not today; not tomorrow

||❝ There's not a lot that's worth much these days. But a man's word ... it's gotta mean something, R I G H T ? ❞ || ♕ RICK GRIMES ♕ selective written by nate

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Michelle )

( Ramsay )

( ‘Negan’ )

( Tenth )

There was no damn way he was going anywhere. These people needed him. Michelle needed him. But when it all came down to it? How exactly was he supposed to resist a bunch of violent men if they FORCED him to come? 

He wouldn’t have a choice, and he knew it. 

Hell, Ramsay’s dogs alone could win a victory over him. He wasn’t exactly a fighter. Above everything, he was a healer. He wanted to help people. He wanted to help HER. He want- ed that more than anything else. How long would she even be okay without him? He wasn’t willing to find out.

❝ No. ❞ He said the word firmly, eyes locking with the older man’s.

❝ I can’t. Alexandria needs me; they don’t have anyone else. And my number one priority is HER. Do you understand? I’m not leaving her. ❞

So much pleading, so much denying, this really wasn’t going to be working out. And Negan couldn’t have that. Not after all the cooperation that they’d achieved so far.

But then as he looked over towards Michelle, eyeing her and considering this doctor’s words, maybe this could still work out. Maybe there could still be some COOPERATION. Negan’s brows raised considerably, a THOUGHTFUL look invading his features as he brought a hand up to rub at the scruff along his jaw.

❝  Alright then,  ❞ he continued watching Tenth intently, giving a seemingly nonchalant shake of his head with a minute shrug of shoulders. ❝  I get it. You’re like a PACKAGE deal. One goes, so does the other. A beautiful and romantic ass BOGO.  ❞

Slowly, his grin began to curl upward, amusement in every word, ❝  You don’t wanna leave her? Done. I’ll just take ya BOTH!  ❞ Negan leaned back suddenly, throwing each hand up, cocky as he was. ❝  Win-win! Can’t say I’m a man that doesn’t NEGOTIATE.  ❞

   Eyes of ice narrowed dangerously at the tall, thin doctor    as he spoke. He already didn’t like him. His reasons could    absolutely be labeled as petty. Him and the blonde woman    were obviously a thing. Ramsay didn’t like that.

❝ What a GENIUS solution! ❞ Ramsay spoke up directly after    Negan made his demand– a demand that Ramsay was    entirely a fan of, by the way.

❝ See? This is why we’re on top, and you lot aren’t! Because    Negan knows how to solve problems! Any more objections,    by the way!?

                            –Speak up! Our lovely Enid here is DYING to    know! As am I! ❞

Michelle expected a lot of things to come in reply to their refusals, but this? She could honestly say it wasn’t one of them.

There was a moment after Negan spoke in which she was going to refuse, but Ramsay beat her to breaking the short silence. And then she remembered Enid. In all the commotion, she’d nearly forgotten the poor girl’s LIFE was on the line here.

How could she possibly say no when that was the case? How could either of them? But– she didn’t WANT to go. Alexandria had become their home. More than just security, they had friends there.

It would be selfish to refuse though. It wasn’t like they’d be given a choice anyway, right? At least if there was no arguing, Enid MIGHT live.

❝ Okay.. ❞ She spoke softly, ❝ Please leave Enid alone. We’ll go.. ❞

Perhaps the hardest part about all of this was the fact that Rick knew he could do nothing to stop this. Not with so many of Negan's men here, not when Enid, Michelle, Tenth, and everyone else's lives were very much at stake here. And with their clear lack of supplies, it was obvious Negan wasn't going to be taking MORE of their things to compensate.

Rick felt helpless and that was the WORST part.

❝  We need him,  ❞ Rick argued, though there was a small hesitance to the protest, almost like he was verbally treading on GLASS. ❝  We need both of them. They belong HERE.  ❞

Slowly, Rick took a few steps forward, coming closer to Negan to eye him intently, watching closely, a pleading in blue hues. His voice came strained, even sounding a touch desperate, ❝  PLEASE. We can work this out another way. There's always another way.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Michelle )

( Negan )

( Ramsay )

( ‘Tenth’ )

The man’s eyebrows furrowed together as the message from Rick came in over the radio. He didn’t sound good. At all, really. He sounded stressed– probably an accident of some kind had occurred within Alexandria. 

It wasn’t exactly uncommon for accidents to occur. What WAS uncommon was being summoned over the radio this way.

❝ 10-4. Be right there. ❞ There was no real point in asking what the issue was. The faster he got there, the better it would be if it was a real emergency.

In the back of his mind as he stepped out, he was hoping it wasn’t Michelle. Her condition is what brought them to- gether, but it certainly wasn’t any more welcome because of that fact.

It wasn’t long before the supply area came into view, along  with Rick, Michelle, Enid, and—- Oh, great. They were here. The Saviors. 

He could take a pretty good guess that it was Enid who  needed his help. She was crying; she was in pain.

❝ What the hell’s going on here? Let her go! ❞ He demand- ed sternly of the young man with dark hair.

   Ramsay tilted his head at the man as he approached    with the demand. This must have been him, then. Their    doctor.

❝ Oh, no, no, no. Starting off ANY conversation with de-    mands is not going to work, doctor. ❞ He whistled sudden-    ly, as loudly as he could, summoning three large hounds    past the gates and by his side in what seemed like    only moments.

   They barked viciously in the direction of the taller man, just    waiting for Ramsay to give the order to attack. For several    moments he allowed the large dogs to make their noise–    to instill fear and anxiety in every one of the people who    resided there.

❝ Silence!! ❞ He shouted finally, effectively quieting them.

❝ Now, then! Lesson learned, I hope! One more demand    like that and poor Enid might become dinner for my loyal    beasts. We wouldn’t want that! Enid seems like such a    sweet girl. ❞

   Ramsay turned to exchange glances with Negan, implying    without words to their leader that he was finished speaking.

This must’ve been Tenth, strolling up, making demands, acting like he was the big shot around here. A big personality and a big mouth for a doctor. At least he had an eccentric name to go along with it.

As Ramsay called over his hounds, their presence usually enough to scare the absolute SHIT out of anyone that saw them, Negan’s smile  grew as he stepped closer, Ramsay momentarily catching his gaze. Giving the younger man a small nod, the Savior leader was now turning his attention to this doctor, watching him intently and closely.

❝  So you’re the doctor, huh?  ❞ he asked, motioning his way with a free hand. A short silence petered out before Negan continued, ❝  You are JUST in time to solve a lil bit of a DILEMMA we got goin’ on here. Y'see, all this? My people and yours? Is a PARTNERSHIP that demands some cooperation for it all to work.  ❞

With a pause, Negan turned just slightly to his men as they continued to systematically clear out Alexandria’s supplies, ❝  As you can very clearly see, you all aren’t too fond of filling your half of this partnership. And that shit just is NOT gonna work for me. No sir-fuckin’-ee. So here’s how it’s gonna play out now.  ❞

Now he turned to face Tenth more properly, nodding towards him as he did so, ❝  You’re comin’ with me, doc.  ❞ And his grin grew. ❝  You’re gonna be MINE now. No ifs. No ands. And, CERTAINLY as fuckin’ FUCK, no buts.  ❞

Michelle was frightened into absolute silence by Ramsay and his dogs. Well– that was until Negan spoke those last words declaring Tenth was going with him. He lied. This whole thing was just some act to drive their doctor out into the open so they could take him along.

❝ No!! ❞ She shook her head, forcing herself to speak through the fear she was feeling, ❝ Please! Ya can’t take him! I need him! ❞

She already knew her pleas were pointless. Nothing she said or did would make a single bit of difference. What Negan wanted happened without question. But what the hell else could she do??

❝ Negan… Listen… I’m sick. He’s my doctor. He was my doctor before all this. We came here together. I wouldn’t even be alive if not for him.. ‘N it’s not just me, Alexandria needs him just as much as I do. Please don’t do this! ❞

Now it all made sense. Of course this had to have been the plan the moment Negan laid eyes on their stock and how little they had. If there was one thing Rick had learned in all his time of dealing with this man, it's that NOTHING just happened. Not without Negan having anything to say about it.

Rick watched carefully as Michelle stepped forward, voicing her disapproval yet again. He could feel himself tensing up, WORRIED, as his eyes flickered back over towards Enid. He had to hope this wouldn't cause more harm to come to her. Or really ANYONE for that matter.

He clenched his jaw, allowing Michelle's plea to hang in the air for but a moment before he was speaking up as well, ❝  This WASN'T part of the deal, jus' take what we got but LEAVE him. Michelle's right. We need him.  ❞

And then he swallowed hard, fingers clenching tightly as he adjusted his stance. ❝  PLEASE.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Negan )

( Michelle )

The joke would have angered her all over again if it weren’t for the mention of the word ‘doctor’. She didn’t want either of these assholes anywhere near Tenth, but Enid needed him.

This was her fault, after all. She owed  it to the poor girl to get her the attention she needed as soon as possible.

And perhaps this was a good sign? If Negan was suggest- ing getting Enid help, maybe it meant he changed his mind about the implications of allowing Ramsay to kill her. That HAD to be the case, right? It wouldn’t make sense other- wise.

❝ We do… ❞ She answered finally, her gaze catching Rick’s for a quick moment before returning to Negan.

❝ Please allow us to take her to him. Please. ❞

❝  NAH,  ❞ Negan responded immediately to Michelle’s plea, a casual nature to the words that lingered on a stained smile. He wet his lower lip as he gazed over at the girl Ramsay had oh so kindly broken the thumb of, seeing that she looked in visible agony. There was a terror in her eyes as they averted away from Negan the moment he looked upon her.

The Savior leader readjusted his grip on Lucille absently as he gave a whistle over to his men, motioning to the supplies surrounding them. Almost immediately, they were setting into action, going through the supplies and grabbing whatever they saw fit, but not taking all of it.

With a slow gait, Negan stepped closer to Michelle, winding Lucille back to settle her lazily atop his shoulder. ❝  I think he’s gonna come to us, doc’s gonna be makin’ a house call today,  ❞ Negan said, his words obvious they weren’t just a suggestion. Rather, they were a command as he looked over towards Rick. Brows raised, there was an intentionally playfully fake POLITENESS about his tone.

           ❝  –‘Cause I would LOVE to meet him.  ❞

Rick didn't like the sound of this. Having Tenth come here? Knowing Negan, he was trying to pull something, trying to push their noses even deeper into the dirt beneath him in some way. But there wasn't much choice in the matter, especially with Negan relenting and only taking HALF of what they currently had.

One of Negan's men brushed closely by Rick, forcing him to take a step back before he eyed Negan carefully, CAUTIOUSLY, then  looked over at Michelle. He knew Michelle and Tenth were close-- hell, they'd come into this community together. So he hoped for both their sakes, nothing would come of this.

Reaching to the side of his belt, Rick retrieved his walkie-talkie, switching it to the infirmary channel. He pressed the button down, speaking into the device, ❝  Tenth, this is Rick. Come in.  ❞

Radio silence, crackling, was all that followed for several long moments. Rick closed his eyes, pressing a single thumb to his forehead as he waited to hear a response. When none came for another handful of seconds, Rick sighed and decidedly tried again, gauging Negan’s reaction warily.

❝  Tenth. This is Rick. We need ya down in supplies. Quick. Come in.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Michelle )

( Ramsay )

( ‘Negan’ )

Alright, Negan had to admit it: Michelle had some serious BALLS. Combined with her attitude at the gate, she really must’ve not grasped just who she was dealing with.

Listening to her outburst followed by Rick’s very CLEAR attempt at damage control only left Negan with raised brows and an ever present curve of his parted lips. His eyes never left Michelle, even as Rick began trying to press her away from him.

❝  Woah, now hold your SHIT, Rick,  ❞ Negan raised a single gloved finger, Lucille gripped lightly in his other hand at his side. The finger remained raised in Rick’s direction, stopping the other man from cutting in again. ❝  I don’t believe you were INVITED to this conversation between me and this fine, well-articulated lady. That was a HELL of a lot that you just spilled right all over my ass, Michelle.  ❞

Slowly, a chuckle dragged against his throat as he finally turned his gaze over to Rick, ❝  What the hell kinda stories you tellin’ your people that they think these emotional little outbursts are gonna fly? ‘Cause it seems to me SHE doesn’t get it. I mean…  ❞ Negan paused, bringing his hand to his chest almost PLAYFULLY.

❝  I get it. This is a TOUGH deal,  ❞ brows raised, Negan shook his head. ❝  But tough titty said the fat kitty. Reaching an understanding is important.  ❞ And all at once, Negan’s expression fell, dark gaze turning over to Ramsay as he gave a quick nod of his head.

❝  Break her thumb.  ❞

   This entire visit to Alexandria was only getting more    and more amusing by the second. Ramsay liked this    blonde woman– she wasn’t just beauty. She was FIRE.    But she was going to LEARN that her actions came with    consequences.

   Enid struggled in Ramsay’s grasp the moment Negan    gave the order to break her thumb.

❝ No!!! Please! Please don’t do this!! ❞ She pleaded, eyes    starting to water with desperation.

❝ My sweet girl– continue to struggle, and a broken thumb    will be the LEAST of your problems. ❞ Ramsay replied to    the girl with a casual, almost cheerful demeanor about    him.

   The struggle immediately came to a stop at that. Clearly,    this girl wasn’t stupid.

   Without wasting any more time, he took hold of her left    hand, and forced her thumb back until a piercing scream    that could be heard beyond the gates of Alexandria filled    the air.

Eyes widened at the scene that unfolded in front of her. She didn’t even have time enough to protest before Ram- say actually broke the poor girl’s thumb. He didn’t look disturbed by what he’d just done at all. He was enjoying it.

Of course he was– they both were.

This was her fault. If she would have just remained silent, it wouldn’t have happened. Enid was in agony now all be- cause she couldn’t just keep her damn mouth shut.

Michelle honestly expected them to deal out any conse- quences to her directly. They were HER words, after all. She wasn’t expecting someone else to be hurt for some- thing she was responsible for. That was the worst part of it.

❝ I’m sorry. ❞ The apology wouldn’t have come at all if it weren’t for Enid. For Rick. For every other person in Alex- andria. Because she wasn’t sorry. She still meant every single word she said.

And Negan never answered her question. Of course he didn’t. Maybe because he knew she was right.

❝ Really, I am. You were right. Just– just leave her alone… I won’t say anythin’ more. ❞

The feeling within the pit of Rick's stomach grew in immensely UNCOMFORTABLE waves, a knot forming in his throat and threatening to choke him right then and there. What was even worse was how there was NOTHING he could even do.

Rick's eyes screwed shut, almost as if he could make it all stop, but Enid's screams were evident that it could never be that easy. His jaw clenched, a growing ANGER and hatred welling within. Michelle's apologies only made his desire to personally end these men grow. And grow. And grow.

Finally, his eyes opened as he took a small step closer, his voice low and barely concealing a shake as he watched Negan, ❝  This ISN'T necessary, jus' take what you came for. And GO.  ❞

There was a small hesitation as Rick reconsidered his words, eyes averting and his expression losing its edge. He had to be careful, though it was hard. God, it was hard. Rick swallowed, tilting his head.

❝  --PLEASE.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Michelle )

( Negan )

❝  Je-SUS..  ❞ Negan remarked as he got a good look at all the supplies– which was a generous turn of phrase. There really wasn’t much to look at. He strolled forward into the garage, moving over to one of the shelves and reaching over to pick up an indiscriminate can of food.

Negan scoffed, turning back to look Rick’s way, ❝  Shit, you really weren’t kiddin’. This is downright pathetic as HELL! Totally and completely piss poor, Rick, it really, REALLY is. Could barely even keep an ant colony runnin’ with this.  ❞

A chuckle followed as he put the can back onto the shelf, his palm finding the edge of the surface and resting there as he turned to face the group that had followed over. He eyed Ramsay, still holding onto the young girl, dismayed as she looked, then over to Michelle. Yet again, his lips crawled with another smile.

❝  You still only got that one fat chick runnin’ this stock, keeping it all in order?  ❞ Negan brought his hand away from the shelf, giving it a few snaps as his expression turned thoughtful. He seemed to find what he was mentally searching for, and it seemed to amuse him to no end,

❝  OLIVIA, right? Maybe SHE’S the answer to your little shortage situation. Wouldn’t be surprised to find out she’s takin’ most of this shit all to herself.  ❞

Oh, that was IT. The last damn straw.

❝ Olivia’s got nothin’ to do with it! ❞ She spoke up angrily, stepping past Rick and Ramsay to address the man more directly.

❝ I’ve been helpin’ her manage things, and I can tell ya! Not a single person in Alexandria has anythin’ to do with the shortage!

                     –YOU! You’re the problem! You’re early! You gave us a set amount of time to get all this stuff, and then ya don’t follow through on your own damn schedule! ❞

So maybe she was going a little overboard in her response, but she could only nod and smile for so long. Olivia was a kind, gentle soul, and she didn’t deserve any of the bad things being said about her. Enid didn’t deserve what was happening to her either– nor did Rick.

❝ You’re a bully. You and every single one of your Saviors! Which, by the way? Why exactly did ya choose the name ‘SAVIORS’!? I think ‘terrorists’ woulda been a whole more accurate! What in the hell have ya SAVED, exactly!? Other than your ego and your means of an easy life at the expense of others!? ❞

EVERY word that came from Michelle's mouth was sending Rick into an internal panic, her outright ANGER (while completely and entirely true) at the situation absolutely the last thing they needed right then. It was even more disturbing that Negan didn't look entirely upset about it-- moreover he looked AMUSED.

Which was, Rick had quickly learned, so much worse than Negan's blunt anger.

Quickly, Rick was stepping forward, attempting to put himself between Michelle and Negan, even pressing a hand to her shoulder to try and ease her back.

❝  No, listen, Negan, you're RIGHT,  ❞ the Alexandrian leader began, words quickly trying to dissolve the situation before it got worse. He watched Negan with a pleading about his gaze, WORRY deeply set as well. Rick swallowed hard, shaking his head.

❝  We made a deal, anytime you show up, whatever you want's YOURS to take,  ❞ his voice held a very minute shake as he quickly looked to Michelle, barely concealing his panic, before darting back to the other man. ❝  Take it all. Don't matter. We'll have more next time, I SWEAR.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Ramsay )

( ‘Michelle’ )

( Negan )

HUH, so Ramsay went for one of the younger ones then? Well, he DID say to make it someone that would really drive the point home. Hell, they hadn’t even done anything to her and yet she, along with Rick, looked scared shitless. It was amusing, in its own way, just how whipped Rick and his people were.

It brought Negan’s smile back in full force for but a moment as Rick pleaded. ❝  We’ve already talked,  ❞ Negan began with the shake of his head, sauntering over closer to the young girl Ramsay had singled out. She shuffled and even took a step back, a tremble in the motion.

❝  And you KNOW this was the deal.  ❞ He paused, halted beside the girl. ❝  I show up, you give me half your shit, WITHOUT any excuses. And I get to ride off into the sunset with that half, merry as can goddamn be. OTHERWISE, there would most certainly be consequences. That ringin’ any bells? Or did you just so happen to forget that?  ❞

A slow breath followed before Negan was giving a playful sigh, eyebrows raising as he turned to look back over at Ramsay with a single motion towards the female, ❝  Grab the girl. Make sure she is NOT running off anywhere until we are well and done here.  ❞ The very tip of Negan’s tongue darted to the corner of his lips as he watched Rick once more, intently and purposely.

❝  C'mon, Rick. Let’s go see just how SCARCE the scavenging’s really been.  ❞

She watched everything play out in hopeless silence. Were they really… REALLY going to kill Enid? Of course they were. If things didn’t play out exactly the way Negan wanted, Enid would be just another example.

It was gross. Disgusting. There was no reason for ANY of this. How the hell could they expect them to have a full load ready to go when they were THIS early? It didn’t make any damn sense.

Maybe because it didn’t have to make sense. They were getting off on stirring up drama. They were BORED. That’s all it was. They were actually going to KILL a girl because they were bored.

Oh, she was just getting more and more angry.

She gave the younger of the two men a hateful glare before turning to follow behind Rick and Negan. A million thoughts ran through her mind as they walked. There had to be some way to stop this.

   Ramsay didn’t waste any time in snatching up Enid’s    arm and forcing her along with him.

   An amused smile found him in response to the glare    the blonde woman sent his way. What a beautiful day    this was already turning out to be.

❝ I’m sensing some sort of hostility from you, I believe. ❞    He said to Michelle as soon as he’d caught up to them.

❝ Nothing more than an ASSUMPTION on my end, I hope.    I’ve heard anger in any long-term connection with a per-    son is VERY unhealthy. And today marks day one of our    newly found friendship! Something you should keep in    mind! For your health! ❞

   His gaze greedily consumed her form once more before    passing her to walk alongside Negan towards the food    and supplies.

There was hope here. Maybe Negan would be satisfied with the small amount they had. He could deal with losing it all if it meant no one died. He would HAVE to deal with that. Because just seeing Ramsay's eagerness in following Negan's orders, he knew Enid's life was very much on the line.

With tightly pursed lips, Rick took one last glance at Negan before beginning to lead the way towards where they housed their supplies. It was a walk fraught with uncertainties and silent hopes that this would end much better than it was looking (Ramsay’s very OBVIOUS pestering of Michelle didn't help that at all, mind you).

It was also filled with the hope that Michelle had been doing her job of properly managing their supplies. It was a job that he trusted her with but ONE mistake would be all it took...

After what felt like a grueling walk, they finally arrived before the garage door, Negan's 'half' lying in wait beyond. Rick punched in the code to raise the door, the gears turning loudly and slowly, revealing what was already a very sparse stock of shelves.

❝  This is it,  ❞ he presented, looking momentarily over to Michelle as a silent confirmation then to Negan. In the pause that followed, he motioned out towards the bulk of it with a shake of his head.

           ❝  --Everything we got right now.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Ramsay )

( ‘Negan’ )

( Michelle )

She hated them already– BOTH of them. The younger of the two men had her skin actually crawling. Who the hell was he? What she despised most of all, though? Wasn’t their creepy ass stares or words. It was how they were already trying to humiliate Rick so blatantly in front of everyone.

And for what, exactly? He didn’t deserve any of this. He’d been one of the kindest people she’d met during the apoc- alypse. Why were they doing this to him? It wasn’t as if he wasn’t cooperating fully.

God, she wanted to say something. She wanted to tell them to stop. But she knew– it would only make things worse for Rick. These weren’t the kind of men who had any compassion. They’d probably both be in jail if it weren’t for the current state of things.

All she could do was offer Rick a silent look of encouragement from the sidelines. They’d be gone soon enough.

And there he was, right on cue. At least they weren’t going to make Negan WAIT for the oh so warm welcome that Rick loved to dole out. And here he’d thought they were PAST this. The glares full of angry daggers and barely concealed annoyance.

Negan wouldn’t pretend for a moment he DIDN’T notice that shit.

Following Rick’s hardened gaze, Negan looked over towards Ramsay, the smile on his lips lingering, though it seemed a habit. ❝  Oh, no. Uh-uh, Rick, that just isn’t gonna work,  ❞ Negan began, turning back to Rick as he stepped closer, TOO close, looking down on the shorter man. ❝  If the world revolved around piss poor lil’ excuses like that, well then SHIT– we would all be sitting around, braiding each other’s hair and singing kumbaya until the sun came up.  ❞

He allowed his gaze to bore down into Rick’s a moment longer, really studying the younger leader as the corner of his lips twitched up. The tense moment lasted only a second longer before he was turning his attention back over to Ramsay as a small crowd of Alexandrians began to form.

❝  Ramsay,  ❞ he called out suddenly, tilting his head. ❝  I want you to PICK somebody in this here wonderful and BEAUTIFUL ass community. Anybody.  ❞ More still, the corner of his lips grew into a crooked grin as he looked back to Rick.

❝  Someone you think will REALLY make a point to not give me anymore fuckin’ excuses.  ❞

❝ Gladly! ❞ Ramsay replied quickly, moving past Rick    to get a better look at the crowd of people who gathered    into the area. Every single one of them looked absolutely    terrified– they knew what was coming.

   There were a few moments of silence on his end as blue    eyes scanned the crowd of people one by one. He recognized    a couple of them from the lineup weeks ago, and a few others    from their recent pick-ups.

❝ You! ❞ He addressed a petite, young, brunette woman to the    left side of the group, ❝ I choose you! Come here! ❞

   The woman looked as if her heart had stopped in her chest.    She froze in place, not moving at all– stunned that she’d been    chosen, no doubt..

❝ Did you not hear me? I said– Come. Here. ❞

Blunt nails dug deeply into the skin of Rick's palm, threatening to leave marks as Negan invaded his space, his expression hardening with each  word that came out of Negan's mouth. And then it swiftly turned to worry, uncertainty, barely concealed TERROR as Ramsay did exactly as Negan asked.

He couldn't have anyone else dying. He couldn't. Not when they'd already lost so much. Having another death hanging over this community-- over RICK'S head-- all in the name of these Saviors... He wouldn't allow it.

❝  Wait,  ❞ Rick cut in, turning over towards Ramsay as he took a few steps to try and put himself between them. His gaze caught Enid's for but a moment, seeing the shock of the moment overcoming her and draining her of all color, before he was looking back to the Savior.

Bringing up a hand, his own expression teetering on something DESPERATE, he pleaded, ❝  Wait, we can work this out, it doesn't gotta come to this. We can talk. Figure this out.  ❞ Rick chanced a step closer, eyeing Ramsay intently before his gaze quickly switched back over to Negan.

❝  NOBODY needs to get hurt,  ❞ he paused, clenching his jaw as he swallowed hard. His eyes flickered back to Ramsay, uncertain whether  his pleas made any difference to this man. ❝  You can take whatever we've got, jus' leave my people OUT of this.  ❞

[lordnegan]

A Fair Trade

[mercyprevailed]

( Ramsay )

( ‘Negan’ )

( Michelle )

Eyebrows furrowed together in response to his reply– not to mention the PROXIMITY. Michelle expected a lot of things upon meeting this man in the flesh, but this?? Not one of them. She wasn’t sure if she was relieved or even more disturbed.

❝ I’m not certain ‘crime’ is really the right word in a time where laws have become so non-existent. ❞ She really needed to just stop talking at this point. Rick would be there at any moment, no doubt, and this would only cause him more grief. She didn’t want that at all. Rick saved her life by allowing her and Tenth to stay there.

❝ Michelle. My name’s Michelle. I’m gonna go ahead ‘n guess you’re Negan? ❞ She could hear the sound of dogs barking in the near distance.

❝ We weren’t expectin’ ya for a few more days. ❞

A low but steady and drawn out chuckle tapered out from his lungs, his voice following in a low and husky tone, ❝  Damn. Well then, Michelle. If you’re really that convinced laws have become so non-existent, then you must’ve not gotten the memo ‘bout who’s in charge now and what kinda man I am. See, I am one hell of a stickler for rules, laws, and making damn fuckin’ sure EVERY last one of you follows them.  ❞

Negan flipped Lucille up, barbed tip coming closer to each of their eye levels as he held her close between them. Making certain that Michelle got a good look at her.

❝  I KNOW you had to have heard ‘bout just what happens when rules get broken. Just like a couple'a your buddies…   ❞ his tongue proceeded to click against the roof of his mouth, once then twice, before his smile grew. The Savior allowed the silence to linger a moment or two longer, nourishing the tense nature he left in the wake of those words.

But before the silence dragged too long, Negan was giving a nonchalant sigh as he leaned back, pulling Lucille back along with him as he looked about with a much more considerate expression,  ❝  Anyway!  I’m early 'cause I wanna keep my lil’ worker bees on their toes, makin’ sure you’re all gettin’ my shit on a timely schedule. Can’t have you holding back on gettin’ my shit.  ❞

Negan paused, looking about for a moment before turning back to Michelle, ❝  Now. Where’s Rick?  ❞

   Ramsay finally decided to silence the pack of barking hounds    before moving towards the open gate to stand beside Negan,    blue eyes immediately latching onto the unfamiliar blonde    woman. It was nearly unbelievable just how pretty she was.    The supplies they’d come for suddenly seemed so much less    interesting.

❝ There’s no need to look so concerned. ❞ Ramsay took a small    step closer, eyes never leaving her as he went on, ❝ Nothing    to worry about as long as the quota is met! And Rick’s been    a good boy lately! Hasn’t he? ❞

   He caught sight of the man approaching from the distance    just as he said those last words. A BIT disappointing. He    wanted more time to get to know the woman better. MUCH    more time.

   Oh, well. Later.

❝ Ah! Here he comes now! Like a well-trained DOG! ❞

Word reached the Alexandrian leader quick enough, but he didn't need to be told Negan was here when he could HEAR him just down the road. Hard to miss and even harder to not grate on Rick's nerves every damn time. Perhaps even more so this time because he was early.

Very early.

With a tightly clenched jaw, Rick's gait sped up, the front gate his destination in the first place to relieve Michelle of guard duty a little early. And now he had to deal with making sure Negan wouldn't kill or hurt anyone with this SURPRISE visit.

The closer he got, the more he could hear their voices. An overwhelming feeling of tentative anger bristled within Rick's chest as he saw that not only was Negan speaking with Michelle, but so was Ramsay. He had no choice but to take the belittling comments, no doubt that Ramsay meant for them to be heard as it was.

Blue hues turned to look Michelle's way for a moment, a look that assured she was unharmed, before looking to the group of offending men... then Ramsay... then finally Negan.

❝  You're early,  ❞ he stated, eyes flickering back over to Michelle, almost wishing she hadn't opened the gate until he was there. Too late for that, unfortunately. Intense as his gaze was, it grew harder in Ramsay's direction with the tilt of his head. ❝  Too early. Scavenging's been scarce. There ain’t much to take this time.  ❞

[mercyprevailed]

( M I C H E L L E ):

Michelle watched him carefully, trying desperately to decide whether she could trust him or not. She seemed to be doing a lot of that lately, hadn’t she? Trying to figure out who to trust, and who NOT to trust.

Every single instinct inside of her told her he was trustworthy. Could she really afford to just NOT tell him? To leave him here when the time came to escape? Ramsay might kill him. She couldn’t do that. It would be her fault if he ended up dead.

❝ Please.. don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.. ❞ She paused for a few more moments before finally speaking again.

❝ There’s… this man. He’s workin’ with Ramsay right now. But he’s given me an offer to get me out once his business with Ramsay is over. I… I may be able to work somethin’ out with him. To get you and a few others out as well. He might listen to me. His name is Negan. Lord Negan. Maybe ya’ve met him already? ❞

The name could have stopped his heart in its TRACKS, leaving him breathless and uncertain. Did he hear her right? Had that been the right NAME?

No. It couldn't have been. No. He couldn't have ended up here too... Could he?

          ❛ Negan...? ❜ the name met his lips like the strongest of acids,             leaving a HORRID taste in his mouth. He swallowed hard,             his features no doubt PALING.

          ❛ That can't... He can't be here. He can't be the same. What's he             like, Michelle? Tell me what he's LIKE. ❜

[mercyprevailed]

|𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴|

[mercyprevailed]

( R A M S A Y ):

❝ Judith; very beautiful name. ❞ Ramsay commented, taking    another drink of wine. The man across from him seemed out    of it suddenly in a way that Ramsay couldn’t quite place.    Probably the mention of his family, no doubt.

❝ You should relax, Rick. I know you want to go home, and I’m    doing all I’m able in order to help you, but there’s a storm com-    ing, and the North is harsh. I can’t very well risk sending myself    nor my men out to die. You’re free to chance it, of course. Or    wait. The decision is yours. ❞

   Ramsay wanted to make it seem like Rick was making all the    decisions on his own, but the Bolton was manipulating every    step of it.

❝ It should only be a day or two before the storm clears. I’ve    lived in the North all my life, so there’s a fairly good chance    I can help you find your way back. ❞

Relax? How could he RELAX? That was a task in and of itself that this man was asking of him. How would it ever be possible to relax here, in this place? It wasn't even his WORLD as far as he could tell. And that was unnerving in every sense of the word.

And now there would be a storm on top of it all? This didn't bring him any sort of RELIEF. He didn't want to be stuck here for two days. Two whole days of, what? Sitting around? WAITING? While he could've been trying to find his way back?

That wasn't going to happen.

          ❛ I might jus' take my chances out there an' try to beat the storm, ❜             he admitted carefully, now moving to stand from his seat. Fingers             still clung to the edge of the table, gun still out before him.

          ❛ If ya could be as generous as ya HAVE been, I'd really at least             appreciate some warmer clothes. If ya got any to spare. ❜

[mercyprevailed]

|𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴|

[mercyprevailed]

( R A M S A Y ):

It was so difficult to keep a straight face as he watched the older man do exactly as he planned. Already, he wanted to just reveal it– just outright tell him the whole thing was a ruse he’d set up with Laina beforehand, but he wouldn’t. Not yet. There was still more fun to be had.

      ❝ T– Thank you. ❞

The woman said, moving to pour some wine for Rick and then setting the glass container down on the table next to him before retreating back to the doorway.

❝ Of course! No offense taken! I’d want nothing more than    return home myself if I were in your situation. ❞ Ramsay    lifted the goblet to his lips and took a long drink, glancing    at a few of his men on the other side of the room only for    a moment before going on.

❝ Do you have a family at home, Rick? A wife? Children?    Tell me about them! ❞

Not for even a fraction of a MOMENT did his gaze waver from the other man. Not to the woman as she retreated nor to the cup of alcohol before him. Though remaining so tense for so long was wearing on his bones.

However, when Ramsay mentioned his family, it brought him away from this place. From this world. Back to home. Back to where he was needed most. His jaw tightened. And it was then that he was finally looking away, down at the stone ground.

          ❛ Got a daughter, ❜ he responded, more for his own benefit             than Ramsay's. A REMINDER of what was back home.           ❛ Just a daughter. Judith. ❜

Lori's name wouldn't dare grace his lips in this place. Nor Carl's. Not for a moment. Being here allowed him one mercy: pretending both of them were still alive.

          ❛ There're others too that I consider my family, ❜ Rick's words             came solemnly, eyes returning to the other. ❛ And I need             to be back with them. They need me. Which is exactly why             I shouldn't be here right now. ❜

[mercyprevailed]

( M I C H E L L E ):

The look on his face made her regret asking at all. What a thoughtless move on her part. The answer was obvious, any- way, without even needing to ask. She knew Ramsay well enough to know he probably played some kind of sick game with the man before trapping him within the walls of Winterfell.

❝ I’m sorry.. I shouldn’t have asked. ❞ She went silent for a few moments as she thought on his own question. It was more than fair of him to ask. She did, after all, didn’t she?

❝ Ramsay hurts everyone. In one way or another. ❞ She wouldn’t delve any deeper than that on the matter. It wasn’t the sort of thing anyone made casual conversation about, and she didn’t wish to speak about it.

❝ There’s just… ❞ She sighed, still not sure if she should bring it up with him, ❝ The reason I asked– If there was a way out of here… You’d wanna know ‘bout it. Right? ❞

It wasn't hard to tell the answer to his question was OBVIOUS. The look on her face, the very words she chose; but of course. Something about that brought a new anger to his mind for this man. Torturing him was one thing-- but harming this woman?

Far be it from Rick to claim he knew Michelle well. In fact, they were practically still just STRANGERS. Yet there was a kindness in her that couldn't be denied. To harm someone so kind was a crime beyond any other.

Though her words then piqued his interest, a small hint of hope crawling into her tone just as it slipped into the raise of Rick's brows.

          ❛ You sayin' there's a way out? ❜ he asked, words clinging             onto that hope. But it was quickly diminishing as his             expression became COMPLICATED. He took a look             about their surroundings, assuring no one would be             listening.

          ❛ This place is a FORTRESS, ❜ his words were quiet and             CAUTIOUS. ❛ There's men everywhere that'll kill us if they             even hear us TALKIN’ ‘bout this. How d'you think we're             gonna get out? ❜

[rickygrimy]

Necessary Rick Grimes gifs

[mercyprevailed]

|𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘭 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴|

[mercyprevailed]

( R A M S A Y ):

Ramsay offered the man a warm smile, glancing at the servant woman near the entrance and giving her a small nod that set her into motion.

❝ As I’ve already stated: there’s no catch. You’re free to    leave any time you wish. ❞ The woman poured wine into    Ramsay’s goblet, filling it to the top before starting her    way to the other side of the table to do the same for Rick.

❝ You must have been through quite a lot to feel so– ❞

The woman screamed suddenly, backing away from Rick, and pointing at the pistol– shaking so heavily she nearly dropped the glass pitcher of wine.

        ❝ P– please! That weapon!! I can’t– ❞

❝ Laina! Please calm down. He’s not going to hurt you. ❞    Ramsay comforted the woman, turning his glance back    to Rick.

❝ You’ll have to forgive Laina. She lost her family quite    recently to some awful men. Her husband.. Her daughter..    All right in front of her. The sight of weapons just brings    it all back for her.. ❞

The woman was crying now, shaking even more than before.

It was easy to see how STARTLED Rick was from the vivid reaction to his side, causing him to jump minutely. Instinctive fingers twitched closer to his pistol-- but he realized that was a MISTAKE as Ramsay explained.

Blue eyes looked to the woman, studying her carefully. It was a bit-- odd, he had to admit. This place looked MEDIEVAL in every sense of the word thus guns couldn't have been around. Rick had never been big on historical knowledge, yet it took him aback seeming as though she was familiar with the colt.

Far be it from him to traumatize an innocent woman, though. Especially when it was an issue easily resolved. He continued to eye the woman, his voice sincere.

          ❛ M'sorry you lost your family. ❜ It was as genuine             as could be, but there was a hint of uncertainty.           ❛ But like he said, m'not here to hurt you. ❜

His gaze turned back to Ramsay, watching carefully and warily. Fingers grasped the gun, sliding it out from its holster, flipping the barrel upside down-- NON- THREATENING. And he placed it on the table before himself. Yet fingertips remained near, not wanting it far from his grasp.

          ❛ I'm jus' tryin' to find a way back home. Somehow.             No offense, but I don’t wanna be here longer than             I have to. ❜

[pedrospascaled]

[givemeameme-blog]

Meaningful Sentence Starters

“There’s something I really need to tell you.” “I honestly thought that things would be very different.” “Do you wish you could have done it differently?” “What exactly did you think was happening here?” “How do you decide when it’s enough?” “I would die for this cause.” “There are only a few things in this world that are truly important to me.” “Ideals have to count for something.” “Why should I be a nice person?” “This was meant to be easier.” “I have an idea that I need to share.” “Look, you might not like me but we’re stuck in this.” “You remind me of someone I once knew.” “How long does it take people to change, I wonder?” “There are no good choices here.” “There are days I think we’re just in over our heads here.” “How do you keep going when things get hard?” “Are you genuinely interested in me as a person, or is this a game too?” “I care what I look like because I care what people think of me.” “Why did you decide to do it?” “You know what I really regret?” “I’m still struggling to believe any of this is real.” “Are you certain this is what you really want.” “Tell me a dream? Or a secret?” “Do you think you would still be the same person if things had turned out differently?” “What I really meant to say was very different.” “I don’t know if you’ll like what I have to say to you, but I have to tell you anyway.” “You were never supposed to know.” “Why can’t you just follow instructions?” “Why can’t you just ignore instructions?” “What chains you to this life? What keeps you here?”

[chonesmint]