246 57 Cheers

As Rick stepped outside of his house, he let out a sigh. "Today's gonna be a long day..." he muttered. "Ya good?" Chris asked. "Yea, you sure you're ok with watching Maru today...?" Chris gave a smile. "'Course I am." Rick smiled. "Thanks." He said. "Oi!" Norio called out, riding up on his moped. "Eh!?" Rick cried. Norio gave him a look. "Hop on." He said.

"How'd you learn how to drive?" Rick questioned. "My mother." Norio replied. "Ya mean..." As they stopped at a stop light, Norio sighed. "Guess we have a lot of catching up to do, huh?" He smiled. Rick laughed.

"Oh, there you are." Mikael said, getting up from a seat. "Yea sorry we kinda hit a lot of lights..." Rick chuckled, scratching his head.

"This way," Mikael pointed to a room. "Oh so it really is just us here..." Rick whispered, sticking his head in the room. Iris Azalea looked up. "Yo." She waved.

"Closed casket?" Rick whispered, kneeling down at the altar. "While I'm sure you're used to the gore, I'm not sure the others are." Mikael whispered. Rick stared at the coffin. "Mikael..." He began. Mikael leaned down, patting his back. "What's up?" Rick stared down at the coffin. "Hate to say this at his funeral, but..." He looked up at Mikael. "I don't know if I'll ever fully forgive him." Mikael closed his eyes, nodding. "Listen Rick," He began. "There are days where I feel bitter about his actions, and what he did to us," he paused. "Guess I really can't help but love the man I should hate..." he said, with tears in his eyes. "Mikael..." Rick whispered, leaning his head on him.

"The burial will take place tomorrow at Saint Joseph's cemetery." Mikael informed Norio, and Rick. "Got it." Norio nodded. "I'll pick you up tomorrow then." He said, turning to Rick. "Thanks." Rick said. "Can I offer you boys drinks on me?" Mikael smiled. "I think we need them." The two looked at each other. "I don't know...Maru's at home and," He paused as Mikael gave him a look. "Just stay over at our place, Iris Azalea doesn't drink..." he smiled. Iris Azalea sighed. "F-Fine..." Rick chuckled.

The men clinked their gla.s.ses together. "Cheers, to family." Mikael smiled. "To family." The boys repeated, as they took a shot.