In Another Lifetime (Chapter 6)
A/N: Thank you so much for supporting this story. I appreciate each and every one of you.
Rick and two others from Woodbury are fighting a small cluster of walkers that ambled out of the woods at the rear of the community. One of the Governor's men spotted them and the leader immediately pulled together a team to handle it. Rick is unsure why he only sent three men to dispatch this threat, but he didn't question it.
The sweat dripping into his eyes stings but he keeps fighting, wondering if the three of them will be able to handle this on their own. As soon as it appears they are making leeway, more walkers come into view.
The three of them….Rick, Noah, and a big guy named Otis….start to fall back as the walkers keep coming.
"Maybe we need to regroup….gather some more men for this," Otis suggests.
Rick can only nod as he continues to fight. He turns as Noah lets out an expletive, noticing walkers coming from a different direction. He is just about to tell them to run when Michonne races toward him and starts slicing with a vengeance. She is not alone as the Governor is right behind her with several others from Woodbury. Together, they make short work of the walkers and soon breathe with relief as the last walker is cut down.
Michonne looks over to Rick. "You ok?"
He nods. "How'd you know?"
"I didn't actually." She pauses to catch her breath. "I came looking for you to see if you wanted some lunch and Tyreese told me you were beyond the walls fighting walkers."
"And you didn't stay put?" Rick asks, trying to keep the overt concern out of his voice.
"Good thing she didn't, right?" The Governor walks over to stand next to Michonne. "I had no idea there were this many biters out here. Be glad you've got such a perceptive wife, Grimes."
Rick eyes the Governor as he can't help feeling the man just attempted to imply he was questioning Michonne's abilities. He also can't shake the feeling that the Governor sent only three men initially for a reason.
"Have there ever been that many walkers before?" Rick asks.
"I've never seen that many," Noah answers. "I hope there aren't more coming this way."
"That means we just have to be even more observant," the Governor suggests.
"Maybe post a couple of men at the rear?" Michonne inserts.
The Governor looks to her. "Smart and beautiful. Great idea." He turns toward Tyreese. "Get on that asap. I want the rear covered immediately."
Rick drops his eyes to the ground as he knows his expression is close to murderous right now. This asshole is really pushing his luck. Paying compliments to my…..to her like I'm not standing right here. He lifts his head as he realizes what he almost uttered to himself and starts to make his way back to Woodbury.
Michonne steps in beside him, but remains silent. She knows she is going to have to deal with the Governor before Rick decides to. She looks over at him, trying to catch his eyes in an effort to make sure he is ok.
He finally lifts his eyes to hers and gives her a slight smile, placing his hand at the small of her back as they walk side by side. He turns his head in the Governor's direction and is satisfied when he sees him watching them.
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The night of the social arrives and the party gets underway without a hitch. Soft instrumental music plays while the citizens of Woodbury mill about happily. Clusters of people are gathered on the grass conversing, sitting at small round tables placed on both sides of the gathering area.
The Governor had been saving a small stash of wine for just this occasion. It was conveniently stored in his apartment. He knows he could easily get one of his men to retrieve the two crates and bring them down for the social but he was anxious for an excuse to get Michonne all to himself. This would be perfect as he would tell her he wants her opinion before serving the libation.
He watches her with her family, admiring her in the pink dress she wore, her hair pulled back revealing just how beautiful she is. A smile plays across his lips as Jeanette approaches her just as he planned. She whispers something to her husband and follows Jeanette, walking with a purpose by the older woman's side. He gives them a few minutes before he exits the party as well.
Michonne is studying a bottle of the wine and actually looking forward to sharing a glass with Rick. She looks up at the sound of the door opening and is surprised to see the Governor.
"I see you found my stash. So tell me….what do you think?" He asks, eyeing Jeanette as he moves closer to Michonne.
"This appears to be a very good…Jeanette? Where are you going?" Michonne asks as she notices her moving towards the door.
Jeanette looks at her and then at the Governor, the guilt of what she has done written all over her face. "I….I have to get back to the party. You and the Governor here can bring the crates down. I'll see you later."
Michonne places the bottle back into the crate as she realizes what she just walked into. The Governor was obviously trying to get her alone and she fell right into his trap. She can't even call up any anger at Jeanette. She blames herself and vows to rectify this problem the only way she knows how.
He steps even closer after Jeanette exits the apartment. "I know what this looks like and yes I put Jeannette up to it because I knew it would be the only way I could get you alone. I want you. I can't deny it any more. Tell me you feel the same way."
"No, Governor. I don't. I'm married….with children. Remember? I'm happy with my husband and I don't think he'd appreciate this at all," Michonne relays, a tad nervous since she doesn't have her sword with her. She didn't think she'd need it.
"This could all be yours. The bigger apartment, the choicest of the supplies….whatever you want, whatever you need…I'll do my damnedest to get it for you," he tells her.
"What I want is to go back to the party to be with my husband and our sons," she returns.
"He can't take care of you like I can. He doesn't deserve a woman like you."
Michonne is aghast as this man knows absolutely nothing about Rick Grimes. She moves to walk past him but he detains her, grabbing her by the arm and moving in for a kiss. She jerks away from him and places both hands against his chest to effect a substantial shove before making her way to the door posthaste. She opens it and exits with a sound slam.
The Governor is beyond frustrated and has to take several minutes before he can compose himself enough to return to the party. He inhales and exhales deeply as he realizes exactly what he has to do.
Michonne makes a beeline for Rick, searching for Jeanette as well. She should've known she wouldn't have the nerve to return to the party after her part in what could've been a very bad situation. She returns his smile, admiring him in his white button down shirt and dark slacks. She can't help thinking how handsome he looks.
She approaches the table he and the boys are occupying and offers him her hand. "Dance with me?"
His expression is one of surprise but he doesn't deny her as he takes her hand and allows her to lead him towards the middle of the party area where they join at least three other couples. He places his hands at her waist as she places hers onto his shoulders and they begin to move slowly. He smiles down at her, wanting to question the reason for the dance but decides to just enjoy it.
She looks around the room, searching for one person in particular. She is going to show him once and for all who she truly wants to be with. The Governor rejoins the party just as she knew he would and his eyes zero in on her and Rick immediately.
"Ok, so I'm gonna try something and I kinda need you to just follow my lead, ok?" She requests.
Rick nods after a short pause. "Okay."
She knows she has the Governor's undivided attention so leans toward Rick and slowly, gently places her lips against his. Her intent was just to show the Governor that she was unequivocally devoted to Rick but the moment their lips touch she feels something she has never felt before. A warm flush seems to start with her face and makes its way throughout her entire body. She was about to pull away when she feels Rick's hand cup her cheek and his mouth open against hers.
His heart rate is in overdrive as he steps closer, pressing into her, delving inside the warmth of her mouth, the taste going straight to his head like smooth liquor. She opens for him willingly, her tongue meeting his. He latches on, allowing her to do the same as the kiss deepens and shrouds any and everything around them.
The sound of giggles and two small bodies slamming into them conjures reality. They open their eyes and pull apart as Carl and Andre smile up at them with happy dancing eyes and animated expressions, clearly happy to witness their mom and dad kissing.
The other party goers smile as well, giving the family looks of approval. All except the Governor and Dawn. The former scowls and walks away.
The family of four move back to a table to enjoy party favors and drinks. A few minutes later, Rick excuses himself for a bathroom break and Michonne remains with the boys, conversing with them and happy they are enjoying the party despite the fact that they would've rather stayed home.
A little over 15 minutes pass and Michonne wonders where Rick could be. He told them he'd be right back. She notices Dawn and Tyreese coming her way and tries not to frown.
Dawn greets the boys as Tyreese tells Michonne the Governor would like to see her.
Her guard goes up immediately and she declines.
Tyreese leans over and whispers in her ear so the boys won't hear.
Michonne gives him an uncertain look but realizes she doesn't have a choice.
"I'll take care of the boys. Make sure they get home safe," Dawn offers.
Michonne swallows with nervousness and agitation. She searches the area quickly, wondering who she could trust with her children. Her eyes land on Mrs. Carson but she knows Dawn could easily persuade her so she's a no. She notices Noah next. She doesn't know him that well but Rick does and Rick trusts him. "Boys, come with me."
Tyreese calls her name but she ignores him as she pulls the boys with her and approaches Noah.
The young teen is unsure about her request but sees the need in her eyes and agrees to get the boys home safely. Andre and Carl start to protest but she gives them a look and they both go quiet.
"Mommy and Daddy will be home soon, ok? Just be good for Noah. I promise we won't be long," she assures them. She then hands them off to Noah and watches as they leave the party. Her boys looking back at her, wondering what could be happening. She tries to reassure them with a smile, but her stomach is bubbling with nervousness.
Dawn actually smirks at her as Tyreese reminds her that the Governor is waiting.
Five minutes later she is entering what looks to be an old car garage. Maybe it used to be a car repair place or something. She's not sure. The area is bare save for an old wooden table and a chair. She looks to the left and sees chainsaws, hatchets, axes, knives, and machetes all hung up on the wall. A door opens and two men step inside holding Rick in between them. He lifts his head and she gasps as she sees his beaten and battered face.
"Rick?!" She rushes to him, wanting to touch him but afraid to hurt him any further. She looks from one man to the other, taking in their bruised fists and she immediately sees red. "Where is he?! Where is the Governor?! I know he made you do this. He…."
She is interrupted as the Governor strolls into the area using the entrance behind Tyreese.
"I'm right here, darling. Just waiting for you to get here. Somehow I knew you'd come running." He is wiping his hands on a rag, removing the blood. He motions to Shumpert and Martinez. "Put him over there."
The two men place Rick in the chair and stand on either side of him, awaiting more instructions.
Michonne is beyond furious. This man believes he has them at his mercy but they don't need this place. They would just leave…..tonight if need be. "My husband and I will be leaving…..tonight. We don't deserve to be treated like this."
"I so love that you still think you have some control. Now, I gave you every opportunity to conform…to see things my way but you just refused to understand. You are going to be mine. Let's just stop denying that, shall we?"
"There is no way anything like that is ever going to happen," Michonne returns.
The Governor scoffs, assured that he has the upper hand. "I found a way…." He gives a slight tilt of his head to Shumpert and Martinez and they grab Rick and slam him face down on the table, pressing his arms flat and straight out on both sides despite his struggles.
"Stop this! What are you doing?! Let him go!" Michonne yells. She watches in horror as the Governor retrieves an axe from the wall and moves over to Rick.
"It's really quite simple, Michonne. All you have to do is say yes. Be mine in every way and Rick here gets to live. Otherwise, I start chopping him up limb by limb." The Governor motions to Martinez who grabs Rick's right arm and holds it down as the Governor hovers over his hand.
"Don't…..don't do this. Please….." Tears start to form in Michonne's eyes as she realizes she truly doesn't have a choice. Not if she wants Rick to be ok.
"I just need to hear you say it," the Governor coerces as he raises the axe, aiming for Rick's wrist.
Michonne throws herself in front of the Governor. "Fine. I'll do whatever you want. Please. Just let him go." She hears her name and closes her eyes realizing Rick is trying to get her attention. She turns around to look at him, tears escaping down her cheeks. "Just take care of the boys, ok?"
"Michonne….don't!"
He doesn't even sound like himself as she is sure it is difficult to speak with a busted lip.
She looks back to the Governor. "Let him go home to our boys. Don't hurt him anymore."
The Governor gives her a knowing smile, his eyes never leaving her face. "You heard the woman. Take him home." He gives his attention to Rick. "You be sure and stay put now. I might let her come by and pack up her things later."
Rick starts to struggle again as he is lifted up and practically dragged towards the exit. "Michonne!" He manages to jerk away from Martinez and lands a punch to Shumpert's nose followed by a knee to Martinez's stomach. He turns his murderous gaze towards the Governor and moves in his direction.
Tyreese rushes forward and grabs Rick in a bear hug. The other two recover and assist Tyreese in getting him out of there.
All Michonne can manage is a quiet "I'm sorry" as Rick is forced to leave, shouting her name.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rick ponders Tyreese's words after Shumpert and Martinez left them alone. The tall man told him that he was aware of the Governor's shortcomings and that he would help Rick get his family out of Woodbury. He couldn't promise him that he could get Michonne out of the Governor's clutches that night, but whenever she got away he'd assist them in leaving.
Rick realizes that Tyreese will be their way out as the Governor would more than likely prevent him from leaving with Michonne. He also had to consider the fact that Tyreese didn't participate in his beating. Maybe he wasn't as loyal to the Governor as others thought. The hard part of it all was standing in the living area of their apartment, torturing himself with the thoughts of what she could be enduring and all to save him. The price she decided to pay just wasn't worth it. He doesn't care that she would probably beg to differ. It's killing him thinking of another man….that man's hands on her.
He rubs his forehead anxiously, ignoring the soreness, eyeing his colt on the coffee table, contemplating strapping it on and walking to the Governor's apartment. He had checked on the boys as soon as he made it home, not even taking the time to clean himself up or look at his damaged face. Noah had fed the boys and was reluctant to leave Rick in his condition but Rick convinced him he was ok. Now the boys are fast asleep despite their worries about their mom and dad.
Rick is torn like never before, the need to at least try to save Michonne strong and the instinct to stay and protect the boys even stronger. He grabs his gun belt and straps it on, checking the ammo in his colt before pushing it into the holster. He turns to go to the boys' room when the knob on the front door rattles as if someone is trying to get in. He moves in that direction and looks through the peephole just as a soft knock is delivered. He snatches the door open and pulls Michonne inside, hugging her to him, thankful that she is ok and that she came back to him.
She trembles almost uncontrollably in his arms but quickly turns away to close and secure the door. She faces him again. "You….you have to...take the boys…..and leave…...now."
"What? What are you talking about?" He asks.
"The….the Governor….he's….dead. I…..killed him," Michonne explains.
Rick finally allows his eyes to drop away from her face, traveling down her body to take in the blaring stains all over her pink dress. Blood…..she's covered in blood.