Merle woke up to a slap on the head. He jolted out of sleep, wiping sleep's residue from his eyes. He grumbled as his eyes came into focus. It was Daryl. Of course. He should've been used to the brotherly slap on the head by now. "Where the fuck were you last night?" He murmured, sitting up and sliding his feet off of the couch.

"I met a woman." Daryl said with an aloof smirk.

Merle was fully alert now. "Who is she?!" He pressed, grabbing him by the collar. The Dixon brother's interactions were enigmas within themselves.

Daryl smiled, shrugging out of his grasp. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He teased. "What about you and Michonne?" He asked.

"Just friends." He said regretfully. Not for long though, he'd show her that he was for her. Merle Dixon was as determined as he was redneck. His ears twitched as he heard his bedroom door open.

Daryl figured that was his cue to slip out for a bit. He'd tell Merle about the possible new lady in his life later. "I'm goin' to the shop."

Merle nodded, seeing his brother leave the house. He turned his attention to Michonne as she stood in the doorway looking back at him with her almond-colored eyes. He noticed that Andre' had her eyes, her beautiful eyes. She seemed apprehensive about walking into Merle's area. Her mind and body were still reeling from last night. "Hey." He said, awkwardly, standing up from the couch.

She watched him like a gazelle eyed a lion as he made his way to her. "Good...morning." She said in a meek voice. Her heartbeat quickened and her eyes dilated as she watched him slowly advance to her.

He grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a brief kiss, letting his lips linger for a moment. "Good morning, honey." He cajoled, knowing that she couldn't resist his kiss as much as he couldn't resist her presence.

"Why did you kiss me?"

"Its a friendly kiss," Now that was a lie. But hey, if Queen Michonne wanted to be friends with him he could entertain that...in his own way. She hadn't stopped him or protested, so that was a good sign. "Now did you want to use the shower first?" Better yet, he wanted to ask if she wanted to use it together. But he didn't want to be slapped again. Despite her small frame she packed one hell of a punch.

"Yes." She replied, walking past him. Why did he have to be so damn charismatic and charming?! She wished his lips felt like barbed wire instead of firm silk.

He gently grabbed her arm, bringing her back to him. "Why are you runnin' from me?" He asked her, flashing his gorgeous blue eyes.

"I'm not," She said, rolling her eyes. "I can't avoid you anyway since we're technically coworkers..." She could barely even look at him.

"I'm your boss actually," He corrected with a sly grin. "You work for me, honey," She groaned. Great. Just great. Mr. Casanova did have to point out the literal stuff. "I ain't a bad boss," He assured. "Promise." He said with a wink. She fought back a smile. He watched as she made her way to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. He was going to actively court her, whether she liked it or not, Merle Dixon style. Last night was only the tip of the iceberg, he had so many plans for her. Not just sexual plans but normal people plans, maybe another date. He sat on the couch and waited patiently.

"That Merle Dixon." Michonne muttered to herself as she lathered up in the shower with her hand. All they had was Irish Spring which was the typical go-to scent for most country boys; at least that's what she gathered. Fancy anything was overrated to the Dixon brothers. She'd definitely have to remember to bring her feminine soap and her sponge in with her next time.

She was so hell-bent on sneaking into the shower without interaction, obviously that was a bust. She would never get past Merle's eyes. She grew weak in the knees thinking about last night. The feel of his mouth and hands on her body was to die for, he did have the magic touch that's for sure. She wanted to concentrate on the lukewarm water hitting her body but she couldn't.

Her shower, like a lot of women's showers entailed an introspective look at herself. But damn, she couldn't stop thinking about last night either. He made her come with just his fingers, touch and kisses. He had big hands, thick fingers...and she could only fantasize about how his tongue felt on her most intimate parts. Despite how rough around the edges he was, he surely knew how to please a woman. And she had never been pleased like that.

In an attempt to stop the thoughts she got out of the shower, quickly drying off. She tightly clenched her nightgown in her shaky hand after wrapping the towel around her body. She left the bathroom, making a straight b-line for the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She sighed, then seeing Andre' staring up at her. He just woke up and was most likely hungry. After putting on a red blouse and a pair of black shorts she left the room and went into the kitchen.

Merle could sense the tension as she walked past him. She was avoiding him and he knew it. It wasnt the type of negative avoidance; it was more of the nervous one. She was attracted to him too, and was curious. But she wasn't sure. She reached for Andre's bottle that was on the counter and opened the fridge, taking out his formula. After methodically mixing the formula she went back to the room once more. She handed it to him and he cooed with glee as he began eating.

"How is he doin'?" Michonne jumped at the abrupt sound of Merle's raspy voice.

She looked back at him standing in the doorway. And fuck he looked attractive in the morning, even though he probably smelled of musk and sweat from sleeping on the thick fabric of the couch. "He's fine..." She slowly said, looking away from him.

He approached her, putting his large hands on her shoulders. Unfortunately his touch wasn't a stranger to her body anymore, she grew accustomed to it. She secretly craved it. "Why won't you look at me for more than a minute?" Merle was kind of agitated...and it was no secret that he was a bit of an attention whore. But now he had one woman in his sights, and he was damned near determined for her to see him. He wanted her to acknowledge him, not avoid him.

"I'm getting ready for work," She said through closed eyes. "I'm dropping Andre' off to Tonya's before that."

"Okay," He rubbed his chin. "We can do that," He gently kissed her neck. "You gonna look at me, or what?"

She whirled around. "What?!" She exclaimed, very perturbed as she folded her arms.

"You're pretty when you're mad," He teased. She shook her head, forcing back a smile. "Michonne?" He purred, caressing her tighter.

Jesus. That tone of his voice was...UHH. A good "UHH". His body was really warm too, and hard. "What?" She said with a small smile. Merle Dixon sure knew how to make her mad; but damn if he couldn't make her smile right after that.

"Nothin'," He replied with his bad boy grin, releasing her. He got a smile out of her so he was satisfied for a while. "I'll shower and we'll get goin'."

That man. She may as well throw up her hands, he was too irresistible. It would only be a matter of time before her control fully gave way to Merle Dixon's masculine wiles. She heard the bathroom door shut and minutes later jovial whistling as the shower started up. She laughed to herself. He was something. Actually, he was a lot of things. He was a flirt, a hot-head and he was like a bratty little boy at times; which was really cute. Above all, he was passionate and so unabashedly himself.

He rarely showered with a smile on his face, but what the hell? Ol' Merle knew that he was wearing down his Ebony Queen. She was not easy in the slightest bit, but the chase wasn't what this overly zealous Dixon brother was after. She was a dime a dozen, so surely the most reserved woman was worth doggedly pursuing. She was worth it.

After showering he quickly dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. Michonne's eyes nearly popped out of her head seeing her sexy, redneck friend emerge from the bathroom...bare-chested. "I forgot to move my clothes from the first night." He explained, walking past her.

She nearly had a nose bleed. He was ruggedly handsome outside of clothes too. "How old are you, Merle?"

He grinned as he opened up his drawer and searched for clothes. "What's it to ya?"

"Curiosity." Not to mention that his body was a sight to behold.

He turned around and faced her. "You like what you see, don't chu'?," He asked, licking his lips. He liked seeing her all hot and bothered. "45 years young, sweetheart." He finally answered with a sexy drawl.

"No kids?"

"None that I know of," He said with a smile. Look at him, Mr. Smiley...he knew his effect on her. "But I'm open to the process of gettin' them." Hell yeah he was. He would like nothing better...oh Jesus, he was bold.

She nervously cleared her throat. She figured that she set herself up for that one. "Get dressed." Mr. Smiley struck again. He sure knew how to make her melt beneath him.

"Okay, sweetheart," He said with a wink as he grabbed a simple white tank top and green cargo pants, that was his typical look for the day. He went back into the bathroom and changed. He emerged, then grabbing his black, hunting shoes and putting them on at the door. "Need my help with anything? I'm ready."

"No," She said as she walked out of the room. She carried Andre' in her arms with his bag hanging on her shoulder. "I'm okay."

They both left the house and got in his truck, after Michonne strapped Andre' in his seat they were on their way to Tonya's house. It was another nice...and hot day. It was a little after 8:30 in the morning, but the sun's might was already realized. Merle turned on the AC and the ride was eerily quiet. "You know, you're going to have to talk to me a lot more than you have been..." He told her in an attempt to break the silence.

She huffed, then looking out the window. "I think you talk enough for the both of us." She muttered.

"I'll ignore that because I like you," He said with a smirk, then briefly glancing back at Andre'. "Your mom is too hard on ol' Merle, ain't she?," Andre' babbled happily, then looking out the window at the moving landscape. He looked at Michonne smugly. "See?"

"My beloved son doesn't know any better." She said with a smile. Apparently Andre' was won over by Merle too.

"He does," He joked. "You should listen to him."

"I'll think about it." She said, looking back out the window.

"How old is Andre', anyway?"

"He'll be 3 next month." She answered, surprised at his curiosity.

"And he can't walk yet?" He raised his brow at that notion.

"No," She quickly told him. "I've tried a few times but I don't think he's ready yet."

Merle laughed. "Sweetheart, I came out of the womb walkin'." That was an understatement. Merle Dixon was very...mature, even at an early age. A natural hell- raiser through and through.

She masked her amusement in his humor. "What are you suggesting?"

"Maybe it's time for him to start walkin'," Merle said with a shrug. "I know you're his mom and all that...and you don't want him gettin' hurt but I think it's a good idea."

She blushed. Mike hadn't even pushed the envelope, not that he even cared. "And who's going to teach him?"

"Yours truly, of course." He said, looking back at Andre'. "Whatchu' think, kid?" He asked him with a smile.

Michonne busted out laughing. "Don't answer him, baby," She looked back at her jovial son, he was valiantly reaching for Merle. It just now hit her, Andre' really liked him. He liked him instantly, it was strange but good nonetheless. She looked at Merle who turned his attention back to the road. "Andre' really likes you."

He made a grunt of approval. "All I gotta do is work on his momma now."

"All you do is work me." She said, shaking her head. That was the truth.

"Not the way I'd like to work ya." He said with a wink.

Oh sweet Jesus. Will the insanity stop?! She could only fantasize about how he would work her body from head-to-toe. She saw the way his body looked this morning. Thank God that they were finally at Tonya's house. So her little fantasies could stop.

They both got out of the truck and Merle surprised her by taking Andre' out of his seat. He immediately latched onto him, holding his duck toy tight as he did so. She looked in awe as he grabbed his bag and walked towards Tonya's door. He looked back at her. "What's gotten into you?" He asked, raising his brow.

"Ah...nothing!" She said, finally moving her feet and catching up to him.

Before she could knock on the door Tonya abruptly opened the door. She looked at Merle holding Andre' and almost fell out.

He chuckled. "What?"

"Nothing," She looked at Michonne. She gave her that "what the fuck?" Look. Were the stories about Merle Dixon even true? Couldn't have been. He was like a different man. Not only was he looking after Michonne; he took it upon himself to look out for Andre' too. Wow. Either he was in deep or he was working hard for the coochie. "I'll call you later Michonne." She said as Merle gently handed him to her.

"What did I do now?" Merle asked, running his hand through his hair. Women sure were exhausting...Michonne was worth it, but Jesus her friend was something to deal with. "Girlfriends" always were...

She kissed Andre' on the forehead. "I'll be back for you soon, okay?" She smiled as he giggled happily. She looked in surprise as he reached out his tiny hand to Merle.

"Hmm?," He approached the little boy and eased a finger near him. Andre' gripped it instantly. "Oh wow...he-," Merle was at a loss for words. He was gripped with overwhelming emotions. They all hit him at once, like a freight train. He was happy, nervous and scared all at the same time. His own childhood memories came into play. He gently eased his finger out of his hand. "I'll be in the car."

Michonne and Tonya watched as Merle made his way back to the truck. "Oh my God," Tonya whispered. "He's it."

Michonne turned her head to the side.

"He's...The one." Tonya asserted hopefully.

She didn't completely rebut her friend's words either. "He's...something else," She smiled. "But he's a pretty good person."

"Someone is in love," Tonya teased, gently bouncing Andre' in her arms. "Wedding bells?"

"Tonya!," She playfully scolded. "Stop it!"

"What, he's...cute," She went on, trying to get Michonne to see the light. "And Andre' likes him." She added, looking down at the sweet boy.

"You didn't even like him before." Michonne pointed out begrudgingly, putting her hands on her hips.

She shrugged. "That's before he proved himself." Ol' Merle Dixon certainly impressed the critical woman, that was for sure.

"I have to go...," Michonne pressed, not wanting to take in her outspoken friend's words. "I'll talk to you later!"

Tonya laughed hysterically as she watched the rattled Michonne walk back to the truck. It was only a matter of time, and she actually wouldn't mind her good friend being in the arms of Merle Dixon.

He started up the truck, certain thoughts weighing heavily on his heart. Michonne was shocked at the silence in the truck during the ride. Usually she would be relieved, but something was wrong. Merle's mood changed instantly when Andre' gripped his hand.

"What's wrong?" She asked, batting her eyes at him.

"Nothin'." He said gruffly, evidently deep in thought.

"Something." She corrected with a smile.

He looked at her and almost melted. "We have enough time to have breakfast, is Denny's okay?" They had about 50 minutes before Merle was scheduled to be in the shop.

"Yes," She replied. "Now what's wrong?" Their was no way in hell that he was going to get out of talking to her.

"It's my problem." He barked.

"Stop the car." She demanded, looking at him sharply. She didn't know what was going on, but she was surely going to find out.

He looked at her for a minute. "What?"

She wanted answers. NOW. "Stop. The. Car."

He huffed, reluctantly obeying her. He pulled off on the side of the road and turned on the panic lights. "What is it?"

"Tell me." She pressed.

"Michonne, it's my problem." He said, leaning his head back on the headrest. Merle Dixon was a proud man, when it came to weaknesses he wasn't the type to lay on his belly and spill all his feelings.

"Didnt you tell me that if problems were too heavy for me that I should hand them to you?"

"Yeah." He said, folding his arms. She wore him down in no time, she was very persuasive. And by persuasive she was pushy and hard-nosed. Pushy and hard-noseness combined with a genuine desire to ease his worry. That was Michonne at this point in time. It's also what he needed.

"What was it with Andre' that made you..." She looked at him, he wasn't the introspective type, so when he did think critically and look at himself it was the real deal.

"I...didn't have a father to do things for me," He explained, leaning against the wheel. "Guess it hurt my heart a bit to hear about Mike's shit and him not treatin' you or Andre' right." It made him think of himself and Daryl. His father was an asshole who didn't care about anyone but himself. Having Andre' grip his finger hopefully made him think about what he didn't have. He didn't have hope, or his father's approval...or love.

"Merle..." So that's what it was about. Him and Daryl's childhoods.

"I don't mind doing things for him and looking out for him. He's a sweet kid so...," He rubbed his goatee. "If I can help it I won't see him without a father-figure."

"I don't expect you to be Mike's stand-in...," She assured him. The last think that she wanted to do to him or any other man was trap him into being "dad". "You don't have to feel that way."

"I've decided," She could tell that he was serious. "Even if he ain't mine I'll treat him like he is," He proclaimed, looking back at her. He put his arm around her. "I'll take care of you, Michonne...you and Andre'."

"You don't need to-"

"I want to," He asserted, bringing her mouth to his. "I want to...damn it," He proclaimed, giving her the most smoldering kiss she had ever been given. Damn he was a good kisser she thought as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the gesture. She didn't want breakfast...or to go to the shop; all she wanted was for him to keep kissing her. He eased his lips off of hers. "So hush and let me." He purred, giving her his seductive look.

He was going to give her time, but he would make his feelings for her well known. He'd make sure that she wouldn't walk an inch of the Earth without thinking about him; without realizing the depths of his desire for her. He'd make sure.

"Now let's get some breakfast." He urged, feeling the hunger pangs within his stomach.

"Alright." She said with a smile. He put the truck in gear and they were on their way.

I really appreciate all the positive reviews and messages that I've been getting! The Merle and Michonne pairing rank the highest in my heart. I really enjoy writing and getting feedback, thanks so much!