There might be spoilers concerning future seasons of TWD, so don't read if that bothers you! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own TWD, the Tv show or the Comics…all credits to AMC and Kirkman!

Italic: past events

*Translations*

*25th of July, 2018*

Amelie bent, twisted her body, pushed the fist that was coming toward her face and then the second one before completely jumping aside.

She smirked: ''Well…perhaps it's the age? '' She teased.

Negan let out a growled and charged at her again and the girl struggled this time to avoid his attacks before replying with her own.

They sparred for a long time, until they were both sweaty and tired. The leader made her fall and landed on top of her, barely cautioning his own weight. She let out an 'oumph' and grumbled a bit when he captured her wrists in his hands and pinned them to the ground.

'' Oh…who's fucking old, now? Hum?''

She scoffed.

He bent and nip at her neck and ear lightly: ''You're at my mercy now…and ….if we weren't in the middle of the yard surrounded by people, I'd fuck you right here, in the dirt.''

Amelie blushed hard, her face quickly becoming red and warm…however, just the thought of it, his obscene words, it made her lower belly tingle.

She raised her face to him again, giving him her best bedroom eyes: ''…and I'd let you.''

His eyebrows rose, surprised by her answer as his irises became darker: '' House, right fucking now.''

Xxxxxx

*12:05pm*

After a quick jump in bed with Negan and a cold shower, the young woman breathed deeply in front of the door before pushing it open and getting out of the house in a determined manner.

The girl looked right than left suspiciously, then took a slow step in the stairs and then another—

''Amelie!''

Oh no…it was starting…again. Her first ordeal of the day was there.

Sighing, she turned toward the voice: ''Yes?''

A chubby, middle age woman waddled toward her, red faced: ''I was looking for you everywhere! The roof of our house is leaking and….'' She started.

Amelie patiently listened to her problems and went to retrieve a man who could help her. Then, other people spotted her:

She helped in the garden, she had to settle a matter of space sharing between two families, then, apparently, there was a lack of bread being made. Then someone came to ask her opinion about something, a man came to demand the right to get some weapon…and it went on and on and on…forever.

Around 6pm, Amelie dragged herself into their home and face planted on the sofa. She had not even eaten lunch…Everyday it was like this: she swore the whole Sanctuary was after her! Always seeking her out, for this or that…it was just like two years ago, all over again…:

My sink is not working…That man stole my stuff…this woman said that…I need help with that….Could you ask this person to do that?

The young woman groaned loudly in the cushion when she heard someone knocking. She rolled her eyes, raised her head from the couch and said flatly: ''Enter.''

There were steps and then a soft chuckled: ''I guess it was a long day for our queen?''

She propped herself a bit on one elbow and scowled: ''Please don't call me that. What it is Darren?''

The graying man approached and Amelie moved her legs to give him a place on the sofa. She liked that man: he was calm and honest. He followed logic and wasn't too hard hearted.

He joined his hands together and placed them on his knees: '' I thought about our conversation we had the other day.''

Sitting straighter, she gave Darren her full attention: ''Yes, and?''

They gray haired man slid a hand over his face:'' Amelie…Do you know why I decided to join another community back then?''

She shrugged: ''I guess you wanted to survive…or to have it easier.''

Shaking his head, he explained: ''I was tired, woman…Tired of leading. We were surviving just good: my men and I are tough. I decided to join others so I wouldn't have this responsibility anymore. I lost people under my watch. I had to put the men back to their place when they did wrong…I'm not young anymore.''

''Hey, but you're not old either…'' She tried to cheer him up. '' Listen; Negan likes you and already trusts you; a few words from me and you'd be his second.''

Darren raised a brow at her: ''You are just trying to push me into your actual position.''

She let herself fall back into the pillows: '' Nah…I just need help, okay? Look at me; I'm not cut out for this. I'm a hunter… not this…People come to me all the time; they want me to freaking organize everything and everyone and it's not me! ''

He patted her shoulder: ''Negan is the leader…and you are his woman; this role was coming with the deal.''

''No, that's the thing: he had 5 women before and none of them were doing this! Jesus: some people are even starting to kneel at the sight of me! '' she complained.

''Then it speaks much about you.'' He smiled. ''You're doing great; people are happy with you…of what I heard, our Leader was sometime rather….harsh to solve problems.''

''Great or not, I would like you to invest yourself a bit more into the community.'' She told him seriously.

''Is that an order?'' He chuckled.

She smirked too: ''It will be if you don't accept… Look; I would not have asked you if you weren't my best choice. You're cool headed, you've got experience and your four men here will listen to you. I'm not asking you to do what I'm doing now, just to make sure everything is alright, to keep an eye open on everyone, to lead the supply runs sometimes…And it'll give you points! ''

Darren rose and patted her shoulder again: '' I'm not saying 'yes' or 'no' yet, alright? But if you need a hand come to me.''

On this, he left.

Xxxxxx

*27th of July, 2018, Alexandria *

Amelie walked with her hands behind her back, strolling around unhurriedly with Michonne.

''…And you know I'm right, Amelie.''

The girl hummed as she listened to the older woman.

''Don't just 'mmhh' at me! Rick is the leader here and Negan is the leader of the Saviors! And you're his…girlfriend? We both know they don't like each other much and we both know how Negan's moods can be volatile…you're probably keeping him from doing stupid things.''

The Canadian smiled: ''All the time.''

''Then you really should try to…improve your relation with Rick.'' The black woman scolded her.

'' You're Rick's girlfriend, I'm Negan's girlfriend and both men are leaders…And I'm dealing with you, not him. That's all Michonne. '' She said firmly.

The Samurai lady sighed: ''You're impossibly stubborn…What if things get bad?''

Amelie glanced sideway at her: ''They won't; I might not like Rick, but I do not wish for a war, Michonne. These times are over: it's time for peace…and it worked well for over two years: it will continue. I will always try my best to keep it that way.'' she reassured her.

Her elder made a face and scratched the back of her neck; Amelie gave her a flat look and said: ''I see…you meant what if Negan and Rick get in a fight again? You think I would side with Negan?''

Michonne nodded.

''Well…you're right, I would.'' Amelie confirmed.

The woman accompanying her gave her a surprised look.

The younger girl kept talking: ''… I would, just like you would support Rick. But don't worry: I will make sure their conflicts will never escalate.''

They turned in a street, entering the market place; it was full of people.

'' I-Yes I would support Rick…but it's not the same.''

''How so? ''

''Well…not long ago I remember the both of you fighting and trying to tear each other's head off…'' She began.

Amelie nodded: ''Sometimes, I still want to tear his head off…but we made our peace. We reached an agreement. ''

Michonne raised a brow: ''What kind of agreement?''

Shrugging, the younger woman explained: '' It's nothing written on paper or even said out loud, but it's there… He has my back, I have his. He takes care of my kid and I do the same for his people. He leads and so I lead with him. Negan doesn't pester me with stupid couple's stuff and I do the same. ''

The pair slowed down to avoid hitting people on their way.

''It's just…that man his insane.'' The Samurai said.

The girl chuckled: ''Aren't we all? You're with Rick now and you can't tell me he was fully sane when he arrived in Alexandria: I remember him.''

''Yeah, but—''

''-but nothing. We all did crazy things since it all started: some worse than others.'' She cut her off.

''I guess you're right.'' The woman mumbled.

Amelie shoved her playfully: ''…but I'm not saying that man's not crazy! I know he's downright mental.''

Michonne laughed out loud and the girl grinned: ''Let's go find them.''

They kept talking, all the while asking if anyone had seen Negan or Rick. The women finally stumbled upon the pair. She saw the Saviors' leader pointing at them with a smirk and soon Grimes was making a disgusted face. Amelie rolled her eyes knowingly.

Sighing, the girl hurried toward the men: ''Rick, whatever weird sexual fantasy he just asked you to partake in, probably with Michonne and I, I hope you said 'no'.'' She grumbled.

The tall, black haired man came to her and drew her into his side: ''You're absolutely no fun…it wasn't even that weird.'' He chuckled.

The Canadian sighed again and looked at Rick: ''Everything is fine?''

The man nodded: ''Yes; by the way, Theo's with Carl and Judith.''

''Let's go get him then.''

Xxxxxx

They walked to Rick's house and once there, they saw Carl on the porch, watching over Judith as Theo played with the little girl.

Negan elbowed the other leader in the ribs: ''These two might end up together in a few years!''

Rick gave him a flat look and went to his son: ''All is okay? Did she take her nap?''

''Everything's okay, but she didn't sleep: they played all afternoon.'' He said, pointing at the younger kids.

Amelie smiled and called her child: ''Theo! Viens on rentre à la maison!'' *come, we're going back home!*

Theo turned to her, but he didn't look happy. He just hugged Judith and slowly came to her and Negan. The woman frowned at his lack of enthusiast; it wasn't like him to act like that. She and Negan exchanged a confused look before saying their goodbyes to the other couple.

As they strolled back to the stables, the man gently shoved Theo's shoulder:'' Hey buddy, what's up? You had a good day?''

The boy nodded as he walked past them: ''Yeah…''

The pair shared another glance, but Negan simply shrugged: ''Maybe he fought over something with Carl?''

'' I don't know.''

The ride back home took a few hours as they used horses now, all the while, their kid was silent, lost in thoughts. The three of them rode their beasts unhurriedly, settling an easy pace for them. The trio finally arrived back to the Sanctuary at sunset.

Xxxxxx

''Could we…could we finish home?'' Theo asked softly, as they were almost all done eating their supper in the mess hall.

Amelie stared at him; he had barely touched his plate. ''What's going on Theo? Are you sick? You've not been yourself since this afternoon!'' She said, worry clear in her voice.

Negan looked at them, but said nothing.

'' I'm not sick…I…'' He breathed deeply. ''…I need to speak to you two.''

This, was puzzling… Amelie quietly observed him, wondering what this was about.

'' You know you can always talk to us, buddy…what's gnawing at you?''

''I want to wait home.'' He repeated firmly.

Their leader raised his hands in the air as if in surrender and chuckled:'' Al-fucking-right, kiddo…let's go take our dessert home.''

Once in their house, Theo told them to go sit in the living room; the ten years old meant business. Negan followed his 'order', all the while giggling as he headed toward the room, Amelie at his side. Slapping his arm, she whispered: ''Don't laugh; he seems to take this very seriously, Negan! ''

He let himself fall on the couch, pulling her on his laps: ''I know, but this his goddamn funny! ''

She hit him again: ''It is not! He's really disturbed about something! ''

The man calmed down a bit and nodded: ''You're fucking right, okay, okay; I'll stop laughing.''

The pair waited as Theo installed himself in front of them, pacing in front of the sofa.

''You can say what you have on your mind, Theo. We're listening.'' Amelie encouraged him.

Suddenly, he stopped pacing and stared at them: '' I feel…alone…lonely.'' The boy said softly.

Amelie sighed while Negan seemed to be unsure about the situation.

The woman bent forward to grab his hand: ''Theo…you're not alone…you have us…you have friends here…and in Alexandria…didn't you have fun today with the Grimes? Is it because you feel we don't spend enough time with you?'' She questioned, worried about her capacity as a parent, which she wasn't.

Had she been wrong about raising Theo for years? Perhaps she had overestimated her skills as a surrogate mother….was she even a good mom, at all?! Negan squeezed her shoulder, as if he knew her train of thoughts.

The kid shook his head: ''It's not that…it's not you two…it's just that…Hum…'' The child struggled with his words, clearly uneasy about the subject.

Negan, who had been staring and listening all the while, grumbled: '' Just fucking be honest boy and say what you want to say.''

Theo took a deep breath: '' I'd like to have a little brother or sister.'' He exhaled.

Amelie's eyes went wide and a glance at Negan told her he was having the same reaction. Silence answered Theo's confession.

Uncomfortable, he tried to further explain himself: ''I-I see Carl playing and taking care of Judith…He takes her on strolls and teaches her stuff…I want to take care of someone too…I want a brother or a sister to play with… ''

Erm. Ah. Well…

She scratched the back of her neck, ill at ease: ''Theo…it's a bit complicated-''

''-No it's not! He's my dad and you're my mom and you two are together! That's all you need to make kids, right? And I heard you talking with Sasha the other day; you said you wanted children! '' He protested loudly.

Negan gave an astonished look: '' You fucking do?!''

Amelie ignored the man and frowned at Theo: ''We were alone when Sasha and I spoke about that…'' She pointed out, remembering her visit in Abe's home.

The boy shrugged: ''You thought you were alone.''

Oh that child sometimes…The Canadian watched as her companion took a satisfied air and crossed his arms behind his head: alarm bells rang in her head. What was he planning?

The man spoke: ''Well buddy…it's all on your mom. '' He said.

Oh no. He didn't just. He just put all responsibilities on her. What the Hell was that for?! As she turned to give him her best glare, Theo exclaimed: ''Please! S'il-te-plaît! I really want a brother or a sister! Dis oui!'' *Say yes!*

When she saw his pleading expression, it made her sigh sadly: ''Theo…I-I'm too young now…I did say I wanted children…but later. Like in a few years, maybe…if it's still my wish.''

The little boy looked down, unhappy: '' But…you're an adult…Ana had a baby and she's seventeen! '' He protested.

Ana was a teenager who accidently got pregnant about a year ago in the Sanctuary; apparently, Theo didn't fail to notice.

She glanced at Negan for help, but he wasn't about to procure any and she wondered why.

''I'm sorry Theo…I might consider having children, but not now.''

The boy looked away and stormed out of the room. As soon as he was gone, Amelie faced Negan, hitting his chest.

''What was that for!? Why did you do that?!'' She growled.

He lost his pleased smirk:'' You didn't tell me you wanted children…and here I learn it from the mouth of a ten years old who fucking spied on you''

She shrugged: ''The subject simply came on the table the other day when I was with Sasha and Abe…that's all. I'm a normal person: of course I did consider at some point having a family …later. I'm only 23 years old.'' She mumbled.

He brought her closer: ''Why didn't you tell me? Damn, you should have told me this.''

The young woman shot him a flat look: 'Very mature to take revenge with what you just did. He'll resent me for this.''

The Savior nuzzled her throat: ''Perhaps we should get to work and stop wearing condoms-''

She pushed him away: ''-Oh Hell no! Not happening! Don't start too!''

''What? We could have a child: this fucking place is as good as any. A kid would be safe here…damn, think about it: what's safer than someone or something being watched over by us in the Sanctuary? And…I never had any children…'' He pointed out.

Well, true: there wouldn't be a child safer than one being protected by her and Negan. But…a kid? Seriously?

The girl sighed: '' You're right about a kid being safe here, but…not now.''

Xxxxxx

*that night, 3 :18am *

She glared at her father: ''Pourquoi est-ce que c'est toujours moi qui doit aller chercher du bois pour le feu et de l'eau? Kelly ne fait jamais rien!'' She complained.

*Why it is always me that must go get wood for the fire and water? Kelly never does anything!*

The three of them sat around a small fire, only lit to allow them to heat their food as it was the middle of the day. Her little sister gave her an apologetic look, but Patrick rose: '' Nous avons déjà eu cette discussion Amelie; suis-moi.'' He said harshly as he grabbed her arm and headed toward to outer edge of their small camp.

*We already had this discussion, Amelie; follow me.*

The man whispered, so his second child couldn't hear: '' Préfèrerais-tu que j'envois ta petite soeur seule, hors de ma vue? Le ruisseau est à plus de 300 mètre d'ici! Elle n'est pas comme toi et il va falloir que tu comprennes ça un jour! Ne discutes pas mes ordres; je sais que ce n'est pas toujours facile, mais je dois vous garder en sécurité.'' he scolded her as he lightly pushed her toward the forest.

*Would you prefer that I send your little sister alone, out of my sight? The stream is over 300 meters from here! She's not like you and you will have to understand that one day! Don't discuss my orders: I know it's not always easy, but I must keep you safe.*

The teenager glared one last time before heading toward the said stream, all the while mumbling under her breath. Once there, she pulled out their water bottles and bent near the water to fill them.

It wasn't fair; Kelly needed to learn how to defend herself and how to survive out there! One day the three of them would be stuck in a bad situation because of her!

Suddenly, she raised her head: what was that sound? Amelie stopped filling up their bottles and listened more closely. She heard her heart in her own ears as worry took over in her chest.

Distantly, Kelly's shrill scream reached her ears and then a gun shot. Dropping everything, the girl sprinted back toward their camp, full speed. Fear crushed her heart and adrenaline bloated her veins.

She halted abruptly as her eyes went wide and her lower lip trembled.

Her father's corpse was lying there, just beside her little sister's and some stranger too. Blood covered her family's throats and chests; their throats had been sliced… she heard voices far away in the forest, but her eyes wouldn't leave the sight in front of her. A gurgle left Patrick's mouth and Amelie fell on her knees beside him, looking for a sign of life in his hard gray eyes.

He stared at her briefly before all the light completely left his irises. Erratically, she staggered near her sister and touched her neck; she died before their father.

Her chest clenched painfully; was this real? What had just happened? She had simply been gone for a few minutes—

''-wake up! Fuck! Amelie? ''

Negan's hand on her back, she abruptly sat, her breathing fast and short as sweat pearled at her temples. It was probably all the stress their conversation brought last evening. She pressed the palm of her hand to her forehead, trying to calm down as the man drew her between his legs.

'' You were whimpering and mumbling stuff in french… So I woke you up.''

He deposed his chin over her head: ''I know you were dreaming about them…when are you going to tell me what the fuck happened?''

Her fists tightened almost painfully, cracking loudly her knuckles.

''Never.''