A/N No chickens were harmed, only startled, in the making of this chapter.

"I missed you, shitter—"

Sometimes the only way to shut a woman up is to put your dick in their mouth. Ok, I'm joking, and pull away from our kiss. "I haven't seen you in twelve weeks and I'm already annoyed." I hand Vin back her glasses. Thank fuck she's ok, and I know that is fucked up considering these people just lost someone, but I have lost enough. It's time that I become selfish about what's mine, and for mine.

"Mother!"

This kid doesn't listen for shit. I catch Eleanor mid-flight in her jump and carefully place her on the bed with Vin.

"Happy Birthday, my love!"

"I missed you," she cries.

"I'm here now. I promise."

Watching these two together has been worth all this agony, and even more so that Harlan says she can go home. Not that I was taking no for an answer...

We're joined by Rick and one of his men who have brought Vin a wheelchair.

"Rick," I start, digging in my pocket and handing him the directions and keys away from everyone. "There's a semi trailer here. I've filled it up entirely with supplies I've scavenged over the last few months. Just so we're clear, this isn't for taking care of Vin. It's giving back what I forced my men to take from you and your communities." Not that I'd expect him to say anything, which he doesn't. Just that stoic nod of his, but it is followed by a very discreet handshake. An understanding.

However, Vin does get a vocal reaction from him. "We'll come to Divine Intervention in a month after you've rested up some. I'll bring Harlan for a check up, and we'll talk about starting trade if you'll agree to it."

"Negan is a part of my community, Rick, and an important one at that, so it's something your men need to be cognizant about when you arrive. I think the better question is if you'll agree to it."

Well, fuck. I mean, that was endearing as fuck for her to say. By forming an alliance with me it really inhibits her trade and not just with Alexandria. It's just nice to know her feelings for me are that strong, especially since she's not facing death. That forgiving me wasn't because she was ill.

After Vin says her goodbyes, I wheel her outside.

"You brought your car?"

Oh, shit, I wasn't even thinking. "I'm sorry I didn't wait for you."

"It's not about me, Negan. I know you love this car because of the things it represents. This is about being able to have a second chance at something for you."

It's meaningful as a motherfucker. The selflessness of this woman always amazes me. I help her and Eleanor inside the car before taking my place in the driver's seat. My hands run along the steering wheel before I start the car.

"Oh, wait. There is one more thing." Vin takes something from the glove box and hands it over.

It's obvious it's a license plate. I narrow my eyes at Eleanor. "Does it say stupid ass?"

Eleanor shrugs confused.

I take it from the cloth and flip it over so I can read it.

LUCILLE II

Oh, goddamn. I… didn't expect this. Mostly because I don't ever expect support from the now woman in my life towards a very important one from my past. It just goes to show me how lucky I am to have a woman like Vin. I know it's a fucking car, but it's a metaphor for being able to take care of Lucille in all the ways I never was able to before. Thank you, I mouth down at Vin because I'm unable to form actual words. I have made every wrong choice that you can imagine and I have paid the price dearly for it. The car isn't the only second chance I'm given today. I have my family back. Actually, I just realized something. "Vin, Lucille hated this car." And now here it's called Lucille II. "She said it was a piece of shit that's only purpose was to pick up eighteen year olds."

"Well, I can always make a plate that says Negan."

"Shots fired," Eleanor giggles.

We are one weird family...

ONEISH YEAR LATER.

I moan, tensing up at Vin's touch. "Just do it," I grunt.

"Are you sure? What if I hurt you," she frowns.

"You won't hurt me. I'm ready."

"Well, ok. Maybe if you take a deep breath before I do it."

"After some discomfort, it's worth the pain. Trust me. It's going to feel good."

"You've done this before?"

"Yeah, a couple times."

"I could get Bull—"

"No! Ugh," I groan, followed by instant relief once she pops my shoulder back into place. "That's it," I sigh, finally able to breathe again. "Thank you." I fell down the goddamn steps when I tripped over one of Eleanor's toys. Oh, the joys of fatherhood.

"You scared me!" Vin slaps me on the shoulder I dislocated.

I scared her? "Ow," I frown, then practically jump out of my skin from a loud explosion.

Connor comes rushing into our room. "Miss?" He coughs out feathers. "There was a fucking… well, you'll just have to come see it for yourself."

Eleanor shoves the snow globe to the side of the couch and takes off towards the door.

Am I the only one who noticed he coughed out fucking feathers? Once we're all outside, I realize why. Apparently, one of these smart fuckers were working too closely to the chickens and the explosion from the chemicals caused all the feathers to singe. None of the chickens looked burned or are injured, but watching all these men chase around a bunch of chickens is some shit that I find amusing as a motherfucker.

Vin adjusts her glasses like what she's seeing is a joke. "What the feathered fuckering fuck?"

I shake my head at Vin. "Why don't you leave the swearing to me and Eleanor?"

Eleanor looks horrified. "Now we're going to have undead chickens. I just know it. This is exactly how a fuckening begins!"

A what the fuck? "Uh, on second thought, how about everyone leaves the swearing to me?"

"Eleanor, bed," Vin orders her before giving me a kiss on the cheek so she can go tend to chicken fried fuckery.

I, for once, am happy not to have to deal with a fuckening or give a fuckering fuck.

"Will those chickens be ok?"

I nod at Eleanor. "They'll grow it back. I think. Actually, I'm not too sure how that works."

"I'm going to have nightmares."

That makes two of us. A naked chicken… it's just not a sight I wish to have ever seen. "Look, it's going to be ok. That's not how the outbreak started, and they're not going to turn. Only humans can turn."

"Will I turn?"

How do you tell your child that we all turn? That it's inevitable. At least I know one thing is for certain though. I stare back at her and shake my head no. "I'll never let that happen to you as long as I'm alive."

She exhales heavily. "Well, that's only like two more years."

"Shut up and get the fuck in bed." As she starts up the steps I can't help but laugh. God almighty, help me with these two girls.

I never realized how in life sometimes you get the shit fuck end if the stick, but it's what you take from even the bad. Losing my mom steered me back on the right path. Losing Lucille prepared me for the way the world is now. Almost losing Vin helped me mend the most important relationship of all. I smile down at Eleanor. "Goodnight, four-eyes. I love you." I trade out her glasses for the snow globe she sleeps with, then stuff all the sheets tightly under the mattress like she likes.

"I love you, too. See you in the morning, father."

A/N Thank you so much for all the reviews and support. I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed the ride. I don't think Negan did, lol. Well wishes in this New Year! -217

(Oh, I started a Jim Hopper fic if you're interested.)