In Another Lifetime (Chapter 5)
A/N: Thank you so much for enjoying this story. Your positive comments and summations are truly inspiring me.
The Governor looks on with much appreciation as he observes Michonne take down walker after walker. She is intriguing him on a level he hasn't experienced in a very long time. The way she handles that sword of hers so proficiently, the way her jeans hug her curves, the way her skin seems to glow and beckon him. He licks his suddenly dry lips as he realizes she would be the total package and he has to claim her in every way. Watching her leaves no doubt in his head or in his loins that he will have her.
"Governor, the store is clear. Do you want me to gather the others so we can see about supplies now?" A young female inquires.
He shakes his head to clear it of distracting thoughts and gives the young lady his attention. "That's fine, Sasha. Good job." He dismisses her and calls Michonne over.
"That was very impressive. I'm glad I made the decision to include you. You are quite the fighter," he gushes.
"Just earning my keep," Michonne returns, remaining as professional as possible. She was sure to use his own words against him. She is not completely comfortable with his so called compliments.
The Governor nods, surmising that she is not warming to him in the least. He narrows his eyes, picking up on her intelligence as well. He notes that he is going to have to play things very carefully with her. Going one on one may not be the key which makes him glad that he put his plan with Dawn into place. Her husband may be the only way to get to her.
Rick is on guard duty, watching even more diligently for any sign of the team's return. He hears his name and turns to look behind him. Zach and Noah are on duty with him. The latter tilts his head as an indication that whoever is calling him is still at the wall on the ground. Rick moves to the ladder and looks down. He sees a dark haired female that he has seen around, but hasn't met. "I'm Rick. Can I help you?"
"Hi. I'm Dawn. I help Mrs. Carson at the school some days. She's dismissing early today so I just wanted you to know that the boys are heading home. I stopped and asked Mr. Charles if he'd take over for you so you can get home too."
Rick smiles with relief, not wanting the boys to be home alone for indefinite amount of time. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"No problem. I uh….I also made one of my famous pot pies. I'd be happy to bring it over for you and your boys for lunch," Dawn offers.
"That's really kind of you, but no thanks," he declines.
"Are you sure? I brought some to the boys at school not too long ago and they absolutely loved it."
Mr. Charles walks up with his rifle on his back, ready for duty. "Hey there, Grimes. How are you?"
"I'm doing fine Mr. Charles. Thank you so much for taking over for me," Rick offers.
"No problem at all, son. Go take care of them boys of yours," Mr. Charles states.
Rick climbs down the ladder and heads home as Dawn looks on, completely noting how Rick Grimes seems to have forgotten she was even there. That only serves as a challenge for her. She has never encountered any man whose head she couldn't turn. She moves off to her apartment to retrieve her pot pie.
The boys were in the kitchen looking through the cabinets when Rick walked through the door. They greet him with smiles and excitement.
"I thought we had to be here by ourselves," Carl said.
"Someone took over watch duty for me, so we'll have some lunch and maybe go to the playground later. How does that sound?" Rick asks.
"Yeah!" Andre exclaims.
Rick places his automatic rifle on a high shelf then moves into the kitchen to try and put something together for lunch.
"Michonne's not back yet?" Carl asks.
"Not yet, but I expect her any minute now," Rick returns.
"I bet Mommy found us some more skittles," Andre inputs.
The other two laugh then stop abruptly as there is a knock at the door. Rick moves over and opens it to find Dawn on the other side, a covered dish in her hands.
"Now, before you say no I'm telling you that I refuse to take no for an answer. I…" she trails off as the boys step to the door and greet her.
"Is that what I think it is Ms. Dawn?" Carl asks.
"It most certainly is," she answers with a smile.
The two boys look to Rick with excited smiles so he opens the door further and allows Dawn inside. She moves directly to the kitchen and sets the pie on the table, making her way to the cabinet in search of plates.
"Um…you really don't have to do all of that. Bringing us the pie was more than enough," Rick tells her.
"I don't mind. I'll just cut it up and serve you and be on my way," Dawn informs.
That is exactly what Michonne walks in on as she returns home and finds her boys seated at the table and a strange woman in her kitchen serving them.
Rick jumps up and meets her at the door, taking her backpack and sword and placing them on the couch. After greeting each other, they walk into the kitchen and Dawn introduces herself.
"I hope you don't mind. The boys love my pot pie so I brought one over for lunch," Dawn explains.
"That was awfully kind of you. Thank you," Michonne returns.
"This pot pie is so good, Michonne. You're going to love it," Carl tells her.
She smiles as she looks from Carl back to Dawn. "You'll have to share your recipe."
"Oh, I will," Dawn states. "I uh….I should probably get going. Nice to meet you."
"You too. Why don't I show you out?"
Rick looks at the two women a bit nervously. He doesn't know why but Lori was always real particular about who was allowed in her kitchen. For some reason, he's getting a slight vibe that Michonne feels the same way.
She returns after securing the door and tells them she will join them as soon as she freshens up. She takes the time to get her temper under control. She's not sure why but she just felt threatened walking in on another woman feeding her fam…..She looks at herself in the mirror and wonders at her choice of words. Can I truly claim Rick and Carl as my family now? Should I claim them? She shakes her head, noting that for now it's just best to keep on pretending. She may have to orchestrate a fake claim just for Dawn's benefit. That woman inviting herself into their home and feeding Rick and the boys. Yeah, that can't happen again.
A week passes and the Governor wants a report from Dawn. He summons her to his apartment and questions her progress.
"That man is faithful to his wife. He is either on guard duty, at home with his kids and her, or visiting her at the supply store. He's a true family man so what do you want me to do?" Dawn asks. "Besides, she's starting to suspect me and I ain't too fond of her eyeing me with that sword on her back."
"That's a movement in the right direction if she's suspecting something. You need to dig in now and really be a thorn in her side. Start following him and just popping up out of nowhere. She'll start wondering why that is," Phillip states. "I shouldn't have to tell you these things. I know you've broken up a marriage or two haven't you?"
"Of course but the man was always willing. That Rick doesn't even give me a second glance."
"Well, you need to do whatever it takes to change that," Phillip returns.
"I'm starting to feel just a bit used here. You're doing all this to get at the wife and I just get tossed aside like some whore?" Dawn inquires. "I mean if I don't even get to fuck the husband, what was the point in all of this?"
"The point in all of this is that I'm asking you for a favor. If you don't get a taste of whatever it is you're wanting, that sounds like a personal issue to me. Either you do what I tell you or I'll get someone else to help me. How does that sound?"
Dawn recognized a threat when she heard one. "Whatever you want, Governor. Whatever you want."
Rick and Michonne decide to take advantage of the balmy weather on their day off and take the boys to the playground. They are running around playing while Rick and Michonne unpack their picnic complete with a blanket and all.
"So I've been meaning to talk to you about this. Do you…do you want to stay here or should we try our luck back at the house?" Rick asks cautiously.
"Things haven't been too bad here, have they?" Michonne returns.
"No, they haven't but I just thought I'd ask. Find out how you felt about this place."
"So far, so good. Unless they give us a reason to leave, I think we'll be fine. Don't you?" She asks with concern.
Rick nods before he calls the boys over for lunch.
They are enjoying sandwiches and apple slices when Andre asks, "What's a stepdad?"
"Why do you ask Peanut?" Michonne wants to know.
"Well, Timmy asked how long I had a stepdad and I didn't know I had one," Andre answers.
"When did Timmy ask you that?" Carl intervenes.
"Yesterday when we were playing outside. So, what's a stepdad?"
Rick puts his sandwich aside and says, "That would be me, son. I'm your stepdad. Your dad's far away remember so I'm just kind of taking his place for a little while."
Andre looks to Rick with a pensive expression. "So I'm supposed to call you dad instead of Rick?"
"You can call me Rick or you can call me Dad. Either one is fine." He steals a quick glance at Michonne but can't determine what her expression means.
"Well if Carl's mom is far away then is Mommy his mom?" Andre asks.
Michonne rolls her eyes. "Oh, he's in one of his moods. We're gonna get questions all day."
"Your mom is married to my dad, so she's my stepmom and he's your stepdad. Does that make sense?" Carl inquires.
"Married? But we didn't go to the church," Andre counters.
"To the church. For what?"
"When people get married, they go to the church, right?"
Michonne sighs. "Peanut please. We'll go to the church later. For now, just tell people that Rick is your stepdad ok?
"Well…ok."
Just then Dawn walks up and politely plops down next to Rick. "Hi. I just wanted to visit with my favorite students for a minute. How are you guys today?"
The boys answer her quietly and return to eating their food.
Rick and Michonne remain quiet as well, hoping Dawn will take the hint and leave.
Dawn can't help but notice the cool reception. For some reason, that truly bothers her and she wants to tell the Governor to fuck off once and for all. She can't help but wonder if Rick would look her way if Michonne was out of the picture. "Well, it's always nice to see you. Take care." She rolls back and pretends to lose her balance, falling against Rick. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
Rick places his hands at her shoulders and pushes her back slightly. "It's fine. Just be careful."
Dawn moves up to a full stand, looking down at Rick with a smile. "Thank you." She turns to leave then snaps her fingers as if she is remembering something. "By the way, the Governor is hosting a social event soon. I think it's his way of kind of welcoming you two here and all. You will be there won't you?"
"We haven't heard anything about it," Michonne answers.
"Oh, well…I'm sure he was going to make the time to tell you." She pauses, then says, "Don't let on that you know. I think he wanted to invite you personally." She gives an uncertain smile and finally leaves.
Rick and Michonne share a pondering look.
"She is a strange one," Rick observes.
Michonne takes a bite of her sandwich. "How so?"
"Can we go play now?" Carl asks.
Michonne verifies that they finished their sandwiches and apple slices and gives them an affirming nod. The two boys smile and take off running. She can only hope they don't play so hard they make themselves sick having just eaten. She gives Rick her attention again. "How so?"
"Well, she just pops up all the time and I can't really figure her out," he answers.
"Really? You can't figure her out?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rick asks.
"Never mind. Can I ask you something?"
With his nod, she trudges on, "Do you….do you think about being with someone again? A new relationship?"
Rick frowns slightly as he contemplates her question. He can't help but think maybe she is asking because she is considering it for herself. He wonders if she's found someone she's interested in. "I haven't really considered it. Have you?"
"I haven't, but….I want you to know that if you're interested in someone, it's ok. I'd understand," she admits.
"Michonne, where is this coming from?"
"Rick, Dawn is interested in you. Haven't you picked up on that? Maybe this is your chance to start anew. Make a real home for you and Carl," Michonne states.
"We do have a real home….right here and right now. I'm not interested in that woman." He's not sure where this is going or even where he wants it to go but he feels a need to reassure her. "We've survived together so let's not change that now that we've got these walls. Deal?" He extends his hand for a handshake.
She smiles as she accepts his hand, shaking it firmly. "Deal."
The next day, the invitation for the social is extended via a personal visit by the Governor. Michonne, Rick and the boys were playing a game of cards before bedtime when the knock sounded at the door. The Governor is now strolling around the apartment, his curiosity evident. He hates to even admit this to himself but he missed seeing Michonne today. He didn't get a chance to go by the store earlier and decided to use the social as a means to get into their apartment. He not only wanted to see her but he wanted to see where she ate, where she bathed, where she slept. One apartment was almost identical to the next but he knows it's her. It's all about her. She makes the difference.
"Well, I hope to see you there. After all, you are considered the guests of honor," he tells them.
"There's really no need for that. We're glad to be here," Rick returns.
"Nonsense. It's not every day we get upstanding citizens like yourselves and I appreciate that." He turns toward the door. "I uh….I won't take no for an answer." He smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes as he looks to Rick and then Michonne. "I'll come by the store tomorrow and go over the list of things you'll need to pull just for the occasion."
"Jeanette actually runs the store so shouldn't she handle that?" Michonne asks.
"I'm thinking about changing some things around here. Putting you over the store may be one of those changes, so I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." The Governor nods to both of them and waves at the boys before he exits.
"He's weird," Andre announces.
Rick tries not to laugh but can't help agreeing with Andre's description. It also didn't escape his notice that the man watched Michonne like a hawk and that made him uncomfortable. "Time for bed, guys."
"What's a social anyway?" Carl addresses Michonne as she moves over to the door to ensure that it was locked and secured.
She turns back to face Carl and answers, "Just a party. We'll go and stay for a couple of hours and then come right back home. How does that sound?"
"So we do have to go?" Carl asks.
"It's only polite," Michonne returns.
"Do we have to be polite?" Andre queries.
Rick does laugh this time as Michonne gasps at her son's question and tries not to laugh herself.
"Yes we do have to be polite. It'll be fun."
Later, Michonne is in the kitchen straightening up when Rick walks in after tucking the boys in for the night. She takes one look at him and says, "I know what you're going to say and I'll be careful."
"So you picked up on it as well?"
"I did." She sighs. "What do you think will happen when I turn down his offer to take charge of the store?"
"Let's hope your refusal is the answer he accepts. If he knows what's good for him, he'll accept it," Rick states.
Michonne can't stop the flutter in her stomach. Hearing Rick ready to defend her if need be excites her more than she thought possible. She can take care of herself, but knowing that someone is still willing to do that for her offers a different view of him. "Thank you. I'm sure it won't come to that."
"Are you ok?"
She takes a deep breath. "I'm fine. Just a little tired. Guess I need to go to bed."
Rick nods. "Well, have a good night." He can't help but notice her elevated breathing, her slight nervousness. When she moves to walk past him, he touches her arm lightly to stay her.
She looks up at him with those beautiful brown eyes and he almost forgets what he was about to say especially when he feels a slight quiver from her.
"Michonne, you're shaking. What's wrong? Hey, this guy is no threat to us. We're going to be ok," Rick assures.
"I know. I just….I don't know what to expect….." She takes another deep breath, then exhales slowly. "…but we'll be fine." She can't admit to herself, let alone to him that he is the cause of her nervousness. On impulse, she hugs him and practically shudders when he wraps his arms around her.
Rick breathes in her scent deeply as he holds her in his arms, trying his best to hold his reaction at bay. He knows right then and there that he would do anything to protect her. All too soon she is pulling away and muttering good night as she makes her way to the bedroom. He looks over at the couch, loneliness cloaking him as he wishes he could hold her in his arms all night.