You know, I expected to be writing a fic exploring the future of Richonne in an Anderson free world over the hiatus, but that didn't quite work out as planned now, did it? I still find myself sitting here thinking about all of the issues with this story like we have been since last spring, so I decided to revisit this material one last time. I wanted to see how things could have been had Michonne's arc had played out differently upon arriving in Alexandria. I'll be remixing a lot, totally scrapping some things, and adding in lots of new stuff for my take on this story. Hope you enjoy!

"How'd the interview go?"

"Good, I think. It was pretty weird, though," Carl replied as he strolled alongside Michonne while pushing his sister in her newly gifted stroller.

They'd set off to explore the community as recommended by Deanna; a task she figured would take ten minutes at most given its small size.

"Weird how?"

"Being filmed, sitting in that room that felt more like a library than a house, the questions, all of it...it was just weird."

"Yeah, it was a pretty surreal experience when you put it that way. What'd you talk about?"

Michonne looked up from Carl time to time to take in the surroundings as instructed, although, she was far more interested in how he was handling things so far. When she did look up, shed catch sight of people milling about outside, but keeping a distance from her group, just giving a tight grin or a small wave, but never approaching them.

"She asked where I'm from and how I used to like school. What my favorite subjects were, what I did for fun. She asked about everyone in the group, too...what I thought about them."

"You told her all good things, right?"

"Pretty much. I vouched for everyone. Told her I wasn't so sure about you, though, so she may want to keep an eye on you..."

Michonne glanced sideways at his comment to find him looking up at her, his face mostly obscured by the rim of his sheriff's hat save for the smirk peeking out from beneath it. She pushed the rim of his cap down to completely cover his face causing him to laugh.

"Thanks for that, pal..."

"Nah, I didn't really say that. You know we like you the best," he said nodding down at his sister to include her in his sentiment.

"Sometimes I wonder..." she deadpanned, giving him one last dose of grief over his little joke."So what do you think of this place so far?"

"Everyone keeps asking me that."

"Well, probably because everyone cares about how you're doing."

"I know, but how am I supposed to know yet? We just got here. How do they think I feel?" he said, exasperation coming through in his voice. "No offense," he added on quickly realizing he'd inadvertently griped at Michonne.

"None taken. I guarantee nobody else quite knows yet, so I'm not sure why we'd expect you to."

"I don't mean to sound down on it. This place is really nice and we definitely needed it, but I just need to a little more time, you know?"

"I know," she said as he reached over to squeeze his shoulder, as she often did.

As they rounded the corner, their newly assigned house came back into view no less than five minutes from when they started. She looked down at Carl and they wordlessly agreed to take a second lap around the block for lack of anything else to do. As they passed the house, she looked up to find Rick standing on the porch with Daryl, neither having taken the suggestion to go out and explore much to her disappointment. She tried to catch his eye, hoping to wave him over, but his gaze was fixed off in the distance, so she kept on walking, figuring they would catch him the next time around.

Just beyond their second assigned house, their new neighbor was in her driveway working on some kind of project Michonne couldn't quite make out. The petite blonde dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt was hunched over, sorting through a pile of scrap metal, mumbling to herself as she did. She finally popped up with a pipe in hand as Michonne was looking her way, and made eye contact. Michonne gave the same tight smile she'd received from the other neighbors all day since she'd been caught looking then averted her eyes down toward Judith for a quick distraction.

"Hey there," the blonde called out tentatively, but cheerfully after a moment. Michonne looked behind her to see their neighbor nervously smiling after them as she fiddled with the metal scrap in her hand. "Welcome!"

"Thank you," Michonne called back with a short nod before turning forward again wondering why a simple exchange with the neighbor seemed so awkward and arduous now. She considered turning back to make small talk, but decided to keep walking and find her another time. She shook her head, disappointed in herself, and looked ahead as she strolled down the middle of the street with the Grimes children. Every view she took in was backed by the corrugated metal that enclosed their community. That's why, she thought to herself; everything that happened beyond those walls was the reason the simplest things were somehow the hardest things now.

"She asked about her." Carl's voice reached her ears, but she hadn't heard a word he'd said.

"Hmm?"

"Deanna. She asked about Mom. I told her all about what happened..."

"Carl..." Michonne said softly as she looked down at the boy whose eyes were focused on his sister.

"I just haven't talked about her in a long time. We never do."

"I'm sorry. You know you can talk to me whenever you-"

"Not you. I meant Dad. He never mentions her," he said finally looking up at Michonne.

"Does that bother you?"

"Sometimes. Especially on a day like today when she's on my mind more than usual."

"I'm sure he's thinking about her, too," she said as she rested her hand at the nape of his neck. "You should talk to him."

"Yeah..." he agreed as nodded his head before looking back up at her. "Have you been thinking about Andre?"

Michonne's face fell along with her heart for a moment at the sound of his name, a word she scarcely ever said or heard aloud.

"Of course. Every day, but definitely a little more than usual today. I wish he could be here with us now."

"It makes it hard to be completely happy."

"It's bittersweet, but I promise you that your mom would have wanted nothing more than for you to find a place like this. Somewhere you and Judes could be safe and happy. It's what I would have wanted for Andre no matter what it took. That's just how it works."

"I know," he assured her with a half-smile as he looked up at her.

"Of course you do, but knowing and feeling are two different things, and that's OK."

She tugged him into her side for a quick hug before letting her hand fall off of his back as they picked up their pace again, walking quietly as the heaviness of their conversation lingered. The sound of footsteps nearing them caused them both to look back to find Rick's pace slowing from a jog as he caught up with them.

"Hey," he greeted as he stopped just behind them.

"Hey," Carl answered.

"What do you think of the place so far?" he asked, his attention still directed at his son.

Michonne and Carl looked as each other, grinning at the question, before they looked back at Rick whose eyes oscillated between the two of them as he watched their exchange.

"It's nice...I like it," Carl answered affirmatively. Michonne wondered if their conversation had changed his perspective or if he was just saying it for his father's benefit.

"Good," Rick said nodding. "Mind if I join you?"

Carl and Michonne answered by widening the space between them so that Rick could slip in, and the foursome continued down the street walking in a comfortable silence as they'd done so many times before out on the road. Michonne looked down at Judith, whose eyes were cast up to the clear blue sky, mesmerized by something; possibly the color, passing clouds, or birds flying by; all things that were novel considering she'd spent the better part of the past two months out in the woods with only the dense, leafy cover of the forest ceiling to keep her attention.

"Excuse me!"

Rick, Michonne, and Carl slowed to a stop, and looked over at the older couple standing on their front porch flagging them down.

"I know we're supposed to let you folks be, but we couldn't watch you pass by one more time without saying hello," the man called out. His wife tugged on his arm and whispered something in his ear. "And of course getting a look at that precious little one," he added.

Carl and Michonne looked to Rick before answering suspecting that if one of the three of them had an objection, it would likely be him.

"Hello," he said nodding at the couple. "Rick, Carl, Judith, and Michonne," he said pointing to each of them as he introduced the group from where they stood at the curb.

"Bob and Natalie Miller," the man said.

"Nice to meet you," Rick answered. "Carl. Judith. Why don't you go on up and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Miller?" Rick said as he placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

Carl obliged and lifted his sister out of her stroller, rested her on his hip, and headed up the walkway to join the older couple on their porch. They bent down to Judith's eye level and began to fawn over the little girl. Carl looked out to the Rick and Michonne, and shrugged his shoulders as he realized that he was pretty much invisible next to his sister. Michonne smiled back then looked up at Rick who was watching Carl and Judith like a hawk.

"They're OK," she said sensing his uneasiness.

"I know," he said looking away from his kids for a moment to glance down at Michonne. She was looking at him intently with a small smile on her face that made him even more uneasy. "What?"

"Nothing," she said shaking her head, slightly embarrassed for looking a little too long as she took the new look he was sporting since the last time she'd seen him just a few hours before. "It's just...I've never seen your face like this before," she said with a shy smile.

He let out a short laugh, as he ran his hand over his clean shaven face. "That's what I said before and after."

She smiled at his self-deprecating humor as their eyes lingered on each other's for a moment before he cleared his throat and looked over to his children on the porch.

"OK, meetin' time's over," he said to himself as he stepped up onto the curb to make his way to the porch before Michonne's hand grazed his forearm. He stopped in place and turned to look back at her.

"You should talk to him," she said quietly.

"Carl?" he asked as he glanced up at his son. She nodded yes. "Is he OK?"

"Yeah, but just...talk."

Rick stared back at her and nodded, taking her advice seriously, as always. She then turned to leave herself which surprised him.

"You're not stickin' around?"

"No, I've seen all I need to see for today, but you should you should go on. I'm gonna head home, see if I can finally get dibs on the shower."

He nodded in agreement and watched her walk off before heading up the path to the Millers' house to reclaim his children.

xxxxx

Michonne turned her head to the right where it rested on her pillow in order to look out the nearest window for the first signs of sunrise that would signal the start of her day as it had for the past two years. The shades proved to be too effective at blocking the light, however, so she looked at the clock above the mantle which read 6:25 AM. Close enough, she thought, as she raised herself to a seated position and looked out over the sea of sleeping people scattered across the living room noticing only one face missing from the bunch. She quietly stood and tiptoed her way through the maze of pillows, blankets, and bodies to retrieve her uniform from the kitchen table then headed up the stairs to find a private place to change.

As she reached the top, she heard the shower running and smiled to herself. Almost two months without a proper shower, and now twice in less than twenty four hours? She'd have to remember that next time he teased her about brushing her teeth for so long. She made her way into the master bedroom and closed the door behind her then laid her uniform out on the bed and peeled off her tank. She tossed it onto the bed then came to a standstill.

Deanna had stopped by the night before to check in on the group and give work assignments. Before leaving, she asked Rick and her to step outside for a moment where she informed them that she'd like for them to serve as co-constables of the community. She and Rick exchanged a look and he gave her a small nod that he was on board so she accepted. Deanna gave them uniforms and asked them to report to duty at her house the following morning at 8:00 AM.

As she stared down at the uniform, she couldn't explain why she had so readily accepted the position the night before. She certainly had the skills it took to be a constable, but in reality, she had the skills to do just about any job in the community with the exception of being a doctor given her lack of specialized training. So why this then, she wondered? Because someone else thinks it's what's best for me? Because it comes so naturally now to align myself with Rick? She took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly as she looked down at the uniform.

"This isn't me," she whispered aloud as she walked over to the closet and opened the door.

She flipped through the few options available and found an ivory silk blouse that she pulled off of the hanger. She slid her arms into it then walked over to the full length mirror to take a look as she finished buttoning it up. It was loose, but not terrible, so she tucked it into her black leather pants, then bloused it out a bit hoping that would help; but it didn't do much, so she began to untuck it then stopped leaving just the front in and the tail hanging out. She rolled her sleeves up and smoothed the blouse down with her hands, knowing this was as close as she'd be getting to business casual in the apocalypse.

She pulled off the headband she'd fashioned from the remnants of a Missoni scarf and looked at it as she held it in her hand. She'd bought that scarf with money from her first paycheck as a lawyer, and it had become her signature piece. She'd wear it to add interest to otherwise boring suits for work, with jeans and a white tee on the weekends, or even just tied around the handle of her tote. Graduating from law school and landing a great job was certainly an accomplishment, but one that, based on her intelligence and drive, was just expected of her by herself and others. Being successful was a foregone conclusion, and she found it hard to celebrate her achievements when she always had her eye on the next one. This scarf was a rare indulgence, a symbol of making it and a reminder that she was allowed to celebrate her success from time to time. The remains of the scarf and her gold necklace were the only things she had from before, and they had become precious to her as their meaning had changed; they were now reminders of a life that was no more, and of people that were no longer with her.

She pulled her locks back into a low ponytail and tied the headband around then to hold it in place. She popped into the bathroom to rinse off her face and brush her teeth then quietly headed down the stairs and out the door. She walked briskly to the brick town home that sat in the center of the community and walked up the steps, pausing for a moment to collect herself before knocking at the door.

Within a few seconds, the door opened to reveal Reg already dressed for the day in his khaki slacks, plaid button down shirt, and grey sweater jacket; the look completed with his ever-present kind eyes and smile.

"Michonne. Good morning," he said warmly before glancing behind him. "Deanna's not quite ready yet, but please come in."

"Good morning. I'm early, I know. I was just hoping to catch her before our scheduled meeting."

"I'm sure she won't mind. Have a cup of coffee with me while you wait?"

He stepped aside to let Michonne in, and she smiled as she walked past him into the foyer where she waited as he closed the door then paused at the bottom of the stairs.

"Honey!" he called up. "Michonne is here to see you. We'll be in the kitchen."

Instead of a response, the sound of hurried footsteps came rushing towards them, and Deanna appeared within seconds, fully made up and dressed.

"Michonne!" she said in lieu of a greeting. "I wasn't expecting you yet."

"I know, and I apologize for dropping in unannounced like this, but I was just hoping to chat for a bit."

"It's no problem at all, dear. Come."

Deanna stepped in front of her and led her to the kitchen where they took a seat at the small table. Reg soon joined them with some mugs and the coffee pot. Deanna poured a serving for Michonne and herself, then clasped her hands in front of her on the table and gave Michonne her full attention.

"So what's on your mind, Michonne?"

"Well, I thought a lot about the position you assigned me last night, and I think my skills could be utilized to better serve the community in a different capacity."

"I see."

"Putting the former sheriff and lawyer in charge of security makes perfect sense on paper, but I wasn't a criminal lawyer. It doesn't necessarily play to my strengths."

"Well, those weren't my only reasons, but I can see where you're coming from. What is it you'd like to do instead?"

"I'd like be involved in community planning. Enhancing the systems we have in place, developing new ones, writing codes someday..."

"I've already given that position to Maggie, though."

"I understand, and I'm not asking you to change anything. I'm asking if I can work with you, as well."

"Why?"

"Because this is plays to my skills as a lawyer, I-"

"But why, Michonne?" she pushed.

Michonne paused, and swallowed as she tried to formulate the most honest, succinct answer in her head.

"Because we need this place to work."

"Do you not trust me? Maggie?"

"That's not it at all, but I do think that we all have blind spots, and we stand to learn from each other if we work together."

"Give me an example."

"Well...the constable position, for example. Although your decision seemed logical, I never would have filled those positions with two new members." Michonne watched as Deanna sat back in her chair, her eyes wide with surprise at her candor. "You put Rick with one of your long standing community members, and you've not only given the appearance of equality among the two groups, but you've instituted your own system of checks and balances within the force. You'll have someone with experience and knowledge within the walls and outside of the walls looking after the community which only stands to make us stronger."

Deanna straightened up in her chair then looked over at Reg, and back at Michonne with a grin.

"That's smart, Michonne. Self-serving, but smart."

"It's just what came to mind first..." Michonne said sheepishly.

"Did you discuss this with Rick?"

"No. I wanted to speak with you first, see if it was even a possibility."

"Should I break the news or will you?"

"I will," Michonne said without hesitation.

"Very good," Deanna said before taking a sip of coffee while continuing to study Michonne's face. "You already had my attention, but you've piqued my interest even more this morning. Maggie is young, bright, and eager to learn; but she doesn't have the experience that you do. She'll stay on as my assistant, but I think there might be a place for you. I want you to go out, meet people, get a feel for what we have and what we do, then report back to me with your ideas. I want to see what else you come up with. Does that sound fair?"

"Absolutely."

xxxx

"Was about to put out an APB for a missing person on you."

Michonne looked up to find Rick rounding the street corner, walking toward her dressed in full constable uniform.

"You know I've heard that a million times on TV, but I don't have a clue what it stands for," she said with a grin and they took a few more steps before stopping in front of each other.

"All points bulletin," he said grinning back at her. He stood with his thumbs hooked into his front pockets, pushing his windbreaker back from his hips just slightly.

"Right...some kind of cop I'd be..."

"I have faith you'd pick up that stuff up in no time."

"Mmm."

She'd opted for a sound over a real response. He seemed far more relaxed this morning than he had the day before, and she found herself wanting to remain in this moment just a little while longer before changing the conversation because it felt good to see him like this; to be around him when he was like this. Her eyes softened as she looked at him looking back at her during the short lull in their conversation. She watched as his eyes trail down from her face to her chest before they settled back on her face.

"You look..." he trailed off, hesitating before landing on the right word, "nice."

Michonne tilted her head and paused for a moment, thinking how strange those words sounded coming out of his mouth. They'd teased each out about smelling horrible or looking awful before, but she'd never been on the receiving end of a compliment like that from him.

"Thanks," she said as she looked down and ran her hand over the front of the blouse that had caught his attention. As she looked up, she found his eyes still focused on her face, seemingly studying her.

"Where were you just now?"

"I was at Deanna's."

"Everything OK?"

"Yeah...it is, but there's something we need to discuss."

"I figured as much," he said as he brought his hand up out of habit to scratch the beard that was no longer there.

"I was doing some thinking, and I feel like my skills might be put to better use in another position in the community."

"Doing what?"

"Working with Deanna. Special projects," she said confidently.

She watched has he dropped his head then looked back up at her, nodding slowly. He didn't even need to speak because she could imagine him grumbling about special projects in her head, and she couldn't blame him. It sounded like some hollow pre-apocalyptic job that didn't mean much back then never mind now.

"Michonne, we've been given the opportunity to oversee the security of this place. If it's not safe, none of this other stuff matters."

"But it is safe inside. Outside is another story, and I can work with you on that, but inside? You know it's not going to require both of us. I have a good feeling about this place."

"Well, I hope you're right," he retorted.

Michonne frowned at his challenge and took a step in closer to him as she folded her arms across her chest. She looked around her quickly to make sure that they were still the only two people around before speaking.

"Look," she started in a hushed voice, tilting her head as she spoke. "You and I sharing the same position limits us. With you heading up security and me having my hand in a variety of community matters, we can keep our eye on almost every aspect of this community. It gives us greater access and influence over what goes on here."

Her eyes stayed fixed on Rick's face as he stared back at her wordlessly for a moment before a smirk erupted on his lips as he let out a short laugh.

"That what you told her this morning?"

"Of course not," she scoffed as she knitted her brow and pulled her head back.

"Probably for the best because it sounds like you're trying to take this place," he teased.

"I'm not..." she sighed and shook her head as she began to smile. "I just want this place to work, Rick, and I need to feel like I'm doing everything in my power to make that happen."

"I know," he said sincerely. "And it makes a lot of sense. Really. Like most everything you say does..."

She nodded and stepped back from him, turning out toward the street to take in the sleepy community that was finally starting to show signs of life with people leaving their houses to report to their assignments.

"So what's your first order of business today?" Rick asked as he turned out toward the community, as well.

"Deanna wants me to walk around. Meet people. Start to come up with a list of possible projects and improvements. How about you?"

"Pretty much the same. Get some face time with the neighbors, start patrolling."

"Which way you headed first?" she asked looking over at him.

He looked to his left then right, not seeing a compelling reason to choose one over the other, so he shrugged his shoulders and pointed left.

"I'll go that way then," she said pointing to her right as she started to backpedal in that direction. "See you back at the house later?"

"Yeah. I'll see you then," he said as he gave her a wave. She smiled back then turned on her heel and headed off to start her rounds.