246 58 This Promise

"I didn't think you'd be such a lightweight, big bro." Norio smirked. "Shut it." Rick grumbled, as he put his helmet on.

As they arrived back to Rick's place, Rick hopped off the moped. "Thanks for the lift." He said. "Take good care of your girls, and Keren, I'll talk to you later." He smiled. "Ah, same goes for you." He smiled. He then gave a wave as he drove off. Rick smiled, watching him go.

"Rick!" Maru cried, as he entered the house. She quickly ran over to hug him. "Hey kiddo!" Rick knelt down to pet her head. "Yo!" Chris greeted. "Did the funeral take place already...?" He asked. Rick shook his head. "Later in the day." He said. "Anyways," Rick began. "Thank you for watching her." Chris chuckled. "'Course man, it's the least I can do." He said, smiling. Rick smiled. "Any news from Sena, or Abbey?" Rick asked. "Well, Kari has been down in the dumps, so they, along with Tammy took her on a shoppin' spree." Rick nodded. "I hope her living there now is not too much of a burden to place on them..." Chris shrugged. "They seemed happy to take her in." He said.

"Anyways, I gotta get goin'." Chris said, as he yawned. "Understandable, Maru, come say bye to Chris." Maru ran over to Chris, hugging him. "I love you, Chris!" She beamed. Chris laughed. "Love ya too, shrimp." He said, ruffling her hair. "Well, talk to ya later." Chris waved, as he walked out.

"Oi, Maru," Rick began, sitting on the couch. "Mm?" Maru said, plopping down. "Do you wanna come visit Cole with me today?" Maru looked at him, then nodded. "Mm!" She smiled.

"Sena said we can take a few flowers..." Rick said, looking down at his phone. "Wanna pick some out?" He turned to Maru. "Mm!" She nodded, looking around Sena's shop. "These orange ones!" She cried, pointing. Rick looked over. "Was that his favorite color?" He asked. Maru nodded her head. "Quit nodding so fast, you'll give yourself a headache." He smiled, patting her head.

"I'm pretty sure it's this way..." Rick said. Maru hopped along beside him. "What are ya doin'?" He chuckled, looking over. "I cant step on a crack!" She cried. Rick laughed. As they arrived, Rick's eyes widened. Annette was sitting in front of Cole's grave. She turned her head. "Oh, Rick." She said. "H-hey Annette...!" He laughed nervously. "I was just about to leave..." she said, getting up. "Rick," she said, closing her eyes. "Thank you for keep your promise to Cole..." she smiled, as she began walking away. "Oh." She stopped. "Take care, Maru." She said, before around and leaving. Rick looked down at Maru, who had grabbed his hand. He smiled, as he stroked her hand.

"Ok, place them in the water..." He instructed her. "Got it!" Maru said, placing the flowers down. "Good job." Rick smiled, giving her a high five. The wind suddenly began blowing strong. "Guess he really liked these flowers..." Rick whispered, smiling.

As Rick arrived home from the funeral, he opened his bedroom door. As he turned on the lights, he noticed a sleeping Maru. "Ah..." he whispered. Maru's eyes flickered. "Don't worry sweetheart, it's just me..." He smiled, climbing in. Maru smiled at him, giving a sleepy nod.

As he laid in bed, running his fingers through Maru's hair, he couldn't help but smile. "Cole..." he whispered. "Turns out our promise is a lifelong commitment..." he said. "That's ok...I don't mind." He said. "A promise is a promise after all..." He smiled. "This promise..." He whispered. "I don't mind keeping it..." He closed his eyes, kissing Maru's head. "I love you, Maru..." he whispered, as he drifted off to sleep.