You're Weird, I Like It - Rarl

Thanks Daryl...

Carl could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, could feel his face like it had been set aflame, even as his nose wrinkled slightly, because as much as it could mean something...it was kinda pretty damn nasty. He was too late to realize his general silence and facial expression had put Ron off as he practically yelled 'Bye!', turning and pulling that beanie of his down and over his eyes, power walking away from Carl before Carl could even pull himself out of his shock.
Frowning, Carl made his way home as well, mind on the attack his cheek had received from the older boy. He'd ask him tomorrow, they had agreed to meet after all. Feeling rather exhausted Carl climbed into his bed as soon as he had something to eat, didn't even bother changing his clothes, just collapsed and knocked out. He awoke from a pleasant dream, though couldn't remember exact details of it, whatever it was it left him with a smile on his face. First thing on his agenda was to take a shower and eat something; even if that something was a leftover bowl of instant potatoes and peas covered in gravy. Halfway through his shower, he remembered that though he and Ron agreed to meet up again, they never specified a time.
Oh well, Alexandria wasn't big by any means, he'd just wait for Ron by the wall. Finally heading out the door he grabbed the book he was working on, nodded to Michonne as she came back from her morning shift. Finding the spot Carl made himself comfortable on the ground, cracking open the book and slowly working through it. He was by no means illiterate, his mom had seen to it that he kept learning even on the road, and Patrick, bless his heart, had taken it upon himself to help Carl when he found Carl trying to continue what his mother had taught.
He still wasn't the best reader but he was getting better; helped that the book was good, even if a little ridiculous.
He'd managed 5 chapters before he realized it was a bit after noon now, at least 2 if he read the position of the sun right, and Ron still hadn't shown up. He frowned lightly, marking the page with a folded piece of paper before getting up. Maybe he forgot. Making his way to Rons house he walked up the porch to the front door, knocking and after a moment being greeted by Jesse.
"Hey, Mrs. Anderson" he returned the smile she gave him "Is Ron home?" Jesse frowned lightly "I'm sorry, Carl, Ron isn't feeling good, he wanted to go out and meet you but I don't want to risk the fever getting worse"
Carl felt his face pull into a frown "Okay, I wanted to talk to him about something but I guess it can wait...Um, tell him to get better?" He turned after she nodded, heading back down the stairs of the porch and two houses over to where he lived. He frowned, deep in thought now. He'd wanted to talk to Ron about the whole face licking thing but he guessed it would have to wait. Sitting on one of the chairs on his porch he didn't realize how bothered he looked until he was startled out of his own head by Daryl flicking his forehead.
"Daryl!" He huffed, watching the older man smirk and snicker.
"whats got your panties in a twist?" Daryl dropped into the second chair, bringing his feet up to settle on the railing.
Carl trusted Daryl, but Daryl was his fathers best friend, and he didn't want it getting back to his father. He took a breath "Can you promise not to tell my dad?" he looked to Daryl, watching the thoughts go through his head before he nodded "I went over the wall yesterday with Ron, I was teaching him how to survive" and goofing off in the process but Daryl didn't need to know that, Daryl didn't need to know they found a place and stashed stuff either. Carl swallowed, a tad nervous about mentioning this last part to Daryl but maybe he could help "We came back over and...I'm not sure what to make of it but he...he gave me a hug and licked...my cheek"
Carl could feel the heat rise to his face as he recounted the moment and was pretty sure he officially resembled a tomato now. Even so, he watched Daryl. The older man had a thoughtful face like he was analyzing, so Carl continued "I was gonna ask him about it today but I guess he got sick, that's what Mrs. Anderson said so I'll just-what?" Carl frowned as he noticed Daryl's face morph into an amused smirk before he shook his head.
"He's not sick, he's hiding" Naturally, that confused Carl. Why would Ron hide? Thankfully, Daryl felt the need to shed more light on the situation "He thinks you rejected him, so he's hiding from you"
and now Carl was further confused if the look on his face was anything to go by. Daryl smirked, thoroughly amused now "Heres something to think about...most mammals show affection to an intended mate by licking" his smirk only widened at Carls even more confused expression and he got up "I got faith in you, kid, you'll figure it out" and he stepped into the house to do whatever it was Daryl did.
Carl sighed lightly, slightly frustrated. Well, that was no help whatsoever. He thought Daryl could help him understand but instead all he did was confuse him further! Why would Ron think Carl rejected him? They had hung out all day and made plans to meet back up! What did the habits of animals have to do with Ron lick-oh...OH! Once more Carl was pretty sure his face resembled that of the ripest tomatoes. That, or a cherry. Definitely going with cherry. Seemed like an accurate comparison at this point.