Paper Knees
Interlude
The Careful Ones
"I see you two are here still making out on my couch." Andrea and Rick broke apart. Adjusting their clothes, the two blushed furiously.
"About damn time." Daryl put his bag on the table.
Tonight he would sleep on the couch for both their sakes. He body was twitching in more ways than one. The hell was not Phil, but his hormones. Andrea and Rick were proof of what happened when two people attracted to each other did when left alone.
"So you are giving us your blessing?" Andrea tried so hard to be a friend to Daryl.
"As long as you don't hurt him like Shane did." Andrea and Rick noticed the tartness in his voice.
"Can you please stop talking in cryptic code?" Andrea noticed Michonne was rummaging in the cabinet. It was as if she didn't want them to know something.
"You ran into Shane today." Rick stated the obvious.
"More like he's the cop that volunteered to keep me 'safe.' " Michonne fidgeted at Rick's shocked expression. This was not what he had in my mind when he told his father he needed help.
He realized meddling was a hereditary trait.
"I told him that his services weren't needed, but Shane is definitely going to ignore that." The three waited for their leader to speak.
"Well good thing we will be gone when he gets here." Rick held Andrea's hand. Daryl wished he felt comfortable enough to do the same with Michonne around others.
"Rick. It's time to let it go." Michonne stated as Andrea agreed. "That happened last year. "
"Why would I want to mend fences with someone who stopped being my friend over something so juvenile?" Rick declared. "I am always cordial when we cross paths, but that is it. Not all friendships last." Andrea rubbed his back.
The girls didn't know how physical their fight had turned. The cuts and bruises he lied to them about. It was more than Andrea's friendship and affection, it was about Shane's jealousy. Nothing made him regret leaving him behind. Daryl was the friend he needed. He still could not wrap his mind around how Michonne's altercation caused a clash effect in his past.
Knock, knock
Rosita waited patiently. She noticed the cop car outside of the apartment. It wasn't like Michonne needed it with Daryl. It's not like she needed a bodyguard when she had Abraham. She had to admit that he made her feel more alive with one conversation than Phil had done with one kiss. A man had never made her feel good without touching her. She found the way he thought interesting.
"Guess she doesn't want to tal…." She stopped in midsentence as Michonne opened the door. Her eyes widened at the two as she cracked a light smile.
"Meesh who's at the?" Andrea rolled her eyes. "Door." She folded her arms. "Rosita." Michonne looked at the two girls. Another Armageddon was about to occur.
"Come in." Michonne greeted.
"Welcome Abraham." Andrea went out of her way to show Rosita her hostility towards her. Hours ago, she was worried about the girl's safety. Now sympathy was thrown out the door. Wrath and envy were two of the deadliest sins.
The room grew silent as the two came in. They were not friends, but they shared a common enemy. Rosita felt like she was in the lion's den and that the four were ready to rip her to shreds. Good thing she dropped Jackie off so she wouldn't see her get trampled.
Abraham admired how Rosita did not show fear around them. Though they were mentally judging her, she took their glaring eyes.
"so what brings yah two here?" Daryl tried to show hospitality. His silence wasn't because of cruelty. It was pure shock. Rosita had to face a powerful realization. It took guts.
"Michonne. I am so sorry for what Phil did to you. and I'm even more sorry that I wanted to believe him than you. Can you please forgive me?"
"Of course." Michonne said wholeheartedly. "I can't believe you came over here to tell me. It was really sweet of you to." She sincerely said.
"I owe you guys. Especially you Andrea." Rosita swallowed her pride. "It takes a lot for me to admit when I am wrong, but I was. Phil was your boyfriend. I had no right to go behind your back."
"No you didn't." The bitterness spoke for her. "But that doesn't mean I wished harm on you. I'm sorry that he put both of us on through the ringer. We didn't deserve that." She genuinely said.
"I can't lie. I was wishing harm on you Andrea. I thought you rejecting me from the sorority was a diss, but it wasn't. You're right, I do need to grow up. I do need to figure out who I am."
"You will." Andrea said. "I mean look at us. We are still learning." Andrea dropped her guard.
"I know this doesn't make us friends but I don't want us to carry hatred for one another."
"Me neither. And I'm sorry that I was jealous of you." Andrea admitted.
"Me too. See you guys around." Rosita grinned as they wished her and Abraham goodnight.
Why couldn't she have asked Andrea and Rick to sleep over tonight. Earlier today, it was easier to talk to him. Now, she reverted to walking on pins and needles. Daryl felt the same way. His eyes said what his mouth could not. The awkward silence was driving her crazy. At least Spotify could occupy their minds.
Daryl listened to her choice of music. He should have known jazz and classical were her choice. Her personality did not fit into the mold of that annoying pop music.
Michonne sat beside Daryl on the couch. It was funny to see him move a little bit with the beat. This man was full of surprises.
"Didn't know you danced." Michonne teased.
Desperate, she used this to talk to him. His awkwardness was attractive to her. The fact that he knew he was awkward, yet he didn't try to hide it was even more attractive to her. Her eyes darted from his dark hair, lips to his arms, back to his lips.
"I don't." He stopped. No need to embarrass himself more. Especially with her staring this intently. If she could, then so could he. Earlier he feared for this moment to come. Now it was here, and he didn't want it to end.
"You look like you can do a mean air guitar." The two laughed. Daryl shyly touched her hair. Removing the distance between them, he slid his finger through every delicate lock. Instinctively, he slowly leaned closer. He wanted to kiss her, but he had never kissed a girl before.
"Can you dance?" He somehow was able to carry on his conversation. Refusing to look in her disappointed eyes.
"Ummm." She stuttered. "a little. Slow dancing comes naturally to me." Was it something she did again?
"Would you show me?" She nodded. What was holding him back?
"I don't think that would be a good idea." She got up.
"Why not?" He grabbed her wrist.
"I mean you are saying one thing but your body language is telling me something different." Michonne frowned. Just because he touched her hair didn't mean anything. He blatantly rejected her affection.
"Michonne…."
"If I were to teach you how to dance, that would mean I would have to get close to you. If we get close then I am going to want to kiss you again. Its something that you obviously don't want…." She babbled.
"Michonne…." His hands grew sweaty. He could no longer keep this secret.
"I mean I thought we wanted to get closer."
"I do….." He chewed his thumb. "But if I tell you, you will only laugh."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I just do."
"Well then you're being unfair." She spat back. "I told you all of my fears yet you can't tell me why….."
"Because Michonne. Damn it. Yer the first girl….damn it."
"I don't get it.…"
" I ain't never had a girlfriend before. Hell never even kissed." Michonne rubbed his reddened cheeks. Pulling him up, confusion appeared in his eyes.
Michonne said nothing. She only rested his hands on her waist. Wrapping her hands around his neck, she helped him move with the rhythm. A gentle smile on her face, she stared in his eyes.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of."Michonne reassured.
"It is when I'm with a girl like yah." He held her closer to him. "Yah should want a man who's experienced."
"Daryl. It's not like I'm that experienced either. I was only with one man. And at times the sex was unbearable. It felt like something I had to do to make sure we were together. I know it doesn't make sense but I believe sex should be something natural. Sorry." She sensed his tenseness.
"No yer right." He began to shake. Her lips were waiting for him. But what if he was bad at it? "I mean…..what I'm tryna say is."
"Daryl. " She snickered. "Shut up." Michonne rested her hands on his chest.
Lightly gripping his shirt, her eyes stared into his. She had to make sure he wanted this as much as she did. Licking her lips, she was surprised to see him leaning in too.
Daryl felt childish for worrying about this moment. Where would he put his hands? What if she backed away? But it left his mind the second her lips touched his.
The only thing Michonne believed in were his hands around her waist. Picking her up, she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. Laying them on the sofa, he placed his hands in her hair. He couldn't get enough of her sweet tongue.
"Wow…are you sure you've never kissed anyone before?" She tried to catch her breath.
"Yeah." He didn't fight the insatiable need to kiss her again.
"Just you being here makes me feel good." The two laid on the couch. "I still don't get why I'm so special. I know you already told me but it's still hard to grasp."
"I remember the first time I saw yah at the church. Yah were carrying and unloading boxes of clothes. I was shocked to see a sorority girl work that hard without complaining. Especially for the work of two people. I watched you from afar for five more minutes."
"You are a piece of work Dixon." She playfully hit him.
"Yah can't expect a man not to notice a beautiful girl can yah…."
"I guess I can forgive you." His lips were the sweetest drug.
This man didn't know that he was saving her with every conversation and every kiss. Mike was no longer a factor. Fear was no longer a factor. His soul was teaching her to trust and seek refuge in his blue eyes.
TWD
Daryl laughed at the green paint in the corner. She was not going to refuse his help now. It would take a while for it dry. The silver lining was she would be staying at his place next. Family portraits and artwork hung on her walls. The rich cherry wood furniture provided a sense of elegance. Like her.
"I hope my artwork isn't overbearing?" She shrugged.
"Yah painted all these?" He admired the different colors and different figures. Each seemed to tell a story based of nature.
"No my mom does for a stress relief. She loves to paint landscapes. Especially the ocean and night sky." She watched his eyes focus on her samurai sword.
"So is this an antique?" Daryl wanted to remove the katana from its sheath.
"My grandmother gave it to me before she died. She had knack for Asian and African culture."
"You know how to use it?"
"I have no idea." The two snickered as the doorbell rang.
"I'll pay for the pizza." He volunteered as she set the cups and plates on the table.
Michonne was right. He was a MeatLover's fan as she. Today's events made her forget to eat, but the smell of pepperoni and sausage made her drool. Grabbing two slices, she ate as if no one was watching.
"So. What is your father like?" She had to deflect off of her messy eating habits.
"Quiet. Reserved. Like meh, but he wears his heart on his sleeve." He laughed as she emptied parasean packets. "Yers?" He placed ranch over his slice.
"My mom is a free spirit. She is so open to different opinions and philosophies. My dad is the type A strict personality." She laughed. "But I love their relationship because they balance each other out. He keeps her grounded and she keeps him thriving."
"Yah were lucky to have both parents. Though I resent my mom, at times I wished she would have tried to find meh. At least to give me the option of accepting or rejecting her." He ate one of his breadsticks.
"Do you want to find her though? I wouldn't blame you for it. At my dad's firm they have a hired P.I."
"So political science is in your blood I see." He teased.
"You can say that but I want to handle domestic abuse cases. Assholes like Phil should not walk around without fear. They must me stopped and experience the justice system in its fullest." Her tone hardened.
"Damn girl, yah are gonna be a kick ass lawyer."
"And you are going to be a great business man with a chain of mechanic shops around town. You can name it Dixon's Mechanic Shop."
"How long did it take you to come up with that name?"
"At least I'm trying. You should thank me for supportive of your future.'
"That depends if yer gonna be in it. Sounds like yah want to be my girlfriend."
"Daryl I thought that was what I already was." He admired her smart mouth. "Are you going to help me wash dishes or watch my ass?" She walked to the sink.
"Can I do both?" He followed her to the sink.
"Maybe?" She poured the soap in the water. She wished this kitchen had come a dishwasher.
"I would do this every night." Daryl began. "Me and his girlfriends. Without them, I wouldn't know how to do laudry or cook."
"They taught you a lot." She snickered.
"Damn straight."
"Did they teach you how to dodge a water attack?" She quickly splashed him.
They were like children again. Splashing water on each other and the floor. Laughter echoed in the apartment. Daryl enjoyed the warm water on him. Loud squeals were the result of both crashing on the floor. The impact did hurt but it was overpowered by the pleasure of their lips.
Daryl hoped his instincts did not lead him wrong. Placing her on her back, his teeth gently nibbled her bottom lip. Her moans gave him pride. Their wet hands tangled in eachother's hair. His lips on her neck.. Making her pull him closer to her. She almost forgot what if felt like to have a man touch her so carefully. Suckling on her pulse point, another squeal escaped her lips.
"You're a really gook kisser….." She caught her breath again. That was the only thing she could think of to describe the butterflies in her stomach.
"Yeah." He wiped her lips his thumb.
Michonne let out a long yawn. That kiss made her head spin.
"About the sleeping arrangements." Daryl began. "I will take the couch."
Michonne knew he was trying to be a gentleman, but she didn't want to be in this bed alone. Tossing and turning, Daryl was all she could think of. She claimed she wanted to take things slow, yet her feet were making their way back to the living room.
There he was on the couch. Eyes wide opened as he stared at the ceiling. Rested his hands at the back of his head, he was left alone with just his thoughts. The sweetest torture was her body. Reliving his lips on her neck, he sighed in discomfort. Chewing his thumb, the passion built inside of him as she walked into the room.
"Daryl." She placed her hand on his chest.
"Yah couldn't sleep either?" He made room on the sofa for her. Pulling her beside him, he didn't give her a chance to decide otherwise.
"No." Michonne turned her back to him.
She didn't need to look at him to know that their eyes matched. The same hunger to feel eachother's touch. Her mind and body were battling this internal war. The tremors in her body could not be contained.
"It's alright Michonne." Daryl wrapped an arm around her. "I'm here. Phil's gone" He whispered in her ear. His deep steady tone lessened her self control.
"I will go back to my own bed." Michonne jumped out his arms. If Daryl only knew he was the real reason for her shaking hands.
"If that's what you want." Michonne hated how she put the frown on his face.
"I don't know what I want Daryl. Right now Phil is at the back of my mind. You're the cause for this." She held herself.
"I'm sorry." He held her. "Whatever I did I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything. You are reminding me why I care for you so much."
"I don't get it."
"I want to. I cant believe I'm even saying it like this but. I haven't had a man in long while. And being here with you it makes me want you. But I would never force you to do something that makes you uncomfortable. I'm not even ready for that, but i…you make it hard."
"Yah make it hard too. " Daryl led her to the bed. "I want to experience that with yah. But yer right. Now is not the time. Plus, I don't want to ruin a good thing while I got it."
"Why would you say that?" She opened the covers for him to get inside. Was she too forward?
"'Chonne. You're the only thing I aint messed up." He laid down. "I want to keep it that way."
"Me too…" Michonne entangled her legs with his. Resting her head on his chest, Daryl could only hold her closer as his steady heartbeat took her to the land of good dreams.