Torn (TWD Fan-fiction)

Don't Have To Tell Me Twice

I opened my eyes as I heard a car alarm go off. Grabbing my knife I ran downstairs to the living room. "Everything okay?" I asked as I looked around the room. Duane was crying into a pillow as Morgan held him, he nodded at me. The man was at the door, looking through the peephole. We all froze as the doorknob rattled. He backed up and sat down close to Morgan. Morgan looked at him, tears building up in his eyes and said, "She uh.. She died in that other room on that bed. There was nothing... Nothing I could do about it." He sniffled, trying to hold it together. "That fever man, her skin gave off heat like a furnace. I should've put her down man. I should've... I know that but I...I just didn't have it in me. She's the mother of my child." I walked over to Morgan and put a hand on his shoulder. Poor Morgan. I looked at the stranger. He was staring at the doorknob.

As I turned to walk back to my area, I heard the man clear his throat and say, "Rick." I turned around, "Excuse me?" He stood up as he said, "Names Rick. Rick Grimes." I smiled, "Nice to meet ya, Rick." Should I shake his hand? Do people still do that? He sat back down and snuggled deeper into his blanket. Guess not. I turned back and made my way back to my room, a small smile forming onto my face. Rick... Rick grimes. Hmm, I need to get to know you better Mr. Rick Grimes.

***

The next morning I walked outside as Rick was kneeling over, holding his side. He had killed a walker. Morgan and Duane stood close by making sure he was okay. "Where's everyone off to?" I asked curiously. Duane looked at me and said, "We're going to Mr. Grimes house." Going to his house and Morgan didn't tell me? I looked at Morgan. He stared at me, "After what happened yesterday, figure you needed some rest." He looked away. Oh, so it's like that then. I stayed quiet. There was nothing to say.

We walked to Ricks home and as we entered he said, "They're alive--My wife and son. At least they were when they left." I raised my eyebrows. He has a wife? A family? Morgan walked in behind him, "How can you know? By the look of this place-" Rick interrupted him, "I found empty drawers in the bedroom. They packed some clothes, not a lot, but enough to travel." Morgan sighed as he said, "You know anybody could've broken in here and stole them clothes, right?" Rick turned and looked around the room, "You see the framed photos on the walls? Neither do I. Some random thief take those too, you think?" He walked over and opened a cabinet, "Our photo albums, family pictures--all gone." Morgan started laughing, "Photo albums. My wife--same thing." He started to cry. We all got quiet.

After a minute or two I looked at Rick and said, "You have a family?" He looked over at me, "Yes. A beautiful wife, Lory. And my son, Carl." I forced a smile, "Oh, that's great. Hope you find them." Why does this bother me so much? He nodded his head, "Thank you." Duane stepped up from behind us and said, "They're in Atlanta, I bet." Morgan nodded his head and agreed. Rick looks at all of us, "Why there?" Morgan wipes his tears as he says, "Refugee center. A huge one they said before the broadcast stopped." I joined in, "They also have the center for disease control. Supposed to be working out how to solve whatever this is." Rick walks out of the room, he returns with a set of keys.

***

We follow Rick into the police station. He tells us that we'll have a hot shower soon. I am so excited. We walk into the showers as he turns one on. I smile as I see the steam coming off the water. He looks at us, "The station's got its own propane system." I laugh as Morgan says, "You don't have to tell me twice." Rick starts to take off his shirt. I immediately look down. "I uh, why don't I let you guys get cleaned up first. Then I'll go ahead." Rick looks at me, "Oh no, I am so sorry. Ladies first." I smile, he's so sweet, "No, it's fine. Plus I'm sure Duane is dying for a nice hot shower. I can wait." I look over and chuckle as Duane has a huge grin on his face and is doing some weird dance.

I walk out. As I'm walking down the hall I go into what looks like an office. There are paper and boxes laying all over the floor. I immediately walk over to the chair behind the desk. I groan as I sit in it. Not as comfortable as it looks. I start to swing side to side in it. Stopping as the picture on the wall catches my eye. I stand up and get closer to it, I see rick and a bunch of other people from the station. He's smiling and he's got his elbow on some guys shoulder. He sure looked happy. I walk back over to the chair and lean back into it. Closing my eyes for a minute, or so I thought it was a minute. Next thing I know I'm jumping out of the chair as Duane walks in and says, "Hey. My dad says that the shower is all yours. Rick is showing him around the station." I stretch and walk out the door, "Thanks Duane. See you in a bit."

I walk back into the showers, immediately taking my shoes off. My shirt and pants, then my underwear and bra. I turn the water on, I let out a satisfying moan as the hot water hits my face. This is the best I've felt in weeks. I was in there for a while, just soaking up the warm water. Who knew when I'd get this chance again. After a while, I turned the water off and wrapped myself in a towel. I looked down at my clothes, I frowned at the thought of having to put dirty clothes back on after feeling shiny and brand new. I started to look through the lockers in front of me hoping to find something clean to wear.

"Ellie?" I jumped as I heard Ricks voice behind me. I turned to see him standing there, shirtless. His hair was still wet from the shower. He had some clean clothes in his hands. I grabbed my towel making sure it wouldn't accidentally fall off. He handed me the clothes. "Thank you." I said with a smile. My hand touched his as he put the clothes into my hands. He smiled and nodded his head. He turned to leave. "Wait." I called out to him, he turned around to face me. "Seriously Rick, thank you." I stepped closer towards him. "For all of this... We really needed this." He smiled, "It's no problem really. You guys saved my life. It's the least I can do." I couldn't help it. His eyes. His arms. His bare chest. His lips. I leaned forward and kissed him. He didn't back away, well not immediately. He pulled away as he said, "Ellie. I-" I interrupted. "No, I'm sorry. I um, I'm not sure what came over me. I know you have a wife and a son... But don't worry. I uh, we'll be going our separate ways soon so..." He was quiet for a moment. "Get dressed. I'm going to get Morgan some weapons. Then we'll be outside." I sighed. "Yeah alright..." He seemed like he wanted to say something, but he didn't. He just turned away and walked out.

Well, that couldn't have been any more awkward... But as awkward as it was, I really enjoyed it. Urgh, he has a wife! What happens now?