It has been a week since Nikki passed away. Negan sent for people to bring her body back for a burial but the only thing they could find was an arm and a leg. Those sons of bitches ate her up, and they were still hungry for more.
Mike put them all down once they came closer to the house.
It was all calm now. Well, as calm as it can get. The baby was fussy and nobody knew why. She had food, she had warmth, but it all came down to her mother's personality. Unfortunately, she will be stuck with that forever.
Maddie refused to leave the room. At first, Negan was gentle with her, giving her space and listening to what she had to say. But it has been seven days and his patience started to wear thin. Not because it annoyed him how weak she was, but because she blamed herself. And he knew abso-fucking-lutely that none of this was her fault.
"Breakfast is ready, doll," he strokes his chin in the mirror.
"I'm not hungry," she sighs into the pillow.
"I'm not asking. Get up."
She glances over at him. From her perspective, he is being an asshole.
She sits up slowly, wiping her puffy eyes. It has been a week and she does not feel better. She still blames herself for everything.
Something soft is thrown in her face and when she looks down, she sees a clean shirt, "Put it on."
Maddie juts her chin forward before sliding the fabric down her arms and over her head.
Negan walks up to the bed as his hands buckle up his belt. She glances up at him before rolling her eyes.
"I don't want to be down there, Negan."
"Well, you're goddamn going to be down there at some point, so I suggest you start fucking now."
Maddie whimpers into her hands, "Why are you doing this?"
"Because you are being ridiculous," he grabs one of her wrists, tugging, "We're all fucking grieving here. Why should you get the special treatment?"
"I'm not asking for special treatment," she spits, "Get off me!"
He steps back, sighing into the palm of his hand. Well, at least she is not crying. Being angry is good. It's the first step.
"You best be downstairs in two minutes."
"Or what?" she challenges, glaring up at him.
"You'll find out."
Luckily, she doesn't have to. She finds her seat at the kitchen table next to Louis, who has wheeled himself closer to the table. Negan walks over and squeezes her shoulder gently, showing encouragement. It pisses her off.
Kate's eyes light up when she turns around with a pan of fried eggs, ready to serve, "Feels like I haven't seen you in months, honey."
Maddie smiles slightly, trying to hide her hollow cheeks with her hair.
She picks at her breakfast, the thought of eating making her sick. Negan does not say anything, however. It's a big step that she came downstairs in the first place. He leaves her alone.
Next time they run into each other is when he is sat on the porch with the baby, cooing things into the side of her head.
He swings on the bench slowly, one of his hands stroking up and down her back. Kate found a white pair of overalls that suit her perfectly.
Maddie stands behind him, watching the baby's eyes dart from his shoulder to the house.
She hears him humming a Johnny Cash song and rolls her eyes, stepping next to the bench to make her presence known. Negan glances at her, smirking.
"Hey, doll," his lips go to the baby's head, "How are you feeling?"
"Okay," she shrugs, looking at the trees.
"Do you want to hold her?"
"No," her response is automatic.
He nods slowly, tapping the bulging diaper.
"I'm surprised Kate is letting you walk around with her like that."
Negan smirks widely, looking back down at the child, "She's only quiet when she's with me."
Maddie scoffs, but releases a soft laugh, "That's ironic."
Negan chuckles deeply, keeping his nose in the baby's hair. Maddie blinks.
"Does she have a name yet?"
"No, not yet," he looks at her, "I was waiting for you to decide."
She shakes her head, "I don't need that kind of power."
"You could throw in a suggestion, doll."
Maddie sighs deeply. The only name popping into her head is 'Nikki'. She shakes her head again.
"I'll see you upstairs," she leaves before he can stop her.
