Negan liked Eugene. Not like he liked Simon or Dwight. It was different, but he couldn't figure out what made it different. At first he thought it was his unwavering devotion to him--everyone knew Negan was a sucker for that--but he found himself liking him more when he was defiant. His heart would race when Eugene would talk back, which he came to realize was quite rare. He knew Eugene was a coward--he surely wasn't good at keeping it a secret--but he enjoyed it when he acted against his fear. Eugene had somehow nestled himself into Negan's soft spot, and he wasn't sure how he liked it.

More and more he would request to see Eugene. He had poor Laura going to fetch him everyday. He thought she might get suspicious of what Negan wanted Eugene so much for, so he always told her it was urgent. This way maybe she would think he was doing some professional business. He knew he had to keep their meetings a secret. He didn't want his people to know he was taking this much of a liking to Eugene. It would shatter their view of him. He knew Eugene would be fine though; Eugene would always be terrified of him. Part of him didn't want him to be scared, though. Negan wanted Eugene to be his friend. He wanted to sit down and talk and have a few drinks. It's crazy that Negan had built himself up so high that this seemed nearly impossible. For now, though, he would just sit with Eugene's terrified face and try to coo him into feeling safe.

Eugene, though, was starting to warm up to Negan. He thought it was odd that Negan wanted to just talk to him so much, but he found himself enjoying it. In fact, he felt honored. He wondered who else got to sit down and chat with Negan. Probably not many people. He still struggled to look at him and not think about that terrifying night in the woods, but he was getting better. He wished that he could just forget that night and sit with Negan and chat comfortably, but that memory was never going to leave him. Negan seemed to be trying really hard, though. Eugene appreciated that.

There came a point where Negan was tired of requesting to see Eugene. He felt like he waited for ages for him to get there. And he thought that maybe Eugene would be more comfortable if he came to his room. He would be in his nice cozy room and Negan could talk to him immediately. It was a win-win in Negan's eyes. It would have to be late though, so no one would see him. He could tell Eugene doesn't sleep a whole lot though, so it shouldn't be an issue. So around 1:00 am, Negan walked right up to Eugene's door and knocked. Soon, he was greeted to Eugene. As soon as he realized who was at his door, Negan saw his expression turn to terror.

"Remember the pinky?" Negan asked with his pinky out. He then laughed and walked into the room. Eugene closed the door behind him and watched carefully as Negan strolled around the room. He couldn't help but think that he'd done something wrong and Negan was here to beat the crap out of him. Unless of course you try to pull some shit behind my back. In that case I'll hurt ya real badechoed in his mind. Eugene couldn't think of what he had done, but he was sure Negan found something.

"Wh-why are you here?" Eugene asked. Negan turned to look at Eugene. He was scared. Still. Negan began to get frustrated. He just wanted Eugene not to be scared. He sighed and walked back towards Eugene who was still by the door.

"Why do you think I'm here?" Negan asked. "I genuinely want to know. Why do you think I strolled into your room at one in the morning?" Eugene blinked. Negan was so close to him now he was afraid he would hear his racing heart. Eugene swallowed before speaking again.

"B-because you think that I-I've gone and done something I shouldn't have," Eugene said. "Wh-which I've done nothing of the sort I assure you." Negan smiled slowly. He was amused.

"You think I'm here to hurt you," Negan said. Eugene looked everywhere except for Negan's face. He was right, but Eugene didn't want to confirm it.

"I'm not," Negan said seriously. "I promise." Eugene looked at Negan and saw compassion in his eyes. Probably for the first time. Eugene felt his heart sink. Negan wasn't going to hurt him and he was serious about that.

"Okay," Eugene said shakily, "I believe you." Eugene stared at Negan. He was smiling at him now. It was a warm and inviting smile. It made his heart flutter and his cheeks flush. He also took this moment to notice Negan's eyes. He thought they were just brown, but being this close he thought otherwise. They were more than just brown; They were beautiful.

"Good," Negan said then started pacing the room again. Eugene decided to take a seat on his bed. He crossed his legs and watched Negan. He took slow but big steps around the room. It took Eugene a while to say anything.

"Why have you been requesting to see me so much?" Eugene asked. Negan stopped pacing. "Not to say I don't enjoy our meetups. I just want to know why they've been so… so frequent." Negan turned to Eugene. Eugene's face was firm, but Negan could tell he was still suppressing his fear.

"Why does it matter?" Negan asked. He didn't want to tell Eugene that he liked him. He wasn't sure why--he knew Eugene wasn't a threat or anything--but he just didn't want him to know.

"I suppose it doesn't," Eugene said. The curiosity was killing him though. Why was the boss of this whole place visiting him? And visiting him so often? He left it alone though. He felt more comfortable around Negan now, but still knew better than to push him.

"You're special Eugene," Negan said. This felt out of nowhere for both of them. Eugene heard something in his voice when he said that that gave him chills. "You really are."

"Thank you," Eugene said. Negan smiled warmly. He wanted to hug Eugene. He wanted to hug the shit out of him. It was a strong urge, but not strong enough to make him do it. He just stared at Eugene's little puppy dog face in silence. He did this for longer than he probably should have.

"Well Eugene," Negan said, "I'm gonna head out. I want you to get some sleep. I know you haven't been sleeping." Eugene looked to the floor. He almost didn't want him to leave.

"Okay," Eugene said simply. Negan began to walk out, but before he closed the door behind him, he turned back.

"I'll come by tomorrow again," Negan said. "Yeah?" Eugene just looked at him dumbly. Negan then raised his eyebrows to indicate that he wanted an answer. Eugene swallowed then nodded. With that, Negan left and closed the door.