I bought a couple of those little building sets with the characters in pieces that you can build. I have a tiny Rick and a tiny Daryl and I can mash them together and make kissy noises. 8D (And I have 2 Merle's. I can mash them together and make creepy noises.)

(Crap. I used the wrong chapter title because I forgot I changed it. 8D)

Give Me Reason
Chapter 10: Scared of the Moon

Daryl had been gone all day. Rick was pretty sure he knew why. That made him more nervous than the prospect of asking again. Because if Daryl was off freaking out, it didn't bode well for Rick. Daryl would say no and then pack up and leave. Rick sighed.

"He'll be back."

Rick looked up at Carl as the teen walked in, holding Judy. He leaned back and shook his head. "I'm not sure anymore."

Carl shifted Judy in his arms and sat down across the table from him. "You really think he'll leave?"

Rick drug his nails across the table top. "I think there's a hell of a chance he will."

"Maybe you shouldn't ask him again."

"I think I have to now." Rick said softly. "If I don't, it will only prove to him that I asked out of panic after I had a bad day."

"You did."

Rick glanced up at him and shook his head.

"Do you really want to marry him?"

"I do." Rick let out a sigh. "Despite our blaring problems, I liked being married to your mom. I liked the whole belonging to someone else thing." He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling. "I loved your mom in my own way. And she loved me. In the beginning, it was great." He blinked and shook himself. "And Judy..." He looked over at her. "I worry about her every time I leave for work. What would happen to her without me? I'm all she has. And that fear could cause me to be too careless. All it takes is one tiny mistake, a one second hesitation and she has no one." He shook his head. "I know my parents would do it. But they're so far from you and she doesn't know them. Daryl is all she knows."

"That's what you need to tell him." Carl said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Tell him you want to belong to him and you want Judy to, too."

Rick smiled. "You think that'll work?"

Carl shrugged. "It might help. Or the pressure might be too much and send him running anyways."

Rick sighed and pulled out his phone. No new messages from Daryl. "It's kinda morbid." Rick said suddenly, smiling. "Marry me so I can die in peace."

Carl rolled his eyes. "Stop it, dad. Before you jinx yourself."

"I ain't dying anytime soon." He said with a laugh. "I promise."

"At least not until you get married."

Rick winked at him. "Riiiiight."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

He was hiding. In the park. With the dog. He was sitting under a fucking tree in the park with the dog and hiding from Rick. He had a feeling when he'd woken up. Lori had dropped Carl off really early and Rick had the day off. And when Daryl woke up alone in their bed, he just had this sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He just knew Rick was gonna ask him again.

And then it would be over. Because Rick was the marrying type. He wanted to be married and the idea terrified Daryl. But the idea of just picking up and going back to Merle's with only the damn dog terrified him even more.

Jessi suddenly let out a loud bark and rolled over into his lap. She attempted to bat his hand with her nose and licked him. Daryl sighed and put his hand on her head. "The fuck do we do? Fucken married! That's like permanent. Forever." He scratched behind her ears and she licked his arm. Daryl let out a sigh. He leaned his head back against the tree trunk and closed his eyes.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Rick pulled out his phone. He wanted to call Daryl. Or maybe not. He felt nervous already. He wasn't sure his voice would even work right. And then it would only make Daryl more nervous. Rick rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Get a grip." He said to himself and sent a text to Daryl.

You out all day?

A moment later, Daryl sent a reply. Hunting.

The one word answer was the only one he got. Rick sighed and bit his lip. As long as Daryl came back sometime before dawn, he supposed he was okay.

Carl popped up behind him and leaned over the couch. "Where's Daryl?"

"Hunting."

"Hiding?" Carl corrected.

Rick smiled. "Probably."

"Scary cop."

Rick grabbed him, pulled him over the couch. Carl let out a surprised squeal and laughed as he tumbled over.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Rick was in the kitchen, doing the dishes. He glared down at the pot. There was a layer of burnt, crusted pasta glued to the bottom. How the hell had he managed to do that when the spaghetti had come out crunchy?

"Dad..." Carl had said earlier, staring at the mess. "You boil noodles and open a jar of sauce. How did you screw it up so badly?"

Rick had told him to toss it out while he ran out and picked up some Chinese take-out. That he couldn't possible\y screw up.

Rick glared at the burnt pan for a few more minutes longer. Then sighed and dropped it in the trashcan. Then he quickly pulled the bag out and tied it. Get rid of the evidence before Daryl got back and threw a fit because he'd ruined the good soup pot. He'd have to sneak out at some point and get a new one before Daryl noticed.

He grabbed the bag and headed out to the door. But Carl had seen him. And was smiling knowingly at the bag. Rick sighed. "Don't tell Daryl."

Carl tilted his head for a moment. "My Playstation subscription runs out next week."

Rick nodded and opened the door. "Deal." He shut the door and turned and Daryl's truck was just pulling in the driveway. Rick hurried to the side of the house and dropped the bag in the trashcan. Then turned and walked towards the truck. "Hey." He said as Daryl got out.

"Hey." Daryl grunted. Jessi slipped out behind him and darted over to Rick. Rick tried to step back but she'd already jumped on him, her muddy paw prints on his jeans. "Damnit, Jessi." Daryl snapped. "Dun toldja no jumpin'."

Rick pushed her down gently. Then bent down to scratch her head and pat her back. He laughed and shook his head. "It's fine."

"Ain't fine. Yer all muddy."

"So are you. Both of you."

Daryl looked down at himself. "Sorry." He said sheepishly. Rick smiled and surged forward. He wrapped his arms around the filthy man's waist and pulled him closer. Daryl pushed against him, protesting, but only exceeding in marring Rick's white shirt more.

Rick was still smiling like an idiot. "Didja catch anything?"

Daryl shook his head.

"So what.." Rick said, tilting his head a bit. "You spent the day rolling around on the ground?"

Daryl glanced down at the dog who was rubbing against their legs. "Fucken dog can't hunt."

Rick laughed. "Quit taking her." Daryl let out a snort and looked away. Rick's smile widened. "You both need a bath."

Daryl looked back at him. "Ya offering ta help?"

Rick wrinkled his nose and stepped back. "Your dog."

"Oh. Mine now?"

Rick shrugged. "There's a hose out back."

"That's cold man." Daryl whistled for Jessi and turned for the door. Rick followed slowly.

An hour later passed by quickly. The dog had been washed and was rolling around on a towel while Carl laughed. Daryl showered and put on the same clothes he'd slept in the night before. Rick hadn't bothered changing. He'd brushed himself off but it really wasn't that bad. And now Daryl was getting Judy ready for bed. Carl and Jessi were standing, waiting. The moment Daryl came downstairs with Judy, Carl snatched her.

Daryl frowned and Carl stuck his tongue out at him. "Come on, kid. I ain't seen her all day."

"Then you shouldn't have been hiding."

Daryl's eyes widened a bit and he looked at the floor.

"Dad." Carl said loudly. "Taking Judy. We're going to my room."

"Okay. Good night." Rick yelled up to him. "See ya in the morning."

Carl smiled widely at Daryl. Then patted his leg for Jessi to follow him and walked down the hall to his bedroom. Daryl stood in the hall, staring at the closed door. Rick was at the bottom of the stairs. Watching him. And smiling. "Hey."

"Hey." Daryl said as he turned slowly.

"There's some Chinese in the fridge if you're hungry." Daryl didn't answer and Rick turned and headed into the living room. He smiled to himself and dropped on the couch. The TV was already on, playing a marathon of the old Star Trek show. Carl had been watching it. Rick kept his attention on the show he'd seen a dozen times. Daryl was fumbling around in the kitchen for a while. Then came in and sat in the chair across from him. Rick could see the other man's nervous movements. Daryl was chewing on his thumb and bouncing his leg. Rick suppressed the urge to laugh.

Another full episode later and Daryl out of a loud, frustrated sigh. "Rick!"

Rick glanced over. "What?" He asked innocently.

Daryl's eyes narrowed into a glare. He stood up and turned. "Going ta bed."

"Wait, wait." Rick jumped up and grabbed his arm. "Come outside with me for a moment."

Daryl stopped and turned to look at him. "Outside?" Rick backed up slowly, pulling Daryl along with him. He smiled and nodded. Daryl let out a sigh and let Rick pull him outside.

Rick stopped in the center of the yard and dropped down on the ground. "Sit with me."

Daryl stared at him blankly for a moment. "On the ground? After ya just made me shower?"

Rick pulled Daryl down beside him. Daryl rolled his eyes and adjusted himself, sitting cross legged in front of Rick. Rick took a deep breath. "You are a wonderful, amazing person, Daryl. And it kills me that you don't realize it. You can threaten to kick my ass when I let it slip that I was that I was in love with you and at the same time, smile at Judy and make her a bottle."

Daryl was staring at the ground as he chewed on his nail.

"An' I know you can't say it. Whatever hang ups you have about yourself and the concept... I love you Daryl. You love me. And I know you love the kids. That's all I need to know. That's all that matters."

"I've been thinkin' 'bout it, Rick." Daryl said so soft and timidly sounding.

Rick smiled slightly and leaned back. He had more to say, more he planned to say. But if he could get Daryl to talk, he'd keep quiet now and let the man process his thoughts. That's what Daryl needed. And Rick could be patient. He'd learned more about patience dealing with Daryl than he'd ever had as a cop, husband, or parent.

Daryl exhaled loudly, like he'd been holding his breath. "I ain't ever thought about it before. Ever gettin' married an' having kids. It just ain't int he cards for me."

Rick bit back a sigh. His stomach was doing flips now but he tried to keep it off his face. He didn't want to be all melodramatic but he didn't know what he'd do if Daryl left him. If he'd chased the man off... why couldn't he think before he opened his mouth? He shouldn't have ever brought it up. Or at least asked Daryl what he thought about marriage or the concept in general, in a sneaky way. At least that way, he could have gauged his response. But noooo. He had to blurt out a shitty ass proposal and he couldn't take it back now. Not that he really wanted to. He wanted Daryl. Forever, more than anything. More than anything with Lori.

"But..." Daryl finally continued after a few silent moments. "I dun wanna stop... an' if I have ta... ta keep ya..." He took a deep breath and blew it out. "I'll do it."

Rick sighed and shook his head. "It's not an ultimatum, Daryl. If you say no, I'm not going anywhere."

Daryl looked up at him, almost shyly. "You're not?"

"God no!" Rick said loudly. "I mean... I like the idea of marriage. I always have. A piece of paper that says you belong to someone and they belong to you. And it'll probably be nicer when it's to someone who you love because you want to and can. Not because you think you have to. But I'm happy, Daryl. With you. You make me happy. As long as I can have you, I don't care."

Daryl breathed out again and nodded. He smiled slightly.

"Mostly..." Rick added slowly. "It's about Judy."

Daryl's smile fell.

"Carl's fine. He has Lori and he's old enough that he could argue with her about seeing you. But Judy... Lori signed over her rights to me. Legally, I'm all she has. I know you said you'd fight for her and I know you would." He added with a smile. "But the law says you're no one to her and she'd go to my parents. We're still not on the best of terms. They've only seen Judy once. I think when they've had more time... they'd let you see her. But if we got married, you could adopt Judy and I wouldn't have to worry every time I left for work."

Daryl's eyes narrowed for a moment and he shook his head. "Try'n ta guilt me inta it."

Rick shook his head quickly. "Just the way it is."

Daryl grunted and chewed on his nail again.

"Nothing will change." Rick said after a moment.

Daryl glanced at him for a moment and looked away again. "Nothing..." He mumbled.

Rick shook his head. "Still you and me." He smiled. "And the kids and Jessi and this house. Unless you hate the house. Then we could move."

Daryl shook his head. "'s fine."

Rick was still smiling. "Just some extra paperwork."

"Do I hafta dress up?" Daryl asked after a moment.

"No."

"Gonna do pictures?"

Rick nodded. "A few."

"Gonna make me wear a wedding ring?"

Rick shook his head. "No, no rings."

Daryl nodded real slowly and was staring at the ground.

Rick watched him and smiled. "Unless you want to." Rick added quickly.

"Maybe." Daryl said softly and was silent again for a while. "Iff'n I say yes... then what?"

Rick tilted his head. "I don't know what you mean. I just said nothing will change."

Daryl shook his head. "Nah, I mean... like... weddin' 'n shit."

"Oh..." Rick shook his head. "We can just do the courthouse thing."

"You don't wanna big party?"

Rick shook his head. "Nooooo." He drug the word out. "Unless you want something flashy."

"No." Daryl said quickly.

"I'd... uh... like to invite my parents." Rick said. "If they'd come."

Daryl nodded. "That'd be fine."

"If you wanted your brother there, we could wait or I could call and see if I could pull any strings with the warden."

Daryl shook his head. "Nah. Wouldn't be his thing."

Rick took a deep breath. "Is it your thing?" Honestly, Rick still wasn't sure if Daryl's answer was a yes or a no.

Daryl chewed on his thumbnail again. He was looking at the ground. "Maybe." He mumbled out.

Rick let out a groan and threw himself back on the ground. He threw his arms out dramatically, laying flat on the grass. "Maybe?" He snapped. "Stop fucking with me and just say yes."

"Yes implies a question." Daryl mumbled. "Ain't hear ya ask it."

Rick rolled his eyes. "Christ, Daryl." Rick sat back up, shaking his head. He turned, angling his body towards Daryl. "Gimmie yer fucking hand." Rick snapped. Daryl pulled his thumb from his mouth quickly and wiped it on his jeans. Rick grabbed it, yanked a bit harder than necessary. But he got Daryl to look him in the eyes. "Daryl Dixon. Will you marry me?"

"Guess so." He mumbled.

Rick tilted his head forward a bit. "What was that? I didn't hear you."

Daryl shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Yes. I'll fucken marry you. Now shut up." Daryl grabbed him by the collar and pulled him down.

Rick bit back a laugh as he fell on top of the younger man. "Daryl..."

Daryl pulled their mouths together.

Rick leaned into him for a moment, relishing in the feeling. Then he pulled away, smiling. He planted his hands on either side of Daryl's head and pushed up. He held himself above Daryl, hovering. "Nothing changes, but damn, hearing you say yes..."

Daryl pulled on him again. "Shut up."

"Makes me so happy, Daryl."

Daryl let out a growl and arched his back off the ground, trying to press their bodies together again. "Don't wanna talk."

Rick suppressed another urge to laugh and lowered himself, putting all his weight on Daryl.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

Author's Notes: Updates for this might slow down. Because two nights ago at work, I had a new idea for a story. So now that's all I can think about. And I know I shouldn't start anything new but... MY BRAIN WON'T LISTEN TO ME!