You sat impatiently in Deanna's living room, repeatedly stroking the scruffy little hand-book you'd filled over the past few days. You were annoyed, after telling Deanna you had something important to talk about, she'd let you in only to leave and make tea; didn't she see the seriousness of the situation? Tensions had only risen since the spat at the gate and it seemed nobody in either group knew who to trust or where to start in learning.

Finally, Deanna came in with a tray and two tea cups on flowery saucers. You held in a sigh, noting the problem right in front of you. When you'd first arrived in Alexandria, the walls felt like a God-send, now they felt more like a prison, keeping people from learning basic survival.

"So (Y/N)," Deanna started warmly, "you wanted to talk about something."

"It's about the fight at the gate," You spoke quickly, eager to get your point across.

"That's over now, we've all agreed that." Deanna reprimanded.

"Yeah the fight's over but the reason it started remains. Look Deanna, my group's been willing to sacrifice some stuff, weapons mainly, but your group needs to make the same types of compromises."

Deanna shuffled in her seat, willing to do her best as leader and listen, "What are you proposing?"

You held out the book, which she took and started flicking through, "I want this to be mandatory, everyone here, man woman or child, should know this. You should live and breathe that book because it's how we've all survived out there; then teach it Deanna, I won't take no for an answer."

"A fair proposal indeed," Deanna answered almost distractedly, "but there are a few problems in what you're asking."

"I don't see how," You replied haughtily.

"You're right (Y/N), we all need to make compromises and if you really want this then I'm going to have to ask you to make a few more."

"I'm listening."

"First, this is your handbook, something you know, so you'll teach the class."

"Done."

"Second, classes will be separated by age. The older folks will be taught one day, younger citizens the next, and so on; I don't want this interfering with your duties."

"Alright."

"Third, you can only teach children younger than twelve with parental consent."

"Everyone need this Deanna-"

"Parental consent."

You stared Deanna down for a minute, grumbling a huffy, "Fine," when she didn't budge.

"Good. Finally, I'm not the head of security here, you have to teach the course with him."

"Sounds reasonable, who is he?"

"(Y/N), it's Aiden."

"What?! Deanna no, I don't care if he's your son or not, I'm not working with-"

"I'm not asking, I'm telling. This isn't a negotiation (Y/N), these are conditions. If you want our communities to start working together then somebody needs to take the first step. If people see my son, who was so against letting you in, working with one of you, they'll be more flexible in future scenarios. Now, I know it won't be easy and he won't like it either but that's my final condition, whether you like it or not."

Petty hatred flooded through you, making it difficult to answer. You doubted there could be any way you and Aiden could work as a team with such controversial ideals on survival; it wasn't a merger, it was a war waiting to happen. Despite the easy, petulant 'no' that was forming, you thought of all the other people who needed your help in Alexandria; this was bigger than two people alone, this was for the good of the community.

Begrudgingly, through gritted teeth, you said, "Fine."

Deanna watched her son pace back and forth with disappointment; she'd hoped he would've taken the news of working with you better, yet here he was, throwing a tantrum like a child who'd lost his dummy.

Aiden continued ranting, "I AM NOT WORKING WITH THEM – YOU DIDN'T SEE HOW BARBARIC AND UNDISIPLINED THEY WERE OUT THERE MOTHER. THEY KNOW NOTHING OF FOLLOWING ORDERS AND-"

"THAT'S ENOUGH, AIDEN," Deanna shouted, shutting up her son who couldn't believe he'd been told off. "I've heard two very different stories about what happened and I'm not sure which I'm inclined to believe. Yes, this is a steep learning curve but I'll be damned if you throw it away because you don't want to do it. (Y/N) was actually keen to work with you on the grounds that, maybe, you'll learn to understand each other a little more, do you understand that kind of step forward?"

"I knew she'd hate- Wait, she wants to work with me?"

"Yes," Deanna lied, using her skills as a politician, "and maybe you'll find that you like what she has to teach. If you two pool your knowledge, we might be able to bridge this gap you've built."

"I built?! They were on the other side of that fight and-"

"I don't care! No more finger pointing. (Y/N) has graciously accepted to work with you, so you're going to show the same courtesy or so help me, I'll promote her to security chief."

Aiden blustered, "Ugh- Fine but if anything goes wrong, I'll know I was right."

He stormed out the house angrily, much to Deanna's dismay; this was going to be a tricky negotiation.

Deanna called the community to attention, gathering everybody in front of her for the big announcement. Everyone looked past Deanna towards you and Aiden who were stood reluctantly behind her; it was easy to assume that she was about to reprimand the two of you for yet another fight. Daryl stood to attention, ready to defend you, should the need arise. He looked to Rick, who held his hand flat by his side, a subtle signal, yet clear all the same; wait.

"Now that everybody's here," Deanna echoed clearly, "I have an announcement to make. (Y/N) and Aiden have graciously agreed to work together, teaching mandatory survival classes to all citizens of Alexandria. These classes will be split by age and I'll pin a schedule to the town notice board shortly. Does anyone have any questions?"

"What'll be in these classes?" An older man in the back asked.

Deanna smiled, "(Y/N), I believe that's for you."

You stepped forward, taking a deep breath and answering confidently, "We'll be teaching how to deal with walkers, other survivors, self-defence, how to use your environment to the best advantage, medical tips, and general survival."

"How're us old 'uns gonna fight?" Another man asked.

"The self-defence will be tailored to age which is why we're splitting the age groups."

"What about our children?" A woman in the front asked.

"Anyone under the age of twelve needs parental consent to attend though I highly recommend these classes."

Nobody else spoke, leaving you feeling uncertain. Deanna took charge once more, "If that's all, you can all go back to your business now, good evening."

The crowd dispersed, leaving only Rick and Daryl.

"Did you know about this?" Daryl whispered to Rick.

"Not a clue."

"What d'ya think?"

"It could be good for us, maybe she can learn if anyone's dangerous and report to us."

Daryl mumbled in agreement, walking over with Rick to join you.

"How'd that come about?" Rick asked.

"I gave Deanna a book of survival tips and she made me teach a class with Aiden; Rick, I would've told you if I knew what was going to happen earlier," You answered.

"Okay, I want reports on where everyone's at in these classes (Y/N), also keep an eye on Aiden, I don't trust him."

"Neither do I, still, I'd rather have him where I can keep an eye on him."

Daryl grunted in disgust.

"You got a problem with that?"

"Yeah, these people can't survive shit and you know it."

You smiled, "Daryl, you say that about everyone, you said it about me when we met. They'll find a way, I'll make sure of it."

"Not with him," Daryl referred jealously to Aiden.

"You kidding? I'll need someone to defend myself against, I get to kick his sorry ass in front of three classes, on a daily basis; this is gonna be a blast."

Rick and Daryl snorted, the idea of hitting Aiden with reason was just too good not to laugh at.

"Alright," Rick agreed, "I can see you're clearly doing this your way, just promise you'll be careful."

"Thanks Rick, I will."