A/N - So I've been re-watching The Walking Dead. I got to season 4, episode 15 where Rick is beating on Pete and I was struck. I've been noticing little things here and there, making connections b/t episodes and really delving into TWD world. And one thing I've been paying attention to is Rick's voice. The way it fluctuates, the intensity when it's harsh, the softness when he's with family. So I wrote a little piece, just 477 words. But I may make it in to more. I'm sure I can, but I have no real plot for it at this point. I swear I'm going to get back to my other fic. I've kinda lost my way with it and I'm not sure how to get back. If you wanna throw ideas my way, feel free. Anywho, here's some thoughts on Rick, enjoy!
He spoke with an accent I couldn't quite identify. And there were times when it wasn't what it was. It was country, a soft spoken southern twang, deep and thoughtful. Then there were the times it had almost an English lilt, light and playful. But when it got throaty and harsh, you best step away because danger was coming to you. And you didn't want any part of it.
I once heard Maggie say it was his "inShane" voice. But after a quick word with Glenn about what exactly that meant, I learned not to ask about Shane. It was a story better left unspoken.
The first time I heard him use that voice was in the box car at Terminus. I had been stuffed in there along with Glenn and Maggie, Abraham, Rosita, Eugene, Sasha, Bob. I was like them, following the signs and being lead to what was going to be my eventual death. Then those four were brought in. Daryl, Michonne, Carl… Rick. He told us the residents of Terminus were fucking with the wrong people. I had no idea what he meant and I was a little doubtful. How could one group (despite their size) take out a whole community? But I was wrong.
He proved it time and again. When the Termites found us at the church, when dealing with the cops at Grady Memorial, keeping us alive on the road through thick and thin, no matter what it took. He was strong, brave, loving and kind with his children and his extended family. But mostly? He was ruthless in his determination of our survival. I was never more grateful to have met a man than when I met Rick Grimes.
And now, watching him destroy a man we knew was trouble, I felt no shame in admitting I admired him, more than I really should. Rick was ultimately a defender of the weak. He wanted to protect not only his family but those in this community we found. Carol had spoken to us about Pete and what he was doing. I knew why she cared, I knew why I cared for my story was similar to hers. But Rick? He cared because that's who he was.
The voice came out when he was speaking to Deanna. He spoke of in here and out there, of the community being ignorant, of control. I agreed with him. People like Pete had no place in this world any longer. I didn't even mind the fact that he had gun and was waving it around. But the voice? It chilled me to the bone. It sent a shiver down my spine and the only thing I could hope was that everyone else felt the same. That they knew the consequences of unleashing that side of Rick Grimes.
They really didn't want that. Not at all.