#&. asks

     She’s not going to lecture him, tell him that opening another bottle is a bad idea, that he’s had one, or two or three, too many already. She knows when to pick her battles and this isn’t one of them. It’s not her call to make on how he fights his demons, she can however, offer other avenues should he wish to take them. Not that she’s totally immune either, and he knows it, as sometimes she lets him open another bottle. Tonight however, his charm was not enough for her to indulge him.

     “No, I don’t think so.” Her tone was light, there's even a faint hint of a smile as she moved from her seat across from him. As always everything about her radiates warmth or affection. “I don’t need any help emptying my liquor cabinet.” She took his near empty glass from his hand, downing the rest of it in one go before setting it back down onto the table. If he has any bit of sense left he won't argue. “Come on, I’m tired, and would like to be in bed before the sun rises.” She was already taking his hands, pulling him up from the chair, before he can say anything, batting her lashes at him in a way she knows he can't resist.

     She had been watching Judith and RJ for him, something she was always happy to do. He didn’t even have to ask, her answer was always yes, regardless of what her own schedule looked like. Having collected them from school, she had helped them both with her homework and now they were in the other room playing, their giggles filling the space with life. A reminder of just how alive they all were. She had settled herself on the couch with a book in her lap when Daryl entered. Her face brightened with a smile as she saw him. “Hey, you.”

     Instead of replying to her right away, he leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. A soft hum vibrated in her chest as her eyes closed for a moment, leaning into it a little. “You’re back earlier than I’d thought you’d be.” Not that she was complaining. She had closed her book when he walked in, but now she set it aside. "Are you hungry?" Already she was moving to her feet, and half way to the small kitchen in a few strides. "I made more than enough when I made something for the kids earlier."

      Bright laughter tumbles past her lips as she accepts the offered gift by bowing her head a little as he places the crown of colorful blossoms. “Did she now?” Not that she was surprised. “Well I will have to thank her, and of course thank you,” she adds, her smile making her dark eyes glitter.

      She brings up a hand, allowing her fingertips to trace along it, feeling the even tightness of the braided stems, the distance from one blossom to the next, close enough but not so close that they might crush each other. It is rather near perfection, though there's a bit of reluctance to admit it might be the tiniest bit better than the ones she crafted. “It’s beautiful, I love it.” Words are sealed with a sweet kiss as he settles down beside her. “But tell me, was it your idea to make it or was that Judith’s too?”

   She wasn’t sure how he knew it was her birthday considering she hadn’t mentioned it, or at least hadn't said anything about it recently. But Daryl had always been good about picking up smaller details about people. “Oh you didn’t have to get me anything.” But her smile was warm and bright all the same.

   He was always gifting her little things, that now she had a small box where she kept the rocks and other little trinkets he had found for her. They never failed at getting her to smile simple as they were, as it was the little things these days. Though he had gone the extra mile today, making the effort to wrap his gift to her. Something that was appreciated more than her words could ever say.

     Oh yes, this was much better. His hands, worn and rough against the softness of her cheeks, were also warm and gentle, and very much welcomed, as he reached for her, cupped her face with both his hands. Drawing her close, his lips met hers, kissed her once, twice, a third time. Each kiss no longer or shorter than the last, and lingered just long enough to satisfy, for the time being.

   Her heart fluttered, a butterfly locked in her rib cage, her cheeks felt hot, bloomed with color, and the warmth of her smile rivaled that of the sun when he finally pulled away enough to rest his forehead against her's. ❝ You know, I wouldn't mind if you make a habit of doing that, ❞ she hummed softly.

 Excuse me sir, that's not a kiss. 

           The temptation to put her palm on his chest and push him to arm's length is certainly there, but she doesn't. Instead she simply leans her head away. While auburn brows knit together in a well made attempt to look annoyed, she has to fight the edges of her lips from turning upward into a smile. She also can't look at him directly, otherwise she will crack and start to laugh, and they couldn't have that. ❝ Can I H E L P you? ❞