~~3~~

He was in the completely wrong place to be daydreaming the way he was. Fantasizing about what he was. Rick knew this. But over the last few days whenever he closed his eyes it's all he could think of. Almond shaped eyes, cute wide nose, high cheekbones and thick heart shaped lips. Her skin, velvety in its deep shade of mahogany that his fingers were aching to caress. All of her radiance showcased confidently with a short faded hairstyle.

Rick was just looking to get a fix for his botched dining room haircut, that was all. Reversing his car back down that faithful block, just relieved to find an open barbershop at the late hour. Because he didn't know what he would've done otherwise. Wearing a hat to an important business meeting would've been out of the question surely.

A shop full of men was what he expected. Not in a sexist way, but more because it was the usual norm. Then while trying to pled his case to the reluctant barbers, he heard the delicate, feminine giggles coming from the back. Rick had to admit even then he was intrigued. But when the hidden woman ultimately showed herself, he was blown away.

She was absolutely stunning- proven by his astonishment as she rounded him. His heart thumped, stomach fluttered and skin tingled with an invigorating rush of blood. It hadn't happened in such a long time. It took him a moment to understand his profound physical reaction. Much more than a mere attraction. More surprising, was that every moment near her after, merely intensified the sensation.

The feeling manifesting in an unanticipated moan when she manipulated his curls. She was purely assessing the damage but Rick couldn't help it. His appreciative response swiftly transformed into him imagining his chance at reciprocity of pleasures. There began a strong urge to offer this woman- all the varied ways he knew he could deliver that for her. He needed to lower his foolhardy expectations yet he still wanted to give her some token of gratitude.

Observational skills luckily granted him a purpose to return to her place of business sooner than necessary. When he drove to Atlanta to purchase the fancy candies, he'd convinced himself they were just to express his thankfulness for the last minute save. The call coming in to inform that he'd been granted the contract only galvanized his quest to make the purchase. The news inexplicably endorsing what he wanted much more of. To identify then take care of Michonne's needs. Even one's she left unrealized.

But as Rick laid on this couch with eyes closed, he had to admit his initial pull was greatly heightened with her tasting of his gifted chocolates. Her face lighting up with giddiness was prize enough, he believed at first. Only for it to be topped when Michonne ate a confection right before him. Lust unexpectedly produced a greater blood flow to his manhood at her appreciative moans. And he needed to get a hold of himself- well not literally.

Rick replayed her debating over the next piece to consume before it was placed between her lips. His body was not the only part truly betraying him when he ran it back. His mind wandered to thoughts of her sucking his lips, tongue and-

But just as rapidly as those thoughts came to him, they were briskly replaced. In an instant, their dynamic shifted. Yet the tonal swing did confirm that his attraction wasn't one sided. Nonetheless, Michonne's demeanor was different once he unenthusiastically admitted to being in a relationship.

And Rick wasn't that type of guy. The type to step out while with someone. It's what made this fascination maddening. He just couldn't get the thoughts of Michonne out of his mind. And maybe- that had to mean something.

But he intended to stay where he was. Focus on what he'd moved to this county to accomplish. Rick sighed and opened his eyes.

Stark hazel ones stared sincerely down at him. Not the warm dark brown pools he'd just been lost in. It startled him a bit- as though he'd been caught, prompting him to sit up brusquely. Remembering where he sat- on a sofa in Jessie's house.

His girlfriend's house.

The blonde was none the wiser as she smiled coming to sit next to him.

"Sorry, I woke you." she made herself comfy on the very next cushion beside him.

"It's fine, I was just resting my eyes." Rick rubbed at them hoping to push some of the guilt away.

"I know the move has taken a lot out of you, but I'm just happy you are finally here." she smiled adoringly at him and he attempted to return it but it barely managed to raise the corner of his lips.

"I still feel so bad that I could've made things worse." Rick was confused and Jessie giggled at the face he made.

"The haircut."

"Ohh. It's alright. Honest mistake." he shrugged before she reached out to toy with his shorter curls. Rick noted that the feeling he'd previously gotten from Michonne's touch didn't occur.

"I promise I'll do better next time." Jessie leaned it to deposit a quick kiss to his cheek before returning to her spot.

A conflict played out for Rick and he decided to be forthcoming. "Uh, I think I'm gonna go back to the shop next time."

"What? Why? I said I was sorry." Jessie glanced to see the kids distracted in the den that was used as a playroom.

"I can do it when we are all alone. No distractions." she leaned in to kiss his lips but he only allowed her a peck before sitting up straighter.

"I like the shop I found." he shrugged.

Jessie playfully pouted then smiled. "I guess the guy did a good job of covering up my mistake. Maybe the boys can go with you for a guy's outing. It could help with bonding. Where's it located?"

"I was just driving and came across it. I think MLK Jr Blvd crosses the street." Rick shared being intentionally vague.

"On- on the Southside?" her nose scrunched up.

Immediately, Rick didn't like what her tone insinuated and he glowered. "Why? Is there something wrong over there?"

But Jessie quickly fixed her face. "Oh no, I'm just surprised is all. Thought you found a place on this side of town."

"Didn't know they could style-" she paused noticing the look of irritation on Rick's face. "It really looks good though."

"Thanks…" he sighed even with annoyance still prickly in him.

"Which barber was it?"

Rick's mind fumbled for a reply causing his mouth to open but nothing came out. He was unsure on whether to lie or tell the truth while Jessie waited with curiosity. He opened his mouth once more-

"Dad, can we go?"

Rick turned to see his nine-year-old son, Carl stood conveying his own personal level of exasperation.

"Ron really wanted to play some games and hang out with you. So did Sam." Jessie interjected with her attempt to persuade.

"Ron's busy playing Roblox and Sam is eating all the cookies." Carl huffed his rebuttal before facing his father. "I just want to go home and read my comics. Can we Dad?"

Rick exhaled ruefully to keep his own relief from showing. Carl had rung the bell that saved him from the question Jessie asked. Ice cream on the way home would be his prize. "Sure, buddy."

"Already? You barely just got here." Jessie pouted again obviously wanting Rick to overlook his sons plight.

"I was going to make dinner. I'm sure the boys will find something they all like to do."

"Ron is being mean just like at school. Sam doesn't want to play with me either." Carl lowered his head.

Rick stood quickly trying to ignore the look of disappointment on his girlfriend's face. He rubbed his sons increasingly shaggy hair to provide some comfort. "Carl, go get your jacket and book bag."

The adults watched the boy scurry off before Rick walked to the front door with Jessie hot on his trail.

"Rick, they won't get any better at this if they don't spend time together."

"It'll take more than a couple afternoons. Besides they've got school tomorrow." he reasoned.

"I know." Jessie blew out a deflating breath. But shortly after Rick could see the wheels turning in her head before she excitedly offered another option.

"How about we take them to the bug farm this weekend? Sam loves to see the ants on parade."

"We'll see after I talk to Lori about her scheduled visitation this weekend." Rick muttered as Carl jogged back over to rejoin them.

"Ron, Sam see you guys later." Rick shouted to the preoccupied boys who lackadaisically waved then continued with their individual doings.

Before Rick could look to his own son, Carl minutely turned to the other boys and shouted. "Bye!"

Once he received his feeble waves, he addressed the woman before him and his father. "Bye, Ms. Jessie."

She smiled down at him. "You don't have to call me Miss, I told you. Just Jessie since we will be family soon enough."

"Dad, can I get the keys? I can do the push button thingy." Carl completely ignored her and Rick exhaled at his rudeness. But he passed the keys to his boy, watching him sprint to throw open the front door of the house before leaping down the stairs.

"Call me later?" Jessie's eyes pled when Rick eventually looked back to her after making sure Carl made it to the vehicle safely.

"Of course." Rick applied a chaste kiss to her lips and departed knowing she'd be watching him from the threshold.

Once he reached his car, he climbed in looking to the backseat at his son that grinned contently now. Rick couldn't let his own liberation dissuade him from a necessary conversation. Carl returned the keys and sat back.

"Seatbelt." Rick reminded before putting on his own. He waved to Jessie, who now stood on the porch steps then pulled off, quickly eyeing his son in the rearview mirror.

"Why were you being rude to Jessie?"

"I wasn't."

"Yeah, yeah you were. You ignored her request for you to just call her Jessie. Before that you complained about Ron and Sam."

The boy puffed out a breath. "Ron has been a jerk to me-"

"Carl!"

"Well, he has. He and his friends are dumb." he crossed his arms defiantly over his chest and looked out the window in deliberation.

"Maybe, maybe I didn't need to squeal on Sam but…" he shrugged and Rick exhaled.

"I'm sorry the kids Ron has introduced you to haven't been nice."

"It's not like I'm not used to it." Carl inhaled and Rick's heart ached.

"What about other kids at school? They can't all be… dumb." he grinned in the mirror and Carl snickered, returning a lightness to his face.

"At recess, I was reading my new comic book under the big tree. And two boys came over."

Rick worried from the pause. "And?"

"They had their own comics. We read under the tree together." he smiled reservedly.

"Comic books, huh?"

"Yeah, comics are cool Dad. If you read them then you would like the superhero movies too."

"I tried. I just don't get it, is all."

Carl chortled, shaking his head. "Well, they get it. And we decided to trade some comics. That's why I need to get home. I've gotta figure out which ones I will lend them."

"It's great that you've made some friends. But, I still want you to make an effort with Ron and Sam."

"Jessie too?" Carl sulked.

"Yeah, her too. She is my girlfriend."

"I know." Carl curtly responded.

"So will you try?"

"Sure." he shrugged noncommittally and Rick knew this was the best he was going to get. He had to accept this for now and he turned into the mini malls lot.

"Where are we going?" Carl looked quizzically through the windows.

"I think you deserve some ice cream. What do you think?"

"I'm not going to say no to ice cream. But is this to make me be nicer to them?"

Rick couldn't help but chuckle at his son's cynicism and he decided to be truthful. "No, the ice cream is for something else."

"Cool. I think I want to get cookies and cream! Or strawberry. Maybe… cookie dough."

Rick grinned at his son's indecision. He cut the engine after pulling into an empty parking space in front of parlor.

"Are you getting ice cream too?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"What flavor are you gonna get?" Carl excitedly asked while unfastening his seatbelt.

Rick could only think of one flavor he craved. "Chocolate."