Actions

Work Header

Outlawed

Chapter 48

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Rick hadn't had butterflies in his stomach for a long time and he kept an eagle eye on the clock on the wall

 

 

As soon as the hands reached 6 pm he flew up off his chair and practically raced down to the cells

 

 

Frank was still asleep, snoring loudly as Rick unlocked the cell door

 

 

he walked in and kicked the legs of the cot roughly, rousing the man 

 

 

''get up Frank this ain't no fucking hotel '' he spat, kicking the cot again with his boot

 

 

 

the man stirred  and sat up, groaning, his head in his hands

 

 

''come on, time to leave '' he spat and left the cell, leaving the door open and went to the small wash area in the  back, where a mirror hung over  a sink

 

 

He splashed his face with water, running a wet hand over his curl, glancing at himself in the mirror, furrowing his brows

 

 

he adjusted his curls so they hung over the  scar on his forehead

 

 

he noticed Frank staggering out of the cells in the mirror behind him and he sighed

 

 

he turned around and pushed him by his back down the  hallway, rushing the man

 

 

"'maybe next time you won't get so fucking wasted huh Frank '' he smirked at the man, who groaned

 

 

 

'' Hey Rick  '' Daryl's voice startled the man

 

 

 

"Daryl '' he said, surprised to see the man standing by his desk 

 

 

 

He patted Frank on the back as he shuffled past Daryl

 

 

 

''go sleep it off at home Frank ......and I better not  see you in that saloon, you hear me ??  '' he called after the man as he stumbled out of the jail

 

 

 

'' You here to collect Horse ??  '' Rick glanced at Daryl as he rummaged around in his desk looking for some aftershave he had in there....he actually never knew why he kept it in there, but right now he was happy he did 

 

 

he was on edge with excitement to be having a drink with a man he had met not even an hour ago

 

 

'' he's been a really good boy, he ... '' he looked up at the man, who looked more uncomfortable  than usual

 

 

 

''what's wrong ??  '' he furrowing his brows

 

 

 

''  I didnt come into town alone   '' he rubbed the back of his neck

 

 

 

 Rick instantly felt nervous and His heart skipped a beat, Negan was in town

 

 

 

" Where is he  ?? '' he furrowed his brows

 

 

 

'' They are over at the saloon ''  he frowned

 

 

 

Rick sighed loudly, pinching the bridge of his nose, and glared at Daryl

 

 

 

'' wait..what do you mean they ?? '' Rick eyed Daryl

 

 

"Dwight, Simon, and some others tagged along  '' he averted his eyes 

 

 

 

'' Fuck "' Rick raised his voice, angrily

 

 


'' look, I just came to get horse and my....'' he trailed off

 

 

 

'' Your shotgun " Rick finished his sentence

 

 

 

Daryl nodded, his hair falling into his eyes

 

 

 

Rick stood up and walked down to the back of the cells, his mind ticking over about Negan and his men currently getting drunk in the saloon and the shit they would no doubt cause.....he would need  Jerry, who he sent to the saloon to get drunk earlier  on top of  his game 

 

 

 

he pulled Daryl's gun from the cupboard and  walked back into the jail, handing it to him

 

 

 

he smiled weakly as Rick sat back down in his chair

 

 

 

''Horse is out back, he's been on his best behavior '' he looked up at Daryl

 

 

 

Daryl looked at him

 

 

 

''I'm sorry man, it's not like I can tell Negan  and the others they can't come into town''  Daryl avoided looking at him

 

 

 

Rick's face softened

 

 

 


'' dont worry about it, I can handle Negan and Simon ....... but I hope I can  count on you and Dwight to keep the peace if they do start anything  '' he ducked his eyes to meet Daryl's, smiling

 

 

 

he looked at Rick through his shaggy hair and smiled weakly

 

 

 

"yeh, sure Rick '' 

 

 

Daryl stilled at the front of his desk and Rick glanced up at him

 

 

" what  ? '' he sighed

 

 

"Ummm, we .... we gave Boots a good burial '' he whispered

 

 

Rick's mouth twitched, feeling sudden guilt that he never even thought about what would happen to his friend after he left and his face fell

 

 

''We treated him real good Rick, Sophia made  him a headstone with   a piece of wood I found and laid flowers on it for him '' he smiled weakly

 

 

Rick smiled at the girl's sweet gesture

 

 

''That's nice, real nice ''he smiled up at Daryl

 

 

''Simon had the task of digging the hole....he was whinging the entire time like a fucking asshole " he scoffed

 

 

Rick's eyes flashed up to him

 

 

"Simon.....why the fuck would he help, he's the bastard who  killed him " he spat

 

 

'' Negan made him '' Daryl shrugged

 

 

Rick averted his eyes

 

 

'' Ummm, I suppose you haven't seen that asshole Merle around town have ya ?? '' he glanced at Rick

 

 

Rick glanced at him, knowing the man missed his brother, but wouldn't admit it

 

 

''No, I haven't actually "' he only just realized the man hadn't been hanging around, being a fucking pest like he usually was 

 

 

Daryl nodded, averting his eyes

 

 

Rick's face softened

 

 

''I'm sure he's fine Daryl, he knows how to take care of himself '' he smiled 

 

 

'' yeh, yeh I know'' he trailed off

 

 

" look, I'd better go, ill see you later '' he smiled weakly

 

 

 

" yeh, sure '' Rick glanced at  the younger Dixon brother  as he turned, leaving the jail

 

 

 

Rick leaned back in his chair, his anxiety beginning to creep up into his chest, he knew Negan would eventually show up, but he wasn't expecting him to bring Simon of all people with him  !!

 

 

 

He knew the two had fucking bad blood, he knew he would get drunk and cause a scene

 

 

 

was he was deliberately trying to entice a reaction out of him ??

 

 

 

He had already rubbed Frankie in his face, and blatantly lied to him about taking anyone to the farm, he defended Simon when Rick said he killed boots and threatened his life, it was like he was loyal to the man even though he  was a sneaky fucking lying snake

 

 

he sighed loudly running a hand through his curls

 

 

he pulled open his drawer and put some aftershave on his neck....if Negan was there, he would just ignore him, he didnt deserve anything else from Rick right now 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rick  inhaled a deep breath standing at the closed double doors of the rowdy saloon, listening to the loud chatter and piano music playing inside 

 

 

 

His heart was racing as he pushed the doors open, his eyes scanning   the crowded bar for Negan and his saviors

 

 

 

He hadn't even taken two steps inside when ...

 

 

 

'' Sheriff '' Simon's obnoxiously loud   voice hollered from across the room, drawing  his attention to a table in the very back 

 

 

 

'' we've been  waiting for you " he yelled, his voice being somewhat drowned out by the loud chatter in the bar

 

 


Rick glared at the man, his eyes flicking over to Daryl, Dwight, and two other saviors he recognized from camp 

 

 

 

Negan sat with a sly  smirk spread across his face, and  Rick wanted nothing more than to smack it off the cocky bastard

 

 

 

" come join us '' Simon smirked, waving his hand, beckoning Rick  over

 

 

 

'over my dead body ' Rick thought to himself and flicked his eyes to the front, noticing   Jerry who sat at the bar with Mary, one of the saloon's most popular whores in his lap

 

 

 

He walked up to the bar and patted  him on the back, as he turned his head 

 

 

"Rick you made it....... you know Mary '' he motioned to the whore on his left

 

 

Rick smiled

 

 

"yeh, we all know Mary '' he smiled at her as she winked at him, smiling 

 

 

Gregory the saloon owner  came  up to him, smiling 

 

 

" Rick'' he smiled

 

 

'' Just the usual please Gregory  '' he smiled at him weakly, taking his hat off and placing it on the bar

 

 

'' A whiskey coming straight up  '' he smiled and turned around pouring Rick a glass of whiskey, putting it down in front of him, walking away

 

 

He sipped his whiskey  as his  eyes  flicked up to  the mirrored glass shelves that hung behind the bar, where several bottles of alcohol sat, trying to get a good look over at Negan's table, without actually turning around and making it obvious he was watching them

 

 

But he couldn't quite see them 

 

 

A sudden slap on the back made him spit out some of the whiskey, onto his arm resting on the bar

 

 

"  Ricky ''  Simon's sleazy voice, made his skin crawl and he closed his eyes, sighing loudly

 

 

''Now why didnt you come over and join us, Sheriff  ?? ''  he leered in his ear

 

 

Rick   smelt the gin practically radiating off  the man 

 

 

'' Cause I'd rather eat horse shit than share a drink with you Simon  "  he spat with venom, staring straight ahead

 

 

Simon was silent for a moment, his mustache twitching, and scoffed

 

 

" Gregory my good man  '' he banged his fist down on the bar, getting the man's attention

 

 

'' Simon, what can I get for you, my good Sir  ??  ''   Gregory grinned, walking over 

 

 

' Good sir ' Rick's eyes flashed up to Gregory over his glass, why was he talking like a  jerk ?? 

 

 

 

"  Another  2 bottles of bourbon,  my fine man ''  he grinned  

 

 

 

Gregory nodded and turned around grabbing two full bottles of bourbon from the shelves

 

 

 

'' here you go '' Gregory smiled, placing them down on the bar

 

 

 

Simon threw several silver coins on the counter and Rick's eyes flicked down to them

 

 

 

it was more money than  necessary,  and there was no doubt in Rick's mind it was stolen in a robbery

 

 

 

Rick's jaw clenched in irritation, he was rubbing it right in Rick's fucking face

 

 

 

Gregory's eyes lit up like lit explosives 

 

 

 

'' that's most gracious of you, thank you '' he grinned 

 

 

 

'' Now, is there  anything else I can get for you  ??  " he eyed the money, falling  all over Simon  

 

 

 

It was obvious the man had  been throwing  money at the barman half the night

 

 

 

'' I'm sure I'll let you know '' Simon  grinned, so fakely it made Rick's blood boil

 

 

 

Gregory smiled and  scurried away,  guarding his new shiny coins like a crazy old prospector

 

 

 

'' You see Rick, money is what matters around here, not a fucking badge '' he scoffed

 

 

 

''I wonder if he'd still be crawling up your ass if he knew that money was acquired  from a robbery '' Rick spat

 

 

 

Simon looked like he'd been hit in the face with a brick

 

 

 

'' you see people around here are hard working folk, they dont appreciate scum like you coming in here throwing  money around that  you stole from other communities '' he glared at him

 

 

 

Simon's face twisted, and his eyes turned dark

 

 

 

" What are you getting at sheriff ??  Negan ain't sticking it to you anymore so you looking at  dobbing  us in ?? is that it ?? cause  you're the only one that knows what we look like, I mean our true identities, where our camp is "

 

 

he leaned in closer to Rick

 

 

"I dunno Ricky that's a lot of information, more than I'm comfortable with you knowing.....''

 

 

'' I mean if I was the leader of the saviors, knowing  a dirty lawman who had revenge on his mind was carrying that kind of information around, fucking valuable information, I'd be a little  worried, very fucking worried ''

 

 

 

'' I'd never expose Negan  '' he spat

 

 

 

''no maybe not Negan, but the rest of us....In particular me ...... I know I'd go to any lengths to keep that quiet, to protect the saviors, as a real leader should...I mean you never know what id be capable of  doing to make sure my people were safe '' he spat

 

 


'' but they ain't your people are they Simon   ?? '' he glared at him

 

 

Simon smirked and stood up straight

 

 

'' Maybe not now, but one day, one day I will be the leader of the saviors and I won't be fucking going lenient on you or this fucking town, as Negan has done '' he spat

 

 

''You'll never be the leader of the saviors, Negan would never let that happen '' he spat

 

 

"' well Ricky who said he will have a say in the matter ??  '' he smirked

 

 

''Does Negan know you're  staging a mutiny ?? '' he glared at Simon

 

 

Simon furrowed his  brows and laughed out loud

 

 

'' He's too busy burying his cock  up your ass to notice what any of his men are doing, he's a weak leader Rick ''

 

 

 

Rick felt rage burning in his gut

 

 

''  I'm gonna make sure the saviors have a leader  worthy of them, worthy of the savior's name for many years to come, bring fear into communities like it we did  when Shane was the leader '' he grinned 

 

 

''They'd never follow you, your not even half the man  Negan is '' he looked him up and down in disgust

 

 

simons  lip curled up

 

 

'' You're nothing  but a disgusting excuse for a human being, a piece of shit that deserves nothing more than his neck in  a noose'' he spat

 

 

Simon was seething and he leaned in whispering in Rick's ear

 

 


''  After you crept away in the night like the  fucking coward you really are Prick, I had the fucking filthy job of burying your fucking stupid horse...he never saw it coming when I shot him....but you will, I'll have you on your fucking  knees ''  he spat, gritting  his teeth   

 

 

 In the time it took to blink, Rick grabbed his gun for his holster, grabbed Simon by the back of  his shirt collar, slammed his head down on the hard bar counter, and pressed his gun to the back of his head, leaning over him, gritting his teeth

 

 

 

The entire saloon fell silent and Jerry  withdrew his gun

 

 

Simon's eyes were wide with shock at the speed at which Rick had moved

 

 

"  you dare come in here.... into my fucking town, and  start fucking threatening  me, running your fucking mouth  '' he yelled, teeth bared, shoving the cold hard barrel into the back of the man's head

 

 

 

'' I swear I'm gonna  fucking kill you, rid this world of a piece of shit like you  " He spat in his ear

 

 

 

" Everything ok here Rick ??  ''  Jerry questioned, eyes darting between the 2 men

 

 

 

'' Everything's just fine deputy..isn't it Rick ?? ''  Negan's voice came out of nowhere, as he suddenly  appeared next to  Simon

 

 

Rick felt the entire saloon looking at him and he suddenly became very aware of the fact

 

 

 

He took his gun away from the back of the man's head, pushing his weight off him roughly, stepping back, completely ignoring Negan's presence 

 

 

 

'' everything's fine Jerry '' he gritted his teeth, as  Simon stood up straight, looking slightly frazzled, and adjusted his shirt

 

 


" Fuck me  !! you're fast   '' He said with a shocked look on his face like he was genuinely  surprised

 

 

'' The boys are waiting for their booze  Simon'' Negan growled

 

 

 

Rick  and  Simon bore holes into each other as Rick gripped the handle of his gun, held by his side, his blue eyes filled with absolute disgust

 

 

 

"  fuck off Simon or I'll fucking shoot you in the head you myself '' Negan roared, his face twisting

 

 

 

Simon's face immediately  fell as he glanced at Negan,   sulking  away like an obedient fucking  dog back to his  table

 

 

 

Rick immediately  turned back to the mirrored shelves, as he felt Negan's eyes on him

 

 

He knew Simon would end up putting him in a foul fucking mood and he had  succeeded

 

 

The saloon came back to life with loud voices and piano music, as Negan  came up to the bar, standing   impossibly close next to Rick

 

 

 

The tension between the two was thick, neither saying a word to each other, as the smell of tobacco filled Rick's nostrils 

 

 

 

'' You wanna tell me what that was about  ?? '' Negan finally spoke, keeping his voice low

 

 

 

''Oh he was just threatening to  kill you so he can take over the saviors again  " he shrugged 

 

 

 

Rick  glared straight ahead, not wanting to be this close to the man who he was still fucking pissed at, sipping his whiskey

 

 

 

''Negan '' Gregory raced over, grinning like a moron

 

 

 

"Gregory my fine man " he smiled

 

 

 

'' can I get  you anything  ?? ''  he smiled broadly

 

 

 

Rick's eyes narrowed at   Gregory over his glass

 

 

 

"  Another   bottle of whiskey  ''  he grinned, tapping the bar with his hand 

 

 

 

Gregory nodded and turned around grabbing a bottle of whiskey off the shelves

 

 

 

'' here you go '' Gregory smiled, placing it down on the bar

 

 

 

''Thank you my good man " Negan grinned, flipping several  silver coins  similar to Simon's onto  the bar as Rick's rage seethed underneath his skin

 

 

 

''Oh no, Thank YOU  Negan '' Gregory grinned like a creep and picked up his money, walking away 

 

 

 


Negan scoffed 

 

 

 

" What a fucking  ass kisser, sees a bit of silver and his dick gets hard " he smirked  at Rick

 

 

 

Rick averted his eyes towards jerry   and gripped his glass, which was almost empty

 

 

 

Negan  opened the bottle of  whiskey he had  just bought and poured some into Rick's glass, leaning into him closely 

 

 

 

the fucking  sheer cockiness of the man fucking irritated Rick and his jaw tightened in anger

 

 

 

'' You smell fucking good  Grimes '' he purred and Rick's stomach flipped slightly

 

 

 

''  Did you get all dolled up just for me  ?? " he smirked, sticking his tongue between his teeth

 

 

 

Rick scoffed over his glass

 

 

Negan was silent for a moment looking at Rick and leaned in closer, whispering into his ear

 

 

''you know, It was a really, really  fucking  dumbass move  leaving  camp  the way you did... especially when I specifically  asked you not to '' the possessive tone in his voice made Rick's dick twitch

 

 

''that .... '' he gritted his teeth

 

 

'' Fucking bullshit fucking move, could have gotten you fucking killed you stupid son of a bitch '' he raised his voice in Rick's ear

 

 


Jerry  eyed Negan 

 

 


'' Yet  I  somehow managed to  get back here very much  alive and well without your fucking presence  so ......   '' he shrugged, staring into the mirror as he sipped his whiskey

 

 

Negan stood up, glaring at him and Rick could feel the anger radiating off his shoulders 

 

 

 

'' Only cause you had Daryl's horse and fucking weapon..I doubt very much you would have gotten far without them '' he spat

 

 

'' he offered them  to me '' he shrugged

 

 

'' It didnt mean you had to fucking take them and fucking leave Rick '' he yelled, gritting his teeth

 

 

Negan was silent for a moment as he put the bottle of whiskey to his lips, taking a swig of the dark alcohol

 

 

Rick glanced at him out of the corner of his eye

 

 


'' so are we good ?? '' he  whispered

 

 

Rick almost laughed at the stupid question

 

 


He glared at Negan, his blue eyes filled with  pure frustration

 

 

'' we dont have anything to say to one another Negan, so  why dont you go over to your fucking table and attempt to   keep those dogs you're with under control   '' he spat, meaning Simon and  Simon only  

 

 

Negan's face twisted in pure anger and he slammed his fist down on the bar, abruptly making Rick flinch and Jerry turn his attention back to him

 

 


'' Fine !! keep acting like a fucking bitch, what the fuck do I care ??  there's plenty of ladies here happy enough to get fucked tonight '' he growled in his ear, teeth gritted

 

 

 

Rick simply glanced at him unfazed at his attempts to make him jealous

 

 

 

'' What do I care if you fuck a whore... ??  '' he  spat spitefully, looking away, acting like Negan's  cruel words didnt affect him, but deep down they did, they cut like a fucking knife into his heart

 

 

''Is this about Frankie ? '' he whispered

 

 

Rick was silent, sipping his drink

 

 

 

" you think that camp whore means anything to me, Rick ?? ''

 

 

Rick ignored him

 

 

'' Is that why you left  ??  " he said, so unsure

 

 

Rick closed his eyes and sighed loudly, he still didn't fucking understand

 

 

" I fucking left because I couldn't stand to be in that camp a second longer, I left because of the look you gave me when I tried to tell you that Simon killed boots, he threatened your life Negan, and you still fucking took his side, assuming  I was fucking jacked up or some shit..you fucking had your tongue down Frankie's throat right in front of me, not even 24 hours after we left the farm, where I thought .....'' he scoffed

 

 

''I actually believed you when you told me I was the first person you had brought there, told about Lucille, I mean what the fuck was I thinking actually believing any shit that came out of your mouth ?? '' he sipped his drink, angrily

 

 

'' I didnt  lie Rick '' he gritted his teeth

 

 

Rick was silent

 

 

''I took her to the farm, but it was nothing like she fucking says...I told her about Lucille yeh, we went to check on the animals that day, she wanted to come along, get out of camp, she was having trouble with one of the men so I took her, we talked, I never fucked her Rick.......sure  I did once or twice in camp, but fuck, I'd say half of the men have fucked her...we didnt fuck at the  house, we didnt even stay overnight  honey, you gotta believe me '' he pleaded

 

 

Rick's mind was ticking over like the clock in his office, Carol did say she was exaggerating the truth

 

 

but should he believe Negan ??

 

 

 

''I'm sorry ok, I'm sorry I fucking kissed her, I don't know what I was thinking, I'd never fucking do anything to hurt you intentionally honey, you know that..... I fucking care about you man  ..'' he leaned in closer

 

 

''I fucking love you Rick  '' he whispered

 

 

Rick felt a tightening in his chest every time the man told him that and he knew deep down he really did

 

 

'' Boss, come on will ya, stop talking to that filthy lawman  and come drink with us " Simon's voice hollered out over the noisy saloon

 

 

 

Negan stood up straight, waving his hand at Simon and Rick closed his eyes 

 

 

" he's going to kill you Negan, why won't you listen to me ?? '' he whispered

 

 

Negan looked at him

 

 

" Look, we'll   talk about this later, ok  ?? " he grabbed the bottle of whiskey and turned towards his men 

 

 

'' So you'd rather go fucking get drunk with the man who wants to kill you than talk about why I'm fucking pissed at you ?? '' he spat

 

 

Negan looked surprised 

 

 

" Forget  it ,  it doesn't matter, you dont fucking care what I have to say about it " he glared at the mirrored shelves, feeling fucking furious that the man was being so blatantly oblivious to Simon's  ill intentions

 

 

" Rick ''  Paul's voice suddenly made Rick turn around, Negan removing his hand from  the bottle of whiskey, facing him 

 

 

he wore his hair out and had changed his clothes, having lost the blue bandana and black shirt with the satchel bag

 

 

he was now smartly dressed in a light green shirt, that made his eyes stand out  with  black pants

 

 

Rick looked at him and he suddenly wished he had made more of an effort and changed clothes....he did have a spare set at the jail after all

 

 

''  Paul '' Rick blinked stupidly, standing  up straight, slightly taken aback at the man's beauty,

 

 

he had totally forgotten they were having a drink

 

 

He smiled at Rick and glanced at Negan

 

 

'' paul '' he smiled, extending his hand

 

 

Negan  looked the younger man  up and down like an insect and his lip curled up

 

 

''Negan '' he mumbled and took Paul's hand in his 

 

 

''  Don't think I've ever seen you around town before ? " Negan spoke through gritted teeth, still gripping the man's hand in his 

 

 

Paul looked down at his hand being  squeezed  by the taller man and he glanced  at Rick

 

 

 

'' maybe because I've never been here before  '' he smiled

 

 

Negan let his hand go, roughly, eyeing him

 

 

'' My brother and I are just passing through town, Rick  here has been most welcoming  '' he smiled warmly at Rick 

 

 

Rick smiled back, as Negan  glared between the two men 

 

 

''yeh well our Rick here is a real  welcoming kinda  fucking  guy  '' he put his hand on his  shoulder, pressing  his thumb  into  where he knew his wound was, his lip curling up slightly, eyes filled with jealousy

 

 

Rick glared at him, ignoring the pain

 

 

Negan removed his hand

 

 

'' well you must be something pretty damn  special to be getting the royal treatment from the sheriff here, I mean most folks who roll into town don't get their own fucking personal drink, yet here you are  '' he eyed the man 

 

 

''Rick and I are in similar professions, I went and introduced myself  to let him know we were in town as a courtesy, and I invited him for a drink '' he smiled 

 

 

'' Paul and his brother are bounty hunter's  '' Rick said before  Negan could ask 

 

 

Negan stilled, his face twitching slightly

 

 

''And what would a  couple of fucking bounty hunters be doing in Black River exactly ??  '' he glared at Rick like he assumed he had asked them to come

 

 

Rick glared at him

 

 

" well I am hoping Rick can  help us find Shane Walsh  '' 

 

 

Negan face twisted and he blinked 

 

 

'' Shane fucking Walsh...he  is a fucking ghost, everyone knows that " he spat

 

 

''well Rick  is the only man In the state, maybe the country that knows what he looks like, I mean   people have speculated on his appearance but it could all be hear say "' he shrugged 

 

 

'' he is the only person to have seen him and lived, I'd appreciate  any information he can give me.... his location for one  ''

 

 

'' Rick doesn't know where he is either and  the last time he did go looking, that fucking fucker  cut half his face off '' he spat, glaring at paul

 

 

"And what??  you wanna  drag him along on your fucking crusade so he can get himself killed this time ??  " he spat

 

 

'' Negan !! what the fuck  are you doing Man ??  " Another savior yelled out from their table, standing up, waving his arms in the air, irritatedly

 

 

Negan glanced at him, waving his hand again

 

 

" I'm not looking to put  the sheriff  in any kind of danger, I simply want to pick his  brain is all "  Paul furrowed his  brows

 

 

'' It's ok Paul, I know how to look after myself "  Rick  spat

 

 

Negan scoffed  loudly and Rick glared at him

 

 

'' What are you having  Rick  ??  '' Paul pointed to Rick's,near empty glass on the bar, changing the subject

 

 

Rick turned around, looking  down at it dumbly

 

 

'' whiskey ''  Negan spat, glaring at Paul, clicking his fingers in the air, making Gregory run over

 

 

 

'' what can I get  you  Negan  ?  '' he smiled

 

 

"  Another whiskey for Rick   " he spat, glaring at Paul

 

 

 Gregory nodded, turning his back on the men 

 

 

Negan looked at Paul with a look in his eyes that  Rick knew all too well.....anger, jealousy a slight hint of mischief blazed like a fire in them

 

 

Gregory put Rick's drink down and Negan flipped 3 silver coins on the bar, never taking his eyes off of Paul

 

 

'' Well  Sheriff, if you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to '' Negan glared  at Paul, putting his hand on the back of Rick's nape, his thumb trailing over his skin gently yet possessively 

 

 

 

Rick felt embarrassed he was acting like a jealous moron in front of Paul and he glanced at the younger man 

 

 

Negan took his hand off of Rick's neck  and picked up his bottle of whiskey, deliberately running his shoulder  into Paul as he walked past him, childishly, turning back to glare at him and walking away  to his table

 

 

Rick's eyes  followed him and turned  back to Paul, who was looking at him strangely

 

 

"I'm so sorry Paul '' he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a hot blush rise up his neck

 

 

"are you two  together ?? '' he glanced at Negan

 

 

Rick's heart skipped a beat 

 

 

"What ..no '' he said more urgently than  was necessary

 

 

"' he's just an asshole that I locked up every other week, likes to be heard, a big mouth, if you know what I  mean ??  " he shrugged 

 

 

 

'' likes to hear himself talk ?? " Paul smiled

 

 

Rick laughed ..that was exactly the way he saw Negan 

 

 

 

" Can I buy you a drink   ?? " Rick smiled weakly 

 

 

"' I thought I was buying you one ??  " he smiled and Rick's heart skipped a beat, god the man was beautiful

 

 

" well '' he held up his full glass Negan had just bought him

 

 

Paul laughed

 

 

" ok, but only if you let me  buy  the next one sheriff  '' he smiled

 

 

" oh, please call me Rick  '' he turned around to get Gregory's attention 

 

 

 

''ok, but only if you  call me Jesus '' he smiled

 

 

Rick furrowed his  brows at the man 

 

 

''Jesus, like the bible Jesus ?? " he raised his eyebrow thinking that was a bit cocky

 

 

'' Well that's what  my friends  called me, I guess it just stuck '' he laughed 

 

 

Rick looked at him dumbly

 

 

''it's because of my hair, not that I think I'm bigger than Jesus christ '' he grinned 

 

 

Rick saw the connection and laughed 

 

 

'' Yes Rick '' Gregory stood in front of him

 

 

he looked at Jesus to find out what drink he wanted

 

 

" oh, whatever Rick is having '' he grinned

 

 

" A whiskey it is "  he smiled and turned around, pouring the younger man a glass

 

 

''do you want to sit at a table '' Jesus motioned behind them

 

 

''sure ''  Rick  grinned

 

 

''oh this is my deputy, Jerry '' he patted Jerry on the back, as he had his head in Mary's bosoms

 

 

''Mmm, what ? '' jerry glanced up

 

 

''This is paul Monroe, he's  a bounty hunter, he'll be staying in town for a few days " Rick beamed

 

 

''Oh ..oh, hey, nice to meet you  '' jerry smiled, holding out his hand to the man 

 

 

Paul smiled and took it in his 

 

 

''it's a pleasure Jerry '' he smiled

 

 

Rick couldn't get over the man's polite attitude, it was refreshing

 

 

Gregory placed his drink on the bar and they went and sat down at a nearby table, Rick making sure he sat with his back to Negan, so he wouldn't have to see his fucking eyes boring holes into him all night 

 

 

 

'' so tell me more about what you need from me in tracking that piece of shit Shane down...I dont know how I can help, I mean he's eluded me for years '' Rick began

 

 

Jesus sipped his drink, eyeing Rick

 

 

''How  did you become the  sheriff here ?? you are quite young '' he smiled over his glass, genuinely looking interested

 

 

Rick furrowed his brows... weren't they here to discuss Shane ???

 

 

Jesus looked concerned at his silence

 

 

'' something wrong ??  '' he  asked, concerned

 

 

''I just thought  we were here because you wanted  to discuss   Shane "

 

 

'' we are, but id like to get to know you too... I mean why ruin the evening  talking about that outlaw scum  all night '' he smiled, his eyes flicking down to Rick's chest 

 

 

Rick's heart skipped a beat at the man's eyes  roaming his torso, god he was stunning

 

 

Rick wasn't instantly  attracted to All men, they were far and few between, and very few  actually   made his heart skip,  this man being one of them  it would seem 

 

 

Negan was the only man he had ever had sex with, apart from  the handjobs he and his friend Thomas performed on each other when they were 18

 

 

Rick  had forgotten what he asked him and he felt a hot blush rising up his neck

 

 

"I'm sorry what ??  " he said dumbly

 

 

Jesus smirked and looked down  at the table, twisting  the glass in his hands

 

 

''How did you become the sheriff of Black River, you are quite young......I mean all the sheriffs I ever met are old men, set in their ways, defiantly  not a man of your age, who lets his deputy off early to go and drink at the saloon..or  allow him to have a  whore in his lap '' he laughed glancing over at Jerry 

 

 

Rick turned around smiling at him  and turned back to the man who was looking at him in a way that made Rick's dick twitch

 

 

he stared at the man for a moment, before clearing his throat, glancing down at his drink

 

 

''I wasn't the original sheriff here, My father-in-law was, Hershel ''

 

 

 

''He..'' he furrowed his brows

 

 

''He was murdered by Shane, he wanted me to take over from  him, it was his dying wish'' he said softly

 

 

Jesus was silent

 

 

''Shane has killed many people and destroyed many families '' he said quietly

 

 

Rick looked down at his glass

 

 

 

''Your family,  Shane did that too  ? ''

 

 

Rick nodded

 

 

''guess that's where my obsession with hunting him stemmed from, he shot me at point blank range in the head, but I lived.......I often wonder if it was a sign ''

 

 

''  of what ? '' he furrowed his brows 

 

 

'' that I'd   be the one to eventually bring him to his fucking knees'' he glared at Jesus

 

 

''well that's what id like to believe anyway.... sounds better than just dumb luck '' he shrugged, smiling

 

 

Jesus smiled at him

 

 

''well I reckon you are pretty damn special Rick, I mean I dont  know anyone else who has survived a gunshot to the head '' 

 

 

a sudden howl of laughter had Rick turning around to see Simon pouring straight bourbon down another savior's throat, as Negan and the others cheered him on 

 

 

Rick sighed and turned back to him

 

 

'' Tell me ...how did you become a bounty hunter ?? ''

 

 

Jesus scoffed

 

 

'' I'm afraid it's rather boring Rick, my great grandfather was a bounty, my grandfather, my father,  were all in the life, I guess you could say   spencer and I were born into it " 

 

 

''It's rewarding ...but it's a lonely life '' 

 

 

'' How so ? ''

 

 

''well you're always out chasing your next bounty, you have to eat, but you have to get paid to eat first, it's like a never ending vicious cycle''

 

 

Rick furrowed his brows

 

 

''  It's definitely not a job  for a family man, I think I saw my father once a month if  that  ''

 

 

'' So you don't have a wife or children ? '' Rick questioned, genuinely curious

 

 

 

Jesus laughed

 

 

 

''no ''

 

 

'' how old are you ??  " Rick furrowed his brows 

 

 

''I'm 36 ...you ?? ''

 

 

'' I'm  40 ''

 

 

"You dont look it '' he smiled warmly

 

 

Rick's heart skipped a beat and he sipped his whiskey

 

 

''I noticed your weapon.. were you in the civil war ?? ''

 

 

Rick flicked his eyes up to the man, he had fucking eyes like a hawk

 

 

''you have a sharp set of eyes on you ''

 

 

''it's not the only thing I've noticed '' he smirked over his glass, his eyes playful

 

 

Ricks felt his dick twitch and his heart flutter

 

 

''but  it helps in my business ''

 

 

''yeah, I guess it does.. it's not the gun I had in the war, that was lost the night Shane attacked me along with my machete..that gun meant everything to me, it saved my life more than once I can tell you '' he smiled

 

 

''I have no doubt''

 

 

''How did you survive such injuries......if you don't mind me asking ?? '' he motioned to Rick's face

 

 

" Actually a group of strangers saved me, they have a camp about one days ride from here, they could have left me to die out there, but they didnt '' he smiled

 

 

''you're a very fortunate man Rick ''

 

 

'' yes I am '' he smiled, thinking about the savior's generosity

 

 

''I reckon you have someone special looking down on you Rick '' 

 

 

another loud yell from Negan's table  had Rick sighing

 

 

'' Hey, maybe you'd like to ride along with us tomorrow morning, we are heading  into falls creek to see if they have any information about Shane ??''

 

 

" well that's a very tempting offer, but I can save you both the trip, I know for a fact that they dont have information, I'm  in constant communication with the surrounding communities and no one ever has any information on Shane..he is literally a ghost ''

 

 

''oh '' Jesus looked downcast

 

 

''sorry I dont have  better news  '' Rick smield weakly

 

 

'' oh it's not your fault, what about further out, there's a town called Woodbury we had our sights set on it after we left here actually, that was our next stop for a few days  "

 

 

Rick's eyes flashed to his 

 

 

''Woodbury '' he said wide eyed

 

 

''yes, do you know it ?? '' Jesus furrowed his  brows

 

 

''no..no I mean  I've heard of it, but I've never traveled there myself ''  Rick stammered

 

 

Jesus nodded

 

 

'' well I think that will be our plan tomorrow '' he drank the rest of his whiskey, as Rick watched his Addams apple bobbing up and down and stood up

 

 

'' now Rick, I really hate to leave so early, but I have  had a long journey riding here  '' he stood up, smiling down at the man 

 

 

''oh, of corse "' Rick swallowed the rest of his whiskey, standing up 

 

 

"'I will stop in at the jail in the morning, and  if you're not busy, maybe you'd like to ride along with us, I 'd  enjoy our company '' he smiled 

 

 

'' and your brother ?? ''

 

 

Jesus laughed

 

 

'' you leave him to me, Rick ''

 

 

'' it was a pleasure '' he held out his hand

 

 

Rick took his gloved hand in his and it   felt like electricity was running through his body

 

 

'' the pleasure was all mine " Rick smiled

 

 

their eyes met and something in Rick's guts did a back flip, butterflies filled him with a sudden immense nervousness

 

 

 

''I'll be sure to buy you that  drink next time '' his eyes flicked down Rick's torso ever so slightly

 

 

 

''good night " Rick took his hand away from the man and smiled weakly at him, feeling flustered

 

 

he walked away and Rick turned to follow him as he walked up the stairs to the hotel situated above the saloon

 

 

he turned and looked back at Rick, smiling and Rick smiled like a love struck moron, he made him feel so strangely alive like his eyes had been closed his entire life

 

 

It was a feeling he couldn't explain

 

 

His attention was suddenly drawn to Negan's table where the men were hollering and yelling loudly, Negan and Simon had whores sitting on their laps

 

 

Rick sighed ......it was going to be a long night 

 

Notes:

Never in my wildest dreams did I think when I started this fic that it would get up to almost 50 chapters

 

I am incredibly proud of his fic and it's turned into something I never expected