Not Without You (Chapter 4)
Michonne is at the infirmary, accompanied by Carl and Judith. Dr. S has checked her stitches again and only had to make a few minor adjustments due to her activity with the walker kills. She was willing to let it go, but Rick was adamant about her taking care of herself. She soon realized that he was right and it would be the only path to a quick recovery. She needed to be back at 100% like yesterday.
After putting his foot down about her health and escorting her and the kids to the infirmary, Rick immediately went with the others to secure the armory as well as continue the search for Aiden. Michonne couldn't believe all of the tragedies that had taken place in such short succession of each other. She was well aware that they had to be on high alert as this can only be labeled as some sort of takeover. What she couldn't wrap her head around was Aiden murdering his parents. That just seemed awful drastic if all he wanted was to lead the community.
"So what do you think is gonna happen?" Carl asks her.
"I don't want you to worry, Carl. We'll take care of this," Michonne assures him.
"I know. I just thought things would be quiet here," he returns. "Shouldn't Dr. S be back by now?"
Michonne considers Carl's question and looks around the area. It's pretty open in here and normally, staff moves in and out freely. She has noticed that no one has come in for a while now. She was only waiting for more meds and a new bandage. She slowly gets up from the examining table and was making her way to the door when it is thrown open and Aiden parades in, brandishing a gun.
Her heartbeat quickens as she acknowledges the threat Aiden presents to her and the children. She backs up, instinctively placing herself between Aiden and Carl who is holding Judith.
"Guess who's going to get knocked on her ass today, sweetness?" Aiden smiles at Michonne.
She eyes her katana where she left it lying on the table, cursing herself inwardly. "I don't know what this is about, but let the kids go. They shouldn't be in harm's way."
"You're right. They don't need to be here. It's all about you," Aiden tells her. "You're the key. I just didn't realize it before."
"Key to what?" Michonne wants to know.
"To me getting this place. You'll help me get Rick Grimes out of the way and once that's done, everyone else will fall into place, even you," Aiden explains.
"Your father was the leader of this place, not Rick. Seems like you already took care of that problem," Michonne returns.
Aiden eyes her up and down, appreciating the view. "Nice try, sweetness, but we all know my father was looking to Rick to run this place. Well, I don't agree with that, so things are going to change around here."
"Whatever. Just let Carl and his sister go home, ok? They don't have anything to do with this," Michonne states.
"Lucky for you I'm not down with killing kids. I do hate they'll have to grow up without their dad, though," Aiden says.
"Stop talking about my dad that way!" Carl shouts.
Michonne motions for Carl to leave with Judith. "It's ok, Carl. Everything will be ok."
He gives a shake of his head, but Michonne is not having it. "Go. Now."
"Yeah, run and tell your daddy I've got his woman here and he needs to come see about her," Aiden instructs. "And Carl, tell him he should come alone."
Carl reluctantly leaves with Judith. Once outside the infirmary, he rushes off to find his dad, his heart racing with fear for Michonne.
"How long do you think it'll take lover boy to get here?" Aiden walks over to Michonne and begins to circle her, admiring her physique. "You know things could have been different for us. We could have started this thing out the right way, but it won't matter. You'll come around once Rick is dead."
Michonne rolls her eyes, already contemplating the best way for this nuisance to be stopped. "What did you do with Dr. S and his staff?"
"Those pansies. He's lucky I didn't shoot him, trying to speak up for the good people of the Safe Zone. I told them to get the fuck out if they wanted to live," he scoffs. "Didn't take much. Besides, I'll need medical staff. Gotta have a doctor on hand just in case, you know."
"I'm really confused about something. Why did you kill your parents? I'm sure your dad would have been willing to cooperate with you," Michonne suggests.
"With his head up Rick's ass?! I doubt that. I told him how things should be, but he wouldn't listen and when Mom backed him up, I just fucking lost it! I'm their son! What I say should count for something!" Aiden seems to lose control as his breathing becomes labored and he shakes his head as if he's trying to clear it.
What the hell is going on with this guy? She inches closer to the table as he seems distracted. She jumps as Rick suddenly bursts through the door, his eyes searching for her immediately, but Aiden grabs her and puts his gun to her head.
"Stop right there, Constable Grimes. I don't want to have to hurt this pretty lady of yours." Aiden tightens his grip around Michonne's shoulders and pulls her back against his body.
"If you want this place, you can have it. Just let her go," Rick reasons.
"You see I wish it were that simple. I could banish you but I know you'd just make your way back because she'd be here," Aiden returns. "I can't have that, so there's only one solution to my problem. Your death."
Michonne watches Rick closely. She can tell his mind is working overtime, trying to find a way out of this situation. She wishes she could tell him to just calm down. She can see that he is agitated and he doesn't work well with agitation. He gets impulsive when he's like this.
"There doesn't have to be any more bloodshed. We can work this out. You and I can come to an agreement without involving anyone else, so just let her walk out of here," Rick suggests.
"You just don't get it, do you? She ain't going nowhere. I want her here with me and I'm going to have her," Aiden smiles as he brings his cheek down to rest against Michonne's, never taking his eyes off of Rick. "But don't think I won't hurt her to get what I want."
Rick frowns as he finally catches on to this game Aiden is playing. So he wants this place and Michonne. This son of a bitch really is crazy. "Don't you think she should have a say in all of this?"
"No! She's gonna do just what she's doing now. Keep her pretty mouth closed. Now, how about you remove that firearm of yours and kick it over here to me?" Aiden tells Rick.
Meanwhile, Glenn, Daryl, and Bob are facing off with Spencer, Marcus, and Tobin. Both trios have weapons drawn on each other. Marcus and Tobin admit to tearing the panel away to let the walkers in. Once again, an attempt to get rid of Rick Grimes. The only problem with that is they put others in danger, something more for them to be held accountable for.
"You people have been taking over ever since you got here and we're not having it. We were here first, so this is our place and we're taking it back just like Aiden said we should," Tobin declares.
Daryl raises his crossbow a little higher, aiming for Tobin's head. "Ain't nobody taking over shit! We're trying to survive. You just stood by and let Aiden kill his own parents? And over what? Who gets to tell everybody what to do?"
Glenn pipes in with, "The only way we survive is together. It doesn't matter who leads as long as we fight what's outside those walls. That's all that matters now."
"Save that for somebody who cares. You men will have to go, but the women will stay. That's the way it's gonna be. That's the way Aiden wants it," Spencer announces. "He'll let us know when the deed is done and if you guys don't put up a fuss, we'll let you leave alive."
"You better hope we let you leave alive," Maggie announces as she, Carol, Tara, and Beth pan out behind Spencer, Marcus, and Tobin, guns at the ready.
The three men turn to look at them and their confidence seems to wan just a bit, but they refuse to back down. They are sure that Aiden will come through and take the Safe Zone.
Carol eyes Spencer, remembering the spill he gave them earlier. He's a good actor, she thinks to herself. Her finger twitches at the trigger, indicating her eagerness to end this standoff once and for all.
Michonne groans inwardly as Rick pulls his gun from its holster, places it on the floor, and kicks it in their direction. Ok. He still has the machete. I just need to get this gun away from Aiden and make this a fair fight.
"I want you to know I'm going to take real good care of her. A woman like this deserves a good fuck each and every night," Aiden smiles as he can visibly see the anger growing in Rick.
Rick tilts his head to the side and rolls his shoulders, hinting at his extreme irritation. "I wouldn't talk like that about her if I were you."
This is about to go bad really fast. Please Rick, calm down. Stay focused. He's trying to bait you. Michonne glares at Rick, trying to communicate with him silently. She gasps as she feels Aiden's hand cup her breast. Oh shit! She has no time to react or even punish Aiden for copping a feel. Everything happens all at once. She hears Rick growl as he comes for Aiden. Aiden attempts to point the gun and fire, but she knocks his arm to the side making the shot go wild. She then elbows him in the stomach before the three of them go crashing to the floor as Rick tackles him full force. She rolls out of the way as fast as she is able and looks over to see Rick pummeling Aiden.
Ignoring the pain in her side, she immediately makes a grab for Rick's python and the gun that was knocked out of Aiden's hand in the tackle.
"Rick…stop….please!" She moves over to the two men and pulls the hammer back on the python, preparing to fire. "Rick, you can stop now. We got him."
She points the gun at Aiden's head as best as she can, but Rick is all over the place and her shot isn't clear. She moves behind him, pocketing the handgun and tries to grab his arm. "Rick! Stop it! Take your gun!"
Rick finally seems to hear her. He pulls up, giving Aiden a swift kick in the side as he reaches for his gun, flexing his throbbing blood coated hands. He watches as Aiden doubles over, spitting out blood and moaning. Dropping to one knee, Rick puts the gun to Aiden's forehead.
Michonne is right by his side, aiming her gun as well.
"You killed people and for what? You put all of us in danger and for what? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't blow your fucking brains out!" Rick almost shouts he is so angry.
Michonne tries to reason with him. "Rick, we can lock him up. We can…."
BLAM! The gun goes off and she can only watch as the life drains from Aiden's body. She swallows loudly, unable to reach Rick when he is in this state. She grabs her katana, pocketing Aiden's gun as she follows him out of the infirmary.
He drags Aiden's body behind him, moving towards the front entrance/exit of the safe zone. On the way, they encounter the standoff between their family and Spencer, Marcus, and Tobin. Rick stands alongside Daryl, Glenn, and Bob, pushing Aiden's body in front of him at his feet. "This…." He points down to the corpse. "…is what's going to happen to each one of you if you don't stand down now. It's your choice."
"You killed him?! Aiden's dead and you're not?!" Spencer yells.
"Looks that way. What's your decision? You can live if you want," Rick gives them an ultimatum.
"You son of a bitch!" Spencer raises his gun, but never gets a shot off as Daryl fires his crossbow and puts an arrow in his head.
"Anybody else?" Rick wants to know.
By now, they have a full audience as community members approach, cautiously, taking in the scene.
Marcus and Tobin quickly relinquish their weapons. Bob, Glenn, Tara, and Carol apprehend them as Maggie and Beth try to control the curious onlookers.
"Take 'em to the lock up," Daryl instructs. "I'll be over in a while." The others move off to carry through with his orders.
Daryl then turns to Rick. "Think we ought to banish 'em?"
"I don't care. It's your decision. I'm done with this shit." He walks off, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
Michonne sighs heavily as she watches him walk away. She moves to follow him, but Daryl detains her.
"He alright?" Daryl asks as he notices her favoring her injured side. "How about you?"
"I'll be fine, but I need to check on him," she conveys as she turns to make her way home. Once there, she finds Father Gabriel, Eugene, Carl, Noah, and Judith.
"Everything ok?" Carl asks. "Dad didn't say much when he came through. He just looked real upset."
"It's ok. You guys doing alright?" Michonne inquires. They all nod.
She moves over to Carl and Judith giving them both a kiss on the head, so relieved they are safe. "We took care of it. Aiden and Spencer are dead, but I think we all need to stay alert for a while. We still don't really know these people, so we've got to be careful."
"Spencer too?" Carl asks.
"Apparently, he and Marcus and Tobin were all in it together with Aiden to take over this place. They wanted your dad out of the way, but we couldn't let that happen, so things didn't turn out so well for them," she informs.
"Well, I, for one, am glad to hear that. You only mentioned Aiden and Spencer. What about the other co-conspirators?" Eugene wants to know.
"Daryl sent them to lock up, but I don't know if that's going to work. We'll figure it out later. I'll see you guys in a few minutes, ok?" She makes her way up the stairs in search of Rick.
She goes to his bedroom first only he isn't there, so she tries her room next and finds him pacing at the foot of the bed. The adrenaline is obviously still pumping through his veins and he appears to be very tense.
"Rick?" She moves into the room, closing the door behind her
"I should've killed them all. They don't get to live. Not after what they tried to do," he states.
Michonne sighs quietly. "It's fine now. Calm down, please."
"Calm down? Calm down?! After all this shit?! They wanted to fucking kill me! And that son of a bitch had his hands all over you! Put a gun to your head!" Rick yells.
"It's over now," she assures him. "That's all that matters."
"Is it over? Will it ever be over? It's just one obstacle after another and I keep having to kill people," he returns.
"We don't have to kill. We have alternatives now," Michonne reminds him.
Rick stops pacing and looks at her. "So, you're telling me I should've let him live after everything he'd done?"
"What's done is done now. We can only go forward and learn from the past," she informs.
He rubs the back of his neck, sighing heavily. "So, you do think I was wrong for killing him? I just should've let him hold a gun to your head and put his hands all over you?"
"Everything worked out and his hands were not all over me. He…." She stops as he interrupts her.
"Now you're going to downplay what he did?" He walks over to her, anger pouring off of him. "Did you like what he did to you?"
He did not just say that. Ok, he's mad at the situation so he wants you to get mad, too. Nope, not today. Distraction time right about now. She looks up at him and says, "You know that's not true. There's only one touch I'll ever want and that's yours." She grabs his hand and places it over her heart.
Rick pulls back immediately. "Michonne….don't….."
"Don't what?" She asks innocently as she closes the distance between them. "Touch me. I want you to."
"No. You're not ready. This is not the time," he returns.
"Then I'll touch you." She cups his face, looking deeply into his eyes. She pulls his head down and kisses him softly. She kisses each corner of his mouth lightly before coming back for a full mouth to mouth lip lock. She tests him as she cautiously moves the tip of her tongue between his lips.
He attempts to resist at first, pulling back from her slightly, only to reconsider and bring his mouth back to hers. He encircles her waist loosely as they groan simultaneously, becoming engrossed in the kiss.
Oh, I hope he's calm now. Michonne thinks to herself. She is surprised when Rick breaks their kiss and hugs her to him tightly, but not enough to hurt her. She returns the hug as she feels this is something he needs right now.
He drops his head to her shoulder. "I love you. I can't let anything happen to you."
It is in that moment that she realizes the scene at the infirmary somehow ties in with her getting shot weeks ago by Jensen. Whatever Rick was feeling then must have resurfaced and made him irrational hence him tackling Aiden and risking his life…to save her.
She pulls back slightly so she can look into his eyes. "Hey, we're ok and I'm not going anywhere."
He averts his eyes, but she cups his face, willing him to bring his gaze back to hers.
"I love you, Rick. Things happen, but we always find a way. We haven't gone through all of this just to lose each other now. Right?" She waits quietly for his answer, hoping she is giving him the reassurance he needs.
He contemplates her words, then nods slowly. "Right." He hesitates before he speaks again. "Guess I need to help Daryl sort this mess out, huh?"
That's my man. Always ready to step in and do what needs to be done. I wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm sure he'll appreciate you being there," she tells him. "And babe, you're going to have to call a meeting with these people after everything's that's happened. They're going to be looking to you now, just like Douglas did."
He agrees, glad that he has her in his life. He can't fathom functioning without her by his side. "You coming?"
Michonne sighs as she takes a seat on the bed. "No, I'm going to take your advice and try to get well. Today was more than enough for me."
He sits down next to her, taking her hand in his. "Are you in pain?"
"Just a little. Nothing to get worked up about, though," she assures him.
A concerned frown furrows his brow. "Well, maybe I should just stay home and take care of you."
She smiles. "Carl and Judy are going to take excellent care of me. You can take over once you make it back. Deal?"
Rick doesn't know what he has done to deserve someone like Michonne but he is more than grateful. He kisses her on the cheek. "Come on. Let's get you into bed."
Minutes later, Rick is tucking her safely into bed after having dressed her wound with the supplies they had on hand and helping her change into a nightshirt. He kneels by her bedside and kisses her forehead softly. "I'll put Father Gabriel and Eugene to work in the kitchen and have Carl to bring you something up for dinner and I promise I won't be long."
"I know," she says as she watches him leave. Being a leader can be troublesome for him, but he knows what needs to be done and he sees it through. Her respect grows for him every day witnessing what he has to deal with, but she knows Rick is a good man and will continue to try to do the right thing. That's why she will always support him.