In Another Lifetime (Chapter 12)
A/N: Hello my fellow Richonners! I hope you're still enjoying this story. Thanks for all the support.
Previously: Andre and Carl decided it would be a good idea to become big brothers so they enlist their parents' help in writing letters to the stork. Rick and Michonne find it amusing until they actually have a pregnancy scare.
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Michonne sits in bewilderment and wonders at the absence of relief as her bottom lip starts to tremble and the tears well up in her eyes. Just as she had accepted and welcomed the pregnancy, she finds out it never existed. She groans as she can only imagine how disappointed Rick is going to be. She pulls herself together and makes her way to their bedroom.
She slides into bed and faces a sleeping Rick, reaching out to caress his hair softly. She knew her touch would wake him and tries to keep a straight face as his eyes connect with hers despite the dimness.
"Everythang alright?" He asks quietly.
She shakes her head. "No," she answers as she moves closer to him and hugs him. His arms wrap around her automatically and she relishes in the comfort.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"I….I'm not….pregnant."
He pulls back, searching her face. The disappointment and despair are apparent, making his stomach drop but he masks his reaction and holds her tightly.
She whispers "I'm sorry" more than once as her tears dampen her skin as well as his. "I was finally ready and just like that…..the hope is gone."
He clears his throat, trying to control his emotions. "No, it's not gone. Just….postponed. Maybe this just wasn't the right time. We still have to consider what we're facing now. The risks, the dangers….."
She takes a deep breath and agrees with him. "How can things be so good in here and so bad out there? It's a blessing and a curse."
"How so?"
"A curse because of who we've lost, what we've lost and a blessing because we found each other….again," she explains. She can sense his smile as they continue to hold each other.
"I am so in love with you," he admits.
She leans back to look at him and smiles as he wipes her tears. Despite his disappointment, despite putting up with her insecurities he is still willing to put himself out there for her. The love she feels overwhelms her as more tears come but for a different reason. She's happy. "I'm in love with you."
"You think this is our chance to do this the right way?" He asks.
"The right way?"
"Well, the would be big brothers may not get their wish for a baby but maybe they'll settle for being official brothers to each other. I don't know how or when but I want to marry you Michonne."
His words render her speechless and he takes her silence as uncertainty.
"Is it too soon? Did I….."
She shakes her head. "I….just never thought there would be anyone else but I want this. I want you." She gives him a slight smile. "Let's get married."
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Rick is in his office with Zach and Tyreese making plans for an upcoming supply run. He was going forward with the idea the younger man had for setting manual booby traps around the perimeter of the community, specifically in their blind spots. The traps would incapacitate a walker or even a human if they got too close to the fence.
They would take a team of five and get the supplies needed for the traps among other essentials. He was secretly planning to procure new rings but was still unsure who they'd get to perform the ceremony. He tells himself to take things one step at a time and all would fall into place as it should. He also makes a mental note to get bigger condoms.
He continues through the day as he normally would, looking forward to spending time with his family. The boys would be at school for another couple of hours and Michonne was helping Jeanette at the supply store.
Later that night, over dinner, he informs her about the supply run, omitting the fact that he will be searching for new rings.
"I'd really like to go with you," she states.
He nods in agreement. "I know but I thought we agreed it's best if one of us stays here."
"Noah's been real good with the boys so I'm sure he wouldn't mind watching them."
"We don't need a babysitter. Sasha's teaching us how to handle ourselves," Andre inputs.
"Noah is not a babysitter. I just feel better if he's with you when Rick and I can't be," Michonne explains.
Rick was hoping she wouldn't insist on going. He doesn't want them both out there when they don't have to be. "We won't be out long. We'll leave at daybreak and return by dusk. I promise."
She gives him a pensive look, finally picking up on the fact that he'd rather go without her. The only time they'd been apart was when she accompanied the Governor on that run months ago. She doesn't want to but she agrees to stay behind.
"The next run's yours," Rick assures her.
"And ours," Carl adds.
"Yeah!" Andre agrees.
Rick tilts his head with a slight smile. "I don't know about that one."
The hint of disapproval sends the boys into a litany of why they should be allowed to go on the next run. Michonne shares a look with her better half that clearly says this is all yours.
Hours later, the apartment is quiet as the boys are finally asleep and their parents are making love. She takes the lead, kissing him from head to toe and driving him mad with desire for her. She climbs on top and rides hard and fast, leaving him speechless. Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms, basking in a cocoon of satisfaction. She caresses his cheek softly and whispers, "Come back to me."
He smiles, wondering why she is so worried. "Babe we'll be fine. It's only a supply run."
She nods and brushes off her feelings of uncertainty. "You'd better get some sleep."
He kisses her softly and they snuggle closer, drifting off slowly but surely. All too soon, his inner clock has him rising before the sun and she joins him, packing extra provisions in his back pack and ensuring that he eats. They stand in the living area where they kiss deeply, hug tightly, and exchange soft "I love yous". They walk to the door hand in hand and she watches until he disappears from sight.
She sits in solitude for a brief moment, thinking over the tasks she could complete in Rick's absence. She is soon showering and getting dressed, waking the boys and preparing breakfast while they go through their morning routine. Afterwards, she escorts them to school and meets Sasha at Rick's office to get her day started.
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The sun was still sitting high in the sky as the two trucks were making their way down a dirt road. Rick, Tyreese, and Noah in one while Zach and Luther follow in the other. The former was pretty proud of the team he'd assembled. They'd located the supplies they would need for the traps, siphoned some gas and discovered some canned goods and bottled water. He taps his pocket lightly, assuring himself that the wedding bands he found were still there. They were plain and he didn't have a solitaire or anything to accompany hers but he's hopeful she'll be pleased. He plans to take the main road on the last leg of their trip home, keeping his eye out for a store that might have some jewelry. He deduces that he might have gotten as lucky as he is going to get at this point.
"Not bad for the amount of time we've been out. We could make it back before dusk at this rate," Tyreese states.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Rick returns with a smile. He cringes as he remembers that he hadn't found any condoms. He'd give it one last effort, hoping he wouldn't have to return home without them.
"Looks like somebody needs a break," Tyreese offers as he notices Luther signaling with his headlights.
Rick takes a look in his rearview mirror as Noah physically turns his body to peer out the back window. The former takes a cautionary glance around, taking in the view ahead and behind and the wooded areas lining both sides of the road. He comes to a complete stop and the five of them exit the trucks, not having to be told the usual protocol. He shakes his head as he watches Luther trudge off into the woods, making it apparent he has to do more than just open his fly.
Noah scoffs. "Good thing we've got a bit of time on our hands."
"Yeah but that could change in a second so be sure and keep your eyes and hears open," Rick reminds them.
The others don't have to be told but acknowledge the instructions all the same. They utilize the time to relieve themselves and check over the supplies, hoping Luther doesn't linger.
A shot rings out and hits Rick in his side, the impact leveling him to the ground. A hand instinctively goes to his wound as he reaches for his python and takes cover on the other side of the vehicle. Tyreese does the same, looking to the 2nd truck to see Noah and Zach hovering low as well. He reaches toward Rick but more shots ring out, collapsing the tires on one truck and then the other.
"Shit," Tyreese whispers as he realizes they are going to have to return fire and make a run for it. They don't know who or what they are dealing with. He looks to Rick who gives him a nod as they both lift up and fire into the woods, hoping to connect.
Zach and Noah follow their lead but it only causes their opponents to get more aggressive.
"Fall back!" Rick yells. "Get out of here!"
"But what about Luther?" Zach yells.
Rick clutches his side and looks helplessly at the area where Luther disappeared, not knowing if the man was alive or dead.
"You've gotta go. I'll cover you. Go now!" Tyreese tells Rick, giving him a slight shove. "I'll be right behind you."
Zach and Noah stay low but continue to fire their guns as well. Tyreese realizes he will be out of ammo soon and they can't afford to be completely depleted. He motions for the other two to make a run for it, hoping he can follow them.
Rick is making his way through the woods, grimacing as the wound continues to burn and ache. He can feel the sweat beading all over his body as the adrenaline pumps furiously. He looks around with caution, detecting the crunching of leaves and low growls, indicating that walkers are nearby. He keeps moving, wondering if Tyreese and the others are close behind.
An expletive bounces through his head as he considers the haul they had to abandon and the fact that the vehicles are useless. A vision of Michonne materializes but he shakes his head, deciding he has to concentrate on staying alive and getting back to her and their boys. His side throbs as the pain wants to take over but he does his best to ignore it and moves on.
Minutes later, he leans against a tree to rest for a moment. He breathes in deeply and exhales slowly, watching the area like a hawk and wishing for some water. He hears them before he can see them and pushes off from the tree, trying to put as much distance as possible between himself and the dead. He comes to a small clearing in the woods and immediately steps back into the trees for cover. A group of walkers are feeding off some kind of animal so he moves slowly and quietly, attempting to circle around them to get to the other side. Only the woods are crawling with walkers and he finds himself running across the clearing, praying to come upon a building or something for shelter and safety.
The pain from the gunshot was becoming unbearable but he trudges on, determined not to collapse. The sun is lower so he knows he needs to find a place before nightfall. He can't help wishing he'd taken the main road earlier and wondering who attacked them. He notices a tower or something in the distance and squints against the sun, trying to make it out. He rests, catching his breath and only a few steps more puts him at the edge of the forest and looming ahead is a prison.
He cringes as he notices the walkers at the fence, calculating how many he'd have to take out in order to get inside. He checks his python to see how many bullets he had left, grabs his knife, and makes his way to the main entrance, shooting one and cutting down another.
He is taken by surprise when shots ring out, felling the walkers within his proximity and the gate starts to open.
"Get inside quick!" A male voice commands.
Rick doesn't have to be told twice as he races through the gate and collapses to the ground, his last image the gate clattering to a close.
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Several men are rummaging through the vehicles, taking the water, food, gas, weapons, and ammo. One of them, hefty and older, stands off to the side, partaking thirstily from a lukewarm bottle of water. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and lets out a satisfied sigh. "That sure was dumb of y'all to shoot out the damn tires. We coulda used these trucks."
"Well you was the one that said they couldn't get away," one of the men answers.
"Whatever!" The older guy steps to a younger black man and claps him on the shoulder. "Good thing you recognized your old friends huh? Now we done got rid of the one you told us to so where's this lavish community y'all keep going on about?"
"Shut your mou….." Luther is interrupted by a rifle butt to the stomach. He doubles over and drops to his knees, gasping for the air that was knocked from his lungs.
The older guy nods. "Tie him up and put something over his mouth. It'll look good that we have one of theirs to prove that the others are dead and gone."
"Are you sure he's dead? If he lives and comes back, you guys are going to have a helluva fight on your hands," the man explains.
"He got a bullet in his side. He's bleeding out here amongst all these flesh eaters. He won't last an hour out there like that. Now….tell me where we're going next?"
"But what about the others? You didn't shoot them. They could come back."
"Damn. You act like you don't have no faith in us to get shit done. What else we gotta do?"
The younger man sighs nervously. "You're right. Sorry about that." He looks to the sky. "We can get there before dark if we leave now."
The group of men and a restrained Luther walk back to their temporary camp where two women are there waiting. They were setting up to stay the night when they heard the vehicles in the distance. The men went to investigate and one of their new members recognized the man in the tan shirt. He immediately told them that man's death would ensure their takeover at the community where he used to live. The leader was tired of living on the road. He'd done the homeless thing more than once before the world went bad so he wanted to try living behind some walls for a change. Killing the man who stood in their way was one of the easiest things they'd ever done.
He tells his group to gather around as he announces that they are going to make their way to this community they've heard so much about and make it their new home. He gives a smile when one of the women lets out a hushed squeal and wraps her arms around his waist.
"You're keeping your promise?" She asks.
"Something like that baby. Seems like luck is on our side because we got the prick who took over and put y'all out in the first place."
"Rick Grimes? You killed Rick Grimes?"
"We sure as shit did. Shot his ass and left him for the walkers."
She steps back and searches for one man in particular. She looks him directly in the eye. "Is that true Bob? Is he really dead?"
"They shot him and he ran off into the woods. Joe says there's no way he's going to survive with all the walkers around." He gives her a nod of reassurance. "We can go back to Woodbury now."
The 12 of them pile into an old rundown van and spend 10 minutes trying to get it started.
The leader hits the youngest, a teen named Chris, across the head and yells, "This is why we shoulda kept one of them trucks back there! Y'all better hope this son of a bitch doesn't break down again."
Chris slams the hood on the van, stuffing a couple of tools into his back pocket. "It's alright Joe. We'll find something else but I can keep it going until then. I promise."
"Let's go. We're wasting time!" The leader shouts again, climbing into the passenger's side and pulling the blonde woman onto his lap. He gives her a kiss on the cheek, wondering why a woman like her hadn't passed out from being with a man like him. He hadn't seen a bar of soap or a toothbrush in ages. Maybe he'd be able to get himself spruced up for her once they settled into their new place. Ain't no telling what she'd do if I was clean.
They start their trip to Woodbury, breaking down once again but Chris keeps his word and gets the van going. They leave the vehicle shrouded by some trees and move on foot, deciding to scope the place out before they make their presence known.
One of the men pokes Luther with the barrel of his rifle and they slowly come out of hiding. Luther is in front followed by a man with a gun trained at his back and Bob, Patricia, and Joe walk behind them. The other female and two men follow as Joe instructed the other four to move in on those protecting the rear. They were to wait on his whistle to execute the attack.
Joe holds up a dirty handkerchief that used to be white, waving it. "Hey there! We come in peace! We got your man here and all we want is to come in and find some safety."
Mr. Charles and two others were guarding the entrance. He immediately sends one of them to retrieve Sasha and Michonne. He steadies his weapon, ready to fire, frowning as he recognizes Bob and Patricia and looks around for the others. "I can't make that decision. You're going to have to wait until the woman in charge gets here."
"Ha! Woman in charge? I thought your fearless leader was Rick Grimes," Joe returns.
Mr. Charles gets an uneasy feeling and readjusts his hold on his gun. "What do you know about Rick Grimes?" He cringes, wondering what Bob and Patricia told these people and why Luther is their only captive.
"Just that he's not gonna be a problem no more," Joe answers.
Michonne and Sasha come running. They climb the platform and the former frowns as soon as she sees Luther, Patricia, and Bob.
Sasha searches for Tyreese and the others, placing her hand on her gun when she doesn't locate them.
"Which one of you is the woman in charge?" Joe asks.
Bob steps forward. "That'd be the one with the sword at her back. She's married to the one we killed." He looks directly at Michonne and smiles. "That's right. Rick's no longer with us."
"That's a lie!" Michonne counters angrily.
A filthy bandana is snatched from Luther's mouth by the man beside him. "Tell 'em asshole."
Luther looks to Michonne pitifully. "They shot him. He's gone."