Interference Part III

Rick nods, silently agreeing to her request. His eyes move to her lips as he leans down slowly and cautiously places a chaste peck to the corner of her mouth. He steps back, swallowing hard, his heart racing like never before. When he allows his eyes to search hers again, he sees the slight disappointment there.

She sighs heavily and looks away from him.

"What…do you want me….to do?" He asks shakily.

Her eyes come back to his. "I want you to do what you're feeling."

He clears his throat. "Are you sure about that?"

She nods. "Yes, I'm sure." She blinks repeatedly as she watches him with anticipation.

Rick tilts his head as he steps to her and places a hand at her hip. He pulls her to him and softly places his lips against hers. He kisses her successively once, twice, three times before gently testing the waters by opening his mouth just a fraction. He darts his tongue against her lips, tasting her.

Michonne leans in, opening her mouth so she can taste more of him. She places a hand at his shoulder, moving closer as she tilts her head in the opposite direction. She moans as she feels his hand move from her hip to her waist to the middle of her back, both of his arms now surrounding her.

Rick knew it. He knew one taste of her was going to make him frenzied for more. He relaxes just a fraction and does exactly what he feels, pulling on her tongue as he gently holds her to him. When he starts to feel a stirring in another area of his anatomy, he steps back abruptly and turns his back to her.

Michonne is too turned on and flustered to even question why he ended the kiss so suddenly. She almost doesn't care as she can still feel his moisture on her lips, the warmth of his arms where he held her. She steps to him cautiously and slowly wraps her arms around his waist, kissing his back softly. "That was nice, Rick."

He drops a hand to cover one of hers. "I don't even know what I'm doing. How did we get here?" He sighs. "I…don't want us to rush. I need you to be sure."

"Ok, but I'm glad this happened. I really needed to know and now I do." She admits.

"Know what?" He counters.

"That you're attracted to me," she states.

Having gained more control over his treacherous body, he turns to face her. "Was there ever any doubt?"

Several days later, they are attending a cookout at Glenn and Maggie's place. Michonne is trying to enjoy herself, but can't help thinking about the fact that Rick hasn't attempted to touch her again nor have they even discussed what happened between them recently. She's not sure what he's waiting on, but she's going to take matters into her own hands if he doesn't make a move soon. With that decided, she grabs a glass of wine and tunes in to whatever story Tara is telling.

Rick and Carl are out back, assisting with the grill and other things. Beth is keeping Judith entertained, so Michonne feels free to roam around. She moves out to the front porch just wanting a little solitude. She does not get her wish as Marcus, one of the community folks, comes walking up.

"Hey," he greets her.

Michonne returns the greeting and wonders silently what he is doing there.

"This is Glenn and Maggie's place, right? I hope I'm not too late," Marcus says.

"Oh, you're here for the cookout?" Michonne asks.

"Yeah, Glenn invited me. I'm part of his team now and he thought we should all get to know each other," he supplies.

She nods. "Well, enjoy yourself." She turns her head back toward the street, basically ending their conversation. He was one of the few people who welcomed her to the community but she really wasn't in a conversational mood so she hoped he would move on.

Marcus studies her profile and wonders about the beautiful woman with the sword. He would like to get to know her, but can't gauge if she would be receptive or not. He invited her to dinner once, but never received a decisive answer. He concluded that she was still getting used to the place and didn't push. "So what are you doing out here by yourself?"

And so it starts. Michonne thinks to herself. She already knows this guy won't leave her alone so she decides to answer his question.

Moments later, she and Marcus are entering through the front door as Rick is entering through the back door. His eyes zero in on her immediately as she walks over to Maggie with this guy by her side. They take a seat at the table as Maggie walks to the back door, summoning Glenn.

Michonne looks back and notices Rick, but doesn't acknowledge him. She continues to listen to Marcus drone on about how long he has been in the Safe Zone and his life as a professional athlete before that.

"That's the one who asked her out," Carl relays to his Dad quietly.

Rick almost jumps as he was so intent on watching her, he didn't hear Carl's approach.

"I don't like the way he's looking at her. You think I should go over there and tell her Judy needs her?" Carl asks. He looks to his Dad wondering why he wasn't answering him. By the way his Dad is looking at Michonne, he concludes that nothing he said was heard.

The frown on Rick's face deepens as he watches the guy drape his arm on the back of Michonne's chair as he talks to her, Glenn, and Maggie.

Michonne can feel the heat of Rick's stare and wonders what his problem is. Why is he just standing in the kitchen staring? It makes her a little uncomfortable so she excuses herself and moves off to the bathroom. What is wrong with this picture? The guy I don't want is attentive and engaging while the guy I do want could obviously care less.

She sighs as she looks in the mirror, wondering if she should just give Marcus a chance and see what happens. She already knows it wouldn't work. Not as long as Rick Grimes exists. She honestly thought they were on their way to something more. Her eyes drift down to the sink and for just a moment she wants to give in to the sadness, but she shakes it off and determines to enjoy herself.

She walks over to the door and opens it only to find Rick standing there, waiting for her. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for you." He answers.

Michonne scoffs. "Well, if you want to talk shop, I'm not interested. This is a social event, so go socialize."

"Is that what you're doing? Socializing?" He asks.

"Yes. As a matter of fact, that's exactly what I'm doing." She looks up at him. "At least someone wants to talk to me."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I didn't stutter. You know exactly what it means. I thought we were…heading towards something, but I guess not." She attempts to move past him, but Rick stops her.

"I'm just…trying to do this the right way," he tells her.

"What's the right way? Kissing me one minute and treating me like a piraya the next? If you don't want me, just say it. I can handle it." Michonne crosses her arms over her chest, bracing herself for what he has to say in return.

"The problem is I can't handle it. I know I can't, but I'm willing to risk anythang and everythang for you."

"Then show me, Rick. Show me."

He doesn't give himself the chance to rethink his actions. He slams his mouth against hers, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her to him. She is just as sweet if not sweeter than before.

Michonne's entire being overflows with happiness as she eagerly returns his kiss. He tastes exactly how she remembers as he slips his tongue inside. She welcomes him as she brings her hands up to his chest and slowly wounds them around his neck. The kiss was just getting good when they hear a gasp.

"Dad? Michonne? What are you doing?" Carl feigns total surprise and shock as he desperately tries not to smile from ear to ear.