Rick had been so damn grateful to Shane when he learned his best friend had been the one to save his spouse and child in the beginning. He knew he would never be able to repay that debt. He wasn’t sure why there was an awkwardness between them, but he didn’t blame him. The man saved his family.

When they reached the CDC, everything felt... hopeful. He felt safe for the first time in ages. Then he saw the scars on Shane’s neck. At first, he didn’t think very much of it. But slowly, the truth came out.

And he snapped. He was supposed to be a respectable man. A calm one, a levelheaded person others could look up to. But this man, this man he trusted, called a best friend, had assaulted his spouse. He didn’t need to even think about it.

He lunged at him, the two grappling to the ground. There might have been some pleas to explain, but Rick didn’t hear them. He didn’t care how close he was to this man; he had touched his spouse, he had scared and hurt them. He had no issue breaking his nose.