Territorial Instinct

Carl was surprised by three emotions that hit one after another. He was angry when he realized that Morgan Jones was flirting with Michonne. He was fearful when he realized she was enjoying it. Lastly he was annoyed with his father.

He poked Rick on the side and motioned across the camp to where Michonne readied to go on a run. Morgan stood across from her, holding an artfully designed bouquet of grass, fallen leaves, and pine cones. It was really quite a pretty arrangement. Carl couldn't hear what Morgan was saying but he could sense the man was flirting and Michonne's bright smile scared Carl.

"Look at that! He's flirting with her and I think she actually likes it!"

"He's just being nice," Rick said, though he noticed how Michonne did seem to enjoy Morgan's attentions.

Carl fixed his father with a scathing 'are you kidding me' glare.

"Are you really gonna sit here and let him move in on our territory?"

"Our territory?"

"Yes! She's ours! You know. She's yours, mine, and Judith's."

"Carl, Michonne isn't my girlfriend."

"She would be if you'd pay her that kind of attention. Give her presents and tell her how pretty she is and all that crap that girls like to hear."

He got up, disgusted, and approached Morgan. If his dad wouldn't act, he would.

"Hey, Morgan."

Morgan greeted Carl with a smile.

"Morning, Carl."

"Back off."

Morgan's brows raised in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"Michonne. Back off. She's taken."

Carl ignored the looks he got from Daryl, Beth, Morgan, and Michonne when he retrieved his little sister from Beth's arms.

"What was that about?" Michonne asked Rick as she approached him.

"He's feeling a little jealous. He's afraid Moran is gonna steal you away."

"That's crazy. I'll always be here for you guys."

Rick nodded. Truth was he'd also noticed Morgan's interest in Michonne and he wasn't keen on it either. He'd often wanted to say something smooth, or bring her a gift, touch her in some gentle way, but he always chickened out. He'd never been a smooth ladies man, and nowadays he was primarily concerned with survival.

Even now he didn't know what to say. He knew how he felt but damn if he could vocalize it.

"I'm going on a run with Daryl and Glenn. I'll see you later."

"Right...I like your new hair thingy. It's pretty. Like you."

His eyes went to his feet as he felt his face flush. He was fully aware of how awful that had sounded. Carl could have done better and he had zero experience with women.

"Thanks," she answered, smiling, before she went over to Daryl and Glenn.

"Careful Casanova," Abraham quipped. "She won't be able to control herself if you keep dropping smooth lines like that."

"Shut up."

Abraham laughed as he headed back to camp, and Rick spotted Carl rolling his eyes.

Rick shrugged. "Hey, I tried."