A/N:~~~ All of a sudden, Fanfic starts sending me notifications again! And those included your amazing and perhaps morally conflicted reviews lol Rooting for cheating is not my thing either, believe me. But I've always written Richonne nice and mostly tidy. This time I wanted the mess and drama, so I hope you guys are willing to continue the journey.

I know us writers request reviews often, but you don't know how much reading them galvanizes us. The theories and hypotheses, even the criticism spur us into picking up our pens or grabbing the laptop. Thank you for helping me get back to this. The delay was due to me needing to rework the order of events in my originally planned chapters to make it cohesive and plausible *fingers crossed*

Shoutout to all my tried-and-true readers and the new ones! Yall have been barreling thru my old work and leaving reviews there also *muah* Yall got me wanting to reread some of them myself when you post snippets on the twitter TL. I've clutched my chest thinking I wrote that- for all to see lol But Thank You again and here's to keeping Richonne Alive!

(And to that one guest reviewer- Vous pourriez juste etre sur quelque chose *wink*)

~~14~~

"No school today, means no mediation." Carl exhaled peacefully making Hershel chuckle in the backseat of the car as Rick drove.

"Ron and Mikey are so dumb."

The adult glanced concernedly in the rearview mirror deciding if he should intervene in the children's conversation, but his son responded to his friend first.

"Yeah, I used to think so too. I mean they are both stupid but, when we talk with the guidance counselor… I get them a little more."

"How so?" Rick interrupted from curiosity. He'd wondered about the direction his son and particularly Ron had taken without agendas persuading their direction.

"Dad, we aren't supposed to tell other people what we talk about. Confidentiality." Carl smiled at his own use of a big word from the back seat making his father snicker.

"You are right. You shouldn't gossip about things you learn when someone is opening up to you. Being vulnerable."

Hershel looked a bit annoyed, clearly wanting to hear more but Carl sat up looking reflective.

"At first, I figured I could find out something to tease them back with. But then, I realized we weren't so different." Carl shrugged. "Ron is sad about his parents breaking up and his dad not being around."

Hershel, who was eager for information now sat back in his seat pensively. "I guess I felt the same way when my parents broke up. I was confused. I didn't know what was going to happen."

"Yeah, me too. I mean it doesn't give Ron the right to be a bully but, I get it. Being scared can make you mean."

Rick smiled genuinely impressed with how emotionally intelligent his child was and continued listening.

"Now Ms. Jessie and maybe his dad can help him be better?" Carl nodded a bit unconvinced but somewhat optimistic.

"And if he's not then you can shove him on the ground again." Hershel added so the boys laughed. Rick held back his snicker not wanting to encourage the behavior but allowed them their joke.

"We probably won't be friends, but we can be around each other. It'll make it easier for you Dad. I mean if you still need me to."

Rick shook his head. "Naw, I won't force you to-"

"Dad… it's okay. Sam asked me at school if I was still going to the zoo with them."

Rick breathed unsure where to go from there. Knowing it was rude to leave Jessie hanging, he responded to her text guiltily. Relaying he'd have to think about the previously scheduled outing then get back to her with an answer.

The tension between the children had become an easy buffer useful to not dive as deeply in as his girlfriend asked for. But Rick had to admit he once hoped for a smooth transition into blending families. When it wasn't easy, he convinced himself it was common. Something they'd eventually overcome, and others would commend them for their gallant efforts.

But his perspective of course rapidly changed with recent chance encounters. Ones that didn't allow the soft cushion excuse for a landing any longer. An unexpected example of how familial the connection could be countered his old justifications. Yet the balancing act was precarious. Especially while leaning in a direction that could spell disaster for all involved. A peril that the woman Rick was coming to realize he increasingly coveted may not welcome with her husband's scandal still looming.

Now, Rick was flummoxed that Carl would continue to sacrifice for his happiness when it should be the other way around. Particularly when he himself was uncertain where things would and should lead. On one hand, he could keep up appearances until figuring out how to navigate the situation. But on the other hand, it could confuse Carl and Sam for that matter.

But for right now, Rick ignored the issue at hand ready to revel in comfortable ease. The overall innocence of their current destination shouldn't be confusing for the children involved. His fixation charted the course, relieved it was even possible before he pulled into a parking space.

"Where are we going?" The boys glanced out the windows excitedly. Carl thankfully put a pin in the prior conversation while scrambling to unfasten his safety belt.

"You two will see in a minute." Rick chuckled a bit giddy himself before they climbed out of the vehicle and started down the sidewalk towards the large picture windows. The bell rang when he opened the front door and the trio walked in.

"Rick Grimes is here!" was bellowed out and the man proudly stepped forward to shake hands with Tyreese, the announcer, only to be pulled in for a manly hug. Rick's wrists smarted from the impact, but he kept it from his face. The lightened bruises from the handcuffs being the reason he hadn't rolled his long sleeves up today.

Rick pivoted, focusing on Hershel's confused face while Carl gleamed at his father being welcomed in such an impressive fashion. But the surprises didn't stop there.

"Carl!? Hershel!?"

"Andre!?" The just arriving boys yelled back at their friend who sat in a lifted chair a few paces back.

All the while, Rick caught the brown eyes coyly sparkling at him with delight from behind the chair. A light blue pair of distressed 'dad' jeans still couldn't disguise her figure but then Rick noticed her top. He thought he was mistaken but it looked very familiar, and he grinned to himself.

He was eager to make his way to her but knew he needed to contain himself. Act as naturally as he could with watchful eyes and listening ears around. But he couldn't help the boyish grin and the reddening that crept over his skin taking in her beauty. It threatened to get out of control when thoughts of them at his home came to mind. Rick wondered if it was the same for her, but her coquettish blush instantly gave her away- to hopefully only him.

Michonne shyly smiled, stopping her work to allow her son to leap down from his seat and hustle over to his friends. They playfully shoved one another in lieu of hugs while chuckling, happy to see each other.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"We didn't know we were coming. My dad surprised us!" Carl exclaimed before his newest best friend skipped over to greet his father.

"You boys wanted to hangout again outside of school, didn't you?" Rick smiled down at Andre before the boy wrapped his arms around him squeezing tight.

"I would rub your hair, but I don't want to mess it up." he smirked down at the light brown skinned boy pleased that he was still so easily accepted by him.

"It's okay, my mom isn't done yet. And she can fix anything."

"She can. Your mom fixed my dad's hair before." Carl smiled having jogged over to hug Michonne tightly and she returned it. Hershel was next for an embrace.

"Who are these young men?" Tyreese inquired.

"Ty, this is my boy Carl and his friend Hershel. Boys, this is Mr. Tyreese, and this is his barbershop."

The boys each fist bumped the large jovial man. "Welcome fellas. You all getting cuts today?"

Carl troubled his lip and glanced at Michonne. "Well, I'm supposed to be growing my hair out… I'm not sure."

"Oh… well you can always get it shaped up." Tyreese advised.

Carl shook his head, accepting the idea. "Ms. Michonne will you shape me up after you're done with Andre?"

"Of course. Especially since it was my vision." she snickered.

"Wait, what are the rest of us? Chop liver?" T-Dog interrupted standing with his palms facing up.

"Man, they just gonna act like we don't exist." Oscar added while shaking his head in faux despair.

"Right, sorry. Carl. Hershel-" Rick started but T-Dog good-humoredly cut him off.

"Naw, you had your chance. Why don't you introduce us to your friends Andre?"

Rick, Michonne and Ty chuckled at the theatrics, but Andre waved the boys over, walking them to each barber to say hello. They chatted and made little jokes for the boy's amusement, granting Rick the opportunity to finally strut over to Michonne. He stood before her, them both staring longingly, yearning to touch in some sort of way that would be permissible with their audience. But Rick was beyond care when around her and he leaned into place the most chaste kiss he could muster against her delicate cheek.

"Where's my kiss?" Noah mischievously batted his eyelashes and the shop burst out into belly aching laughter.

Carl and Andre shared a sly look before the latter skipped over to climb back into his vacated seat.

"Is my mom cutting your hair Mr. Rick?" Andre cleverly smiled.

"She is."

"Good. My mom was almost finished with mine then she can take care of Carl fast. Then it'll be your turn."

"What about me? Am I getting a haircut too?" Hershel squinted feeling left out.

"Your parents said you could." Rick informed him.

"Then I can take care of your cut." Tyreese volunteered, making the boy grin before he hopped over to the front station.

Music played, the flat screen television showed sports and the usual chatter of the lively shop reemerged. Rick and Carl stood nearby, watching with fascination at Michonne's skills on display. She maneuvered around Andre like a jouster. Her movements were fluid and precise delivering perfection on her son's hair.

Rick knew what it felt like to have her working on him but witnessing it was different. It was as if observing an artist with their canvas. The attention to detail and care necessary to elevate a task someone may view as mundane maintenance. Rick beamed at his son who mimicked Michonne's hand gestures with excitement until she began to dust her son's shoulders clean.

Andre looked in the mirror content with his refreshed look. The bigger he became, the more he appreciated having a mom that could help him look his best. He knew it would come in handy when he got even older.

"Thanks Mom."

"You're welcome."

Michonne watched Andre jump down before Carl eagerly climbed into the vacated seat. The fact that the boys didn't wait for her to lower the chair made their parents snicker. But Rick decided to give Michonne some space, if he stood this close while being continuously enamored by her, he didn't know what he might do. His eyes connecting with hers briefly before he took Andre by the shoulders over to sit in the small waiting area. This would be a great opportunity to get to know Michonne's son better.

"I'm glad I decided to come to work with my mom today. My dad's office would have been boring."

Rick wasn't fond of the man, but he'd not speak ill of him to his child. "I'm sure your dad would've found something fun for you to do together. Maybe a cool lunch or something."

"Maybe." Andre shrugged skeptically. "I remember when we used to do fun things with my mom. Like go to the museum or art galleries when I was a kid."

"You're still a kid. But I get what you mean." Rick lightly chuckled before noticing the ruminative look on Andre's face.

"I guess you aren't into that sort of thing." He slightly frowned.

"Why would you think that?"

"Carl told me you're a construction guy."

"I am. But you must be fairly creative to build. That is, if you want it to look good. I'm not as good as others at the nicer things but, I try."

There was a moment of silence in their conversation that was filled with the buzzing of clippers hard at work on clients' heads. But Rick could sense that the young boy beside him wanted to divulge more.

"It's just that I don't want to disappoint my dad. He wants me to be an athlete or something, but maybe I want to be an engineer or work in tech. He doesn't really get me or what I like..."

The next part was mumbled, making it even more heartbreaking to take in. "He'd have to be around for that."

Rick angled himself towards Andre, responsively concerned by this disclosure. He was unaware of the length of Mike's absences but understood the effect any could have, especially if unexplained.

Andre chewed his lip pensively, in the same manner as his mother letting Rick know to wait while he formulated his thoughts. He gently placed a hand on the boy's shoulder to provide comfort and support.

"It feels like when my dad takes a break from my mom, he does the same with me. Like he doesn't like me the way I am."

"I'm sure that's not true."

Andre's eyes grew glassy, and he dropped his head. "But that's what it feels like."

Rick exhaled deeply while formulating a response that wouldn't discard Andre's disclosed feelings.

"I know that hurts a lot. Sometimes adults get all their emotions wrapped up together."

"Really? Carl told me you never stopped being with him. You even went to court to fight for him."

"I did. Maybe, because it was easier for me to keep my feelings separate. But it took me some time to not be so sad about things between Carl's mom and me. Your dad might just need to learn that. But can I let you in on a secret?"

Andre nodded enthusiastically and the pair leaned towards one another to hear Rick's whisper.

"You remember playing make believe when you were… a kid?"

Andre grinned bringing a brightness back to his face. "Yeah."

"Well, adults, we are still playing make believe some of the time. We don't always have the answers. We learn and grow just like children do. Hopefully, we do things better than our parents did before us."

Rick shrugged. "But we are always learning. We should always be learning. I realized I had to be happy not for just me, but for Carl too. Sometimes, we even need our kids to show us a better way."

A smile began to bloom on Andre's little face, his eyes shining in consideration. "Really?"

Rick nodded. "Yep."

"And an unfortunate truth is that… we all don't learn or get it at the same time. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for what you want. What you need. Even if it's not from the person you really want it from."

"Is it okay if I get it from someone else besides my dad?"

"Sure."

Andre reflected once again. "From… you?"

Rick was a bit stunned, but he beamed a smile. "You can always call on me. Whenever you need me."

Andre smiled thoughtfully. "Is it okay for my mom too?"

Nervous about how to properly respond to the question that sounded as though he were being asked his intentions, Rick's cheeks reddened. He needed to provide a natural and neutral answer.

"Of course. I like your mother very much. She's not only my barber but my… friend."

"I'm glad." Andre smiled displaying his bright, white teeth.

An anxious pivot in the conversation was necessary to get Rick out of the hot seat. School seemed like an easier subject.

"You're in the showcase at school. Does your part have something to do with art?"

"Well, yeah. Theater is art performed live."

Rick nodded at the simple but perfect description.

"You know what I just realized… Architects are artists and engineers at the same time."

Andre smiled up at Rick with a new appreciation but also as though a weight was lifted from him. "That sounds like a good way to do two things I really like at once. Thanks, Mr. Rick."

The adult was unsure what insight he'd provided but he was happy to see the warm smile returned to the boy's face while bonding. "You're welcome."

Just then Tyreese turned off his clippers and dusted Hershel clean of the fallen hair. The boy bounced down and over to the mirror clearly excited about his cut.

"You like it?"

"Yes!" he shouted at the way Tyreese turned his round cut to a slightly layered look in the front.

"Andre, look at my hair man!"

"It looks so cool! You should definitely keep this for middle school."

The boys both nodded before skipping off to the back of the shop. Michonne was still working on Carl's haircut, but Rick remembered he'd left something in his car.

"I'll be right back."

He stepped out jubilant about how the day was going. The sun beaming picturesquely added to the experience of peaceful simplicity. Rick seized the item from his glove box, grinning all while anxiety about how the gift would be perceived when presented to Michonne.

He was just about to begin walking back to the shop when he felt a tap on his back. His jovial mood had him unaware of his surroundings and he temporarily froze. He'd been pretending that this situation was normal and uncomplicated, but a tap had him preparing for the worst.

His system jolted him until he spun around and luckily for him it was a welcomed face. Sasha smirked at the contents of his hand then at his face before crossing her arms over her chest, making Rick swallow nervously.

"Cold turkey, my ass." she chuckled baffling him.

"You already started with chocolates. You do know the next step is usually flowers or a card."

Rick opened his mouth trying to figure out what he could say to convince Michonne's best friend of his pure and genuine intentions without giving away his ever-developing feelings. Once he came to terms with what they were and decided how to move forward, that should be discussed with Michonne first and foremost. Just to see if she was willing to take the chance on them. But he felt he needed to explain right now.

"I- I want you to know that I really care for Michonne. My feelings may be headed towards…" he paused self-consciously causing Sasha to raise an awestruck eyebrow.

"And I didn't intend to start this thing with her once we knew our circumstances, but it's caught us both off guard."

"Wait. This thing? Like continuous?" Sasha tried to unsuccessfully hide her amused and perhaps approving smirk.

Rick knew then that he'd let the cat out the bag as he watched the woman start down the street towards her family business.

He jogged to catch up with her, his forehead beginning to bead with sweat that wasn't produced by the hot Georgia sun. "I shouldn't have said anything. I thought you knew. Figured you knew."

"Oh, I knew Rick. Michonne just didn't know I knew." Sasha's eyes sparkled impishly as they approached her family business. Through the glass panes, they could see the three kids chatting excitedly with Michonne. Recognition of the full scope of current events made the petite woman grin all the more.

"That's your son." It wasn't a question, but Rick nodded confirmation.

"Yeah, I knew you weren't moving on." Sasha mumbled before turning to squint intimidatingly up at Rick. "If you hurt her, I'll hunt you down and hit you with the fire engine. Andre is the only reason I didn't with Mike so keep that in mind."

Rick wanted to be offended instead he was thankful, yet another friend had Michonne's back. He gazed yearningly at the beauty that laughed with the boys inside. "Hurting her is the last thing, I'll ever want to do."

Rick drew his eyes away, realizing the look should've been concise because a now astounded Sasha observing him. "Oh, you are down bad."

Rick sheepishly nodded, shaking the long, thin box in his hand tensely. Through the windows, they could see the boys having a good time, but Hershel bounced around a little more than necessary in a business that required the workers to have steady hands.

"Give it to her once the kids aren't around."

Sasha advised then entered the shop to be welcomed by all. Rick followed her after slipping the box in his back pocket. Andre ran over hugging his play aunt tightly then introduced his friends to her because she always avoided coming over when he had his playdates and sleepovers. But Hershel went back to bouncing around the shop making the barbers nervy.

"I'm up next, Michonne?" is what Sasha asked while devilishly smiling, but her eyes conveyed an unsaid message to her bestie.

'I knew you two couldn't stop. And we will talk about this.'

Is what Michonne telepathically heard so she bit her lip to hold back her roguish giggle. But Andre, not understanding the exchange interrupted.

"No, Auntie. Rick Grimes is next!"

Making the man reddened from embarrassment, the kids were now in on the act.

"Is that right? How did I get skipped?"

Michonne snarky shrugged. "There's usually a fire."

The shop inhabitants all laughed heartily. Sasha even giggled knowing that it was the normal reason she'd no-show for her appointments. She couldn't even be upset but the little boy hopping around touching things caught her attention.

"Hershel." Sasha called the boy over and he skidded to a stop in front of her. "It's usually recess at school right now?"

"I guess so."

"You have a lot of energy to be trapped in this barbershop. How about while I wait for my turn, I take you boys to get snacks then we swing by the nearby park?"

"That would be awesome!" the other two boys hustled over excitedly.

"I'm so glad I came with you to work, Mom. I would've been sitting in a boring office with Dad all day." Andre added, making his mother chortle, glad he was enjoying the surprise. But she didn't want her friend to feel obligated.

"Sasha, are you sure?"

"Just hurry up cutting Mr. Blue Eyes and Bowlegs' hair."

Rick and Michonne snickered but she knew Sasha would undoubtedly have 'I told you so's' ready for their eventual conversation. There was no use in trying to deny this situation to the one person who knew. This go around Michonne would be more forthcoming because she honestly needed someone to talk her emerging feelings over without judgment.

"My little sister is going to the park with not one but three kids. Wait, until I tell Momma about this." Tyreese snickered making Sasha throw daggers at him.

"Don't waste your time, getting her hopes up. This isn't something I'll be getting used to." Sasha stuck her tongue out and gathered the boys.

The barbers sighed in relief watching the children depart with Sasha, now they could get back to their clients without fear of messing up a style. But Rick couldn't help the longing to be within one of the barbers' skillful grasps. The look on Michonne's face showed that she was eagerly anticipating it as well. Once he stood before her, it was as if the other occupants fell away. The heat between them searing an aura of want to that they barely contained.

"You were right to make an appointment, you did need a cut…" Michonne comfortably slipped her fingers all the way through Rick's curls until she reached the ends. "…even though, I love your long hair."

When she tugged gently, Rick had to stifle a moan, but his eyes briefly closed. When they opened, a deeper shade of concentrated blue sent shivers to Michonne's core. He fumbled in his back pocket to retrieve the box presenting it to her and whispering.

"I got you something. It's-"

"Nothing." They both chortled at her completing his sentence.

"You can open it later. I just hope you like it."

Rick's bashfulness was cute only adding to the warm feeling growing in Michonne's belly. She accepted the box, noticing the dull bruise on his wrist partially covered by his long sleeve. She salaciously looked at him feeling the temperature rise once again. She could tell Rick wanted to touch her in return but even with the shop not as full, they still needed to be cautious. And the point was proven when Tyreese snuck a look at their not so hidden affections before he turned to his new client.

Michonne slipped her gift into her bag, excited to find out its contents later and headed for the back room. It of course prompted Rick to follow to the private area.

"I didn't pay for the works, just a cut and style."

"Oh, I know."

Her usual bashfulness melted away during their last hedonistic encounter. Michonne relished the sexual spontaneity that had Rick appeasingly awaiting her advance. She sultrily moved in close but left a sliver of space between their bodies now that the door was closed.

Entrancing Rick, her brown eyes aflame while softly whispering. "I just wanted to be alone with you."

Releasing her inhibitions without judgment was an additional component the handsome man before her solicited. His manly confidence unquestioned whether providing her pleasure by his means or through her long-held fantasy.

It emboldened Michonne's actions and made Rick's chest heave. His wherewithal nearly crumbled when her hand rose up his thigh to his crotch. Not the grasping, his manhood suddenly pled for but a teasing graze. His lungs faltered as he forgot to breathe.

Holding back was excruciating, yet Rick did so pleased when Michonne was the aggressor. While denying the due course they were clearly on from the moment they met, he'd felt his overwhelming desire for her was unmatched. But these recent dalliances assured that she was just as overcome by him as he was by her.

Then a small nagging of whether he was just an outlet for her suppressed sexuality crept up but was quickly dashed away. Who would or could find fault in being the object of this sexy woman's affections. Rick would relish in the here and now. Therefore, he waited as patiently as he could muster for her next move. The barbershop contained customers and the backroom was not the location he'd had in mind for the things he wanted to do to her. He'd let her lead this charge.

Michonne raised to her toes, her hand pressing against Rick's chest only allowing him to lean in slightly. Her wet tongue slowly emerged to run across his full bottom lip. His breath forced its way out as he lost a bit of control. His mouth chased her tongue missing it, but he slurped at her lips. His restraint was being tested, and he was failing. His strong hands grabbed at her waist pulling her pelvis flush with his. He needed her to feel her throbbing effect on him.

Michonne nearly caved but she knew if she gave the okay they'd be fucking right here in the backroom. She tipped back to keep the distance of their upper bodies, but Rick persisted. Sucking at her lips until she shyly returned with soft smooches. Her breaths grew heavy while she gripped a bit of his shirt tightly in her hand.

"We can't." she whispered, countering her growing voracity.

Rick kissed her again and again. "I know."

Admitting this hadn't stopped the pair. Michonne teased with her kisses until Rick couldn't take it anymore. He held her hips spinning them around. His aim was to pin her against the door. She'd be at his whim, her plump lips easily accessible when she couldn't pivot away.

Before they could make contact with the door, his theory was proven correct. Michonne now pulled at his shirt, yanking him to her. Her tongue delving into his mouth and Rick hungrily sucked at it. With him in control, his hands dipped to the swell of her ass squeezing, ready to lift her from the ground.

That is until the impact of their bodies crashed against the door. The contact sounded, rattling the frame. Mid-kiss the couple paused. Their eyes opening wide from thrill and nervousness. They'd gotten out of control and the shop occupants probably heard the noise above the shop chatter. Michonne covered her mouth coquettishly to stifle her laughter. Rick chuckled too but didn't let her go, watching her eyes drop to his mouth.

"The color of your lips will be a dead giveaway."

Rick touched his kiss swollen mouth to feel the difference before Michonne continued.

"You'll need to do something with that." She pushed him back a little and motioned to the ever-present bulge in his jeans. She tittered reluctantly sliding out of his grasp.

Rick watched her smoothing her clothing and it reminded him of his hunch from earlier.

"Is that my T-shirt?"

"You gave it to me. So, it's mine now." She shrugged cheekily.

The fact that she was wearing the shirt he'd lent her in order for her not to have to return home in red bondage lingerie made him warm.

"Should I assume that goes for the sweats too?"

With a raised eyebrow, Michonne struggled to keep her face neutral. "You mean my sweats."

And with that declaration, she walked out leaving Rick to snicker at her playfulness. It helped a bit with the tent pitched in his pants. But he still needed to take cooling breaths in an attempt to calm himself down.

He knew something that would do the trick even though he didn't want to admit it. Because doing so meant an examination on two fronts. Guilt being one but attraction being the other. Time was wasting & him remaining in the back would only raise suspicions further.

Rick closed his eyes and called upon hazel ones until they appeared. The blood instantly pumped back through his body and away from his member. He shook his leg out, ignoring that thoughts of his girlfriend resulted in the opposite effect on his body.

For now, he just needed to focus on surviving the upcoming haircut. Michonne would be so close. Running her fingers through his hair, no doubt pressing her body against his on purpose continuing the cat and mouse game. Stifling his moans of pleasure would prove most difficult. Rick wasn't sure how he'd survive this and with a deep exhale he walked out heading straight for Michonne's waiting chair.

"Sasha just text me, she's on the way back with the kids."

"I can't believe she kept them this long." Michonne smirked with wonder as to whether it was purely for her benefit or if her friend was actually enjoying herself at the park.

"Me neither." Tyreese smiled no doubt wondering the same thing.

Rick lounged in the waiting area while Michonne took care of a walk-in. The plan was to depart once the children returned. In the meantime, he basked in the fact he could casually be around the woman of his desires openly. But now he asked a little worried. "Sasha doesn't like kids?"

"Kids love my sister much to her chagrin is more like it." Ty laughed amusedly while sitting in his chair.

Rick glanced out the window anxiously. "Maybe I should meet her halfway. I really shouldn't have burdened her with two extra boys."

"Since my little sister was born, she's been a boss. The boss of me most times." Ty snickered. "Believe me, she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to. But if you want, I can point you the right way."

The men stood and exited the shop. Rick waited for Ty to provide directions, but he could now see that he had something else in mind when he'd taken him outside. It was the other siblings' turn to have a chat with him.

Tyreese stood taller, barreling his chest letting Rick know he meant business before he began.

"Look, I'm not gonna bring anything up. Y'all are grown. Just whatever this is you can't be bringing more drama into her life. You hear me?"

Rick nodded in the affirmative, not sure what to say in response after he'd already given them away with Sasha.

"Was it a DUI?"

Rick was truly perplexed by the pivot from what he assumed the conversation to be, to what the man before him stated.

"Huh?"

"Knew a guy that used to get in trouble often. We could always tell when he'd been caught. And not just because we didn't see him for weeks or months. Even if it was for something small, I could tell."

Rick was still very confused as to where this story was headed but he continued to listen.

"You're rubbing your wrists because they're sore."

Rick looked awkwardly to the sky now understanding how the conclusion was reached.

"Look, getting locked up for something like drinking and driving is stupid."

"I wasn't drinking and driving." Rick was somewhat wounded, but he couldn't very well push the case because he needed the direction of this questioning to cease.

"Then how'd you end up in cuffs?"

Rick chewed his lip and his eyes returned to the sky. Choosing to possibly go blind from the sun's rays seemed the better option than to disclose just how he'd gotten the bruises. But from his peripheral vision, he could tell Tyreese was piecing together that it was from sex play.

For an instant, a congratulatory grin at a fellow man partaking in salacious acts arose. But the corners of his mouth dropped just as rapidly into a frown, understanding how far the circumstances had progressed between Rick and Michonne. It wasn't something he'd wanted to know about the woman who was like a sister to him.

"I don't wanna know." Tyreese stated firmly and Rick opened his mouth attempting a rebuttal.

"I. Don't. Want. To. Know."

Rick raised his hands in surrender then after second thought, dropped them down and behind his back when his wrists showed.

Luckily for both men, Sasha and the boys rounded the corner. The tikes jogging happily down the street with the woman trailing them, a smile on her face.

The boys arrived first, glee on their little faces.

"We had so much fun!" Andre announced.

"Ms. Sasha is so cool Dad!"

"Is she?"

"Yes!" Hershel smiled and even went to hug the woman again surprising the men and her alike.

"Glad y'all had a good time but I should be getting Hershel home."

"Awww!" The best friends bemoaned in chorus making the adults chortle.

"I know, I know. Go ahead inside and carefully say goodbye to Ms. Michonne and everyone else."

"Okay."

They watched the boys scurry inside alerting the working barbers with their returned exuberant presence.

"What are you two doing outside? Worried I'd left the boys behind?" Sasha cackled knowingly.

Ty laughed. "That's exactly what he thought."

Rick amusedly sighed, not needing to be in more awkward situations with these siblings. "I just figured you had something different in mind on your day off is all."

"I did, but this turned out to be pretty fun. Might even be open to doing it again, who knows."

Tyreese's eyes widened with astonishment, making his sister laugh.

"Thank you." Rick offered to the woman, knowing she understood his double meaning then they all walked inside.

An anxiety mounted as to how he could depart from Michonne without so much as a kiss or touch troubled him. It was something he'd been used to doing once but now that they were intimate, it felt woefully insufficient. Michonne looked to be contemplating the same thing as he neared her.

The boys moved to the front door seemingly understanding the adults' need for space. A current ran between them hopefully relaying how each felt but couldn't say aloud in this environment. Then Rick thought of a clever idea and turned to Noah.

"You ready for your kiss?"

The young barber's eyes shot open before he burst out laughing.

"I mean, you did ask for one earlier." Rick head impishly tilted.

The entire shop joined in the hilarity until their sides hurt. While everyone was distracted Rick quickly leaned into Michonne, gently placing a gentle kiss to her cheek much like he did on arrival. He softly whispered. "Thank you for everything today."

Michonne beamed at his cleverness, enjoying how swiftly he'd fit in with her friends and the good-natured ribbing.

"Good one, Rick." T-Dog continued to chuckle, so his gap was displayed.

Oscar stepped forward to dap Rick up after wiping the tears from his eyes. Then Rick proudly went around fist bumping the other men playfully hesitating before Noah and everyone laughed again. The two settled for a hug as they both chortled.

Rick walked to the front hugging Andre as if them embracing was second nature. After, the boy skipped over to hang out with Noah. Carl and Hershel waved again to everyone, and the trio began to blissfully exit the barbershop. Unsure of when he'd see Michonne again, Rick locked eyes with her. They lingered, relaying how much they both rejoiced in a day together before Rick reluctantly broke the connection, departing with the kids.

Michonne sighed serenely having enjoyed the day, but she also knew it wasn't the norm in her life. Seeing Rick at will wasn't an option. He still had a girlfriend, and she had a husband, that she lived with no less. It wasn't something she wanted to dwell on, she thought while heading to the back.

Focusing on the aspect of joy it granted her currently was her only course of action. Michonne searched for supplies she needed to restock before her next customers arrived. But there was a curious tapping at the door. She turned to see Ty peeking his head inside.

"I wanted to put the oil refill back. Is it safe to come in?"

"Ha Ha, Ty. Why wouldn't it be?" she responded jittery.

Tyrese entered doing what he said he would. He hesitated about whether to leave without voicing his concerns but when Michonne stopped to look at him, he took it as his way in.

"Look Mich, you're a grown woman and I don't mean to be in your business… But you and Rick?"

Michonne sighed honestly surprised that Ty was willing to broach the subject. She wavered on whether to answer truthfully or not.

"Remember when I left the shop that day."

He nodded understanding exactly which day she was referring to.

"I did do something… stupid."

"Mich…" Ty breathed a bit staggered, but he loved Michonne, supported and wanted the best for her. "Okay, so now what?"

"I'm still doing something stupid." she nervously admitted. "I don't know if I can stop. He's beguiled me."

"Beguiled? Shit." Tyreese muttered lowly. "You're in deep."

There was a pause while they both contemplated all involved. "Rick does seem like a good guy. But he's still got that girlfriend?"

Michonne chewed her lip and nodded in the affirmative making Tyreese exhale deeply.

"And Mike is finally doing the things I always asked of him. I- I don't know what to do."

"You know, I will support any decision that you make. I've never said this before because I didn't know what direction you'd go in… but honestly- Fuck Mike. He's had too many chances to get his shit together."

Michonne couldn't help but laugh and Tyreese joined her. Once they sobered, Michonne smiled gratefully at the teddy bear of a man before her.

"I've always got your back and so does Sash. And for that matter, so do the rest of the guys. You don't ever have to wonder."

Tears welled in Michonne's eyes before she moved in to tightly hug the man that was like her brother. "Thank you."

"Of course." Ty smiled down at her. "And you gave me a gift today too."

"How?" Michonne raised an eyebrow.

"Sasha enjoying herself at the park with three rambunctious boys, I can't wait to bring it up again."

The pair snickered knowing just how much it would annoy his younger sister. "She's already going to rub it in my face that she knew I couldn't keep away from Rick. So… small gifts."

They chuckled again. "Let's get back to work."