moonlight // negan

Once we got back to Alexandria, I insisted on helping to bring all of the supplies to inventory.  I started to feel guilty about not helping out and I wanted to start putting in my weight.  Negan wasn't too keen on me demanding to help, but he knew I wouldn't back done.  I followed Simon around, him showing me how they kept track of the many things the Sanctuary owned.  I helped him take everything out of bags and boxes.  

"Thanks for your help today."  Simon told me as we finished up.  "And thank you for keeping the boss in check and calm.  We all thought after Damian he would lose his shit but you've really kept him on the ground."  He further added.  I smiled at his kind words. 

"I really care about him.  He was torn up, drank himself into a hole the night it happened.  But he's been doing better, actually talking his emotions out instead of being physical or taking them out on everyone else."  I said reassuringly.  Simon and I departed and I found Negan outside.  It was nearing the evening and the sun was setting.  

"Watch the sun set with me?"  I asked.  He smiled and took my hand, leading inside and up the stairs.  We exited through a door that lead to the roof of the large building.  I had never been up here before.  You could see the entirety of the property as well as trees for miles.  We sat down against the ledge, our feet dangling over the side.  He kept his hand in mine and we sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.  He didn't have Lucille on him or his walkie talkie, or even his leather jacket.  It was just me and him.  I rested my head on his shoulder and he kissed the top of my head lightly.  We watched the light turn into darkness and stayed there for another thirty minutes or so.  

"Let's do this often."  Negan spoke up.  "Every night or at least a couple times a week.  It's a good distraction.  No interruptions."  He added.  I smiled and nodded. 

"I'd love that."  

"Plus, the way you reflect in the moonlight makes me go crazy."  He whispered, leaning in to connect our lips.  "I love you, so much."  

"I love you too."  I connected our lips again, pulling him closer.  

"You really are the light in my life, my every thought, worry, happiness.  I never thought I'd find someone like you in such a shit world."  He admitted.  I almost started tearing up.  The way Negan's personality shifted when it was just us, made everything seem like things were normal.  There was no walking dead outside of the walls and our lives were just beginning.  "You make waking up everyday mean something all over again."  I couldn't hold it in, that's when the tears fell.  I hung my head, ashamed that I was able to cry so easily.  "Why are you crying?"  He was concerned.  

"Do you believe in soulmates?"  I asked him. 

"Not before you."  He smiled.  I kissed him once more.  "I'll never stop loving you."  

We heard a cough from down below and saw Simon standing there.  He clearly had heard our interaction and I laughed in amusement.  

"I'm sorry to break up the love fest but we've got a problem, boss."  Simon yelled up.  

"It better be life or death, Simon."  Negan's voice boomed, back to his usual self.  Suddenly, a flare came flying up over the back side of the Sanctuary, from the woods.  Simon ran over to it and stomped it out, picking up the note attached.  "What does it say?"  Negan questioned.  We were both standing up now, waiting for his response before meeting him on the ground. 

Watch your backs.  We're coming.  

"What the fuck?"  I asked.  Negan and I rushed down the building and out to meet Simon.  I took the note from Simon and re-read it, Negan standing over my shoulder doing the same.  I looked at the handwriting and examined it.  

"This is Daryl's handwriting.  I'd know this chicken scratch from anywhere."  I said, handing the note to Negan.  

"Get out, right now and find that fucking group.  I don't care if you have to barge Alexandria's doors down to do so."  Negan ordered.  

"No, I know this group.  Negan believe me, they'll expect you to do this.  We need to stay here for the night.  Keep our watch out.  We can't go after them, it's possible they probably have traps waiting, people watching.  It's better to stay back here, we can't risk anyone getting killed."  I explained.  

"Avery is right.  This is not fucking good, Simon.  I'm calling a meeting, everyone needs to be there, twenty minutes.  We're going to figure this shit out.  God damnit."  Negan pulled me with him, presumably to get Lucille.  Whatever Alexandria was planning, they had it planned well.  They wouldn't send a threat if they weren't ready to fight.  

"What do we do?"  Negan was pacing back and forth, his hand running through his hair.  

"Negan calm down.  We have time, they won't attack us at night.  But I can tell you, they wouldn't threaten us if they didn't have a plan.  We need to be careful, every move we make.  Come on, lets get to the cafeteria."  I pulled him with me.  He's not ready for a fight, but he's going to need to be.  "We have the people, the guns, the ammunition, it's okay.  We're going to get through this.  We won't lose anyone."  I tried to tell him.  He nodded his head in response.  He forcefully pushed opened the double doors of the cafeteria and everyone kneeled for him.  He motioned for them to get up.  Everyone from the Sanctuary was there, kids, prisoners, everyone.  

"We've been threatened.  We don't know when they are coming but we know who we are up against.  I don't want anyone to be alarmed.  Our women, children, and those who are not able to fight will be placed in protection.  We can overcome this."  Negan's booming voice echoed throughout the room.  Everyone was nodding along with him, believing his words.  I believed him too, even if he was scared to death, he couldn't let his people know.  It was his biggest fear, letting his people down.  I wouldn't let that happen.