A/N: Hello everyone! This is my first story on this site. I'm excited to jump back into this world. Any criticism is welcome, just be respectful. Although I've said this is complete.. There's a chance for another chapter..maybe more. The characters are still talking to me haha. I do not own the Walking Dead, or any of it's characters! But this is a fiction created by me.
Without further ado, Red As Sin..
Rick stared blankly at the woman in front of him. Her petite frame was the same one he'd always known. Hips a little wider from Carl. Ten years and that was as much as she'd grown. Thank God for yoga, she always said. Her long brown hair dangled past her shoulders, like leaves on a willow, caressing her skin. Many times before he'd felt the silk tresses on his own skin. Not one silver or gray existed. No. Her voice, that'd grown less confident over the past year, it was different, but that same yearning was still there. Always yearning. It was in those honey eyes of hers. Those were what had changed. Over the years they'd changed quite a bit. Love. Anger. Defeat. And now. Now he was sure she'd lost her damn mind.
"I mean, just think about it, Rick."
"Lori-"
She moved from the door frame between their family room and dining room, quickly side stepping an end table by the lackluster green couch that sat smack dab in the middle of the room. She hesitantly grabbed his hand. She closed her eyes momentarily, basking in the closeness she'd missed so much. She knew she'd caused the drift. The phrase "one time" was a broken record for her. For him. Her husband of twelve years. Before the tears could make their well known appearance, her eyes fluttered open. She saw the discomfort in those blue orbs. They used to remind her of the water at their favorite beach near the border of King County. But only on the sunniest of days-when the water was perfectly warm and you didn't have to trudge in.
But these days, they reminded her of the arctic. Cold. Frozen in… Pain. Hatred even. Her hand slipped from his, and she crossed her arms to hug herself. She'd been doing that a lot lately. Especially when Carl wasn't around.
"A swingers club, Lori? I mean it's one shade shy of a brothel. I was a deputy for, Chrissakes," Rick swiped the back of his hand over his forehead, wiping away the non existent sweat.
"I mean does that even make any sense to ya? What would people say?"
"It wouldn't be here! I'm not insane, Rick, God. I found one in Atlanta. No one would know. Just… just think about it, baby."
Just then she'd realized she'd been close enough to smell her husband. It was silly really. She used to relish in his scent, as if she'd forget it if she hadn't nuzzled her nose in his neck every morning before they got out of the bed. It'd been so long. She kept her eyes on him, though she'd drifted through time. He didn't smell of sanded wood and something she never could quite lay her finger on. But she vowed she'd spend the rest of her life figuring it out. Now he smelled of lilies and horses.
Most days he'd spent giving riding lessons at the Greene family farm, and in their new garden round back-courtesy of Hershel himself. While she enjoyed this domestic side of Rick, hell any side he'd decided to grace her with these days, something was missing. They'd never get back to where they were if she didn't do something-something that wasn't fucking up.
Slowly she backed away from him, longing in her eyes. He saw it. He always saw it. But what he was supposed to do? Comfort her? Hold her like he used to? How could he? She wasn't that Lori, he'd fallen in love with. No matter how hard he tried to push the thought of the one night mistake she'd had with his best friend. A sigh escaped his lips as he heard her walk up the stairs of their house. He couldn't even bring himself to call it a home anymore. He thought about Carl, who'd been staying with their neighbor Jessie, and her two son's, Ron and Sam for the older boy's eleventh birthday sleepover. Captain America themed, of course. Carl was Rick's home.
He walked into the dark kitchen. Dinner was put away half an hour ago, and he was thirsty for a cold brew. Rick opened the fridge, and muscle memory led him to the Bud Light on the right of the box. Just as quickly as he'd closed it, he'd wasted no time popping the cap off with his teeth, and tossing it in the open trash can next to the door.. He headed to the back porch, leaving the main door open, and secured the screen door.
"Swingers," he mumbled and shook his head before take a swig of his cool beverage.
How could she be crazy enough to think that was how they fixed… this? Sure, months of counseling didn't work. He couldn't handle her pity. And he damn sure couldn't handle her blaming him for fucking his best friend. I felt alone. Like work was more important, than his family. Than me. And then the tears would start. What a load. He felt lonely too, but didn't run into Carol's vagina the first chance he got. He was trying to provide for his family. Working his way up to Sheriff. Not for him. For Carl. For her. For their family. They were his everything. And he thought she felt the same.
Did he not listen enough? Did he not show her he cared enough? He knew hours could be long at the station. He'd missed parent meetings, dinners-those were the worst for Lori, but he knew when he was there, those were the best times of his life. Her hazel eyes would light up like a field full of fireflies, and it was like he'd fall in love all over again. That had to mean something.
Rick took another long swig of his drink.
Swingers. Was that really what she wanted? She'd told him maybe it would make them even. Maybe after they could move on. When he realized that sex with someone else was nothing compared to what they had. It couldn't be.
To him it sounded desperate. A big stretch from the right thing. He closed his eyes, bringing his pointer and thumb to the bridge of his nose for a good pinch.
He took the last gulp of his beer with angst in his chest. He didn't know why, but he still wanted to please his wife. He didn't understand her reasoning. At this point he couldn't say he trusted it. But he'd do it. He'd go with her to Atlanta, if she really wanted.
He exhaled with a large sigh before hopping up from his spot, empty bottle in hand, and headed back in the house to let Lori know. But there would be rules. There had to be rules.
Two weeks had passed. They sat in an underground parking lot. Filled with about thirty cars. Most were a bit on the lavish side. 2016 Chevies, and Hyndais. They decided to rent a simple Toyota after the two hour drive. Blend in a little better. Rick's stomach churned. Not from being uncomfortable, let him tell it, was exactly how he felt. Rick had butterflies in his belly. He'd prided himself on his sixth sense while he was still a cop. He always knew when something big was about to happen. Sadly, that gift hadn't did much for his marriage until tonight. Something big was gonna happen tonight. Something he couldn't for the life of him imagine. He had no plans of going through with any of it. He just wanted to show Lori he would try. That was what they were still doing right? Sure, he'd laid down the rules. If he felt uncomfortable with anything, they'd leave. If she'd felt uncomfortable at any point, they'd leave. That simple.
Soon they were inside, each stepping with different feelings of nervousness. Lori doubting her decision, before pushing it back, only for it to be replaced with unwavering guilt. And Rick, well, he had to see if his gift had been right.
The large space was rather bohemian. There was a blood red light casted over the place. Rick thought he was in one of those hot and steamy new age chick flicks. That porno he'd watched late one night when he was flipping through channels. One he'd never admit to watching. Fifty Shades of Naked, or whatever.
With long curtains draped throughout. Starting from the ceiling, and ending on the hardwood floors, the nearly transparent fabrics separated booths where some couples, even groups of three sat laughing and chatting. The further they stepped in, he clearly saw the patrons making out and groping one another. Quickly he averted his eyes. He looked down at Lori who giggled to herself at is reaction. Good ole, Rick. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. She knew he'd be awkward in this sort of place. But he was trying. And that was all she needed to know.
Lori pulled her husband toward the bar, hoping a drink would loosen him up a bit. A young woman, with short dark hair came up behind the counter. The burgundy lipstick contrasted against her pale skin nicely.
"I'm Tara, what are you lovely folks havin' tonight?"
Her lips curved upward, and her thick and perfectly tamed eyebrow rose with it.
"Long Island iced tea for me, and a scotch on the rocks for him." Lori ordered.
Rick glanced at her, almost surprised she'd remembered how he liked his liquor. They hadn't been out in so long. And they stopped stocking the good stuff a long time ago. He dug in his pocket and pulled out his wallet, but was stopped before the bartender turned to make their drinks.
"Oh, don't worry about that. These are on the house. But feel free to tip me pretty," she giggled half jokingly.
Rick gave her a half smile. As she coolly went to work, he wondered what a kid like her was doing in a place like this. She couldn't have more than twenty two. By no means would he call himself hip, if he were being honest with himself. Around Carl he was the coolest dad in the world. But he knew how kids were today. Weird shit. With their tweeters and "the grams". And the drugs. He'd busted up enough teen and college parties to know what was going down.
"What was that about?" Lori asked with wide eyes.
She thought about the hundred dollar payment she'd made to reserve their space tonight, but nowhere did it say free drinks. She wasn't complaining. Just curious. She even hoped she'd start a conversation with Rick.
To her dismay, he just shrugged and continued to look around. As she was about to try yet again, Tara came back with their drinks.
"One Long Island iced tea, and one scotch on the rocks," she declared, giving the beverages to their respective owners.
Rick slipped her the twenty he'd taken from his wallet earlier.
"Woah, thanks, dude. Pound it," Tara smile widely while holding her fist to him.
His half smile grew, and he couldn't help the chuckle that left his lip. He eyed Lori, who's smiled mirrored his, and gave the young bartender the pound she'd asked for.
"You two have fun," Tara urged before walking to a couple at the left end of the bar.
"She's interesting," Lori laughed then sipped her drink through the long black straw.
"That she is," Rick mumbled, not giving it too much thought.
He turned back to examine this place. Though a big chunk of the room was covered in flowy cloth, and black semi sectionals, there was a large section near the back. He couldn't hear through the loud music he wasn't familiar with, playing over the speakers above him, but he'd sworn he saw bare skin peeking from another set of transparent drapes. Before he thought of further investigating, a sultry voice that reminded him of Sunday dinners when he was a kid interrupted. Succulent roast, buttery potatoes, and carrots. His mama's baked macaroni, finished off with his grandmama's secret recipe peach cobbler. Just thinking on it made his mouth water. And nothing had much changed, when he turned slightly to his right to eye the woman, the voice had strummed from.
"I hope you're enjoying your drinks," she said with a grin that made Rick's knees weak. He leaned back on the bar smoothly.
Her skin was the creamiest dark chocolate he'd never tasted. But every passing moment, he craved to bless he his tastebuds more. The golden thin strapped dress hugged her small frame magnificently. He was sure she wasn't wearing a bra, but her breasts sat perfectly in it. The way that dress clung to her shapely hips, he knew she'd had to have a more than healthy amount of ass. Jesus. What was he doing thinking that way about a complete stranger? She wasn't Lori. Not in the least. So why-
"Yes we are thanks." Lori paused. "Please don't tell me you did this! These drinks had to cost at least thirty bucks," she went on with wide eyes.
The sunkissed goddess laughed gently, taking Rick's breath from his chest. He'd never heard a sound so beautiful next to Carl's sweet cry as he entered this world. But it made him stir in a completely different way.
"It's not a problem. I know the owners," she purred.
Lori noticed that Rick was especially quiet. While she was accustomed to his silence, she thought it rather rude, and that just wasn't him. She gently nudged his side. Rick tore his eyes from this the woman's legs. They never fucking ended.
"I'm sorry," he said almost inaudibly. "Thanks so much for your kindness. I'm Rick, this is Lori," he spouted nervously.
"Michonne," she stated gingerly while holding her hand out for the handsome man.
Rick sat his drink on the countertop, and wiped his hand on the side of his black slacks before extending it to Michonne. Michonne. He'd never heard such a name. It was different. Foreign maybe. But it fit her well. Much like that dress dipped in an Egyptian sun.
When their hands touched, he felt a surge of unfamiliarity through his body. It lit him on fire, and he slowly released her hand as easily as he'd taken it. Michonne reached to the side of him to grab Lori's hand next, leaning a bit closer to him. Her curled locs brushed over his striped blue button up tucked into his pants. His eyes slightly closed as he got of wiff of her. Jasmine and… cocoa butter? He'd only known the scent because Lori used it her entire pregnancy to rid herself of stretch marks.
His eyes opened hastily when a man approached, tall in stature. His hair was neatly combed back, much like his own, and his facial hair was neat as well, covering half of his face.
"Oh me, oh my, Mich. Aren't we greedy tonight?" he said playfully as he stroked the side of her flawless face.
Michonne bit her lip playfully as she eyed him but never took her eyes off of Rick and Lori.
"Hello there, I'm Negan. I hope Michonne here behaved herself, with such a beautiful couple."
His smile was stuck on his face, and Lori awed at the smooth man with deep dimples. She felt a shame wash over her body, but she couldn't help the way she felt as he eyed her. It almost made her uncomfortable. Almost.
"I always behave myself."
She smiled again and showing her insanely white smile. Rick suddenly wondered how many times a day she brushed her teeth.
"This is Rick, and Lori," Michonne informed with a point of her manicured hand.
"How are you guys enjoying your first time here?" Negan continued, absently draping his arm around Michonne's shoulder.
Rick's jaw tensed, but he wasn't exactly sure why. He calmed himself, mentally counting to ten, but his alert was up. Once a cop and all that.
"How did you know it was our first time?" Rick questioned the man, ever so often glancing at the goddess beside him.
"When you own a place like this, you tend to remember faces," he chuckled happily.
"You're the owner?" Lori chimed, quietly slurping the remains of her drink.
"Co owner. My partner in crime here, well I can't seem to get rid of her."
Michonne shook her head, and swayed her hips into his jokingly.
"Wow. So you two are together?" Lori asked setting her drink on the counter next to Rick's, and somehow taking the question from his own head.
"Sometimes," Michonne smiled back.
Sometimes, Rick thought to himself. Was it really that simple?
The married couple watched as the strangers whispered to one another, their smiles never leaving either of their faces.
Lori and Rick eyed one another. Just what was happening?
"Since this is your first time, we try to make this new experience as comfortable as possible. It doesn't hurt, that the both of you are down right edible," Michonne started with a light lick of her plump bottom lip.
Suddenly, Rick wanted it in his mouth. He mentally slapped himself, as Lori came closer to his side. She'd never been hit on by a woman. Never really gave that lifestyle too much thought in all honesty. But the way it rolled off Michonne's tongue, did something to her. She wanted to know Rick was still okay with it.
"We'd like to show you two around, so you can get a feel for the place."
Lori pulled on Rick's shirt gently, looking up into those blue eyes of his as he acknowledged her. She saw something she didn't quite recognize, and wasn't sure just how she felt about that. He gave her a nod, answering her silent question.
"Lori, if you don't mind coming with me, we'll get this party started," Negan spoke lightheartedly.
She still hadn't let go of Rick. She wasn't completely sure she wanted him to be okay with this. But when he pulled away from her as Michonne held her hand out for him, a piece of her broke inside. Before they went their separate ways, Rick turned to her and mouthed 'just say the word', and he nodded her way. She half smiled. Her heart thumped loudly. He still wanted to try.
"So what made you choose all this?" Michonne had finally unlaced her fingers from his. He had to admit, his felt bare now.
He swiped his hand over his forehead, chuckling. Why this woman made him so nervous, he couldn't understand. He took a quick look around. The night had surely progressed. The patrons had gotten more comfortable. More open. He'd even heard a few moans as he and Mich walked through the aisles.
"It wasn't my idea," he stated simply, finally looking back into her chocolate eyes. They were so beautiful. Big. Enchanting even. He swore she could see through his very soul with them.
"I would have never guessed," she said with a fake gasp.
"What, you don't think I'd be into this sort'o thang?"
His southern drawl was intoxicating. Her gaze fell on his red lips, and she couldn't wait to feel them on hers, among other places. She looked at his face as a whole. She liked a little more facial hair, but his salt and pepper stubble would work just fine. Like she'd been doing it for years, she reached out, and stroked his left cheek. There was a smoothness to it. It surprised her, but didn't falter her exploration. Rick closed his eyes at her touch. He didn't understand why his body reacted to her in such an intimate way. He hated and loved it all the same. He tried to do one more than the other.
"Not in the least bit. And that's exactly why I chose you." her voice was almost a whisper.
Rick's eyes fluttered open.
"Chose me?"
Instead of answering him, she parted the string of curtains hanging near the back of the giant space. The very one Rick had been eyeing earlier in the night. She reached out for his hand, somehow asking him to trust her. Without thinking, he reached for her hand yet again. She gave his a tight squeeze as she lead him into what she liked to call 'a little slice of heaven'.
Rick's gaze immediately darted about this back room hidden from the outside, and for good reason. If he had to guess, this is what Woodstock had been like. Bodies sprinkled out all over. Discarded clothes. Limbs tangled together. Heavy breaths. Panting. Moans. Lust filled slurs. Sweat filled his nostrils as he watched the bodies move rapidly or slowly. His head soon lowered. Michonne watched as Rick's face turned red with embarrassment. The smile that played at her lips was one she couldn't hide. Bad as he wanted to look away, he couldn't for long. As they passed the couples, sometimes threesomes, he noticed no group was ever in the same position. He recognized a few, but mostly he had no idea some of it was possible.
She knew there was a part of him he kept reserved. And she supposed she understood it. It was safer. But the fact that he was there, letting her take him on this journey, she also knew that hidden part of him wanted to come out. She'd be more than happy to aid him in that task.
Michonne guided him past the red futon mattresses lining the floor, and to a more private section. One for the shy newcomers. It was made up of five canopy beds with blood red drapes protecting them. She led him into the one directly in the middle and stopped, allowing him to go in first. Rick scanned the rather large space. His eyes landed on the small night stand that housed an array of contraceptives. A few he'd been well aware existed, but some he'd never laid eyes on. He found himself walking over to the dark wood next to the bed, and snatching up a pack of flavored condoms.
"Peach flavored?" he whispered to himself with a nervous chuckle. He had no idea people were into this kind of stuff.
"Those are actually pretty tasty," Michonne teased.
She had mostly closed the drapes surrounding them. She knew it could get quite steamy in these rooms. She didn't want the poor man passing out. Not before she got what she wanted.
"I uh.. I wouldn't know anythang about that, let you tell it."
Rick was taken back by the sudden eagerness to flirt with his host. Michonne bit her bottom lip again. She was turned on by that accent of his. A southern boy he was. She wanted nothing more than to make him come loose at his seams. And that was what she would do.
"We can try one out. Or three."
Rick turned around, and Michonne had slipped out of that golden dressed he had come to love, and her red heels. Not a damn thing standing between the two of them, but he himself.
"Michonne," he breathed shakily.
She came closer to him, not taking her gaze from his for a second. Her intense stare made it impossible for him to look away, not that he wanted to if he was being honest. But he was a married man. He was-
"Rick, you came with me for a reason. I saw the silent conversation you and Lori had before we parted. You told her it was okay. I also saw the million and one ways you thought about taking me, as I walked up to you," she teased again, attempting to ease his mind.
He finally looked away, shaking his head at her playfulness. Really he needed a break from those eyes of hers. That rich brown in them made him someone he wasn't too familiar with. He couldn't think. But not because he was distracted, but because it felt right, so there was no need to think. She was so calming. Her voice nurtured him. Not in a condescending way. But she spoke to him like she knew him. Like she cared for him.
He felt her hand on his face again, gently turning his head toward her.
"If you don't want to, leave now, and I'll know I was wrong. But I don't think I was wrong, Rick. I think you need this. Just as much as I want you, inside of me."
This time her voice was husky, ridden with lust and just enough confidence. She knew the moment she laid eyes on him, she'd have him. And no amount of reasoning he could come up with in his mind, would make him leave her.
She searched his nervous blue eyes, the ones that reminded her of a rainy day. One where the sun was poking through clouds waiting for its moment. Rick was saddened by something. Something that hurt him deep. But she could make him happy. She could help get from behind those clouds. If only for tonight.
Before he could fake protest, Michonne's hand moved to the nape of his neck, and pulled him into her. Their lips gently brushed, electrifying their skin. Rick could feel her hardened nipples nudging his chest, as she slightly elevated herself to deepen their kiss.
He grunted when her tongue slipped from her mouth and toyed with his bottom lip. Slowly, he parted his lips, allowing her to explore it. And explore she did. She nibbled on his bottom lip, grabbing the box of condoms they had just discussed. Without breaking their lip wrestle, she led him to the bed. She rid of him of his button up, and white undershirt. She broke their kiss to push him down on the queen size bed.
His shoes and pants were next to go. Michonne took a condom out, and placed the to the side of them before straddling a boxer clad Rick. She smirked. She'd imagined him as a briefs kind of man. Guess she couldn't always be right.
"Last chance, Rick," she said caressing his face once more.
There was a flash of reservation, the same time she'd felt him grow beneath her. She moaned out lowly. There was something about this man that gave her a feeling not even her greatest lover, Neegan could elicit. She wanted-needed, to explore this. She hoped he could see it in her eyes. Because it reflected what had been in his the moment they saw one another.
"I need to know," he whispered hoarsely.
He could be honest with her. He couldn't help it. He saw the need for him in her eyes. And that made all the difference. It wasn't what he had with Lori. A yearning for something tangible. Wasn't something you could touch. Somehow it was much deeper. It was the desire to connect two souls.
Michonne nodded, and leant down to kiss him again, this time with more purpose, more passion. Rick's hands roamed her body. Her skin was as smooth as he imagined it. Her scent had somehow heightened. His right hand tangled in her luscious locks that smelled of sweet oils.
Her kisses trailed down his strong jawline, behind his ear, down his neck, and further. Every now and then she sucked gently, maybe even nibbled. He stirred at her ministrations. She smiled, loving the way he writhed beneath her. He grabbed two handfuls of her ass, and squeezed. He could only take so much more of her games.
"Relax. Let me do my thang," she teased trying to mimic his drawl.
He wanted to think about how the woman could read his mind in such a short time, but her kisses were driving him nuts.
She kissed his smiling lips once more before moving lower on the bed she quickly freed him from those boxers, and his hard member sprang to attention. He was a sight. Smooth, not too veiny, thick. The moment he slid his pleasing length inside her would be one to remember, but first, she would taste him.
She shed the foil that protected the peach flavored condom. She placed the condom between her lips. Rick's eyes lit up in curiosity. Clearly the woman had experience, but she continued to surprise him. His eyes closed as he felt the condom slide over his dick, followed by her mouth and tongue.
"God," he grunted.
He was sure God was doing nothing but figuring out a way he would punish the two of them. This couldn't be right. To feel this good.
Her mouth was warm and wet, and wrapped around him with ease and precision. His eyes opened so he could watch her work him over the edge. Once the protector covered him completely, she began. She licked up and down his shaft methodically. Every time she ran it up to the tip, she flicked it once, then twice. Her brown eyes darkened tremendously, hooded not only with lust but admiration. He was her only focus, and it made him fidget beneath her. It didn't help that she never took her eyes from him. Intent on watching every moment of his pleasure.
Her mouth covered his pulsing cock, and he shuddered as she deep throated him. Again, and again, and again. Soon she hummed a tune only she could hear. Rick's toes curled, and he could feel himself coming undone.
"Michonne."
His voice was laced with pleasure.
Before she could think to tell him it was all right for him to release, she was on her back. She couldn't say she wasn't surprised by his aggression. He kissed her roughly, and then pulled back to look into her eyes. He'd become something else in that moment. He was no longer timid, and doubtful. He was confident, cocky even.
He laid between her thighs, propped at her entrance. His fingers found their way to her center, relishing in the river that he'd created. His head lowered to her ear, and sucked just below the diamond stud that she donned.
"You're so wet. All this for me?"
She felt the smirk below her ear as he sucked the spot.
"Mmmm," she hissed lowly.
The way his fingers danced between her lower lips was driving her insane. His fingers sped their tango as her back arched. She began to shudder at that familiar feeling washing over her entire body.
"I can't hear you, Chonne," he growled in her ear.
Was it possible for her to get any wetter?
Suddenly, she could no longer feel Rick's fingers.
"Oh my goodness, yes!" she squealed as Rick plunged into the depths of her. They both were still, adjusting to the feel of one another. Every ridge, every curve, every inch. At nearly the same moment, their eyelids fluttered open. They stared. Silently telling one another what the other needed to hear. This was right.
Lori had toured with Negan. As charming as he was, as good as his hands felt fondling her breasts, her body, it didn't compare to Rick. She'd seen him and Michonne disappear behind the red drapes about a half an hour ago. She followed their trail, ready to tell Rick just how she felt. She maneuvered through the maze of bodies, scanning the area for anything that resembled her husband. Nothing. She kept walking, as she was led to a few beds she'd dreamt she'd have as a little girl. Maybe her and Rick could do some furniture shopping soon.
Her gaze traveled from one to the next, when finally she stopped in front of the third. Smack dab in the middle. Her heart sank into her stomach as she gaped at the sight between the slightly parted curtains. It may have just been the back of a man to anyone else, but she knew those loose curls that hung just above the base of that man's neck anywhere. His hair was even sleeker than before. Sweat no doubt. Lori watched in horror as her husband pounded into the dark beauty, her legs dangled over his shoulders. She dropped to the floor, as the tears crawled from her eyes. As bad as it hurt, the bullet through her heart, she couldn't tear her gaze away. The punishment she had prayed for to ease her guilt had finally been delivered. This was right.