Speed Dating by SBK

A/N: 3rd installment for the Richonnefics' Date Night Series. A request by darknessstartstorise on Tumblr. Hope you like it.

Michonne glances around curiously at the luxurious hotel as Sasha pulls forward and checks in with the valet. She wonders for the tenth time why she allowed her best friend to convince her to attend this event. She knew it was a bad idea from the start especially since Sasha was being a bit impulsive after her break up with Abe. She tries her best not to remember the phone call she got from a clearly upset Sasha informing her that Abe had decided to go back to his ex-girlfriend, Rosita. I never liked him much anyway.

She is brought back to the present as her car door is opened and a hand is reaching inside to assist her. She accepts graciously and waits for Sasha to join her before the two walk inside. "I really don't think we should've signed up for this."

"Would you relax a little? Besides we've paid the fees, we're here, and we're going to make the best of it," Sasha determines.

Michonne takes a deep breath and follows her friend, admiring the hotel's décor and greenery. She glimpses down for a quick look at her lacy blue dress and natural colored pumps, wondering if she should check her make up one last time. She elbows Sasha at her side. "Ladies room."

Her friend gives a curt nod in agreement and they round a corner, following the signs. Several minutes later, they arrive at their event for the evening, the room already teeming with music and conversation. They check in, retrieve their name badges, and make their way to the bar. They'd barely taken their first sip before the entrance doors were closed and a succession of bell rings ensued to get their attention.

The hostess is a red head and looks familiar to Michonne as she visited the web site after Sasha announced she'd signed them up.

"Welcome to tonight's event. My name is Ana and I'll be your host." She takes a deep breath and yells excitedly, "Let's do some speed dating!" She goes on to recite the rules, instructing the females to remain at their assigned table as the men would be the ones to move from one to the other. "Please feel free to use the index cards available at your tables. They are just conversation openers if you need them."

Michonne looks around the room quickly, trying to size up the men for Sasha. She already knew she wouldn't have any luck at a place like this. The things we do for friends. She was just about to tap said friend's shoulder when she glimpses a pair of bright blue eyes looking her way. She averts her eyes, looking to her opposite side to see if the guy could possibly be checking someone else out. She giggles to herself and wonders if he's into guys since there were only a couple of males to her left.

The host instructs them to find their table so the dating could begin. Once the ladies are seated, the lights are slightly dimmed, the music is softened, and the bell rings three times singling the commencement of speed dating.

Michonne's first date is tall, dark skinned, and very handsome. He takes a seat and immediately goes into detail about himself. She tries to remain attentive but finds herself searching the room for those blue eyes. The lapse from her date signals that she should start sharing about herself but the bell rings again, signaling a change. She smiles apologetically at her date, unbelieving that he spent the entire allotted time talking about himself.

The next guy is shorter, older, and balding but at least he offers to hear about her first. She includes him as well and honestly loves his conversation but it all ends as the bell chimes again. She gets a bit annoyed, wondering how people are actually supposed to connect in such a limited time frame. She glances down the way to check on Sasha and isn't surprised to see that her friend appears to be enjoying herself.

Date #3 is muscular, an ex-football player and not looking for any ties, just a hook up. She draws a blank and quickly checks her note cards to garner something to say in response. She notices the other ladies actually scribbling notes on the cards and cringes because she didn't know they were supposed to do that. She gets slightly flustered when the silence continues to grow.

"Look if you're not into it, just say so. Although I could show a beautiful woman like you the time of your life. I bet you taste like….."

DING! DING! DING! Michonne physically deflates with relief as the bell rings, interrupting him promptly. She gives him an uncertain smile and he lifts to a stand and mouths, "Call me." He drops a business card on the table and moves on.

Her mind is twirling and she cannot wait for this night to end. She makes plans to let Sasha know that under no circumstances would she subject herself to this ever again.

Date #4 sits down slowly and she notices the black t-shirt first underneath a navy jacket. She looks up a bit further and tries to contain her smile. Blue eyes. She zooms in on his name badge. Rick.

"We really don't need those cue cards do we?" He asks in a deep, slow, southern drawl.

She gives a slight shake of her head and allows the cards to drop to the table. "I'm Michonne." She cringes as she realizes she was wearing a name badge as well.

"Thank you. I was wondering how you pronounced it. That's a uh….beautiful name." He pauses. "I know this is speed dating but I really don't wanna rush anythang with you."

Michonne tries her best to keep her cool. How is he saying all the right things or have I just been this deprived of male attention? "That bell will be ringing before we know it. I'm an attorney."

"Cop."

"33."

"35."

"Divorced."

"Me too. One kid."

"Me too. One kid that is."

"Didn't really wanna be here tonight."

She laughs. "Me either."

"But now I'm glad I came."

"Me too." She hesitates. "So how'd you hear about this event?"

"I didn't. Friend of mine signed me up."

She laughs again. "That's something else we have in common."

"Your friends interfering in your love life too….or lack thereof?"

"Something like that. You live here in Atlanta?"

"About 30 minutes away. You?"

"Been here for almost 10 years now."

"You like it?"

She nods. "Sometimes I wish for a slower pace. I'm originally from Columbus so…."

The bell rings loudly but Rick takes his time moving to the next table. He lingers and is practically pushed aside by Date #5 who spends his time talking about the rudeness of Date #4. Michonne half listens, allowing her eyes to find Rick. As if he can sense her gaze, he looks up and smiles.

Rick's Date #5 reminds him they're on restricted time and asks him right off if he is looking to get married and have kids. He frowns slightly and glances at Michonne again. "Not…particularly."

"Are you even paying attention?" His date asks. "Why'd you come out tonight if you're not looking for a long lasting relationship?"

He looks her over, taking in her wheat colored hair and sad green eyes. He immediately feels remorse but can't help being honest with her. Isn't honesty the best policy? "Actually a friend signed me up. This isn't really my thang."

"Are all the men assholes tonight?"

"Beg your pardon?" He steals another glance at Michonne.

"Not only are you wasting my time but you're checking out someone else when you're supposed to be talking to me!" She grabs her drink and douses him with it before grabbing her purse and storming out of the room.

The bell chimes more than three times and the lights are brightened again.

Ana apologizes profusely to Rick, grabbing some napkins to dab his face and clothes. He shakes his hands free of moisture and gives Michonne the most dazzling smile she has ever seen on a man. She smiles right back, relishing in her racing heart and elevated breathing. She hasn't been this excited about anything, let alone a man, in a long, long time.

They continue with Date #6, Rick finally arriving at Sasha's table. She smirks and says, "I noticed that smile you gave my friend Michonne down there."

"You're the friend who signed her up for this?"

"I am. So what's your purpose here tonight? A hook up? If so, keep looking coz my girl is not like that. She didn't even wanna be here tonight. I….."

Rick cuts her off. "Me either. A friend signed me and Daryl up and then ditched us." He looks down the way to notice Daryl talking with Michonne.

"Daryl's your friend?"

"He is." Rick notices the glance Sasha gives his friend. "Well….are you interested in my buddy Daryl?"

The dates finally come to an end and Michonne makes a beeline for the bar to refresh her drink while Ana gives even more instructions. Sasha makes her way to her side with Rick and Daryl in tow. She holds up one finger as an indicator for the gentlemen to give her a minute then gives her full attention to her friend.

"So I've committed you to another event."

Michonne groans. "Sasha please. No more. I'm really ready to go"

"Even if Rick wants to take you out for dinner?"

Michonne swallows nervously. "Did he say that or are you playing matchmaker?"

Sasha lifts to her full height and leans in. "Listen Daryl and Rick are friends. Rick's interested in you and I'm interested in Daryl. Need I say more? Rick and I are kinda helping each other out. It'll be a double date."

Michonne allows her eyes to travel from the man's brown cowboy boots to jean clad legs, racing over what she'd seen earlier and arriving at his face. She tells herself that he is not bad looking at all and admits that she wants to know more about him.

Meanwhile, Rick is sizing her up as well taking in the long dreadlocks, the exquisitely made up face, smooth looking skin, ample breasts and tiny waist encased in blue lace, toned legs, and high heel shoes. He waits nervously wondering if he misread their interaction. Maybe she's not interested after all.

Sasha approaches them, arm in arm with her friend. "We'd be delighted to have dinner with you gentlemen."

Rick smiles while Daryl stutters. The former opted not to mention anything in case they were rejected.

"Dinner?" The latter asks. "With us?"

"Well if you have other plans," Sasha leads.

"No. No ma'am. It'd be my pleasure," Daryl states. He steps to Sasha cautiously.

She smiles. "Good. Let's get one thing straight before we leave. Don't call me ma'am."

"Yes ma…..I mean. Yeah ok."

Rick and Michonne meet in the middle and fall in step behind their friends.

"So did tonight meet your expectations?" He asks.

"More like exceeded them," she answers.

"Well I hope that's a good thang."

"It's good. Very good."