Hilaryh25: I was really nervous about your review because it was under 'guest', but I am so glad you actually get it! Vickie really does love Daryl, trust me, she does. We're gonna see the consequences of her actions, and how she struggles with what she did. Just because she slept with Negan doesn't mean she's forgiven him. It doesn't mean she's forgotten everyone else. It means she's going to have to live with her choices...
karrie. conner. 1: I promise you this, she will see her family again. I promise :) thanks for the reviews!
Kara315: I know we covered a lot of it via messaging, but I just wanna know if her actions upset you enough to make you stop reading? I'll understand if you do, but I'll miss ya
elljayde: Thank you, I'm really glad you like where it's going :) I'm guessing you're talking about the outpost stuff in season 6?
Faora: I am so glad you enjoyed it :):)
Guest: They'll have equal control for the shortest amount of time... and then her guilt is going to weigh heavy on her shoulders, and he's gonna do whatever he can to get whatever he wants. Glad I haven't scared you away :):)
MissTeller-Ortiz-Dixon: Thanks for the review :) Glad you enjoyed, but not surprised, really :P Oh, and you won't have to wait long... Negan is gonna find out right now. All of it. Everything...
BlueBloodsSVUOrder: He will find out, and he will be pissed. But mainly with Negan. Daryl is going to get very protective and possessive later. As for everyone else... let's just say, no one will know all throughout season 8... except maybe a certain brother... maybe.
daje22: I'm both pleased and sorry for your mixed emotions :P Glad you enjoyed :):)
Bamby
VPOV
Sighing, I opened my eyes, finding myself snuggling the pillow my head rested on as a lay on my stomach. The sheet of my bed was draped over half my back and my legs, leaving the rest of me bare.
"Sleep well?"
I turned my head to the right, seeing Negan sitting up, reading a magazine. I should have probably reacted to seeing him sitting there, naked, next to me, in my bed… but I was over fighting. I was too emotionally and mentally tired to care anymore.
That didn't mean I'd stopped hating him though. I would always hate him.
"Actually, yeah..." I groaned as I rolled over on to my side to face him. "Didn't realise this bed was so comfortable."
"Only the best." He grinned as he finally looked down at me.
I watched as his eyes locked onto mine, before they trailed down to take in the rest of me. Lying there, I didn't speak or move as his eyes roamed my body, not missing a single inch of skin. Then, they paused.
"What happened?" He nodded to all my scars.
Sighing, I turned over on to my back and looked down at the marks that were scattered all over me. "A lot of things. Most of them are from attacks."
"Attacks?" The word come out with a tone of anger, as if the thought of someone hurting me pissed him off.
I nodded. "Yeah. It's a long story." Shrugging, I looked up at him. "And I don't really care about them anymore. They're part of me."
Frowning, he put the magazine down onto the night stand to his right, before he turned to face me. "Tell me how you got them."
"It's a long story," I repeated.
He shrugged. "I've got time."
Laughing lightly, I looked down at the marks again. "Where do I even start?"
Reaching out, he rested his finger on my shoulder, right near one of the scars. "How about this one?"
I looked down at it as the memory came to mind. "We lived in a prison, and a lot of our people got sick. They were dying. I got sick..." My eyes found the roof as I went on, "Things went bad, people started turning, a panic broke out in the cell block we were locked in. This idiot had brought a gun in with him and went to shoot a walker, but the bullet hit me instead."
The memory of brought forth memories of Glenn, and Hershel, and Sasha, and Lizzie... but I pushed them back, knowing I'd cry if I thought about them.
"And this one?" His finger brushed down my arm a little bit until it sat next to another scar.
"Shot again." I didn't even have to look at it to know what scar he was talking about. "This one was earlier. We'd just found the prison and the leader of a community close by made it his mission to try and kill us. I was stuck in the field when the asshole shot the place up and drove a van full of walkers through our gates, letting them loose in the fields."
The memory brought more thoughts forward. Of Hershel and Glenn again, but also Daryl and Merle. I pushed these back as well.
"Here?" His pointed to a fresher cut.
I looked down, at the mark. "We were looking for supplies, came across a walker. One of our people, he shot at it. He didn't see the grenades on the walker's belt. They blew up, I flew back, and a piece of metal got stuck in my side."
Noah, Aiden, Nicholas, Tara, Eugene and Glenn came to mind then... but I pushed it back still.
He ran a finger over the mark, causing me to take in a sharp breath, before he trailed his finger to another scar. "What about this one?"
I looked down at the scar I shared with my brother. "Shot again. It was an honest mistake, though. I'd been walking around the forest, looking for a little girl with my dad, his friend and my brother. We came across a deer just as a man shot at it. Some of the shards hit my brother, one made it into me."
Dad, Carl, Sophia, Carol, Maggie, Beth, Hershel, Shane. They all came to mind then... I pushed them away just like the others.
Moving his finger over, he brushed one of the many cut scars I had on my chest. "And this one?"
I looked down at his hand. "Before the prison. We'd lived on a farm. It got over run. I was separated from the rest of my people. These men found me and tried..." The words caught in my throat.
Negan's eyes snapped to mine. "Victoria?"
"They tried to rape me," I explained, refusing to look at him. I didn't want him to see me weak. "They tied me up and stripped me down. The one that found me cut me all over with my own knife. I barely managed to get free. But when I did... I killed them all."
"Good." He gave a sharp nod.
"That wasn't the only time I was attacked like that. It wasn't even the first time. And it wasn't always a stranger," I noted. "My dad's friend... the one I kinda dated… he didn't take the break up very well. Daryl saved me before the guy could do anything, though. Then there were the ten men. Then the guy who'd shot up the prison. He's the one that realised I wouldn't give him anything even if he did rape me, so he didn't bother. I was kidnapped another time. I was taken to a hospital run by these cops. I had to work for one of them, and..." A tear escaped my eye. "He was the only one to actually go through with it."
Negan's jaw ticked as he looked down at me. His eyes were enraged, they'd gotten darker with each word I spoke. It was obvious he was pissed.
Needing to ease his mind, I spoke again, "They're all dead. All the people that touched me. They're dead now. And the cop... I killed him."
His eyes locked on to mine again. "You killed him?" I nodded. His body relaxed a little, his eyes softening slightly. "Good." Nodding, he let his eyes scan over my body again. "You've been through some shit, haven't you?"
"Mm-hmm."
There was a pause. I could tell he wanted to ask me something, but he didn't speak right away, as if he was trying to figure out if he should speak at all. Soon enough, he made up his mind.
"How many people have you killed?"
"Forty-one," I answered automatically and honestly.
Looking into my eyes again, a grin spread on his lips. "And you think I'm a bad guy for killing so many people."
I shook my head. "I think you're a bad guy for the reasons you kill people. Everyone I killed was for myself or my family. So we could survive."
"And you don't think me killing your friends is justified?" He gave me a pointed look. "How many of my people did your people kill?"
I hesitated a moment before answering. "I don't know."
"Exactly." He nodded. "And I've killed three of your people, compared to the dozens I've lost."
"Dwight killed Denise, too. And Arat killed Olivia," I noted.
There was an understanding in his eyes. "Is that why you don't like Dwight?"
"Yes. But, also because he tried to kill Rosita, Daryl, Abraham, Eugene and myself. And he shot Eugene and Daryl."
"Three of my men died that day."
"I know..." I swallowed hard. "I killed two of them."
He was taken aback for a moment as my words registered. "You? You killed them?" When I nodded, he looked at me wonderingly. "How many of my people have you killed? You must have some ide-"
I cut him off, giving him the exact number, "Sixteen."
Shocked into silence, he looked down at me for what felt like hours, before he responded, "Sixteen?"
"Two at the train tracks. Six at the compound. Six at one of your safehouses… that was after the two that kidnapped me... one of which was your wife."
I wasn't exactly sure what made me admit the full truth to him, but I had a feeling I did it because I was just so tired of secrets and lies. Not just my own, but everyone's. Besides, Negan would probably find out sooner or later...
Waiting for him to explode, now that he knew I was the reason his wife was died, I laid there, unmoving and silent as he pulled away and thought about what I'd said. He seemed to be struggling with the truth now as he looked down at the sheets and thought everything through.
When he turned back to me, I spoke before he had the chance, "If you're going to kill me... just get it over and done with."
He frowned. "Why would I kill you?"
"Because I killed your wife," I answered as if it were obvious.
"And I forced you to watch two of your friends die before I took your husband, and then took you away from your loved ones and your home. Pretty sure we can call it even."
"So... you don't hate me?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I don't hate you. In fact, I find you very fucking interesting, Sweetheart."
The sound of a loud and heavy knocking on my door had us both look over at it. Neither of us spoke or moved at first. We just waited, listening out for who it might be.
"Uh… Negan?" A voice I didn't recognise called. "Simon's back."
"I'll be out in a minute!" Negan yelled back as he threw the sheet off him and stood up.
I took this time to really check him out. In the heat of the moment before, I hadn't really paid much attention to what he looked like naked. Now that my eyes were roaming his form, I found myself appreciating it.
He was lean, muscled in a discreet way so he looked like he could handle himself, but you couldn't be sure how strong he might actually be. Tattoos were scattered along his skin, placed here and there, like my scars- only fewer. I didn't particularly care for their meaning, but I appreciated the way they complimented his personality and aura. He didn't have as much chest hair as I thought he would, but I wasn't surprised it was a mix of dark and grey like his facial hair- which was slowly coming back.
Negan was good looking. I'd known that from the moment I first saw him. He was beautiful, in a dangerous way. He was the kind of beautiful that made your nerves rattle with fear, but also in excitement.
While I'd been admiring him, Negan had gathered his clothes and began to dress, not paying me any mind as he went about doing his thing. Leaning back now, he pulled the zip of his jeans up as his eyes settled on my form.
"You mind if I come back tonight?"
"You expecting sex again?" I countered, moving to sit up.
"I'm expecting a lot more sex." He grinned.
I shrugged. "Bring me food and I'll think about it."
Moving closer to the bed, he knelt his knee on the mattress, before leaning forward to cup my cheek and bring his lips to mine. "I'll bring you the whole damn kitchen, Sweetheart." His voice was low, deep and husky. "Just say the word and you can have everything." Pulling back, he grabbed his leather jacket off the floor before moving to the couch.
I watched him, licking my lips, enjoying the remaining tingle of the kiss. "I'm gonna need more clothes, by the way. I ruined a pair of jeans, and you ruined my shorts and underwear."
"If I'm not mistaken," he grabbed Lucille off the couch and turned to me, "it was your idea to ruin the shorts and underwear, Sweetheart."
"I didn't tell you to cut the underwear. And I didn't even hint or suggest that you rip my bra apart," I countered.
He grinned, chuckling lightly, twirling Lucille for a moment before resting her on his shoulder. "Fine. I'll get you some more clothes. Anything else?"
"Nope."
"Good." He moved towards the door, letting me cover myself with the sheet before opening it. "I'll be back later." With that, he walked out.
Now alone again, I shifted until I was lying down once more before closing my eyes, letting myself drift off to sleep again.
NPOV
I walked out of the Sanctuary and towards the gathering people. Simon and Eugene were part of the crowd waiting, watching me head over. There was an extra swagger in my step, and I had a feeling some people could tell. Some of them might even know why.
Victoria. I never thought she'd give in as easily as she did. Part of me wondered why. Had I won her over? Or had she just given up? Either way, it didn't matter, she was mine now.
The sex had been incredible. My wives, they went through the motions, gave me what I wanted, let me take control. They did what they had to in order to get the job done. Sometimes they were a little more into it than other times, but I wasn't an idiot, most of the time it was half-assed and basic.
We never fucked if they didn't want to though. I'm not some sick asshole. They have a choice. They have options. I know how it looks and sounds, but it's not rape. I despise that shit.
Hearing what Victoria went through, it made me hate it even more. It made me want to protect her even more. Knowing she'd been threatened, attacked, shot, beaten, stabbed… that was only what she'd told me. I had no doubt there was more.
But that was in the past. She was here now, with me, and there was no fucking way I was letting some fucker get their hands on her.
She didn't know it yet, but she was mine. That meant the world was hers. Whatever she wanted, she could have. Whatever she might need, she'd get. It also meant that any asshole who so much as looks at her wrong, was dead.
Putting a grin on my face, bringing my train of thought back to the people in front of me, I moved to the newest face.
"Dr Carson, am I right?" I asked, coming to stop in front of him.
He looked around, unsure, before nodding. "I assume you're Negan?"
"You would be correct." My grin grew. "Now, I hear you know about the unfortunate state of your brother."
"You killed him."
"That I did." I gave a short nod. "See, there are rules. Your brother broke those rules. That means an example needed to be made, and he needed to be punished. I'm sure, within time, you'll learn to understand and accept that." I shrugged. "Isn't that right, Eugene?"
Eugene nodded from where he stood next to our newest doctor. "Yes, sir."
Reaching over, I wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pulling him closer, my grin still in place. "That is right." My eyes moved to Dr Carson again. "Now, I'm gonna have some of my men take you up to your new room. Show you around, let you get familiar with that place. Then, once you're settled, we'll get you to work." I nodded to some of my men, who then ushered the doc away. Once he was gone, I turned to Simon. "Gregory?"
"There's a little bit of adjusting to be made, changes aren't always easy at first, but he came around," He assured me.
"Good." I nodded. "Now, if you'll all excuse me," adjusting my hold on Lucille, I stepped away from Eugene, "I have some business to attend to. If anyone needs me, I'll be with my wives… so, don't need me." I gave everyone a pointed look before turning to head back inside.
I knew what they were thinking. But I wasn't going to my wives for sex. No, I was going to them for clothes. Victoria was mine now… and she was going to look and dress the part.
DPOV
After Enid had come to get Maggie and me, I'd gone to sit at my table again. Only this time I was watching everyone, taking in the place. If Maggie wanted to fight then these people had to be ready for war. Someone was going to have to get them to that point.
A few names came to mind. We had plenty of good fighters, but I wasn't sure if they could train others to fight.
Michonne could. Rick, too. But they were busy, and needed back at Alexandria. I knew Vic could, but she never liked being away from Aly or Judith for too long and train these people would take a while. Carol had taught a few people, but she wanted nothing to do with this anymore. Maggie could, but she was pregnant, there was going to come a time when she'd have to sit out.
Sasha, though, she was already here, and she was one of our best shots. Rosita knew a lot, and had trained the people back at Alexandria. If anyone could train these people, it would be them.
Pushing off the table, I headed over to the trailer, knowing Maggie and Enid were in there. Maybe one of them could tell me where Sasha was.
As I neared the trailer, I overheard them talking inside.
"What do you mean Sasha and Rosita left? I didn't even know Rosita was here?" Maggie noted, worried and disappointed.
"Sasha told me not to tell you," Enid explained. "She didn't want to worry you. She knew you'd try to help. That you'd want to go with them, or you'd try to stop them. She didn't want you getting hurt… or getting in the way."
Frowning, confused, I backed away from the trailer, not wanting them to hear me. I'd only heard part of the conversation, but it was enough. Rosita had come here, and then left with Sasha, and whatever they were planning on doing was dangerous.
We couldn't lose any more people. We couldn't afford to lose the numbers, but we also couldn't handle the loss. Sasha and Rosita were family, they were important. If they were going off to do something stupid, someone had to be there to stop them before they ended up dead.
I burst through the front doors to the large house at Hilltop, finding Jesus headed for the doors as well, about to leave.
He came to a stop once he saw me, a confused and concerned frown on his face. "Everything okay?"
"Where's Sasha and Rosita?"
VPOV
When I woke up I rolled over to find myself still alone. The sun was almost complete set, and my stomach was empty. I needed food.
Throwing the sheets off me, I got up and moved over to my dresser, grabbing the last pair of jeans and a simple white tee- which was a couple sizes too big. I pulled my hair into a high and messy bun, threw on some underwear, followed by the clothes, and slipped my feet into my pair of boots by the door.
When I opened the door, I expected to find Gary there. It was supposed to be his shift. But instead I found one of the last faces I wanted to see. Dwight.
"You get me the knife?"
"Not yet."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Negan asked me to watch you," he answered plainly.
I gave him a knowing look. "Does he think I'm gonna try to run off? Or does he think I'm completely unable to take care of myself?" When he didn't answer my question, I shook my head. "Well, come on then." I gestured down the hall, stepping out of my room before closing the door. "I'm hungry."
DPOV
I'd left the Hilltop. I took my bike and left them, headed straight for Alexandria. Jesus had come with me. I'd made him though. It was his fault my friends had left. If Sasha and Rosita were going to go kill Negan, Rick and the others had to know.
Reaching the gates of my home, I came to a stop, Jesus' car behind me rolling to a rest as well. We waited a moment before the gates rolled open, revealing Tobin and Gabriel. The looks on their faces didn't sit right with me. Riding through the gates, I moved away from before stopping again, shutting the motor off. Jesus had parked close by, getting out of his vehicle as we waited for Tobin and Gabriel to walk over, their eyes focused on me.
"What happened?" I asked them, not sure why they looked so concerned, and not liking it one bit.
"Rick said you were at the Kingdom," Gabriel noted, ignoring my question. "He said you wouldn't be back for a while."
"Well I'm back. So, what happened?" I pressed, voice harder, warning.
They both shared a look, neither of them wanting to answer. Tobin was the one to speak, "I think you should go talk to Rick."
I looked over at Jesus then, seeing the confused look on his face. He was just as clueless and curious as I was.
Knowing we weren't going to get an answer from these two, we turned and headed for the houses, leaving Tobin and Gabriel at the gates to stay on watch. It was dark out, the place quiet. Only a few people were around, but all of them looked our way, the same look on their faces.
"Is it just me, or is something really wrong?" Jesus asked, scanning the few people that were out before turning to me.
I shook my head, picking up the pace. "Nah, it ain't just you."
Did you guy notice something about the beginning of the chapter? The very first paragraph was actually a throwback to the morning Daryl took a picture of Vickie in bed (in chapter 12 of VG VI: Chaos). The same picture Negan had taken from Daryl after taking him from the others...
Bamby
