Election Year

Glenn and Jesus did not return the next morning. Turtle kept her thoughts to herself, spending more time with Maggie than anyone else - Hilltop still had yet to warm up to her. Even with the absence of Negan she was stared at as if she were some sort of alien. The only thing keeping people curious was the baby slowly growing bigger and bigger inside her.

"Gregory is stirring up trouble," Maggie said, cradling Hershel in her arms. Turtle was sitting on the living room couch, staring into the empty fireplace. She had a hand over her belly - a habit, now. It was either her or Negan, feeling for kicks or any other movements.

"When is he not?" Turtle answered. Maggie shrugged, offering Turtle a glass of water. Turtle took it, sipping softly, eyes moving to the window. Outside, she could see Gregory speaking with Harlan, his posture slouched, hands on his hips. Turtle added, "Maybe he's just making friends. Being social. He can do stuff like that, I guess. Now that he's with the common folk."

"This is something else. I heard him last night, talking with some of Ethan's old friends, along with Andy - remember them? First day my people walked through these gates, Rick sliced open Ethan's throat."

"He tried to kill me," Turtle sipped her water as Maggie stared at her. "I guess I deserved it, though."

"Gregory is smart. I think…these people still trust him. Look up to him."

"They've gotta learn - you're the leader now, via unanimous decision making. May not be as good as the old election process, but it'll work."

"For now."

"Keep your head high. These people respect you, value you. You and Glenn both - you wouldn't be living in this house if those people didn't think that you deserved it," Turtle could only slightly lean forward due to her bulging belly. "If he tries anything, I'll deal with him."

"You're really pregnant, Turtle," Maggie chuckled and Hershel cooed as he began to drift into sleep. "I don't think you're in any condition to fight for me."

"It's the thought that counts," Turtle craned her neck, peering out the window once more. "Señor Suspenders is coming to the door. Should we pretend we're not here?"

"Where else would be be?"

"Grocery shopping."

"Why have you suddenly gained a sense of humor?"

"I mean, my husband is gone, probably dead. Probably died for a stupid reason, too. Now I may have to raise this child alone because the father couldn't fucking wait five goddamn seconds to talk to me. All that's pretty sick, right? And you know the best medicine for that, right?"

Maggie pursed her lips, gently rocking a dozing Hershel. "Glenn and Jesus will bring him back in one piece."

"They'd better. All three of them need to come back. I told them that," Turtle sighed. "I'm tired of losing people, and I'm sure you are, too."

Gregory was knocking on the door, his fists hard against the wood. Hershel stirred as Maggie, gesturing for Turtle to remain seated, opened it and greeted Gregory with a forced grin.

"I need to speak with you, privately," Gregory said, his eyes traveling towards Turtle. He tore his gaze away when Turtle raised her eyebrows. "Now."

That night, and for the second night, Turtle slept alone. She lay on her back, eyes wide open, staring up at the ceiling. The room felt huge without Negan's presence, and she knew Maggie was most likely feeling the same way due to Glenn's absence.

They were two tired fools. Women who could do nothing but wait and pray and hope.

The moon was still out, and the sounds of footsteps and material hitting her window awoke her. A beam of light travelled through her room, illuminating everything. Groggily, Turtle stood, hearing Hershel began to cry as the noises increased in volume. She heard shouts and curses and by the time Turtle had rolled out of bed, wrapping a robe around her body, Maggie was downstairs, a wailing Hershel held tightly against her.

"Who the fuck?" Turtle rubbed her eyes, waddling and matching Maggie pace. They threw open the doors and were greeted by flashlights and half dressed Hilltop citizens. Not everyone, but a good amount of them Turtle had come to recognize. Ethan's wife was at the forefront, along with a few other men. Harlan and Andy were absent, and Turtle saw them staggering from their trailers, alarmed.

"Get behind me," Maggie murmured. Turtle hesitated at first, but Maggie's firm look caused her obey and slide towards the doorway. Loudly, Maggie said, "We can have a civil conversation, or you can all go back to bed."

Turtle saw Gregory pushing through the crowd, dressed in his own sleepwear - as if somehow, he'd been surprised by the dedication. Turtle's lips curled upwards and she snarled.

"You're harboring a killer, Maggie!" Gregory spat. "We know about Howard! We know what this wretch did-"

Turtle opened her mouth to reply, but Maggie stopped her. "Jesus can vouch for her, Gregory. She was defending herself!"

"She and Jesus are buddy-buddy. We can't trust him anymore. This community can't trust him - look where he is now! Out saving a psychopath!"

The crowd murmured in agreement. Turtle saw that one of the Hilltop residents carried a machete.

"What's done is done. This was five months ago," Maggie said coldly. "We're putting the past behind us!"

"That's what you said. That't not what the people here said," Gregory said slyly. "And I was all for the people. I respect that they had a change of opinion, but maybe someone else should be running this place."

"Can't you let anything go?" Turtle shouted. "You'd send a pregnant woman out to die in the woods?"

"We took her in for a reason," Maggie added. "I wasn't happy about it at first. She's hurt us. Negan has hurt us. But this girl also stopped what could have been a war. You all owe her that."

The crowd fell silent. Some people looked shaken while others were holding on to whatever rage they had left. They had all rallied behind Gregory, who stood tall and firm and proud.

He'd done this.

"You have to make a choice, Maggie," Gregory said, clicking his tongue. "Her, or us."

"It doesn't have to be like that," Turtle exclaimed. "Negan and I have surrendered. It's over. No one has to go anywhere-"

The screech of the front gates to Hilltop opening stopped Turtle. She stood on the steps of the old house, staring out over the crowd.

Maggie saw them, first, limping through the darkness.

"Glenn?"

Glenn and Jesus supported Negan between them. In Jesus's left hand was Lucille. Negan's pant leg was torn, and he'd lost a boot. Blood dripped down his exposed ankle and onto the grass.

Turtle, eyes wide, found herself walking down the stairs, Maggie in tow. The crowd parted, slowly, some reluctant. Turtle reached Negan, his lips having a hard time scowling and she realized that the damage to his leg was minor, and he seemed more exhausted than in any pain.

Oh, how she wanted to slap him.

"You're a fucking idiot."

"Gee, hello to you too," Negan said. He lifted his head, staring at her with his dark eyes. "Sorry I'm fucking late to dinner. And what the fuck is this - why are all these pricks out so late?"

"First off, it about three in the morning, and secondly, they were all going him," Turtle said loudly, shooting a glare in Gregory's direction. "I'm so pissed at you."

"Same."

Glenn and Jesus helped Negan walk toward's Harlan's trailer, which was alit and ready as Harlan had been watching the confrontation from afar. He quickly embraced Jesus, then Glenn, before taking a look at Negan's leg.

Maggie and Turtle followed. Immediately, Negan's hand shot out to touch her protruding stomach. He sighed and Turtle squeezed his hand, not speaking, just watching.

Jesus was doing the same, smiling.

"That's a knife wound," Harlan said. "The hell were you doing?"

"Getting his bat," Turtle answered. Negan nodded in agreement, though it wasn't a proud nod. "And he succeeded. All for a stupid bat."

"That bat has saved both of our fucking lives," Negan growled.

"No, you've saved both of our lives. That bat isn't alive. You don't need her the way I need you."

"How would you fucking know, huh?"

Turtle reeled back at his bitterness. He was baring his teeth in anger, though his hand still rested against her belly.

"It's not very deep," Harlan said. "You got lucky. It'll just be a light bandage and you should be walking fine in a week or so."

"Thank you," Turtle said softly. She felt Maggie's hand on her shoulder - off in the corner, Glenn was cradling Hershel, a look of renewed joy on his features. Jesus stood off to the side in silence, and, as they began to exit, Turtle hugged him.

"And thank you," she whispered. Jesus nodded, holding her for a few moments before assisting Negan as he limped towards the door. When Negan was out of earshot, she murmured, "I'll talk with him. See what's up. He doesn't need to be running off like this."

"Please do. I can't lose another night of sleep."

"You won't. You kept your promise of coming back alive, so I'll keep mine."