Interference Part IV

Michonne breaks away from Rick quickly. "Carl, umm….it's not what you think. I…."

Rick frowns as he watches how flustered Michonne is, stammering over her words. "We were kissing, son." He stands tall and stares right back as she throws him an outraged glance.

"Well, yeah, I could see that but why were you kissing? Are you guys like together now?" Carl asks.

Rick says, "Yes" while Michonne utters, "No."

They look at each other, then back to a confused Carl.

"Yes, Carl. We're together," Rick confirms.

"This is awesome. When did this start?" Carl wants to know.

"Wait a minute, Carl. That's not entirely true," Michonne begins.

"But Dad just said…." He trails off as his Dad turns to Michonne.

"I thought this was what you wanted. Isn't that just what you were going on about?" Rick asks.

Michonne's heart is racing. This is exactly what she wants, but she has obviously been completely blinded by her own wants that she never factored in how Carl would feel or how she would feel about the other members of their family knowing about it. "Yes, but…"

"Well, it's settled then," Rick tucks her arm into his and proceeds to walk back to the living area.

Carl smiles as he allows them to pass by him. He actually wants to laugh at the panicked look on Michonne's face. She is just as surprised as he is by his Dad's actions.

Michonne is not sure if she should be miffed because Rick seems to be fine with this or turned on because he is taking matters into his own hands and doing what he wants. She stops right before they make it to the living area. "Maybe we should wait. We still need to talk this over and…."

"You wanted me to show you, right? Well, this is me showing you. Come on." He tugs at her arm as they continue walking.

Glenn notices them first. "Hey, I was just about to come find you. We're ready to eat. Come on." He can't help but glance at their linked arms, but decides not to comment.

Maggie steps up beside her husband and zeroes in on Rick and Michonne's closeness as well. She looks at her friend curiously. "What's going on?"

Rick smiles as he looks down at Michonne. "Yeah, what's going on?"

Carl stands behind them, hoping Maggie will look his way. When she does, he gives her the widest smile and points to his Dad and Michonne.

Maggie frowns, then realization dawns on her as she has suspected there was something more than friendship between Rick and Michonne for a long time now. Her smile matches Carl's. "Well, come on everybody! Let's eat!" She can't wait to get her friend alone and find out all the details.

Michonne is relieved that no one pushes for answers as well as perturbed that no one pushed for answers. She notices Marcus looking at them curiously. For just one moment, she wonders about the decision that has apparently been made for her. She looks up and connects with those blue eyes. A feeling of safety, of happiness overcomes her and she knows where she wants to be.

Later that night, they are home, relaxing after enjoying their time at Maggie and Glenn's place. Judith is fast asleep in her crib, Michonne is taking a shower and Rick and Carl are downstairs in the living area, talking.

"So, you're ok with Michonne and me being in a relationship?" Rick asks.

"Dad, I'm more than ok with it. I'm just glad it didn't take you as long as I thought it would," Carl admits.

Rick frowns. "What are you talking about?"

"Remember that talk we had at breakfast about my friend who was in love with the guy who didn't know she was in love with him?" Carl looks pointedly at his Dad.

"Yeah, but…." Rick trails off as he recalls that conversation. Carl's friend? Who are Carl's friends? He looks at his son with slight panic in his eyes. "Are you trying to tell me….that…." He looks up toward the second floor as his mind immediately goes to Michonne. In love? With me?

He stands up. "Ummm…..it's bed time, son. I'll see you in the morning, ok? Have a good night." He moves towards the stairs, then thinks twice and doubles back to Carl. He places a hand on his shoulder. "I know I don't get it all the time, but I think I got it now. Good looking out, son. Thank you."

Carl smiles at his Dad, genuinely happy that he finally sees what's been in front of him all along. He's not sure what the future holds, but as long as they're together as a family, he knows they will be okay. "You're welcome, Dad. I'll see you in the morning."

Rick watches as his son moves up the stairs, retiring to his bedroom for the night. He sits down heavily on the sofa and slowly thinks back over his history with Michonne. He remembers the first time they met, his regrets for the way he treated her, her forgiveness, his apprehension when she kept running off at the prison, his fear when the Governor kidnapped her and Herschel, his elation when she found them after the prison fell, her acceptance of him and his brutality, her belief in him, her love for his children, the hugs they've shared, the kisses and most of all, he considers the fact that she could possibly be in love with. His head is telling him he doesn't deserve her, but his heart is praying that it's true because if he's being honest with himself, he's in love with her too.

The creak on the stairs alerts him to her presence. She is wearing a purple tank top and gray pajama pants. Her hair is piled atop her head and he feels like he's seeing her for the first time all over again. After everything they've been through together, everything they've seen, she still manages to make his heart beat faster by just existing. She smiles as she walks over to him and takes a place by his side on the sofa.

"You look like something heavy is weighing on your mind." She reaches over and takes his hand in hers.

"I ummm…..I just realized something and I suppose it is pretty heavy. You always give me good advice, though, so you wanna take a stab at it?" Rick looks to her, searching her face, nearly bursting with his realization.

"I'm always willing to help you. You know that," she returns.

"I was just thinking about you, about everything that we've been through together and I've come to a really nice conclusion," Rick states. "I'm in love with you, Michonne."

Her mouth drops open slightly as she wasn't expecting him to say that. She swallows nervously and considers her next words carefully. Honesty is the best policy, right? "Good because I'm in love with you, too." She's not sure when it happened, but it did. This man saved her despite his distrust of her, he made her want to change and accept people into her life again, he made her want to care again, he is willing to put his life on the line for his kids, he is willing to do anything and everything to keep them safe, he's smart, he's resilient, he's a fighter, he refuses to give up, he accepts her flaws, he listens to her, and most of all, he wants her to be okay.

They sit there for the longest time, just basking in their declarations, staring at each other, almost afraid to move. She slowly slides closer to him and lays her head against his shoulder. He wraps an arm around her and allows his head to drop to the back of the sofa. They fall asleep just like that, both feeling immeasurable contentment.