Chapter 9 : The WorkLoad

The following morning; once she was showered and dressed, Charlie made it out to the canteen to grab some breakfast and eventually found the man known as Eugene. She got used to his personality and speaking mannerisms quickly and before too long she was in the large room he worked in.

"Thank you for agreeing to help me. Negan informed me you were intelligent and adaptable," he said in his usual monotone. "Do you have any knowledge of chemistry?" he asked as they walked over to the table where he was making ammo and the like.

"Uhhh, honestly? I used to make meth. Never had an explosion because I made damn sure to read up on that shit. I got it up to 62% pure stuff," she said a bit proudly.

Eugene looked at her and nodded, "Street level. That is acceptable, more than acceptable. I'll make your work steam-lined so its easier," he said setting up some things. "I need you to carefully pour this liquid into these canisters here," he said pointing to some small canisters, bullet size actually.

While he explained her job she was putting protective wear on, nodding at his instructions. "I'm guessing this liquid is...volatile?" she asked.

Eugene had to smile a bit, it was nice to his ears to hear someone use that word in the correct context. "Yes, very, but if your hands are steady you should do the job satisfactory like," he told her. His eyes caught her arm crutches that she put to the side. "I do not want to embarrass you but can you do the work safely...without the crutches?" he asked.

She nodded, "Yes, I'm fine. I'm leaning against the counter and I can take plenty of steps before needing them," she said.

"The reason for those instruments, spinal problems? Nerve damage?" he asked.

Eugene was very technical when talking about her legs and it made her feel more comfortable. He wasn't pitying her, just honestly curious.

"Oh, my legs are very pigeon-toed. I mostly use them to help ease up on my legs, lessen the pain of walking," she explained.

"I apologize if I am being too curious," he said.

"Nah, I dont mind explaining things besides, being Negans lil wifey has perks...like getting the meds I need," she smirked.

"You're lucky in a way. You've made yourself less superfluous than his other wives," Eugene said as he started to work.

Charlie got to pouring, "that is true," she mused.

"Did you want to continue work-friendly chat or are you comfortable with silence?" Eugene asked.

Charlie chuckled, "silence is fine dude."

The two, along with the others working with Eugene worked hard. Eugene was actually 'happy', in is own way, to have her. Charlie did things and did them well and she only had to be told things once.

It was just before dinner when Charlie stepped away to get some supplies and Eugene stood at his station, taking a moment to wipe his sweaty brow. From outside the room door, everyone there heard whistling and they all immediately bowed.

"Ho-lee shit! I can see production has boomed today!" Negan announced happily as he strutted inside. He walked up to Eugene and moved to lean back against the counter he was working on.

"I really prefer it if you would wear the proper safety equipment," Eugene said nervously.

Negan smirked and waved off that statement, "so it looks like my lil helper has been busy today," he said motioning to all their completed work.

"Yes, Charlie has been very integral to speeding up my work in a safe manner. She is indeed adaptable and her skills lend well to the work," he told him.

"Who would of thought that wheeling and dealing drugs made for such a needed person?" Negan asked with a laugh.

"Yes, that and the fact she used to synthesize methamphetamines...that sort of thing requires a crash course in chemistry," Eugene nodded.

Negan perked his eyebrow, "Look at you, getting my wife to talk and come out of her shell more. Anything else you would like to impart?" he asked, his grip tightening around Lucille some.

Eugene swallowed nervously, "from working, only, at her side...I have realized she does not suffer fools very well. People discount folks like her due to her physical abnormality and what once was deemed as 'evil' vocation...but she's highly intelligent while being a good layman."

Negan clapped his shoulder, "Well shit Eugene, aren't you being helpful. I'm gonna send Frankie over to give you one helluva massage," he grinned.

"That's quite kind of you. May I say, if Camille likes her work here...well, she has an open invitation to work here," he said gently, trying not to incur Negans wrath for having a wife of his he preferred to be around.

Negan chuckled lowly, "I'll ask her," he said, catching Camille walk over with a plastic tote between her hands as she 'limped' about. "There she is! I'm guessing you let no one help you?" he asked, his eyes following her as she moved between the men to set the tote down.

"I can carry a somewhat light plastic bin dude," she mused and looked at Eugene. "Is that it for today?" she asked him.

"Yes, thank you for your help today Camille," Eugene said as earnestly as his nature allowed him.

Camille nodded and got to walking out, Negan jogging to catch up with her.

"Hey, where are you going?" he asked, walking beside her.

"To my room to take my meds and decompress," she told him.

"Sounds like a good way to spend a date night," he grinned slipping an arm around her waist.

Negan caught her rolling her eyes and laughed.