My trip to Sanctuary bestowed me with ultimate clarity. Driving with the window down, cool wind blowing my hair, husband's hand entwined with mine made perfect sense. Nothing was going to mess with this utter bliss.

In a way I should thank Rick. He'd made it so easy, eliminating all but one choice. Wherever Negan was going, you'd find me there.No-one's going to threaten my family.

Not anymore!

Looking in the rear view mirror I blew a kiss at my step-daughter. "Way to go with the quick thinking sweetie! That could've gotten very ugly if you didn't turn up when you did!"

Rick had threatened my husband, at gunpoint. Trying to force my hand, dictating what's best for me and my babies.

Fuck that.

Poor Skye's brow furrowed. I was angry at Rick for many things. But, it hurt my heart seeing her torn up like this. Her icy orbs were heavy with remorse, glistening with tears.

This was Prick's baggage to bare. But I knew nothing I'd say would appease her.

A shaky sigh busted through Skye's slightly parted lips. "I really like Rick, but there was no way I could let him kill Negan."

Her proud as punch father flashed his pearly whites, sparkling in my peripheral. "You did good baby girl! My God you've grown up."

I squeezed his hand. Doting father looked positively scrumptious on him.

As I drove up to Sanctuary, it filled me with nostalgia. A time that felt like forever ago. Remembering the horrid circumstances that brought me here in the first place, I was thankful that this moment was in stark contrast.

It felt like a cleansing process, washing away the memory of the powerless girl that was dragged here. Replacing it with me, a powerful woman, leading my family to OUR home.

Markers of the carnage still remained painted on the Sanctuary's facade. Crudely placed plywood sat on a large portion of the windows. Sprays of brown, dried up blood still peppered all surfaces. My blood boiled.

I'm not going to let this happen to my people again.

As the cherry-red panel wagon closed on the entry gate, I made out two figures. One standing straight, and the other waving enthusiastically. Like they knew we were coming.

But how is that possible?

The closer we got to our destination, the easier it was to decipher who they were. Simon's tall frame stood out, even from a distance. His stance was so signature, hands on hips, one hip dropped, like he owned the world.

The shorter figure ended up being Jesus. I hadn't realised how short he was until seeing him beside this giant. His delicate form made to look even more so, next to his unlikely comrade. It was almost comical.

I waved back at Hilltop's saint. His smile was welcoming as ever, standing a good six feet away from Simon.

Unsurprisingly, Simon settled for a single wave, upper lip twitching at the sight of us.

Guess us coming back didn't factor into his plans.

The peace idealist walked up to the driver's side of the car, crouching down and resting him forearms on my car door. "Well hey there Rackel! Welcome to Sanctuary!"

Smiling at him, I tried to act casual. Although the chance was small, there was a possibility he didn't know about the Rick debacle. "I didn't know you were stationed here! How long have you been here for?"

Jesus chuckled and smiled back. "Rick sent me here a month ago for clean up and rebuilding."

I grimaced, so much I wasn't privy to.

But, he continued. "I'm glad to see you looking so well. And content." His narrow brows rose at my husband, a soft warning of sorts.

Don't worry. He'll behave.

He opened the gate, waving us in.

Oddly, the sound of the chained walkers calmed me, as morbid as that was. I was at my true home, and I was going to help mend these fences.

Simon jogged up to my side, flipping the switch and opening my door. "Welcome back to my Sanctuary m'lady. There are quite a few people excited about your return." He bowed before placing a kiss on my hand, smirking at Negan.

Do you think I was born yesterday?

I gently pulled my hand away before my husband scooted out. The last thing we needed was a cock fight in the courtyard.

As Negan stepped out of the car, Simon stepped into his space, standing nose to nose. The phrase too many chiefs came to mind. This pissing contest would have to be dealt with, but now was not the time for it.

Tugging at my love's hand I towed him to the main door. "Let's go baby, don't you want to see your people?"

A growl escaped Negan's lips, not once breaking eye contact with his old lieutenant. My husband was a true alpha, and it was going to take some adjustment to settle back into things.

Simon's deluded if he thinks he can run this place.

I splayed my hand across Negan's chest and stepped in between them, gently urging him to drop it for now. "Let's go my love! Jesus awaits!"

He paused before responding, "well, dear wife! We can't keep our Lord Jesus waiting now can we?" Both men stayed stagnant for a beat. Eyes boring into each other, waiting for the other to crack.

I placed Negan's hand on my swollen belly, whispering sweetly, "come on daddy! Time to settle into our home."

"Daddy? Well congratulations there old man! Didn't know you had it in you!" Simon snickered, taking a dig at his leader.

It reminded me of a David Attenborough documentary, both beasts teeth bared, one step away from beating their chests with bare fists.

I know who I'd put my money on.

I couldn't help but watch Simon's mustache wiggle, the whites of his eyes taking over his face before folding. "Come on Sir, I kid of course! I'm just so happy to have you back."

You wouldn't of had the balls to do that before!

I accidentally flicked my hair into Simon's face, then retorted, "of course, of course. But, oh dear Simon, he most certainly does have it in him! And I'm sure you'd just love to hear about it, but we've got places to be, people to lead." I took a leaf out of Rick's book, hands on hip and narrowed my eyes. "You understand?"

Simon leaned back on his heels, lifting his hands up to me, he looked so similar to the first time I had met him. I couldn't stop the slight shiver that ran down my spine. That awful memory. "Lead you said?" His hot breath washed over my face, making me almost heave, he was so close I was tempted to punch him. "Well little girl, haven't you got an active imagination."

Negan leapt to my defence, but I swatted him away.

I got this.

Simon was the first one to leave, death staring my husband the whole departure. At least he'd backed down... for now.

Steam erupted from Negan's ears. "Arrogant prick."

I dragged him towards the door. "Don't worry. We'll sort that out later."

Jesus' shoulders were at his ears, watching me incredulously as I walked to him happy as a clam. He looked embarrassed. "Sorry about him. He really is an insufferable ass isn't he?"

Crossing my arms, I shook my head. " That'll need to be sorted out, for sure. He's pushing the boundaries, but he'll learn soon enough." As the words came out of my mouth, a smirk danced on my lips.

The short figure buried his hands in his jacket, coy smile tugging at his mouth. "So Rackel, what brings you here? Not that it's not a pleasure of course!"

Now it was my turn for a staring contest. Jesus squirmed under my inscrutable stare. "You knew we were coming, didn't you?"

"Yes." He answered, his Adam's apple bobbing.

I hesitated, but had to know. "Is Rick alright?"

"He's alright. Apparently as soon as he woke he was begging for forg-" he eagerly attempted to dive into a convincing speech. Defending my old friend.

I held a finger up to him. "No! I don't want to hear it."

Although I loved my Alexandrian family, there was nothing more I'd rather do than put as much distance between us.

I walked through the double doors, toward the atrium. Eager to see my people.