Audrey wakes up to the sound of clanging metal. She opens her eyes and sees Simon by the foot of his bed, doing up his belt. He is fully dressed in dark grey pants and a button-down shirt. His sleeves are rolled up so that it's easier to see his bulging muscles.
They didn't have sex. The fact is confirmed when she reaches down and feels her underwear wrapped around her body.
She remembers now. Last night, both were so tired that they simply fell asleep on top of his bed. He must have tucked her in after she passed out. Nevertheless, she feels a smile tugging on her face.
"Morning, gorgeous," Simon grins in her direction as he secures his weapon belt around his torso.
Audrey smiles at him, stretching her arms into her hair, "Where are you going?"
He gestures to his walkie-talkie, "The big boss needs me bright and early. Surprised the noise didn't wake you up."
"I'm a heavy sleeper," she admits, closing her eyes when his mouth crashes against hers. She feels a warm pool gathering in her stomach, but feels it would be inappropriate to act on it. They are both very busy members of the community. Besides, mentioning how horny she is now would probably put him off. They have not been physical before, and their first time should not happen in a rush.
Simon pulls away to kiss at her collarbone, moustache soft against her skin.
He smells fresh in cologne, and the aftershave suggests he took a shower. When his face is close enough, she kisses near his ear, the moisture of the water rubbing against her nose.
"You can stay here if you want," he whispers, "I'll leave a key."
"No," she replies, "I should get ready for my shift."
Simon smiles when he pulls away, leaving a lingering kiss on her mouth, "I'll see you tonight, sweetheart."
After Audrey left for work, the only thing on her mind was seeing Simon. The way he said I'll see you tonight, sweetheart. It made her heart race. What will happen tonight? He will come and visit her down in the kitchens and then something will happen. Why did they have to fall asleep yesterday? She sighs, knowing that anything sexual could not have been performed with the fatigue that took over her.
But tonight… she finishes an hour early. But does Simon? What if he comes back tired?
She shakes her head, trying not to overthink it. Maybe they won't have sex at all. Maybe when he said that he'll see her tonight meant that he'll just see her. And that's it.
She turns a corner, starting to recognise the setting. Normally, kitchen workers don't ever come up to where the 'upper class' Saviour live. Well… except for when Negan orders a tray of cheese and olives up to his room. However, even when that does happen, Audrey never gets to deliver them. She is always busy cooking.
The atmosphere changes dramatically when a low whistle sounds in the empty hallway. Audrey turns to find a dark figure at the end of the corridor, slowly making its way towards her. She plays with her fingers and gasps when she realizes who it is.
The man swings a baseball bat from side to side as he saunters over, taking all the time in the world.
Automatically, she drops to her knees, keeping her eyes on the ground. Last time they spoke was when the Saviours took her in. He probably remembers none of that encounter. She remembers it vividly.
His footsteps stop when his boots come right underneath her gaze. They are shiny and clean, although some dust from outside coats their bottom.
"There's no need for that, darlin'," he purrs, extending his hand. She sees it from the corner of her eye and refrains from taking it. Her palms are already sweaty, and embarrassment is the last thing she needs right now.
She gets up, finally having the courage to look up into his eyes.
Negan flashes his toothy grin, observing her features. When he is satisfied, he does a little lean, gesturing behind him with his gloved hand, "Are you lost?"
"No, sir," she replies quickly, playing with the bracelet on her wrist.
He licks his lips, "You look oddly familiar, doll. What's your name?"
"Audrey," she says, making his eyebrows jump up.
"Wait! Don't tell me," he scratches his eyebrow, the leather of his jacket squeaking with movement, "Are you one of the cooks?"
She smiles hesitantly, "Y-Yes, I am."
"I knew it!" he chuckles, bringing Lucille into his other hand, "That lasagne you girls made last week," he hums in approval, "Well, that shit was fan-fucking-tastic! Was it your recipe?"
"Actually- "
"Make it again today," he orders, grinning, "That lasagne was better than any pussy I've ever eaten."
She bites her lip awkwardly, taken aback by his vulgar vocabulary. I can't make it today. We have a schedule. She replies in her head. She will not give him the satisfaction of getting everything he wants. Especially not from her. Being a cook here is hard as it is.
Audrey swallows her words, nodding instead.
Negan watches her with curiosity, tilting his head to the side, "You know what… how would you like to do a little job for me?"
She raises an eyebrow, "A job, sir? I'm already busy."
"Forget about it," he says, leaning over to brush a fallen strand of hair from her face. She doesn't dare to move, "I'll get one of the others to fill in for you."
Her mouth is glued shut when he caresses her jawline. Obviously, she doesn't get to decide anything anymore.
"I'm holding a meeting at around lunchtime," he starts, "And I'm in need of a catering service."
She watches as his hand moves away from her, baffled by his statement, "You need a catering service?"
"Mmm," he grins, "I'd love it if you could make it, darlin'. Your points will be tripled."
She widens her eyes. Well, holy fuck. She needs those points. But does she need them that much?
"Are you serious?" she asks. Negan nods slowly, licking his lips again.
"I get peckish during these meetings," he smirks, "Would you do this for me, doll?"
Out of nowhere, she finds herself nodding, "Yes… thank you, sir."
"It's no problem, sweetheart," he grins, "Start of lunchtime. Be there. My office."
She nods quickly, "Yes, sir."
Negan leans in slowly, until their noses nearly touch, "Keep calling me 'sir', and I will stop being a fucking gentleman," he smiles down at her, "Do you know what I mean?"
She gulps in embarrassment, nodding. Sexual remarks on a kitchen worker? She was not expecting that.
When she thinks that he will pull away, he only blinks, staring down at her. One of his hands goes to slide a fallen bra strap up to her shoulder. She swallows, hard.
"Did I ever propose to you?" he asks curiously.
Audrey guesses that by 'propose', he means 'recruit her into his harem'. She shakes her head no.
His smile widens, "Shee-yat. Well, fuck me. I let that one slip by."
She looks down at the ground, gaze dropping to Lucille instead.
"Anyway," he clears his throat, "I'll get somebody to drop you a list of food for the meeting, okay?"
She nods, wanting this to be over.
"And sweetheart," he steps back, "There'll be an outfit waiting for you in your room," his smile widens, "Wear it."
