Special Moment

"Rick?" A voice called out.

"Rick!"

Rick opened his eyes, quickly sitting up.

"M-Maru..." He mumbled, scratching his head.

"You overslept again!" She frowned, placing her hands on her hips.

"Yea...sorry 'bout that." He chuckled.

"Chris is already here...he said he'll be waiting outside." Maru informed him.

"Got it, thank you for wakin' me up kiddo." Rick said, giving a smile.

"I asked Sena for flowers, so she told me just to take them when we leave." Maru said.

"Gotcha." Rick said, standing up and stretching.

"Y'know..." Rick began.

"Mm?" Maru looked up at him.

"You grow up more and more with each passing day." Rick said, giving a sad smile.

Maru looked at him.

"D-don't look so sad...!" She cried.

"W-why wouldn't I be!?" He stammered, turning to her.

"I've been raisin' you since you were five, I have a right to get..." He quickly stopped himself.

"Get what...?" Maru cocked her head, looking up at him.

"N-nothin..." Rick said, quickly wiping his eyes.

"I'm just...really proud of the person you're becomin' is all." He said, smiling.

"R-Rick..." Maru looked at him, then smiled.

Rick looked at the floor for a moment, then looked at Maru, awkwardly extending his arms for a hug. Maru blushed, getting up.

As the two were about to embrace, Chris honked his horn impatiently.

The two looked at each other, laughing.

"Alright let's get goin' then." Rick said, patting Maru's head.

"Mm!" Maru beamed.

Rick then quickly leaned down to kiss Maru's head.

"I love you, Maru." He smiled, stroking her cheek.

Maru's eyes twinkled.

"I love you too!" She beamed, hugging him.

Chris honked the horn yet again.

"Alright, alright, dang it Chris!" Rick cried.

"God forbid my kid and I have a little bit of a special bondin' moment."

Maru giggled, as the two made their way down the stairs.