"So, if someone gets shot, you want to make sure that they don't bleed out, right?" I peered up from my book, watching as Harlan rearranged his office. I was curled up in the corner, legs crossed as I tried my best to read through one of the many medical books stacked around the room. It was easy enough to remember, and I found myself desperately wishing that I wouldn't have to use this information.

Harlan's office had become a second home. I hadn't meant for it to happen. I liked the place - it was small, cozy, quiet…a total opposite from the outside world. Harlan was nice, and we enjoyed each others company. He allowed me to read as I wished.

"Yep," Carson replied. "An infection is the biggest thing you need to worry about."

I wrinkled my nose. I wasn't squeamish, but stuff like this was still gross. I'd seen enough walkers to become immune to most gore.

"What if you're out there?" I said. "With no supplies, not stuff to clean the wound…"

"You'd best hope that you find someone."

I nodded in agreement, going back to my book. I had no clue how long I'd been reading, and the sound of the trailer door opening snapped me out of my trance. I looked up, expecting it to be Gregory or Maggie, but instead I was greeted with Gregory and a trio of burly men, the tallest of the three stepping forward.

Oh, here we go.

It took me a moment to realize that these were the Saviors. It took me another moment to recognize the tall guy with the pornstache. Sam or Simon or whatever his name was - I'd caught him antagonizing Gregory a few weeks prior.

Maggie and Daryl? Where…

They're fine. Maggie's smart.

"Dr. Harlan Carson?" Simon raised his eyebrows. I saw Harlan nervously look away before answering firmly.

"Yes?"

"Congratulations, you're moving up in the world," Simon clapped his hand against Harlan's shoulder, grinning. I stayed in my corner, debating whether or not to move or say something. None of them had noticed me yet, and it was probably best I kept it that way. For now. Simon sighed and said happily, "You're coming with us."

What?

Oh hell no!

I shut my book and stood. Simon's eyes darted to me, as did Gregory's. I stayed silent for a second, before saying, "Hi. I'm, uh, Rachel. Yeah. Why do you need two doctors over at your place?"

Simon met Harlan's eyes, frowning. Silence hung over the room and Harlan didn't seem to get the message. Simon sighed, throwing up his hands and saying, "I'm…sorry, is the look on my face not enough? I've been told that I'm a very expressive guy."

Yeah, no shit, honey!

"The reason," Simon continued, stepping closer, "that we need two doctors is because our previous doctor is…indisposed."

Harlan grit his teeth, and I could see him slightly shaking as the realization dawned on him. "Did my brother piss someone off and get himself killed?"

"Unfortunately so," Simon frowned. "Ugly stuff. My condolences."

Oh, shit. This was already heading south. Gregory wasn't doing shit to try and dissuade Simon from taking Harlan, and I could tell that he wasn't going to. Not now, and probably not ever. I shot him a glare, and he looked as me and shrugged.

"Yo," I interrupted before Simon could say another word. I stepped towards the group, pressing against the wall as the trailer seemed to become even more crowded. "I'm a doctor."

Simon raised his eyebrows. "And?"
"I'm the better doctor," I said. "Harlan actually trained me. Anything he knows, I know. I can also hold my own in a fight, so if shit ever goes down, you won't have to worry about losing me."

"Is this true, Gregory?"

Gregory, for once, looked good. He lied. The rat actually lied. In a good way!

Fucking yes!

"Indeed. She's one of our best. Harlan is already situated with most of his patients," Gregory glanced at me. "It would be much easier for all of us if Rachel were the one to go."

Bye, bitch! Ain't gonna miss you!

Simon met my gaze. His dark eyes were narrowed, but a grin was still plastered across his face. Without looking away, he addressed Gregory smoothly. "I can trust you, right, Gregory?"

"Of course."

"Good," Simon clapped his hands together. "Then I believe you. You haven't let me down, yet. C'mon, girl!"

Harlan's eyes were red-rimmed. His fists were clenching and unclenching, and I quickly reached out to squeeze his shoulder. As Simon exited the trailer, gesturing me to follow, I murmured, "They need you here. She needs you here, okay? I'll be fine."

If there was going to be a war, Hilltop needed a doctor. A competent doctor.

Harlan nodded, watching as I hurried after Simon. I matched his stride, letting out the breath I'd been holding and saying, "Can I go pack?"

"You don't have to. We'll have everything you need," Simon glanced down at me. "Oh! Do you like ice cream? We've got almond gelato!"

Okay you do like ice cream.

Shit.

Sanctuary couldn't have arrived soon enough. I hated sitting in the back of a truck while a bunch of dudes leered at me. The place was massive, its exterior grim. It looked more like a prison than a home.

I get to meet Mr. Big-Dick himself, I guess.

I didn't expect him to come out and greet me. Negan. But lo and behold I saw him step from around the corner with a massive grin on his face - a rather pretty face, might I add. I kept quiet for a bit, but I couldn't bring myself to feel intimidated. I had to put on a show or else, ya know…

Into the gutter with ya!

Negan's face fell when he saw me. He looked more befuddled than angry, his arms dropping to his sides as I hopped from the back of the truck, hearing Simon's door slam shut as he walked around to give his leader an explanation.

"What the fuck? You are not Harlan fucking Carson," Negan said, analyzing me slowly and methodically.

"I mean, I could be."

"You're not," Simon nudged my arm. He shoved his hands into his back pocket and added, "Negan, this is Rachel. She's Hilltops doctor. There were two of these assholes all along!"

"You have a fucking Phd, girl?" Negan tilted his head.

If the P stands for pussy, then yes.

"I should, I was, uh, in school for it when the world went to shit. I'm glad I found Harlan - he helped me out. Helped me learn more stuff. And things."

"Hot damn," Negan licked his lips, stepping closer. And closer. Close enough that I could see the growing stubble on his cheeks and feel the heat radiating off his body. He smelled like leather and some nice cologne. I could see the flecks of green in his brown eyes. He said, flashing a dazzling smile, "I like that!"

"Okay, bro, uh, you're going to have to back up like at least a foot and a half."

Negan stared, his upper lip twitching. I quickly added, "It's for your own sake. When I'm nervous, I fear fart. I can't help it so I just wanted you to, uh, know. Just in case. Since we're just meeting it would be awkward if I ripped one while you were standing right here—"

"Bring her inside," Negan spun and hoisted Lucille against his shoulder. "I'll give her the tour, and then she gets to fucking work."

Bad first impression?

Maybe. He also looked kind of into you.