Guest: It really wasn't nothing. I literally flipped a coin to see whether or not Carl survived. I'm really glad he did though despite the mean things he said to his baby mama. Don't be too mad at him. It was fear not cruelty that made him say it. Also Negan's infatuation... We're going to explore that more in later chapters. ;) Thanks for reviewing.

Loveless: I know what he said was cruel, but it was said in fear. Even though it was cold, he wasn't lying. Chenelle could die; the baby could die. He doesn't want that for either of them. Plus Chenelle is getting someone who will always care for her soon (if I'm not cruel).

Cousin Peaches: Let's hope. He was out there a long time, longer than canon-verse so it's possible Rick is too far gone. Maybe Rick can find his way back.

Chapter Fifteen: Tell Him Your Plans

Rick wasn't one to plan for parties, but he would make an exception this Harvest Festival. Deanna channeled her sorrow into expanding Alexandria and the harvest. Rick was glad to see her in better spirits. He gave credit to her strength. Rick believed she was a better person than he was. He was a wreck when his spouse died; he couldn't even imagine the hell he'd go through if Michonne was killed. And thanks to him, she was also without her son. It was thoughts like those that made him attend this meeting. Rick was ready to do right by this community. It was time to plan.

"We should invite everyone to the Harvest Festival." Rick looked at Douglass and Deanna for their reactions.

Douglass looked confused. "Everyone is invited."

"No, I mean Hilltop, the Kingdom... the Saviors."

"..." The silence was awkward.

"...what are you planning Rick?" Rick didn't say a word. Deanna and Douglass exchanged looks. They wanted to know. Everyone had a reason to hate the Saviors. Once they were dead they'd throw a party even larger than the Harvest Festival. "I'm behind you, whatever you do I promise I will back you. They took my wife," Douglass tried to swallow his rage. "So please, let me know what you'll do."

Rick thought about what he said. He had grown to like Douglass and Deanna Monroe. They weren't perfect leaders; the same was true for himself. They had invaluable assets. Douglass kept everything in line. The rations, the jobs, the homes, Douglass regulated everything. Deanna was a brilliant mind; she was well liked and found new ways to better the community. Rick wasn't one for people or meticulous details. He just knew how to survive and keep those he loved alive. Rick loved his community. It was his home; this was where he found his family. Alexandria was where that family grew. The Grimes family was definitely growing. Rick smiled, his grandson would be here by the end of the night. The little one had no idea how lucky he was. His mother was smart; his father was cunning. His grandparents would make sure he'd always be alive and well. Plus, he had sundry "aunts" and "uncles" that would die for him. Rick's inner circle had grown a lot. So he decided to let the Monroes know what was thinking. "For this party, everythang is going to go perfectly. Everyone will enjoy themselves, and everyone will leave. Alive."

"Everyone?"

"Everyone. They won't be dumb enough to let their guard down during the party. They'll be armed, they might even outnumber us. But it's not about that. We need them to think we're compliant; and, for another couple of months we will be. But then that's when it'll happen." Rick opted for the truth. He would need their help. "We're going to poison their food supply, all of it. Then we'll have an army take out those that fought it off. Every Savior will die."

"...how?" Deanna asked

"Pesticides."

Douglass thought about it. A cruel grin broke his face. "Yes... Yes! We'll kill them like the vermin they are."

"Rick, that sounds dangerous. What if the other communities don't comply? And won't it be harmful for those applying it to the crops?" Deanna opted for organic fields for a reason.

"We'll find a way to make it work. I think between y'all, the doctors of Grady, Eugene, Daryl, and Maggie we'd find a way to make it work."

"I think we should include Maggie in more than just this discussion. She has amazing potential and leadership qualities."

Rick nodded. "I agree. She's a very passionate person, very headstrong and a good friend." Perhaps Deanna could help Maggie. Occasionally Maggie was so sickened from grief she'd hurt herself. They assumed the pain came from mental anguish since it only came after she would cry. Deanna pulled through since the death of her spouse, he wanted the same for Maggie. "You should ask her."

"I will." Deanna stared at Rick for a little before letting out a soft laugh.

"What?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing profound. It's just... We're in a good place. We are in a really good place right now. I couldn't have imagined that after you took over Alexandria that we'd actually be sitting, discussing, listening, and running this place together. There's never black and white is there?"

Rick was silent. He wasn't sure how to respond. He decided to go back to business. "Uh, from what Sasha told me, Hilltop is actually run by a crazy man who calls himself Jesus. His real name is Paul Rovia. HillTop's leader Gregory is just a figurehead. We need to speak with him, test his loyalty to the Saviors."

"Rovia? Do you think he's French or Hispanic? Rosita, Officer LiCari, and the girl with the dog speaks Spanish, right? Deanna can speak French."

Deanna nodded. "I've been reading a few books on diplomacy in the Middle Ages. I think that would be the best way to speak with King Ezekiel."

Rick laughed. Thinking about the knights and monarchy at the Kingdom never failed to amuse him. He stayed at the meeting little while longer to listen to other Alexandrian business. Rick realized how disinterested he was in politics. Perhaps this was why he was a deputy and never dreamed of running for sheriff. Rick decided he would meet with the leaders of the surrounding towns in a month. Although speaking with them was important, this month was going to be spent with his family. Rick looked at his watch. Maybe it was time for him to head to the infirmary. He walked home thinking about a milestone he was about to hit. Grandparent... Rick never put any thought into it before Carl told him it was about to happen. Rick was disappointed and denied it was true at first. He didn't know Chenelle, but knew she was smart. If anyone could trick his son, it would be her. He was even more skeptical when Carl told them he used a condom. Michonne was also pissed. She fussed at Carl for his irresponsibility. She was already shaken from his rampage against the Saviors; finding out that he was weeks away from being a father put her over the edge. However, when Carl explained everything, they began to understand his confusion and hesitation when it came to Chenelle's pregnancy. They realized Carl still had issues from his sexual assault that needed to be addressed. The fact that Carl was too petrified to ask Chenelle if the rumors of Dr. Anderson was true made Rick want to revive and slaughter the Claimers again. If he could do it over again, he would give that pedophile the death of Jeffrey. This is why he hated rapists and molesters. Even after the assault, the damage lasts and reoccurs. Rick was frustrated; he didn't know what to do. What else could he do to help Carl? What else could he do to help Tara? He'd killed their attackers, but they were still hurting.

Rick tried not to focus on the negative. There was so much to be angry about (Carl becoming a teenage dad, Chenelle keeping this from them for months), but at the end of the day he was gaining a new member of the family. Rick could get it right this time. He could be around more, see the things he'd missed with Judith and in many ways Carl. This child didn't have to see devastation and hunger. This baby would be a symbol of everything right in this world. Rick admitted that he felt disenfranchised that Carl sired a child in one act while countless moments with Michonne weren't fruitful. Rick sighed. He wanted children with Michonne; even knowing he was going to be a grandfather, he still wanted children with Michonne. Unfortunately, Michonne didn't want any more children.

'His name was Andre,' he remembered. Rick would have loved her boy, Andre. He would have loved Andre with the same fervor he had for his other children. Rick wondered how Andre died. He would bet his life it wasn't on Michonne's watch. Maybe it was natural causes or an illness. Rick still didn't know much about Andre. They somewhat talked about him when Rosita gave birth to her sons. She mentioned him again when Carl was missing. He promised her that she'd never have to feel the pain of a child's death, but they got really close with Carl. Like his feelings with Carl and Tara, Rick felt helpless when it came to Michonne's hurt. It felt shallow to try to relate to her. Carl and Judith were alive. Andre was dead.

Rick wasn't surprised when Michonne told him she had a son. It was obvious because of her initial apprehension with Judith combined with her uncanny parenting skills when she eventually helped with her. He tried to keep the conversation going, but could tell it had taken a lot from her just to tell him what she did. Although Rick had many questions, he wouldn't ask her. There were many opportunities they could have discussed Andre. They never did. Honestly, there were many things he and Michonne didn't address. This lack of transparency didn't concern him; in his opinion his relationship with Michonne was great. It improved steadily as time went by. He wanted to know about Andre, but he also didn't want to rock the boat.

Rick walked up the porch and unlocked the door to their new home. They'd upgraded for their expanding family. The children had their own rooms. There was a room for baby Grimes and his mother; there was even enough space for guests. It was surreal living there. Rick could never afford such a place before the turn. As soon as he opened the door he heard footsteps racing towards him.

"Daddy! You back!"

Rick bent down and picked Judith up. He supported her with both arms. She seemed to ignore his missing hand, but Rick knew that was Michonne's influence. "Hey Judy. I missed you."

"I been too busy to miss you, daddy." Rick was tickled. Whoever befriended Judith in the future would need thick skin. "Mommy made me clean for da baby. It was hard." Judith snuggled on Rick's chest. "I don want a baby, daddy. I wanna be da baby."

"You're my baby. You'll always be my baby girl." He kissed Judith's forehead.

"I love you, daddy."

Those were words Rick would never tire of hearing. Regardless of the trouble brewing, their love made everything right in the world. This was what he lived for. "I love you too, Judy."

Michonne looked over the edge of the stairs. "Hey."

Rick looked up at her. There was the other woman he lived for. Michonne was dressed simply, t-shirt and jeans; however, he couldn't stop the possessive smirk. "Hey." Maybe he would join her upstairs. "Judith told me y'all've had a busy day."

"Yeah, we finished the rooms. Daryl found a rocking chair. I'm thinking we can go out of state to a Babies-R-Us, get him other things. ...I honestly have no idea what I'm doing. Andre was planned, but this...?"

"Mommy, who's Andre?"

Michonne gave Judith a sad smile. "I'll tell you later baby." She turned to go to her room. "We should wash up before we go. Carl's already there."

"How long does da baby take to come out?"

"It takes a long time. Would you like to go to Tara and Maggie's?"

"No. Not til Unca Genn come back."

"..." Michonne and Rick looked at each other. They already told Judith that Glenn died. They wondered why Judith didn't understand. Did she need to see death to believe it? "I think I'll stay with Judith. We'll need to talk. Come for us when he gets here okay?"

Rick nodded. It made sense. Before the Saviors arrived, Judith would be babysat by Tyreese and Yolanda. Tyreese was gone and Yolanda was still mourning Noah. Rick thought it was too cruel to ask Yolanda to watch Judith when he couldn't bring her son back. They would also ask Glenn and Maggie to babysit; but, Glenn was gone and Maggie was hurt. Daryl and Sasha had gone on a hunt. There were scores of people who'd love to babysit Judith, but the ones they allowed were limited.

Rick washed up and knocked on Judith's door. Michonne opened it with Judith's hand in hers. Michonne gave Rick a small smile. When he returned their lives would be different. "See you later."

Rick cupped Michonne's face and gave her a soft kiss. Michonne felt the familiar warmth shower her. "I love you," Rick said.

Michonne kissed the palm of his hand, "I know."

"Good." Rick gave her a mischievous grin. "See you later, grandma."

"Okay, yeah it's definitely time for you to go. The audacity! You're the one with the gray hair, not me."

"You're makin' it seem like I'm a dirty old man."

"..."

Rick grinned. "Michonne."

Judith was confused. "Mommy, daddy's not dirty. He just had a bath."

Rick laughed. He loved his girls. Michonne smiled at that too. She picked Judith up and turned to Rick. "Still old though," she responded childishly and closed the door.

Rick debated opening it and prolonging their little banter. He decided to join his son. "See you later, Judy."

"Bye!" She replied.

Rick headed out the door and walked to the infirmary. His neighbors waved. Several people walked up. Some had petty complaints. Others gave him congratulations on his newest addition. The most memorable was Abraham who told Rick to tell Carl he was entering a life of literal and figurative shit. Rick shook his head. Had he known about Chenelle's pregnancy, he would have asked Abraham and Rosita to prepare them. They had twin boys. Carl could watch Chris and Chenelle could watch Dominick. Carl had helped with Judith, maybe Chenelle did too; but they'd soon discover the fundamental differences between baby boys and baby girls. Rick and Michonne would help them though. It wasn't just Carl's baby. The family was having a baby. Rick took a deep breath and walked into the infirmary. "Let's have a baby."

Many people wanted to see this child be born. Grady had to put a cap on those allowed inside. Chenelle elected Jessie and Sam to stay. Carl and Rick as biological father and grandfather were there. If Michonne were there, she would have noticed how this birth followed traditional patterns. The males were waiting outside. Jessie and the doctors were in the birthing room with Chenelle. There were no drugs to help her thanks to the Saviors. Carl was pale. The last time he'd witnessed a birth it was tragic. The more he heard Chenelle moan in pain and cry, the worse he felt. Rick put his arm around Carl. "She'll be fine. She has doctors. She's young. She's healthy. They'll be fine."

Sam was also scared. He didn't know birthing would be like this. An hour into it, he ran home. Rick frowned. He knew Chenelle was close to that family, but he didn't feel comfortable with his grandson being around cowardly people. He'd already learned that lesson leaving Gabriel with his kids. The opinion of cowardice was only reserved to Sam Anderson. Rick listened as Chenelle cursed something in Spanish. Jessie responded with reassurance, in Spanish. Rick was amazed. He'd always seen Jessie as weak, a victim who needed protection. He was beginning to see how capable she could be. She helped Chenelle with the dogs, her pregnancy, and still worked in Alexandria. Now he discovered that she was bilingual. Pete had truly held her from her potential. If Jessie could change, so could everybody in this community. Rick was reassured with the route their lives were going. If that wasn't proof enough, Carl and Rick heard a dainty cry.

After moments that seemed like an eternity, Dr. Stevens walked out of the room. He removed his gloves and turned to the family. "It's a boy, seven pounds, ten ounces."

Rick clapped his hands and tried to hold the elation he felt. Seven pounds, ten ounces, this was good. His grandson was a good birth weight. "How is she?"

"She's fine. Would you like to see them?"

Rick shot up before Carl. The new father was still unsure of what to do, but he followed Dr. Stevens into the birthing room. The nurses were still cleaning from the birth. He saw one carrying a bundle of bloody cloth. He hesitated. There was so much blood, Carl didn't want to look at the bed in fear it was like last time. He hated this. Since when was he so weak? He could hear his son crying. He flashed back to when Judith was born; but it was only temporary. "Carl" Rick brought him out of it. He looked up to see them. Everyone was fine.

Jessie smiled at him. "Congratulations, Carl, he's beautiful. ¡Lo hiciste bien, Chenelle!"

Chenelle was fine. She was sweaty, swollen, and tired, but she wasn't dying. A nurse placed the newborn in Chenelle's arms. Carl's heart raced as he got closer. Chenelle looked Carl in his eyes and smiled. She turned back to her baby; she lifted the bundle to eye level. "Welcome to the world, Miles. Te amo mucho, papito." Miles opened his eyes a little. He blinked before crying again. Tears rolled down her eyes. "Gracias Dios... Thank you, thank you, thank you..."

"Can I-" Carl couldn't seem to get his bearings. She nodded and handed Miles to Carl. Carl took him gingerly. He looked at his son curiously. The baby was very squishy. He knew this was the appearance of a typical newborn. He knew he would grow, change, and fill out his features. Carl would make sure of it. This actually turned out okay. Carl's eyes sparkled. He couldn't believe he had so much love for someone not even an hour old. Miles had skin the color of sugar cookies. He had short wisps of brown hair. Miles took another short break from crying; he opened his surprisingly brown eyes. Carl looked at Chenelle, this was what she was thanking God for. Miles must have had eyes like one of her relatives. Blue or brown eyes, Miles was definitely a Grimes. Carl grinned when he noticed tiny freckles on Miles's rosy cheeks; this was his son. He couldn't wait to read comics with him, play street hockey, teach him to shoot, and watch him eat messy food. "I didn't know babies can have freckles."

"You did." Rick said. He looked down at Miles with the same awe. It was good Chenelle told the truth when she did. One look at Miles and Rick would have known they were kin. Miles looked sleepy. "Carl give Miles to his mother." As much as he wanted to hold his grandson he knew the first day of feeding and skin-to-skin contact was important. Rick locked eyes with Chenelle. "You're family now."

She shook her head. "No, but Miles is. Carl will eventually marry someone else; maybe I will too. Just keep my baby safe. It's all I want. I can let go of the past."

"We will. You know we will. I know we aren't friends anymore, but can we at least never argue in front of him?" Carl remembered the troubles between his parents. He loved them, but that is one thing he wished they'd done differently.

"Yes." Chenelle agreed. "Let Mr. Grimes hold him before you give him to me. ...Let him see his grandson."

Rick was about to decline when Carl placed Miles in his arms. Rick held his grandson and examined him. Miles stopped crying and looked back. Rick felt euphoria rush through him. Miles was making faces, probably getting used to air on his face. Rick found them amusing. Miles was going to learn everything. Rick was happy he was there to help him. He was amazed with the little life he was charged with. Rick realized he wouldn't have had this without Alexandria. He wouldn't have had this without the people in the background he once deemed weak. If it wasn't for the maniac girl with the dog he wouldn't have his third generation. If it wasn't for the abused mother of two who took in that maniac girl, making sure she was healthy and fed, today wouldn't have been possible. If it wasn't for Olivia's rations, the quick thinking of the doctor and nurses with limited supplies, the Monroes who handled the things he couldn't, today wouldn't have been possible. It wasn't just the Grimes who'd gained a baby. Alexandria had a baby.

Rick realized he had been wrong. He assumed Alexandrians were weak sheep that would never learn, They just had to work together. "We'll reinforce the walls. We'll expand the walls. There'll be more. There's got to be more. Everything Deanna was talking about is possible. It's all possible; I see that now.." Rick started crying. Jessie, Chenelle, and Carl also teared up. They were humbled by this titan's tenderness. Emotions were already high. Everyone could feel the love they had for each other. Chenelle felt guilty. She'd almost denied her son this moment. She only did it because she thought she was doing the right thing. Maybe it was like Michonne said, "Anger makes you stupid. Stupid gets you killed." She was no longer angry. "I want to show you the new world, Miles. I want to make it a reality for you." Miles scrunched his nose; he made a small noise and moved his nose again. Rick gave him a kiss before giving him back to his mother. She was going to open her robe so the newborn could rest on her. Somehow, this regulated the newborn's system. Rick smiled and exited for modesty reasons. Carl and Jessie stayed.

Carl touched Miles's cheek. "Don't keep him from me or my family again."

She could hear the hurt in Carl's voice. "Okay."

"...I'm sorry. I didn't mean when-"

Chenelle remembered the hurtful things Carl had said, but decided to let it go. She'd been wrong. He'd been wrong. They needed to move forward. "Carl it's okay. Miles is okay. I'm okay. And we'll be okay. Gabriel is going to meet Miles. He's my father and he's already missed this."

"Okay." He'd have to get Michonne to handle Rick. He'd make it possible though, Chenelle needed this.

"…I'm glad we're talking, but I'm really tired. Will you watch him while I..."

"Yeah."

Chenelle opened her robe and placed Miles on her chest. She wrapped her arms around him and closed her eyes. Carl stood by her to make sure the baby didn't slip. Carl continued to look at his infant. He was in disbelief. The last thing Carl expected was a happy ending. It turned out okay. The baby was fine, the mother was fine. It almost felt like a dream. Things always went wrong. This world was cruel. However, as those inquisitive brown eyes scoped him out Carl knew life wouldn't always bring heartache. "Miles, I like that name." He remembered that the name of the new Spiderman was Miles Morales. He never got to read them. Life was giving him a different adventure. He looked up at Chenelle. He thought about everything that led up to this moment. Although he was happy right now, Carl was a realist. He and the mother of his child were going to clash a lot. He couldn't even imagine what would happen when they both saw other people. Luckily, that would be the distant future. The one girl he was interested in had someone. Plus Enid hadn't spoken to him since finding out he was going to be a father. Carl didn't mind the idea of Chenelle dating and being happy, but he already wasn't keen on the idea of Miles having a father figure that wasn't him. Most concerning, Chenelle was somewhat unstable; he had issues too. Pregnancy was nothing, the real drama was going to begin.

One Week Later...

Michonne woke up with a start. Rick felt her disturbance and jumped up too. He immediately grabbed his gun. He didn't know what startled Michonne, but his instinct was always to protect her. Michonne sat in her spot for a few seconds to catch her breath. She was drenched with sweat. Rick lowered his gun and got back into bed with her. He rubbed her back. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" Michonne didn't respond, still trying to get her bearings. She remembered everything she dreamed. Miles... Her baby was dead. Anxiety filled her. Unable to stop the paranoia on her own, she jumped out of bed and dashed to Carl's room. Michonne opened the door and rushed to the crib.

Miles was sleeping soundly. She reached to touch him, still panicked about her dream. Michonne scooped the little bundle in her arms. She was relieved when he started fighting her hold. The little one didn't like being roused from his sleep. Miles squeezed his eyes shut and hollered as loud as he could. Michonne was content hearing it. He was fine and in her arms. "It's okay sweetie. Mimi's here. Mimi's here."

"Mom?" Carl was groggy and extremely exhausted. Seeing her by his son's crib and his father at the door made him push back his fatigue. Like his father, he grabbed his weapon. "What's going on?"

"Everything's fine. Go back to sleep." Michonne focused on Miles as she spoke.

Carl felt a headache forming. Miles seemed to be twice as loud now that it was the early AMs. "I won't be able to sleep with him crying like this." Carl put his weapon up and held out his arms. "It's okay. I got him. You should go back to sleep."

"..."

"Michonne." Rick called for her. She looked at Rick and started to feel guilty. Everyone was awake and panicked because of her. What was she doing? It was just a dream. She handed the baby to Carl and fled the room. "Michonne." Michonne ignored him and got into the shower. She let the water run down her and tried to forget.

Two Days Later...

Fire was everywhere. She could hear the crackles over the screams of her family and friends. Michonne frantically tried to get to her home. She had to see if her family was alright. Corpses reached for her. "Save me," they begged. "Don't go." Michonne realized it was Noah. "Don't go." The corpse asked as he reached to devour her. Michonne looked Noah in the eyes and cut him down. She had to get to her family. "Don't go," he begged again.

"Mommy, don't go." Michonne looked around. That was Andre. "Mommy, don't go." He wasn't there. There was only fire and zombies.

Michonne ran from him. She went to find her family. She went inside her home which inaccurately was Gabriel's church, the church in Georgia. She opened the doors and cleared the hoard inside. Then she was whacked upside her head. Blood trickled down her face. She looked up to see Negan. Lucille was in one hand. Miles was in the other. He gave her a bright smile. "Nice fucking life, you got here Michonne. I'll be taking it." Michonne screamed. Negan laughed. He used Lucille again, but missed. He kept going after her. Miles screamed, terrified.

"Your grandma's here. Mimi's here." She wanted to console him, but had to concentrate on surviving.

Negan laughed. "If you weren't such a fuckup, Andre would be here and you wouldn't have to play house. You're a shitty mom and grandmother. You should've known Mike couldn't protect Andre. Maybe if you'd watched Carl he wouldn't be an 18 year old father." He eventually whacked her again. She crashed on the ground. Miles cried more.

"Put the baby down."

"No, if you can be "Mimi", I can be Uncle Negan. You hear that you little fuck? I'm Uncle fucking Negan." Negan stomped on her. "Taking it like a fucking champ. You're going to fucking break Michonne. You won't get a happy ending."

"Fine. Put the baby down!"

Negan looked at her inquisitively. "You choose to die?" Instead of killing her with Lucille like she thought he would, Negan grabbed Miles by his ankle. Miles wailed. Michonne got on her knees, bowed, and begged him not to hurt her baby. Negan laughed. "Are you fuckers serious? What an interesting day this is!" Negan slammed the infant onto the ground. Michonne screamed and woke up screaming.

Michonne knew she was awake, but continued screaming. Rick jumped up again and realized Michonne had had another nightmare. He reached for her. "It's okay. Just tell me what it is, I'll fix it."

"The baby! Where's the baby?!"

Michonne started to get up, but Rick grabbed her wrist. Michonne pulled against him. "Michonne, no."

"Let me go. Let go!"

Michonne punched him in the eye. Rick's face whipped to the side. He accidentally let go. Michonne left to get to Miles. Michonne was lost between her subconscious and reality. She had to see if Miles was still here. She didn't expect strong arms to carry her in the opposite direction. Michonne couldn't see who was grabbing her. She struck her assailant. She was tackled to the ground. They wrestled in the dark until she was put into a hold. She found it increasingly harder to breathe. She reached for his face ready to claw his eyes out. That's when she finally heard him. "Calm down, Michonne! It's me, Michonne! It's me! Come back!"

How long had Rick been screaming? Michonne croaked. "Rick?"

Rick loosened his grip, but didn't let go. "You okay, baby?"

"No."

"...Did I hurt you?"

Michonne was amazed. After what she'd just done, his concern was for her. Miles started crying. He must have heard the disturbance. He couldn't have been the only one. What about their children? She couldn't believe she did this again. "You didn't hurt me." She actually fought him. Guilt swallowed her. "I'm sorry. Rick, I'm so sorry."

Rick let go of Michonne. He went to Chenelle's guest room and got Miles. "He's fine Michonne." Michonne got closer to them, but Rick backed up. "No."

"I want to hold him."

"You will, but once we figure out what's causing this." Michonne nodded. She didn't like that Miles was being kept from her, but she understood. She felt bad. This would be another sleepless night for Carl and Chenelle. Rick placed Miles in Chenelle's arms. She wanted to ask about Rick's injuries, but just as she did for the Andersons, she stayed quiet. She'd patch Rick up later. Carl would let it wait until the morning. He knew Michonne would tell him what was wrong. She never kept anything this serious a secret. Rick found Michonne in their restroom.

Michonne found herself in the shower again, after checking on Miles again. She let the water wash her tears away. She tried to convince herself that it was just a dream. She wanted to be happy. Things had been great, overwhelmingly great. It was because of that bliss that Michonne couldn't give into it. Her dream reminded her how fleeting happiness was. Negan was coming. He was coming to take more from them. Michonne didn't give a damn about the material things. There was so much wealth in Alexandria; but, she didn't need it. She'd gone without it before and could do so again. Michonne had so much more to lose. Her family meant everything to her. Unlike the other Grimes, the moment she held Miles, she was filled with panic and dread. She remembered Negan's words.

"Your asshole son, who shot many of my guys..., shot them fucking dead, is returned to you safe and sound. For the past month, I've done nothing to harm him. I made sure he was fucking happy, fucking healthy, and let him fucking live long enough to see his own little asshole be born. Has that little shit been born yet? I really want to see that little fucker."

Negan knew about Miles. He already had Carl for a full month. Why did he want to see Miles? Michonne didn't know why Negan had such an obsession with their family, but she knew she would die before something like that happened again. However her dream proved there were things worse than her death. Negan would ask about Miles. He might even try to take their baby away. Negan was so warped, so evil, that he might decide that if he couldn't have Miles they wouldn't either. He might do this to punish Carl for killing his men. She couldn't bury another child. Michonne gathered herself up and decided to go for a run. It was counterproductive to her shower, but she needed exercise. She needed to be prime for Negan's eventual return.

Rick couldn't return to sleep from worry. Michonne was disturbed about something and he wanted to help. He didn't stand bye when his family needed him. Rick decided to join Michonne on her run. He knocked on Carl's door. "I'm going to go check on Michonne. Can you check on Judith when she comes out?"

Carl tried soothing his son. Bouncing, walking, and talking to him wasn't working. His diaper was dry. Chenelle fed their baby, but Miles was still upset. Could babies sense tension? "We'll be fine."

Rick nodded and went to find Michonne. Rick stretched before taking his jog around the community. It took him ten minutes to find his lover. Michonne was still going. He sped up to catch up to her. Michonne looked at him and allowed him to stay by her side. They continued for forty minutes and took a break. "Michonne-"

"I don't want to talk."

Rick nodded. "I know, but you should. If not me, maybe..."

Michonne gave a facetious laugh. "You better not suggest that I talk to Dr. Russells. I...I dreamed about Negan killing Miles. I don't need therapy. I just need Negan gone."

"Come here." Rick held Michonne. He knew there was more to her dream than she was telling him; however, he did think Negan had the majority of her fear. "Eugene knows how to make bullets now. We'll make sure all our guns are loaded. We're goin' to HillTop. Then we're goin' to The Kingdom. These nine days with our family have been great, but we have to get thangs in order."

Rick promised to show Miles the new world. He and Michonne had to finish making it.

(A/N) Sorry I'm so slow with the updates. As slow as these updates are, they're much quicker than my others. I think this chapter was the most cheerful; that's why I didn't want to bring the Ron part in. It doesn't always have to be dark.

Next Chapter: Rick and Michonne talk to Jesus of the HillTop Colony and Ezekiel of Ezekiel's Kingdom.