Rick was on his routine patrol of Alexandria when he heard Alicia's voice in the near distance, addressing a stranger. His group weren't being cautious enough, and he was growing more irritable by the second because of it. Rick was thankful for the reunion with the Clarks, and Kelly, but his gratitude towards Alexandria and it's citizens ended there. They couldn't be trusted. He walked over to Alicia, gesturing for the person she'd questioned to dismiss themselves; his people, his problem. "What's goin' on here? When's the last time you saw your brother?"
Alicia's back straightened at Rick's interruption, not having expected to see him. In fact, she'd intentionally ventured out streets away from where their families resided, mostly because she knew there was no chance Nick would stay close to home, but also because she didn't want to worry the group. This behaviour was clockwork for Nick, but just because Alicia was used to it didn't mean it wasn't shameful. She was embarrassed about it, plain and simple, and she didn't want the reckless choices of her brother to reflect on what her and her mother brought to the group. If they could manage his behaviour quickly and quietly, keep it just between the trio, they would. But she supposed that was shot to hell now.
Alicia sighed, anticipating Rick's reaction. He'd always worked so hard to keep them together, and to find a way back to them when they were separated. He wouldn't like this, no matter the excuse. “Yesterday. Maybe.. the day before. But it’s - whatever,” she quickly added, waving a hand at him, dismissive. “Seriously, Rick. He’ll show up eventually. He always does." One way or another, Nick always came crawling back. Even if she sometimes let doubt creep in, a trickling fear that whispered this might be the one time he wouldn’t, he always had. It was far easier to turn her worry into anger instead. He didn’t deserve to have his family looking for him, worrying about him. He obviously didn't do the same. Alicia tried reasoning with Rick again. “This isn't something to worry about."
