Exit Wound
Rated M: Mature Themes, Explicit Language, Sexual Content, and Death.
A/N: Thanks for the responses. It really warms my heart that I still got it.
Jessie is really making it bad on herself, huh? Oh well, I mean who really wants Rick and Jessie to be together when his eyes are set on his neighbor.
This chapter was difficult to write. I hope it's okay.
Song for the chapter: White Trash Beautiful - Everlast
~There's something you should know, my heart belongs to you.
I know you could've found a better guy, I'll love you till the day I die.
I swear to God it's true, I'm comin' home to you, I'm comin' home to you girl.~
~.~
He said it clearly, just a bit rude, his southern drawl thick.
"No."
He leaned forward now and Michonne was now standing directly behind him. He was tall enough in the small space for Jessie not to see she was on the otherside. Michonne's arms folded across her chest, unclear to why this chick was pushing so hard to get inside. He obviously was trying to tell her the nicest way possible he didn't want her there.
Michonne sighed, turning away from Rick to look about the office. She honestly had no intention of coming here. She was at home with Andrea, laughing about old memories. Goodness they never laughed so hard, but after that long talk. After shaking a little bit of the weight off her shoulders, she needed to see Rick. She wanted to talk to him, tell him that she was more in the wrong than he was. She had wanted him, yes, but she should have broke it off with Morgan before she attempted anything even the quick pump and jerk in front of his apartment door. She had changed first then she asked Andrea for her keys, told her that'd she be back soon. Andrea tossed them to her, shrugging, telling her to be safe and do everything she would do.
But now, maybe Andrea was right. Michonne had to face the facts. She was lonely and had needs and was into Rick enough to let him fuck her. He was just as equally a stranger to her as she was to him. Yet, just now before Jessie interrupted them. She had been teasing him because she wanted him. Perhaps he wanted her too.
"Rick, I'm sorry. I just...Can we talk privately?"
"There's no one here, Mrs. Anderson."
"It is just us. Can't we talk privately in your office?"
Michonne perked up, glancing behind her shoulder to stare at Rick. Even through the shirt, she could tell he was tense, agitated. This woman was persistent and she wouldn't stop. Michonne swore that this woman wanted to kneel before Rick more than she did.
Fuck that, Michonne shook her head, walking quietly back to Rick, reaching out to pinch his ass. He jumped, his hand on the door moved, but it didn't bulge. He was still in the door.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes!" He barked out as Michonne pinched his ass once more. "Look, Ms..."
"Rick." Michonne called out from behind him. She was never one to be quiet and thought it was best to address the situation than play around with Jessie. She pushed his ex wife away from him, she could do the same for this girl, this Jessie. "Let her in. If she believes her phone is here. You might as well settle her worries and let her look."
Rick let out a quiet groan, stepping back, opening the door wider to gain Jessie entry.
Michonne's arms folded across her chest, eyeing the blonde woman, taking her in, but it didn't take her long to see the difference since the last time she had saw her moments before. The only thing that changed about her was her hair and her newly applied makeup. She looked pretty, but if she wanted to try that hard to get Rick's attention, she'd have to step in line. And Michonne wasn't taking any cutsies.
"I thought you said we were alone, Rick." Jessie sounded annoyed, almost disappointed as she too took in Michonne.
Michonne stepped backward towards his desk, throwing herself to sit on top of it to watch the small exchange between them. How would Rick handle it now since she wedged herself in? Would he kick her out? Make Michonne wait outside so he could handle this situation delicately? She frowned, letting out a sigh. Maybe she shouldn't have said anything.
He opened his mouth moments later to close it shut, moving his hand behind his head to scratch at his scalp and the other on his hip. His foot holding the door open.
"My...girlfriend, Michonne. I'm supposed to be working. Surprise visit." Rick blurted out, choking on his words as he said them.
Michonne's eyes widen slightly. When she faced on Lori, she made it seem like they were lovers she never put a label on them. Now since he had, well he didn't seem like the type to just not, she wasn't sure how to act now. What kind of girlfriend was she supposed to be?
Apparently not the shy type since she came to visit him in a tank and shorts.
"Oh." Jessie nodded her head, avoiding Michonne, her eyes never leaving Rick. "I should find that...umm..."
"Phone." Michonne finished for her, unfolding her arms to rest on the desk again like she had before.
Jessie's head snapped to face Michonne, her brow arched, taking her in once again before she nodded. "Yes. Phone. I'll go look for that now. I didn't know you were dating. You didn't answer me earlier so I assumed you were...single." Her voice was dripping with uncertainty, not like Michonne cared. She wanted the chick gone.
"It's fairly new..." Rick closed his mouth shut, letting his head hang low. Michonne wanted to laugh. He wasn't good at these things. If they were going to keep doing this, she'd have to teach him how to come up with things on the spot.
Jessie glanced down, moving a piece of loose hair behind her ear, checking for what she had lost. "Where did you guys meet?"
"Bestfriends. They thought we'd be a perfect match."
Jessie dropped to a squat, slightly popping her ass out. Michonne noticed the action only because Rick quickly looked up and at her. She didn't know him that well, but she was sure in his eyes he was trying to tell her, 'Get her out of here. She's crazy.'
Or was that what she thought she saw?
Michonne pretended to look about the ground as if to help her. She already knew the woman was lying. "Your phone isn't here. I plan to keep up with the surprise so if you could leave...Not to be rude by the way."
"Michonne." Rick hissed, his brows narrowed. "She..."
Jessie jumped from her squat, her hand fell over her heart. "I didn't...I'm so sorry, Rick's girlfriend." She was rambling, moving her hands through her hair, shaking her head. "I swear I thought I left it here."
"She didn't mean that. Mrs. Anderson..."
"Jessie, you are welcome to call me Jessie, Rick." She replied, turning to face him, standing in front of Michonne. A small smile spreading across her lips.
Michonne shrugged, her eyes on Rick now. She tried to help, be as overwhelming as possible so the girl would run away as if she seemed she wanted to right now.
"Jessie, you look tired. If I find your phone, I'll stop by your house and drop it off. If that's alright with you."
Jessie nodded, quickly glancing down as she all but ran out of the office. Rick closed the door behind her, turning to face Michonne. He was still scratching at the back of his head. His blue eyes focused on hers.
She raised her hand, pointing her index finger at him. "To be clear, she didn't leave. She had no intention of leaving."
"You didn't have to run her off like that. That wasn't called for."
Michonne wagged her index finger at him, a smirk clear on her lips. "You called me your girlfriend. I did my best to get her out of here. She wanted to stay, pop her ass out to tempt you." She let out a small laugh.
He shook his head walking towards her, stopping just enough in front of her to give them both space. "It wouldn't have worked. If you would have kept quiet. I could have said something, thought of something to get her out of here."
Michonne slid off the desk, arching her brow questionably. "Look, I'm sorry. I should have let you handle it." She slowly reached out to touch him, but hesitated, shaking her head to pull herself back. "I did what I thought was right. She's gone. If she would have stayed behind, she would have kept trying to get with you. I'm surprised she didn't ask for your phone to call hers so she could have it."
"I wouldn't have done that." Rick quickly replied, letting out a small shrug. "Her husband just died and she's trying to latch onto someone to take the grief away."
"It happens." She completely understood. She did just that when Morgan asked her out. She hadn't told him no. She just went with it. She saw Andrea had moved on and she wanted to try. Morgan made the nightmares stop with distractions. But it wasn't the nightmares that kept her up anymore.
"If you have time later. Want to come by my place and share that Jack Daniels? I haven't opened it." He slid his hands into his pockets. She followed the action, taking in his long arms and thought about how they would feel wrapped around her waist. She gulped.
"Sure. I'll kick Andrea out of my house and I'll head over. Just text me." She paused only to smack her forehead. "Wait, we don't have each others numbers. How about you give me your phone and I'll..."
He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, a little bit to quickly. It caused Michonne to laugh as he handed it to her. The keypad already open. She typed in her phone number, saved it to his phone under Chonne and locked the screen. She handed it back to him.
"I'll see you later, Michonne."
"It's just a drink, Rick. One drink." She stated firmly, knowing already she'd probably be begging him to help her finish the bottle.
"Of course. I'll even walk you home."
"Are you planning on taking care of me in my drunken state?"
Rick nodded, grinning from side to side. "I am a gentleman."
/./
Jessie unlocked her front door, holding back her disappointment as she entered. Her hair was back up in a messy updo. Her lips were a faint red from being chewed on so many times. She was embarrassed. The Sheriff of their town turned her advances away and had a girlfriend. Every woman in town couldn't stop talking about how handsome and how much of a catch he is. Even if he was staying in an apartment, he was thinking about his son. His wife had taken the house, the pets, even his clothes.
Jessie threw her keys on the end table closest to the door, moving towards her couch, throwing herself to lay out on it. What was she thinking throwing herself at him? She should have just left when she saw Michelle sitting there on his desk. That woman was gorgeous, long hair, dark chocolate skin. Jessie instantly felt insecure, but she tried her best to play it off. She could lure Rick, tempt him with her own womanly curves and maybe the plan would have worked if Michelle, well its not exactly his fault, wasn't planning on finishing off her surprise.
Jessie felt defeated. First Pete was dead and now Rick turned her away. Perhaps it was best to stay a single mom. She had Ron and Sam her two fourteen year old twins to keep her company. She could get involved in their lives; take them to sport games, be more active in the community, but why. She felt helpless. When she first met Pete, it was a one night stand. She was nineteen and had been a virgin then. He was twenty-two and he was the hottest guy she had ever laid eyes on. When he spoke to her, she thought she had caught the biggest fish in the pond, but she saw now that it was just a fantasy. After she slept with him, got pregnant her first time. He became...darker. He always stayed out late, studied, hung out with his friends. He only had sex with her when the lights were off. He didn't start hitting her until after Ron and Sam were born. He used to tell her before each hit that he was a doctor, he knew how to give her pain without showing any bruises.
Even now, with him dead. She still shook thinking of him. How many times had she got beaten for speaking out of turn? How many times had she got hit for even raising her voice at him? He told her after each time that he'd kill her, hurt their sons. She stayed just for them, her boys. She didn't love Pete. She was afraid of him. She wasn't sure how to feel when she came down the steps and found him on the floor, a kitchen knife in his back, blood pooled around him. She screamed, fell to her knees, letting out a loud cry. The man who tormented her half her whole life was dead and she wasn't sure how to feel about it.
Almost two weeks since his death; he was already buried in the dirt. She was still supposed to be grieving. Only a hand full of people knew what he did to her. She could move on from Pete, find someone else who would appreciate her.
"Why do I want Rick so bad?" She asked out loud to herself, only to answer herself seconds later. "Maybe because he is the guy Pete wasn't." When she saw Rick that night. It was like he was what she prayed for. And she hated looking at the facts, the honest to God facts. Pete was her husband. He took care of her. He gave her two beautiful sons. She loved them dearly. Yet, he hit her just because. Rick. That night, she remembered when he was called to the scene, he was so gentle and patient as she had dropped to her knees on the floor in shock from seeing her dead husband's body. Shane, the other guy with him, was so rough with her. He wanted answers. He wanted answers quickly as he had asked them. Jessie did not like him at all.
"I have to let Rick go. I should be worried about my boys. My beautiful boys." She shifted in the couch, closing her eyes, trying to shut the image of Rick out of her mind. She was a widow now. She couldn't do this.
But she then sighed, she wanted Rick. She wished in the end that Pete was just like Rick Grimes.
She snapped her eyes wide open, a dark grin spread across her lips as she moved to sit up. "Maybe if Pete wasn't such an ass. He would have lived."
/./
Michonne unlocked the key to her apartment, pushing the door open. It was well after six. She would have gotten there sooner, but thought to put gas in Andrea's car to lessen the blow. Though when she opened her door, she wasn't expecting to see her knocked out on her couch, a small blanket wrapped around her body. Light snores fell from her mouth.
Michonne placed Andrea's keys on the table in front of her, heading for the kitchen quietly to not disturb her. She opened her cabinet, pulling out a glass. She might as well have a cup of juice to pass the time as she waited for Rick to call her.
Not like she thought he would. He was a...the Sheriff. He had cases and things to do besides hang out with her. If she had his number she'd text him and tell him to take a rain check. Now that her shoulders didn't feel so weighty anymore. She wasn't sure what to feel.
She poured herself a glass, taking a small sip as she placed the pitcher back in the fridge, closing the door with a bump of her hip. She needed to shake this feeling, but how.
"Dale! Please! Don't."
Michonne's eyes widen as she hurried out of the kitchen, placing the cup down to grab for her friend. Andrea was shaking and trembling on the couch. Her hands were pulling at the sheet.
"Andrea! It's me, Chonne. I'm right here."
Michonne suddenly remember that Andrea had spoke of this earlier. Her attacks and how she handed it. Shane. Michonne needed to call Shane.
She shook her friend once again, but nothing seem to be working.
She grabbed for her phone, going through her contacts with a swipe of her finger to find him. He was under Mr. Walsh and she pushed it, placing the phone to her ear, her eyes never leaving Andrea.
Her eyes were half opened. She was mumbling.
"Take me instead. Please. Just take me instead."
~.~
Shane was in disbelief as he stared at Rick. They were going over the Anderson case once again and he didn't understand what Jessie's new information had anything to deal with what they knew. Her bastard of a husband was stabbed, owning someone money didn't change anything.
"The bitch is covering for that son of hers. What's his name? Ron."
"Maybe she's not." Daryl piped up, his eyes narrowed as he eyed Shane through the mess of his hair.
They were standing in Rick's office, going over the case, trying to find something else to poke at, but nothing came to mind.
Shane groaned, placing his hand on his hips, eyeing the man across from him. "Rick, don't tell me you believe 'em. Ron killed his daddy. I say we interrogate the punk. Pinch it out of him."
Rick was sitting behind his desk, his arms folded across his chest, looking between the two men standing in front of him. Times like this he wished Bob was here, at least they could have someone on neutral ground. Shane was always ready to go full force. Daryl always wanted to check all other options out before they went in for the kill.
"Rick, your silence means you agree with me, right?"
Rick shook his head, raising his hand before Shane could get out another word. "Tomorrow, if it makes you feel better. We'll go to her house and talk it out again. We'll talk to Ron like a normal teenage boy, not like some criminal. He deserves a chance."
Shane let out a loud groan, slamming his hands on Rick's desk. Daryl tensed behind him, taking a step forward. "I told ya didn't I? Ron probably saw his daddy beat his momma. Dad walking around at night. Ron attacks him. I told you what I would do if I found the bastard that nearly killed my wife."
Rick nodded, glancing downward. "I remember that conversation. But this is different. That man was an adult. This is some kid. If he did do this, we have to handle..."
Rick paused as he heard a loud ring. He glanced about the office, almost thankful. It was to tense. Shane slid his hand into his pocket, pulling out his phone, staring at the screen.
"It's Chonne. It's probably Andrea calling. She always forgets to charge her phone."
Shane answered the call, a small smirk spread across his lips. "You know, Drea. If you wanted a quickie all I got to do is tell Rick that I needed to get in a good work out."
Rick bite back his laughter. Daryl rolled his eyes. He was expecting Shane to say something else, but his expression dropped. He stammered.
"W-what Michonne? Is she okay?"
Rick lifted his head up, standing up. His chair fell back at how fast. Shane noticed, raising his hand to stop him, glancing back at Daryl.
"She needs skin on skin...Fuck. I'll be there!"
He hung up the phone, jamming it into his pocket. His eyes were hard, lost. "Rick. We're putting this meeting on hold. Andrea needs me."
Rick saw the worry in his eyes. "Go on! Do you need us to go with you?"
Shane shook his head no, turning around to grab for the door handle, swinging the door open with so much force it shook. "Maybe. I dunno." He called out as he walked away.
Daryl was already heading out the door. "Come on, Boss. He shouldn't do this alone."
Rick nodded, walking towards his door, cutting off the light, closing the door behind him as he followed Daryl out of the building. He slid his hands into his pockets, pulling out his phone. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he wanted to calm Michonne down. If Shane was freaking out over the phone, he was sure that she was too. He quickly sent her a text.
His heart thumping wildly in chest at the act of seeing her again even if it was earlier that day.
'Be there soon, Chonne.'
~.~
Rick didn't even put the car in park before Shane opened the door, jumping out of the moving car to enter the building. Daryl at least waited till he parked the car, turned the car off, and took the key out. Rick exited the car, slamming the car door behind him. Daryl was on his heels as he entered the building. Thankfully Michonne's place was right at the top corner step.
When they met up with Shane, he had his hands on his hips, pacing in front of her door. He was mumbling to himself.
Daryl reached out to stop him. To calm him down, but the door swung open. Michonne was standing there. Half panicked, half something else he couldn't place.
"She's in here." She stepped inside, letting all three men in her apartment. When Rick entered, she touched his shoulder, thanking him for the message. He nodded, glancing over her as she closed the door behind him to look at Andrea.
She was sitting up on the couch. Her hair was wild on her head. She was bent over, a paper brown bag in her hands and she was breathing into it. Shane was on his knees, his hands on her wrists, whispering something to her. Andrea didn't reply back. She just kept breathing into the bag.
Rick folded his arms across his chest. Maybe Daryl and him shouldn't have came. This looked more like a private moment than a public one.
"Y-you didn't have to bring the men, Michonne." Andrea slowly dropped the bag from her lips. Tears were in her eyes. "I'm not camera ready for a foursome."
"Andrea!" Michonne snapped, not thinking this was the right time to make jokes.
"Y-you called them here. W-what else am I supposed to say? I'm...fine."
"Thank you for calling me Michonne. I'll take her home."
Andrea raised her hand as Shane stood up, shaking her head. "I-m staying. Michonne and I are having a girls night and I have yet to get naked."
Daryl coughed, clearing his throat. Rick eyed him for a second, wondering if this was the first time he met Andrea. Maybe on the drive over he should have warned him that Andrea was blunt. At the time he wasn't thinking. He was worried for his friend and Michonne. He was honestly just glad she was okay.
"Andrea, get your ass up." Shane hissed, reaching out for her hands. She laced their fingers together, slowly rising. The blanket wrapped around her body dropped to the floor. "We are leaving." He put his foot down, shaking his head, trying to calm himself down.
"Shane." Michonne started, folding her arms across her chest. "I think she should stay here. She had an attack once. She might have one again."
"Michonne." Andrea warned, eyeing her. Her eyes narrowed.
Michonne shook her head. She understood the look. Who would want to appear broken in a room full of strangers? "I love you and Shane loves you. You are going to listen to him, but stay."
Andrea threw herself to sit down, bringing the bag to her lips to breathe into, deciding it was best to pretend to still need to breathe than argue with Michonne.
"Wait, do you mind letting her stay here a little longer? I need to go back to the station and get my car. I'll come back, scoop her up and you can drive behind us."
Michonne nodded once, turning her back away from Andrea and Shane. Her eyes focused on Daryl. She didn't want to be rude. She stuck out her hand to him. "I'm Michonne. You must be Daryl."
Daryl shifted from foot to foot, probably nervous. He extended his hand, shaking hers. "I am. Nice to meet you Michonne. Shane, I'll ride back wit ya." Daryl bowed his head at Michonne, dropping his hand to walk out of the apartment, leaving the rest of them behind.
"Now you scared the biker away, Michonne." Andrea teased, dropping her bag again. Shane shook his head, unclear of what to say as he approached Rick. Rick already had his keys out of his pockets, dropping it in Shane's hand.
"I'll stay here with the girls. I'll call you if there's anything."
"Sure." Shane glanced over his shoulder, staring at Andrea. His head tilts to the side, watching her. "You behave here?"
Andrea raised her hands, flexing her fingers. "Of course, Officer. Unless you plan to arrest me." She gave her husband a sly wink, bringing her hands down. "I'm going to shower. Change my clothes and burn them. I'd like to get that thought out of my head. Okay with you Chonne?"
Michonne nodded. "Go on. You know where everything is."
Shane exited Michonne's apartment, closing the door behind him. Andrea exited the living room, going around the couch to disappear into the back, leaving Rick and Michonne alone.
"Is this how you wanted to see each other again?" Rick lightly teased, hoping it was the right time to make some type of joke.
Michonne burst out in laughter, rolling her eyes. "Yes. I guess. I'm sorry. You didn't need to see that."
Rick shrugged, turning around trying to find something to sit on. He found nothing so leaned against the bar counter top instead. "It happens. I know part of her history...not like I wanted to. I was more worried about you. Are you okay?"
Rick stared at the woman in front of him. Emotions. He could see it across her face, playing out in her eyes, but he didn't ask. He wasn't going to pry. Whenever she was ready to tell him, he was just a phone call away or down the hall.
"I'd like that drink now. Your place?"
Rick leaned off the counter, straightening. He had heard her right, but he always wanted to be sure.
"You want to leave Andrea alone?"
Michonne shook her head only to nod. "Sometimes a girl who cries doesn't feel safe until she's alone."
Then it hit him. The emotions running across her face were similar to the ones he's seen in female victims. It was similar to when he saw Jessie with Pete.
Michonne was...is hurting.
His Michonne was in pain. But from what?
Though he reminded himself to not pry. It just wasn't in him not too.