I don't own TWD or any of the characters; only my OC's. Sorry for any grammar mistake, enjoy!
*May 2013*
'' Et voilà….You've grown so much!'' She exclaimed, making a notch in the wood.
A month after Theo's arrival, she had decided to measure him against the door frame of their home; Amelie remembered her mother was doing that and she thought it would be a good way to see if he was growing normally. In over a year, the boy almost had taken 15 centimeters… It reassured her: I meant he wasn't lacking anything and that he was healthy.
The kid puffed his chest: '' I will be big and very strong when I'm older! Like Negan! ''
The young woman scowled at this: '' I'm sure you'll be very big and very strong…but please: never become like Negan…And don't tell anyone I said this.'' She mumbled.
He coked his head, confused: '' But…he's our…our…he's the chief. '' He said searching for a word that might have been 'leader' and instead chose to pick a simpler word.
Combing his hair backward, she told him: '' You'll understand when you're older.''
Theo crossed his arms and pouted: '' You always say this… you never explain these things to me. I can see you don't like Negan… but I don't know why.''
Amelie sighed; it was not the time for this discussion. Lately, it was a game of push and pull between her and their leader. They were both trying to see how far one could push the other before consequences ensue.
And this game wasn't in her favor since he had all the authority here…
Since December, Negan was keeping her close; she was now a part of his inner circle. He always picked her to go on runs with him; the teenager was also expected to attend his 'meetings' when any major decisions were made.
Wherever he went, she wasn't far; the girl was almost trailing after him like a dog!
And he had made it very clear to her that if he didn't make it back alive to the Sanctuary, she wouldn't either. The man wasn't a fool: he knew she didn't like killing, but she'd slice his throat at any moment on the runs if she'd have the chance.
To spite her, the leader was now forcing her to pick their 'goods' in the communities around. In these moments, she tried to disappear; the girl remained quiet and wasn't making any eye contact with any of the poor victims who were often brutalized.
However, she had been lucky: no one was killed the times she went there. She didn't think she could stand idly by and watch without doing anything… One day, something was bound to happen: the young woman knew she would snap at some point.
Worse than all that, Negan was beginning to take his ease around her: sometimes he bumped his shoulder with hers, he showed up unannounced in her home, he now had pet names for her…And she hated it.
The most annoying thing was his twisted way of teasing; he would sometimes throw intestines or walkers limbs at her and laughed at her grimaces. Amelie understood by now that the man never took anything seriously.
The only positive note was that she and Amber were now closer since she was going so often to Negan's house. It felt good to have a true friend in here…not that Tom wasn't a real friend, but it was simply different.
'' You're doing it again…'' Theo muttered, speaking about her being lost in thoughts.
She chuckled: ''je suis désolée, Theo.''
His eyes brightened and he touched her on the shoulder before sprinting in the stairs: ''You're it!''
Amelie smiled and gave him a few seconds to flee before going down as well. She ran out of the warehouse and began looking for him, but soon she heard his shrieks and bursts of laughter.
Curious, the girl trotted toward the sound: Negan was holding him above his head and turning like the kid didn't weight a thing.
Immediately, she frowned and her eyes filled with worry and anger. Her fists clenched at her sides and if she'd have hackles, they would be raised. Amelie had not taken her blades with her, but she'd jumped on the big man without a second thought.
She must have been a sight because the moment the leader saw her, he released Theo and pushed him her way: '' Go to your warden before she takes my fucking head off.''
Hesitantly, the kid came to her, all the while watching the two adults. The girl was still glaring silently at Negan, her stance aggressive.
'' Calm the fuck down: we were playing… I already told you; I won't harm the damn boy.'' He said on an exasperate tone.
Theo was at her level now and she placed a hand on his head, subtly checking him, then she surprised them both: ''You're it.''
On this, she took off, leaving the two dumbfounded males behind her.
Xxxxxx
*June 2013*
The day where she finally snapped came just like she thought it would…namely, while the girl went to collect Negan's due at Hilltop with him.
The tall leader grabbed her by the back of her collar and threw her away, sending her in the dry dirt of the large front yard. Amelie rolled a few times on herself and remained flat on her stomach, tired and hurting.
With difficulty, the girl pushed herself on her elbows with a groan.
'' Oh please…don't rise again.'' Negan drawled condescendingly.
The young woman slowly rose and spat blood, splattering a trickle of red liquid down her chin. She limped in front of the man he had been about to 'Lucilled' some minutes ago. Previously, their chief had asked her to execute the man, when she had not moved, he had shrugged and told everyone that he'd deal with her later. Amelie had not been able to watch and do nothing. Apparently, what the community was giving them was not enough.
The Saviors around hooted and shouted and their leader shook his head: '' You're one motherfucking tough cookie… move.''
Her eyes were filled with determination and she raised them to stare at him directly in the eyes. Killing an innocent guy would not magically sprout goods and food from the ground. What surprised her was that not a single member from the Hilltop or their group was doing something…none was opposing. The young woman looked around: the farmers were scared.
Her hands were itching to draw her blades out, but she knew it was probably the fact that she hadn't touched them or fought back that kept the Saviors from jumping on her or worse, shooting. Negan had roughed her up; she had received a few hits and been thrown in the dirt around. Amelie was sure at least two or three of her ribs were cracked and her lip was split.
It was now the fourth time she rose and stood before the innocent man. The girl knew it had amused the leader to beat her in the beginning, but she could see he was annoyed now.
He finally looked at his men: '' Take this little, insubordinate piece of shit out of my sight.'' He growled.
And it was the last thing she heard before someone knocks her out.
The next time she opened her eyes, she was in a dark room, alone and unarmed. By the look of it, they were back at the Sanctuary, but she didn't know for how long it had been. Rising to her feet, she went to the door and tried to open it: evidently, it was locked.
Amelie remained that way for at least half an hour before she heard noise coming from the other side of the door. This one opened, letting light come into the room and slightly blinding her.
'' how is your timeout so far in the penalty box?'' Negan drawled as he entered.
Today might be the day of her death and Amelie prepared herself for anything: she wouldn't go down without a fight. Subtly, she took a defensive stance and her eyes never left his form.
He chuckled: '' Why so fucking tensed? You did screw up, but I ain't gonna kill yah.''
She did not trust him.
'' Did you kill the man?''
He rolled his eyes and sighed: '' Of course this is the first damn thing you ask; nah. I've just beaten him a little bit. ''
Good. All this hadn't been for nothing then.
'' …But you still refused to obey me and then you did all your crap in front of my men and Hilltop.''
'' I will never kill an innocent man or idly stand by! '' The girl declared firmly.
'' So fucking virtuous… '' He muttered as he walked closer, making her even more nervous.
Negan began to pace in front of her: '' I saved your life, welcomed you in my community… I provide for your kid… I gave you a place among my high ranked men…'' He ranted.
Abruptly, he stopped mid-step: '' Why are you so ungrateful? One damn, little order and you managed to fuck that up? ''
She frowned: '' I have been grateful; I hunt and go on runs all the time! I do more than my share of work here! I saved your life when all of your coward men had left and risked mine in the process. Not once I have disobeyed or made trouble here! I will jump in herd of walkers if you ask me, I will protect your men's lives, I will defend this place…BUT I WON'T KILL PEOPLE FOR YOUR PETTY EXCUSES!'' the girl growled.
He raised a brow at her aggressive tone: '' Look at you… all puffed out chest and standing up to me… not even my bravest man does that…I noticed today that, it was actually the first time I directly gave you a fucking order…and you did not heed it. It wasn't something I immediately saw about you… Since you're here, no one has been ordering you about…You pay no heed to the hierarchy I have so damn fucking well established. ''
There was a dangerous light in his eyes and the man prowled to her: '' You don't follow anyone blindly. Do you know why is that?''
He planted his hands on each side of her body, trapping her there. Amelie slowly shook her head, intimidated.
'' …Because there are leaders and followers, predators and preys, wolves and sheep…and you dear, you sure are no fucking sheep.''
Negan bent down and whispered in her ear: ''…And do you know who else is not a sheep? Me.''
On this, he recoiled and walked to the door: '' What's so fucking sad is…we're the only two real wolves here.''
After Negan's visit into her cell, he had let her go, telling her a beating and imprisonment was punishment enough and that her kid was looking for her.
Xxxxxx
*Two weeks later*
Amber was holding Theo by his hand as the three of them strolled around in the sanctuary. Suddenly, the boy ran ahead, tired of simply walking and listening to their adult chats.
'' Isn't he cute?'' the older girl said.
Amelie looked at her: '' Amber… I know you are checking on him often when I'm gone, but…can I ask you something?'' she said seriously.
Curious, she cocked her head: '' What is it?''
'' I might not be here forever…If one day I do not come back, will you watch over him?''
Amber rubbed the back of her neck: '' You know Negan refused to adopt him… Are you planning on leaving? ''
'' Not planning to…''She lied, ''… but I'm out often and anything could happen to me. I'm not asking you to take full responsibility of him…just to watch over him, if one day I can't do it.''
She nodded: '' Alright…'' Out of the blue, she grabbed her hand: '' Amelie… I don't know what kind of plan you're drafting here, but don't do it. I know Negan forces you to stay here, but you're my best friend…''
The Canadian glanced at the woman; her eyes were pleading and shinny with unshed tears.
Amelie smiled and gently tapped her arm, reassuring her: '' I'm not scheming here…I just want to make sure Theo will never find himself alone.''
Probably in a fit of emotions, Amber threw herself at her and hugged her. The other girl slowly put her arms around her as well and awkwardly hugged her back.
'' So fucking sexy: don't start without me! ''
The young woman quickly distanced herself from her friend and glared at Negan who was walking toward them, Theo on his heels.
The tall man swung an arm around his 'wife' and grinned at her: '' Look at what I've found on my way here to find my wife.'' He said motioning to the child with his chin.
Amelie glanced at Theo; he was smiling and apparently alright… the girl breathed to calm herself.
'' Thank you for bringing him back.'' She finally said in a flat voice.
Their chief smirked: '' That sounded so sincere… see you around.''
Xxxxxx
The sun was barely rising that Amelie was up and getting ready to go hunting. She attached her blades and picked up her carbine.
Apparently, she hadn't been careful enough and she woke up Theo; he sat in their bed, rubbing his eyes: '' Amelie… where are you going?'' he mumbled.
'' Chasser. ''
'' It's early…''
'' I know, but I want to come back before sunset. I will be gone most of the day so you follow the list and keep out of trouble, okay?''
The list was an idea she came up with once he was able to read: she had written down things that he had to do or could do when she wasn't there.
-Dress
-Take your breakfast
-brush teeth (2x)
- Make the bed
-Read
-go outside
-take lunch
-nap
-find Amber
- Supper
-clean up.
- get ready to sleep.
'' Hum…I don't like it when you go all day… It's boring.''
She swung her gun over her back: '' I know Theo… You can go to Amber if there is something. Go back to sleep now.''
The little boy nodded and put his back to her.
The girl went downstairs and walked to the principal gates, enjoying the morning fresh air. However, her little moment was soon interrupted.
'' My maple syrup treat, wait for me.'' A rough voice stopped her.
She slowed down and rolled her eyes; that was the kind of pet names she hated. Why was he up so early anyway? The guy often slept late, probably surrounded by two or three women.
Negan finally arrived to her; Amelie could easily tell he wasn't morning person. There was some hair locks sticking out of his usually slicked black hair and his eyes didn't seem awake.
She subtly glanced at him sideway: there was no reason for him to accompany her so early outside the walls of the Sanctuary. The leader wasn't coming with her for the sake of her company; it made her nervous.
The guards at the gates opened the way for them and the pair passed the chained zombies there before she headed in toward the forest.
Surprisingly, he walked silently behind her for a long while; Amelie squatted to check the deer track she had just found.
'' Why are you here, Negan? Planning on killing me and saying it was a hunting accident?'' She asked flatly from the ground, still observing her track.
The girl appeared relax, but she was ready to jump away at any moment.
The big man chuckled, stretching himself with Lucille: '' Why so damn suspicious of me at all time? Maybe I just wanted to spend time with you and bash a few biters heads to start the day.''
Abruptly, she rose and threw one of her daggers: it went into a nearby walker's head, killing it instantly.
She stepped toward it and grabbed back her weapon: '' You've given me no reason to not be suspicious of you at all time. '' She glared at him: '' Why are you here?''
The Savior became serious: '' I have an offer to propose you.''
Translation: Je suis désolée- I'm sorry
Chasser- Hunting