the new city center your company is helping to build."

Rick smiled enthusiastically with realization. "You're planning on opening your own shop."

"Possibly. I kind of put things on hold. When things took a turn."

Rick's jaw flexed knowing what she meant. "No one should hold you back from making your dream come true."

"Easier said than done."

"You should do it. The guys at the shop were singing your praises. And you managed to make me look good."

Rick was being self-deprecating, but Michonne wasn't having any of that. She knew she shouldn't say but she couldn't hold back when their eyes locked. "I've barely touched you."

Their lips parted from a sudden flash of heat. Taking in his handsome face inches away, transported her back to the doorway. The feel of his soft lips on her touch starved skin. How her body pled to let him continue his path to her wanting mouth.

Michonne inadvertently jetted her tongue out, wetting her lips. She watched Rick's eyes fall to them while he wetted his own. The part of her that wished he'd pulled a one-eighty that night to ask her was creeping out. There was also a portion of her that wished he'd just do it now. In front of all these people because the yearning was too intense.

Her chest rose and fell mirroring his. She knew they both craved to know how the other tasted. He couldn't grasp how insistent her fantasies were becoming when allowing herself to think about him. She literally had to place her hand on the table to gain some stability. It was growing more difficult to keep them at bay. Her inhibitions being loosened progressively whenever he was near.

Rick whispered. "You stopped me before."

"I did." she demurely replied.

"What's changed?"

"I don't know. Nothing." she admitted because she couldn't concentrate on anything rational. Michonne followed Rick's eyes downwards to a quick glance at her hand on the countertop. Her left hand. With the imprecise imprint from her removed bands.

Rick's words came out aversely but consciously. "I don't want you to do anything that you might regret. Especially in front of our kids."

Michonne gradually and reluctantly pulled away. She had nearly lost herself in a moment. The audience of strangers wouldn't have mattered as much. But the confusion it could've inflicted on their kids was enough to give her pause. She blew a deep calming breath out and blinked to clear her mind of the haze of desire.

"I don't know what came over me."

Rick chewed his lip and glanced upwards. "Whatever it is… it must've been something else."

He coyly smirked back at Michonne making her giggle. The sexual tension between them dissipated somewhat with laughter.

"Right. I should get home and start dinner."

After what felt like minutes, Rick hesitantly stood to let her out of the booth. Michonne knew he, like her, didn't want their time to end. They didn't need to have the dialog, but some distance was necessary until they got a handle on these vast feelings.

"I'll go get the boys." she informed him before walking over to the front door.

"Andre. Carl. We are about to leave."

She watched them pout a bit before issuing goodbyes to the other kids they'd been having fun with. Michonne could sense Rick walking up behind her. She grinned, seeing him carrying the long-discarded book bags. When the boys jogged over, he passed the bags to them.

"We had so much fun." Andre beamed swinging his bag onto his back.

"Yeah, when can we do this again?" Carl added.

"You mean leave school property and take a joy ride on the school bus?" Rick joked so Michonne snorted.

"Ha ha. Very funny. I mean this." the boy drew a circle in the air that included the four of them and Andre nodded in agreement.

"We'll just have to see." was all that Michonne could offer right now. "But you both have homework."

"Aww…" the boys sang making their parents snicker as they exited the shop.

Rick and Carl followed Michonne and Andre to her SUV just a couple spaces down from his. The boys quickly hugged one another then unexpectedly came over to the adult that wasn't their parent. Rick received a quick hug from Andre. And Michonne got a slightly longer one from Carl. As the boys returned to their respective parent, Rick and Michonne warmly smiled.

The Grimes boys watched Michonne and Andre as they got in her car.

"See you at school."

The youngsters shouted to one another through the now rolled down windows while Rick and Carl headed to his car. But Michonne couldn't keep the smile from blossoming on her face when Rick briefly glanced back at her. She was wondering when she'd see him next since it seemed circumstance was not planning on helping them in the detachment department.