Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

FEBRUARY, 1966

"I can taste the lung cancer in this room!"

That statement was accurate. The White Crown bar was only so big! All thirty-something souls lighting one up made Riley Martinez and her friend gag when they entered the joint. Riley was unfairly tricked into attending a birthday party by her friend, Laura, who told her it was time to leave the house.

Riley's mother passed away four months ago. Her father had been out of the picture since she was born, and it was only them. All it took was one drunk driver to throw Riley's life into the trenches. At twenty-seven, Riley considered herself an orphan. Laura sympathized wholeheartedly with Riley's pain but figured some good music and fresh air would benefit her.

However, a dirty, crowded bar was the last thing Riley wanted to visit on this cold February night. Laura's cousin was turning thirty, and Laura didn't want to go alone after her date blew her off.

"They're really making it difficult to quit," Laura whispered in annoyance as she grabbed Riley's hand, weaving their way through people loitering about.

"We can leave?" Riley offered hopefully. Her light purple sweater seemed see-through from how these burly, manly men in leather denim jackets watched her. They either held a cigarette, a beer, or both. Riley avoided eye contact in hopes they wouldn't approach, but this kind of man was hardly swayed if it was something they wanted.

"Seger would kill me," Laura said over the live band. "I see him twice a year if he's lucky. And one time is always at Christmas!"

Riley smiled at Laura's joke. It was an exaggeration, as Seger visited home often enough that he and Riley had a bit of a friendship. Laura liked to party when she wasn't working at the hospital. Her curly blonde hair and piercing gray eyes made her a hit in the dating scene. Laura constantly reminded Riley that she was jealous of her black hair, but Riley thought Laura had the perfect combination to be irresistible to anyone. What's so exciting about black hair and brown eyes?

Seger was a heavily tattooed man with blonde hair and a beard to match. Riley and Laura had been friends since second grade, yet Riley didn't meet Seger until Laura's tenth birthday party. A whole lot of freshly drunk graduates was as crazy as it sounded, yet Seger and some buddies supplied the booze and weed. Riley ended up calling it an early night and walked home. Seger often teased her about it whenever they saw each other, which was maybe every two years.

"Happy Birthday, stud!" Laura yelled over the music when they approached. Seger looked shocked to see her as his buddies watched from their table, smoking cigarettes and playing cards.

"You made it?" Seger asked. Riley thought he was handsome, especially when he smiled. "I'm surprised! Aunt Stacey says you're always working."

"How could I miss your thirtieth birthday?" Laura asked sweetly. Seger smiled as she patted his shoulder. "Seger, you remember Riley," Laura said as the band finished their song.

"How could I forget?" Seger asked. His voice was naturally husky, and Riley took a while to learn he wasn't trying to flirt. All the time... "It's nice to see you, hun. I'm glad you could make it."

"I'm happy you don't have a black eye this time," Riley replied. Seger chuckled as his friends smirked and mumbled to each other. "It's nice to see you haven't pissed anyone off lately."

"Not without lack of trying," Lenny, one of Seger's closest friends, informed the girls gleefully. "Y'all put your drinks on my tab tonight. The boys pitched in for the drink pool tonight."

Laura pulled Riley to the bar shortly after. Riley hated alcohol, and her twenty-first birthday was quite a bore if you cared about that sort of thing. She got drunk once at Laura's party and called it quits after that. Laura already ordered Riley's soda without asking. Riley took the cold glass and immediately sipped before Laura received her beer. She eyed most of the men still loitering. Everyone in a jacket wore one custom-made with multiple decals, some in better shape than others. It took Riley a minute to realize that Seger and his friends wore them, too. The Saviors were printed on their backs in white letters.

"You brought me to a biker gang party?" Riley mumbled to her as Laura smiled at a random bar patron checking her out from his stool.

"I did," Laura replied cheekily, waving at her potential suitor with three fingers. Riley glared at her as Laura looked at her with a giggle. "Calm down! They're not like that, okay? They ride their little motorcycles and protect each other. Most of them are married with children; they're not criminals. The head honcho would probably kill them if they committed crimes."

"Yeah, and who's that?" Riley asked. Her sassiness gained Laura's undivided attention, and the eye candy on the stool looked saddened that he was forgotten.

"Negan," Laura replied. Riley's face contorted into slight confusion at the name. "That's his real name. Sounds kind of negative, doesn't it?" she asked.

"Kind of," Riley agreed softly.

"He's always the last to arrive," Laura said, reaching for another man's carton of cigarettes to take one. The man quickly fumbled with his lighter to light it for her. Riley watched, totally miffed, as Laura fell off the wagon. "Negan is a theatric guy. Trust me when I say you'll know who he is the moment you see him."

"I'll take your word for it. Can we sit somewhere where Seger would kick someone's ass for me?" Riley asked, effectively changing the subject.

"You go sit beside him, babe," Laura said. "I'm gonna talk to Jimmy Dean over here," she grinned in his direction.

Riley quickly walked to Seger's table. He didn't seem surprised when Riley plopped in the empty seat beside him. Seger leaned back in his chair, throwing his arm over the back of hers as their second card game of the evening ended.

"Laura see someone she liked?" Seger asked knowingly.

"Right on the nose, as always," Riley replied. Seger chuckled lowly as he stubbed out his cigarette. "I wish I had her social battery," she said.

"Laura's a chatterbox," Seger said. "Always has been, always will be. I think you're cool how you are."

Riley looked at Seger, their faces inches apart. She didn't know what was in their family tree that gave all the Madson children beautiful eyes, but it worked wonders. Seger grinned as Riley felt her face become hot.

"Ey, don't scare the poor kid," Charles grunted from his side of the table. The boys joked that Charles was the senior statesman of the group since he was the oldest at sixty-five and most wise. Riley immediately looked away as Seger smiled at her.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Seger said, patting Riley's shoulder. "She's too good for a fuck like me anyway."

Riley sipped her soda as Seger lit another cigarette and asked Lenny to deal the cards. The band re-grouped and began playing music as Riley watched this card game become tense with friendly competition. Laura was nowhere in sight.

-

The bar doors were locked at eleven-thirty. Those uninvited to the party complained as they were escorted out, and the late arrivals and their girlfriends entered the bar. Laura returned after a while, sporting a fresh hickey. Riley couldn't believe how Laura proudly wore it with a smile, especially around this town. Laura couldn't borrow any foundation from Riley because their skin tones didn't match!

"Riley, honey, you seriously need to get laid," Laura said. Riley crossed her arms in embarrassment, though nobody seemed to hear. "I wasn't born to be a homemaker. If anyone has something to say, I'll handle it," she reassured Riley, patting her leg.

"I have had sex," Riley said. Laura smirked and finished her second beer. "I just haven't dated since Jack broke up with me."

Jack was Riley's boyfriend of two years. After tinkering with music for three months, he and some friends decided to start a band. They booked some local shows and released a few songs. At the height of their early success, Riley's mom died. Jack had enough of her moping and left one day while Riley was working, and she returned to an empty house. Riley saw him and the band leaving a venue one night. As she walked home from the diner, two girls hung onto Jack as they strutted down the street.

Riley quickly got over him after that. Laura joked that she could be cold as ice when the situation called for it when she realized Riley moved on.

"Jackson was a twat," Laura said. "And his band plays shitty music. They've tried twice to get signed to Sony like they're Elvis Presley. Seger's friends with their drummer."

Riley looked at Seger as he talked to some girls. He seemed to have a sixth sense as he met Riley's eyes. Riley quickly looked away, resulting in Seger chuckling as the girls cluelessly talked about why they were in town and had been invited by one of his friends. Laura noticed this and laughed as Riley sighed.

"Riley, come on," Laura turned to look at her thoroughly. "I know he's handsome, but that's my cousin. I grew up with that shithead, and he's too immature for you... Seger's got a good heart, but he's not what you need. And you're going through a lot right now. It's why I asked you here tonight, so you don't feel lonely."

"I'm not going to sleep with him," Riley said. Laura smirked at her as Riley shifted anxiously in her seat. "He pulls those voodoo eyes on me on purpose. It confuses me," she explained in annoyance.

"That's Seger for you," Laura grinned. Her expression changed quickly as she slid out of Riley's personal space. "Remember when you asked me about the boss? He's right there, about to take a shot at the pool table."

Riley looked across the room to the faintly lit corner. Cigarette smoke made the view hazier than it already was, but the boss was unmistakable. Riley's mouth went dry when she saw-

"What's his name?" Riley asked Laura.

Laura giggled. "Negan. He's hot, but he doesn't date," she said almost sadly. Riley looked at her curiously. "What? I tried after a few shots, and he shot me down. That guy likes to sleep around, but it's not like I asked him to marry me."

Riley looked at Negan again. He wasn't much older than her; his black hair was mussed as he studied his next shot. Negan's beard was as impressive as Seger's, though dark as his head. In Riley's opinion, his jacket covered his arms and shoulders, but he was thin with likely the perfect amount of muscle. Negan wasn't smoking like the others, but Riley anticipated he'd pull one out any moment.

As if reading her mind, Laura said, "I think he's a social smoker. I've seen him light up twice since I've met him."

"When did you meet him?" Riley asked instinctively.

"Three years ago. He was engaged to someone then," Laura explained. Riley couldn't keep her eyes off him, and Laura thought it was exciting. "I just know that it didn't work out. It was another reason I wanted to sleep with him. I know Negan likes blondes."

"Oh," Riley said plainly. Laura immediately covered her mouth as Riley looked away, her eyes sad despite her trying to hide them.

"Oh, no!" Laura squealed, immediately hugging Riley awkwardly. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to crush your dreams. I just know he... Likes them."

Riley snickered as she leaned into Laura's hug. "It's fine. I don't plan on dating a biker."

Laura and Riley used the restroom together before returning to the party. Seger had dismissed the strange girls and seemed excited when Laura and Riley walked his way.

"No chasing tail?" Laura teased as Seger handed her a beer. Riley was surprised when Seger handed her another bottle of her favorite soda.

Seger scoffed at Laura as Riley seemed frozen with her drink. "I don't need all that mess right now," he said. "I don't even know the person they claim invited them."

Laura giggled at Seger as he explained their story, and Riley's eyes wandered around the bar. Another group occupied the pool table, and another hoarded the food. Riley's stomach growled when she saw towers of pizza boxes and chicken wings. She hadn't eaten since her lunch break...

"Hey, I'm going to get food," Riley said, unintentionally interrupting their conversation.

"Okay! I'll be there in a minute," Laura smiled. Seger watched Riley walk away, sipping his beer as he kept an eye on her.

There was a line, and Riley didn't want to ruffle the wrong feather as she waited. She felt Seger's eyes on her as she stood in line, crossing her arms out of habit from nervousness. Her mother always told her she needed to wise up and make more friends, but Riley was content with herself and her tight-knit group. Riley believed the term was social anxiety, but it was unheard of by most people.

Riley felt someone join the line behind her. She immediately smelled their cologne, which was spice and sandalwood, and it was heavenly. Riley avoided looking behind her despite the overwhelming need to check her surroundings.

Negan Smith had seen the mystery woman talking to Seger. He recognized Laura immediately, though the beautiful Latina beside them caught his attention. Negan was quite the ladies' man and never hesitated to chat them up when he was interested in getting to know them... However, the nervous energy in this girl held him off. Negan didn't stand too close, nor did he stare at the back of her head until she turned around. For the first time in years, Negan might have actually been speechless!

However, Laura had other plans in mind.

"Negan!" Laura chirped as she approached. "It's so nice to see you!"

"Damn, what'd I do to deserve this?" Negan joked as Laura hugged him. Riley turned and looked at her friend with wide eyes. "No hard feelings?" he teased her.

"Not at all," Laura grinned, stepping back to throw her arm around Riley. "You've never met Riley. I know it might look like it, but she isn't Seger's girlfriend-"

"Laura," Riley squeaked nervously.

"–So she's free game," Laura finished with a wide grin. Riley could melt into the floor as Negan looked between them in shock. "Riley, this is Negan Smith. Negan, this is Riley Martinez. She's as spicy as her namesake."

Negan chuckled as Riley's face now resembled a tomato. Laura patted Riley's arm as Negan rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, it's nice to meet you," he drawled, holding a hand towards Riley as she fought embarrassed tears or the urge to hit Laura.

Riley reluctantly shook Negan's hand. Laura watched cheekily as they gazed at each other, their arms seizing slightly as if electrocuted. Riley dropped his hand first as Negan memorized her face. "It's nice to meet you," she croaked.

Negan smiled but didn't push her as Riley turned around. Laura grinned and shrugged at Negan as she also turned. Negan spent enough time sizing Riley up from the front and took a minute to do the same from the back. She was much shorter than him and slender, though her ass and tits perfectly rounded her out. Riley's face was beautiful enough on its own: a perfect jawline, full lips, and deep brown eyes. Negan wouldn't mind diving into them-

What? Since when did you become such a pussy?

Riley gathered her food quickly and left. Laura stayed with Negan, who didn't seem all that interested in eating. His reluctance to grab a plate told Laura what she already knew.

"You like what you saw?" Laura asked knowingly. Negan gazed at her with mischievous yet somehow guilty eyes. Laura bit into her pizza.

"Can you blame me?" Negan asked. He side-eyed the bar until he saw Riley sitting at Seger's table. Riley refused to look in their direction. "That was some quality matchmaking work. I wish I thought of it myself," he said sarcastically.

"One thing about Riley is she never makes the first move," Laura informed him once she swallowed. Negan grinned in amusement as Laura smirked at him. "Look. I only did that because I saw her googly eyes when she looked at you. Not now, earlier," Laura clarified when Negan seemed confused. "But I know you a little bit. I'd look elsewhere if you only want a one-night stand."

Negan's grin remained as Laura walked away. He missed Riley's curious gaze as he left the table without having a bite.

-

At one o'clock, Riley felt fried. Laura was nowhere near ready to leave, and the others were too drunk to drive her home. Riley didn't own a vehicle, so Laura being her ride was as inconvenient as Riley said when Laura insisted on driving her that afternoon. Plus, the cigarette smoke would kill Riley if she didn't leave.

Riley stepped outside, breathing in rapid succession when she felt the clean air. She could already smell the smoke in her hair and clothes and pouted as she stood on the sidewalk in defeat. The music and chatter were somehow louder on the outside than inside. There was no way Riley could get a bus at this hour.

Negan was already outside on his bike. The bar owner didn't allow twenty motorcycles to be parked out front, so they were forced to use the parking lot. Negan saw Riley standing on the sidewalk as she breathed in relief for various reasons. He eyed her clean sneakers and chuckled. Riley looked over, startled at the sound. Negan didn't move from his bike, and Riley relaxed slightly when she realized who it was. He watched her debate something internally, but Laura's words had replayed in his head all night.

"You calling it a night?" Negan asked, his voice echoing from the nearby alley.

"Yeah," Riley said lamely. Her feet remained rooted on the sidewalk as she crossed her arms, though this time, only because of the cold. "I'm never outside past ten o'clock unless I work late."

Negan smiled at her sincerity. "Not much of a party girl. I see," he teased slightly. He eyed his bike helmet hanging from its chain. "I'm afraid you won't find a cab in this part of town, sweetheart. Not at this hour."

"Yeah, well, Laura doesn't like to listen sometimes," Riley said. Negan wondered why she refused to walk towards him. He knew she was embarrassed during their meeting, but Negan didn't think he was that bad! "I don't have her keys, and she and Seger are singing karaoke with the band."

"Seger booked the band," Negan replied. "He's got some kind of beef with the one the owner likes to book. Said their guitar player is a dick and left his girl after her mother died."

Riley almost choked on her spit. She coughed, resulting in Negan's watchful eye as she tried not to suffocate. Negan was slightly suspicious but didn't comment as Riley shuffled on the sidewalk. "It sounds like something a dick would do."

Negan grinned at her language. "I mean, did you have fun at least?" he asked, successfully diverting the subject to keep her talking.

Riley shrugged. Negan shuffled in excitement when Riley walked closer, though maintained a hefty distance. At least she was in the parking lot! "It was nice to get out. I don't do much anymore," she admitted. "But... I wasn't... I didn't know Seger was in a biker gang."

Negan breathed deeply as Riley observed him anxiously. Typically, women found it exciting to mingle with bikers... There were different kinds of biker gangs, and some were certainly not ones you'd want to fuck with in any capacity. Negan ensured all his members were respectful bastards in everyday life, but most importantly, to women. He heard stories about women who got involved with the wrong ones, the wrong people, and they weren't pretty.

"Seger wouldn't let Laura around us if we were bad," Negan replied. Riley eyed him suspiciously. "I don't make the rules, sweetheart," he chuckled. "Seger talks about her like she's his sister... And I did see how he looks at you," Negan teased. "He's a good kid. He keeps the others in line when I'm not around. I wouldn't be talking to you now if we were like some of the others."

"Why are you the boss?" Riley asked suddenly. Negan smirked as she politely confronted him. "Did you kill someone?"

Negan guffawed at the last question. Riley's cheeks burned as he went as far as to wipe his eyes in case he cried tears of laughter. "Shit," he chuckled breathlessly. "Excuse me, kid! I'm used to the guys asking shit like that... But nah," he shook his head. "I didn't kill anyone to get here. I started the group... The Saviors."

"Oh," Riley said as if she were disappointed. Negan was totally endeared by her. "It's a nice name," she complimented. "It's fitting in an odd way."

"It's just us," Negan said. "All the guys in there are it. I don't expand for the simple reason of someone turning us into a gang. You could call us a club if it makes you feel better. It's the most accepted term, and all that shit as is. Gangs can be pretty goddamn violent, and that ain't us."

When it's uncalled for.

Riley observed him as if her opinion on something changed. Negan smiled at her, though he looked elsewhere to avoid giving her mixed signals or making her uncomfortable. Riley seemed more relaxed as they spoke, and her trembles were from the cold, not fear.

"How old are you?" Negan asked. Riley stared at him. "I just noticed you weren't drinking alcohol."

"I just turned twenty-seven," Riley answered sweetly. "In October," she clarified. "I've just never liked alcohol. It's too bitter... And stuff."

Negan nodded as her response sunk in. "Nothing wrong with that," he said.

Riley giggled softly. Negan thought it was probably the sweetest sound he ever heard. "I think most of the world would disagree with you," she said. "I got shit-faced at Laura’s twenty-first, but that's it. Laura had to peel me off the walls before her mom got home."

Negan laughed as Riley seemed proud of the memory. "I don't drink like I used to," he admitted. "Uh... My ex kind of beat me into submission. Not literally," he said when Riley suddenly looked concerned. "I used to smoke quite a bit, too. I guess I want to try and live as long as I can. She helped me see the light and all that shit."

Riley almost wanted to ask what happened. Laura had already spilled the beans that it was a serious relationship since they were engaged, but Riley feared prying too much would turn Negan off the conversation... Or worse, her! Riley really liked him despite her denial all evening that she'd never date a biker.

"I grew up around cigarettes... My mom," Riley said. "She smoked my entire life, but she never did so inside wherever we were living. I guess it turned off the idea for me before I was old enough to understand why people did it."

"I'll take a swing and say it ain't just my lungs that were fighting in there, huh?" Negan joked despite the seriousness.

"It was pretty stale," Riley agreed with a smile. Negan grinned as she looked at her sneakers. "But... I should get home. I have work tomorrow, and it's late."

"How do you plan on getting there?" Negan asked. Riley pondered as he watched her. They could hear wild music still blasting inside the bar.

"I can walk," Riley said lamely. "I do it most of the time anyway."

Negan snorted. "I might look like a shithead, but I was raised a certain way," he said as he stood from the bike. Riley didn't tense as he feared when she was reminded of their height difference. Negan slowly grabbed his helmet so he didn't scare her with sudden movement. "Let me take you home," he said, extending the helmet.

Riley laughed in disbelief. Negan's face remained serious as he watched her, though his eyes were soft as Riley seemed to fight her instincts. "I've never been on a bike," she informed, her voice as bewildered as her face. "And..." she trailed off.

Negan raised his eyebrows. "And?" he asked, attempting to prevent the flat tone. Negan knew why she was hesitant, even if he didn't like the thought that maybe he was a deviant fuck with evil intentions.

"And I don't really know you," Riley said. "Do you want me to lie?" she asked when she saw his frown.

"Hey, I get it," Negan agreed. He continued offering the helmet anyway. "It's just... I wouldn't sleep tonight, not knowing if you got home safely. I'd be tossing and turning, wondering if that pretty girl was all right by herself," he teased despite it being truthful. Riley gaped in amusement as Negan shrugged with a wide smirk. "I'd have to learn how to pick up the pieces from my bruised ego and my chivalry being denied."

"Wow!" Riley laughed. Negan was proud of himself as he grinned. "Wow. Okay, that was low," she said while taking the helmet.

"Hey, don't bullshit a bullshitter," Negan smiled as Riley approached the bike. "I mean, if it were my first time riding a bike, I'd want the driver to be someone like me."

"Oh yeah?" Riley played along as she slid on the helmet. "Why's that?" she asked, her voice muffled.

"I'm just that damn good of a driver," Negan replied. He grinned as Riley felt around the helmet. "And damn, look at that! You look cuter in it than I do."

Riley blushed as Negan mounted the bike. He hesitated before shrugging out of his jacket, handing it to her before she could climb behind him. Riley looked stunned as she grabbed the heavy fabric.

"It's cold as shit," Negan said. "I'll need it back when we're done," he teased.

Riley slid on the jacket before mounting the bike behind him. Negan was slightly tense as he felt her nestle against him and her thin arms wrapped around his torso. Riley smelled like roses when he got a whiff of her long hair.

"Where to?" Negan asked.

"Seventh Street. Right by Elm," Riley said.

Negan grinned but didn't explain why. He turned as much as he could to see her. "I'll get you there. You ready?" he asked.

"No," Riley answered honestly. Negan grinned, about to start the bike, when Riley squeaked, "Wait!"

"What?" Negan laughed when she reached for his hand on the key, but her arm wasn't long enough.

"How old are you?" Riley asked curiously. "So I know in case I die."

"I think you just want to be sure you're not older than me," Negan teased. He was almost tempted to grab her hand, which was still outstretched.

"Not at all," Riley rolled her eyes. He wasn't entirely wrong... "But you asked me, so it's only fair I do the same."

"You're right," Negan sighed playfully. "All right. I'll be thirty-two in April. I remember being twenty-seven," he teased as he started the bike.

Riley gripped his waist tightly. Negan revved the bike before driving away.

The ride was only fifteen minutes, but Riley's nerves made it feel like three hours. Negan was a pretty good driver and obeyed the laws, resulting in Riley loosening her grip slightly when they turned onto her street. Riley pointed to her house, and Negan cruised to the sidewalk before turning off the bike.

"Well, you didn't die," Negan teased as Riley immediately climbed off. He stood as she wrestled the helmet off her head.

"They need to make better helmets!" Riley snapped once Negan had to help her.

"The clasp is fucked up, hang on," Negan said, his cold fingers fiddling with it as Riley gave up trying to rip it off over her ears. After a few tugs and wiggles, the clasp loosened. "I carry the thing for show, mostly."

"You need a new one," Riley said dryly as he attached it to the chain. Negan's lips twitched at her tone.

"You have a cute house," Negan nodded to it. "You live with someone?" he asked.

"I used to," Riley said. Negan's eyes were unreadable as he searched her face under the streetlight. "I've been alone for a few months now."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Negan said. Riley seemed to come to her senses as she shrugged off the jacket.

"Thank you," Riley said as she handed it over. Negan took it but didn't put it on. "For the jacket... And the ride."

"It's the least I could do," Negan said as he walked her to the porch. Riley dug a small set of keys from her pocket.

"Uh, what kind of bike is that?" Riley asked as she found the right one.

Negan looked pleased that she cared to ask. "It's a Harley," he said. "I bought it new last year. I was tired of blowing my leg out with the damn kickstart of my old one. The Electra-Glide is one of a kind," he repeated the mantra the sales guy told him.

Riley laughed as she unlocked the door. She stepped inside and turned on the light. Negan shrugged into his jacket as Riley watched him as if deep in thought. "It's really nice," Riley said. "It was nice to ride... Not as bumpy as I was afraid of."

"Thanks," Negan smiled as they beamed at each other. "I won't keep you up any longer than I have, talking your ear off in the cold like that," he drawled.

"If I didn't want to talk to you, I would have walked away," Riley informed him. "It was a better deal than walking home alone."

Negan observed her face. He noticed freckles scattered across her nose and cheeks, though Riley's face appeared flawless. Riley didn't wear makeup tonight, though he imagined she'd look fearlessly bold with it. Negan snapped himself out of the trance he felt looming as Riley didn't speak.

"I hope to see you around," Negan admitted. Riley's eyes appeared hopeful as he smiled. "Where'd you say you work again?" he asked, knowing damn well she never said.

Riley snickered. "I wait tables at the 12th Street Diner. It's nothing fancy. And I kind of hate having to talk to people, but it pays the bills."

"A job's a job," Negan shrugged. "I think I'll see you again," he smirked as he backed away. Riley's face as he continued indirectly teasing her made him chuckle. "In fact, I'd guarantee it!" he boasted.

"What do you do?" Riley called softly. Negan stopped walking as he did an internal fistbump. Her continued curiosity meant he wasn't the only one feeling things, no matter how subdued.

"Nothing fancy," Negan replied as he turned. He smiled as Riley crossed her arms. "I work at a mechanic shop," Negan said. "I'm elbow-deep in oil all day, every day, sweetheart."

"I would have guessed a prison guard," Riley said sarcastically. "You should look into it."

Negan smiled as Riley walked further into her house. "I'll see you around?" he asked rhetorically, but hopefully.

Riley had the door halfway closed. She watched him, pressing her lips in a thin line before she smiled. Negan thought Riley had the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen. "I'd guarantee it," she replied before closing the door.

Negan grinned as he stood in her yard. He quietly walked to his bike and mounted it. Negan observed her house quietly until a light came on through a second-floor window. He started the bike, slowly driving off as Riley peeked at him through the curtain. 

Chapter Text

Three Days Later

Riley smoothed the material of her waitressing uniform. It was bright orange with white flaps and cuffs. Riley hated how the color clashed with her brown skin, but her white apron seemed to draw attention from the ugliness enough that she didn't hate herself when looking in the mirror. Riley reached into her bag for her red lipstick, using the stained bathroom mirror to apply it carefully. Laura visited her at work often and recommended that Riley wear it to get more tips. Riley collected her tips one day with her lipstick and never went back.

It was lunchtime during the week. Riley preferred the day shift, though the money was better at night some days. The weather was bitterly cold today, keeping most people away as a light snowfall began. Riley stocked napkin holders as an elderly man at the counter drank coffee and read the paper. The fry cook whistled Sinatra songs as he prepared food.

"Ms?" the elderly patron croaked as he held up his mug. Riley stuffed another handful of napkins into the holders before grabbing a hot coffee pot to refill his drink. It was the most exciting thing to happen in the last hour. While Riley's back was turned, the doorbell jingled as someone entered the diner.

There were some quiet giggles as they took their seats. Riley had her share of shitty patrons and assumed it was high schoolers ditching today and stirring up trouble across town. The elderly man added sugar to his mug with shaky fingers.

"Excuse me, Ms," someone with a high-pitched, giggly voice asked. "Can we smoke in here?"

Riley internally rolled her eyes as if every restaurant in this town didn't allow it. "You can," she replied, successfully biting her tongue.

"Do ya have a light?" they asked in an English accent. Riley turned and laughed in relief when she saw Seger and Laura attempting to hold their laughter. Seger held an unlit cigarette as they laughed with her.

"Don't you two have school?" Riley asked sarcastically as Laura beamed at her cousin.

"We ditched," Seger replied as he lit the cigarette. "And what better reason to see you?"

Laura smirked at Riley when her face reddened slightly. Seger grabbed the menu and read it as Riley glared at Laura's smug expression. Laura didn't say anything as Riley's manager peeked from his office to see how things were going.

"Martinez," he called in his deep baritone. "Are those napkins fully stocked?"

Riley looked flustered as she avoided looking in his direction, grabbing the holder she was working on previously as Seger's face flattened. "Working on it!" Riley called back. They listened to the door softly close.

"His fat ass can come out and do it himself," Seger mumbled. Laura nudged him as Riley continued shoving napkins into the tin holder.

"Do you guys want anything?" Riley asked. "He'll make you leave if you don't order anything within half an hour."

"Coffee?" Seger asked hopefully.

"I'll have the same," Laura said. Riley got them mugs and poured the coffee. Steam rose from the mugs and tickled their noses. Riley got cream and sugar for Laura without needing to ask.

"You're the best," Laura chuckled as she added cream.

Seger downed nearly the entire mug without waiting. Laura gagged as Riley continued her side work, wrinkling her nose while Laura watched her cousin with disgust.

"Black coffee?" Laura asked with disdain. "That is disgusting!"

Seger shrugged as he puffed his cigarette. "Mind your business. Drink your diabetes in a cup," he mumbled.

Laura rolled her eyes. "Riley, back me up here. Do you drink your coffee like this wild animal?"

"No," Riley said simply. "And I wouldn't say a spoonful of sugar causes diabetes," she chuckled dryly.

"Okay, Mary Poppins," Seger mumbled. Riley belly laughed as Laura nearly spit out her coffee.

"How do you know what that is?" Laura asked as she wiped her chin. Riley giggled at Seger's thoughtful expression.

"My mom made me watch it," Seger lied as he fiddled with his cigarette. Laura and Riley eyed each other with grins.

Laura ordered food and explained that she got off work early. Seger picked his favorite cousin up, and of course, they had to stop to annoy her best friend as she worked. Laura ate her brunch as the elder patron threw some change on the table and left.

"Don't light another one," Laura scolded Seger as his anxious hands fumbled with his carton. "At least let me eat."

Seger eyed the clock on the wall, ignoring her request as Riley placed the napkin tins on the tables. "I gotta make a call," he said, standing smoothly from the stool. Laura didn't question it as he walked outside to the nearest payphone.

Riley returned behind the counter as Seger walked to the corner sidewalk. Laura ate her toast.

"Negan told Seger he drove you home," Laura said. Riley cleaned the other patron's dishes and collected his money. He left more money than was owed, so Riley tucked her share into her apron pocket.

"He did," Riley confirmed. Laura smiled as Riley began wiping his crumbs from the counter, rolling her eyes since she had to discard his paper.

"So, you'd say he took you for a ride?" Laura teased. She laughed when Riley gave her a dirty look. "Riley Valentina, you know I'm just teasing you!"

"He didn't try to come inside," Riley informed Laura as she dumped the dishes into a bin. "Actually, he was really nice... And kind of sweet," she said as she reminisced.

"I've heard plenty of words to describe Negan," Laura said pointedly as Riley made herself busy. "But sweet is a new one."

"He was!" Riley defended her word choice as Laura ate. "I would have walked home if he hadn't offered to drive me."

"I have to say I'm surprised," Laura admitted. Riley eyed the front windows when she saw Seger smoking again. "It took you weeks just to tell Jack where you lived."

Riley was grateful when some patrons entered the diner. Laura smirked as Riley waited for them to sit before offering her services. Seger returned and stole Laura's last pancake.

-

The following evening, Riley changed into her comfiest clothes and curled on her couch as she watched television. Her mother had been attached to the soap opera General Hospital, and despite Riley not finding it that interesting, she found herself watching it some nights when the episode that day re-aired. Riley curled under her blanket as her cat, Presley, purred on the armchair.

As Riley began falling asleep, she was startled awake by the shrill ringing of her telephone. Riley groaned and pulled the blanket over her head as it rang until it stopped. She didn't move as she tried to continue falling asleep. Presley purred away, his dark tail brushing Riley's head every time he wagged it. Riley slipped under temporarily until the phone rang a second time.

"Damn!" Riley snapped as she sat up, throwing the blanket aside as Presley squinted at her. Presley watched Riley storm into the kitchen, ripping the phone off the wall in the dark. "Hello?" she asked rudely.

"Girl, it's nine o'clock," Laura replied. "Are you seriously in bed?"

Riley adjusted her sweatshirt as she fought the urge to yawn. "Of course not," she replied. "I'm watching television."

"Uh huh," Laura humored her. "Listen, change into nice clothes. I'm picking you up in twenty minutes."

"What?" Riley asked in disbelief. Laura snorted into the phone. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because it was last minute," Laura answered innocently. "We're not going to a bar again, fear not, child," she said sarcastically. "But there will be boys there. Maybe throw on some makeup."

"And if I refuse?" Riley asked in boredom. She rubbed her eyes, unable to hide her yawn this time.

Laura had the audacity to giggle! "You won't refuse because you never get out! Seger and his friends are still talking about you being at his party. It's just a get-together. When have I ever lied to you?" Laura asked.

"Quite often, actually," Riley said.

"But nothing you can prove," Laura pointed out. Riley scowled. "You just ran your timer down to fifteen minutes. Be ready!" she said sternly before hanging up.

Riley roughly hung up the phone, crossing her arms as she observed Presley. His black fur looked shiny in the lamplight. Riley walked to her cat, softly petting his head until he purred under her touch. "I wish I were you," she admitted before hurrying upstairs to change.

Despite the cold, Riley slipped into a white turtleneck sweater and a black plaid mini skirt that Laura had bought her for her birthday. Her dark overcoat would cover her legs adequately in the cold. Riley kept her hair half-up, half-down, and tied it with a bow. Laura said Riley's silky hair and perfect face made the look. When she saw Laura's car pull to the curb, Riley forgot the makeup.

Riley kissed Presley goodbye and turned off the television. Laura already had the passenger door open as Riley climbed inside.

"Wow, Brigitte Bardot!" Laura grinned as Riley buckled herself in. "I can't even be annoyed that you didn't put on makeup. You look pretty enough without it."

"Thanks," Riley said almost bashfully. Laura began driving. "So, where the hell are we going?" she asked Laura.

"Nothing crazy," Laura said. Riley stared at her as she drove. "It's just a little house party with some friends."

"They're not my friends," Riley said as she looked out her window. "Seger and you are about it in that circle."

"Well, they could be," Laura said, rolling the window down slightly when the heat became suffocating. "I think you should trust people a bit more, Riley. I worry about you in that house alone."

"I did trust people–" Riley began.

Laura snickered. "–Hardly. And the ones you did–"

"–Ended up being jackasses," Riley finished. Laura nodded in agreement. "So, excuse me for not jumping on the social bandwagon so soon."

Laura smiled as Riley refused to look over. "I love your attitude," she sighed. Riley still didn't look at her. "It never fails."

"I've given up on trying at twenty-seven," Riley replied. "I'll live in my house with Presley until I'm ninety-five."

"I didn't realize Presley is immortal," Laura continued the conversation casually.

"He is because–" Riley paused when she became flustered. Laura chuckled when she imagined Riley's face perfectly. "Never mind."

"Because Elvis is immortal," Laura mocked Riley. Riley pouted as the man of the hour came on the radio. "Come on. Anyone who hears Presley's name will know where the namesake came from," Laura smiled.

"Not if I deny it," Riley mumbled. Laura pulled up to a house with similar model cars parked in the front yard. Only a few drove their motorcycles.

"Come on!" Laura said as she turned off the car. "I know some of the wives are here. We'll have girls to talk to."

Riley reluctantly unbuckled her belt as Laura climbed out. Her feet felt heavy as she exited the car, wrapping her overcoat tighter as they walked to the porch. Music played from inside as the boys hooted and hollered at something. Laura grabbed Riley's hand before she could make a break for it.

"Nice try!" Laura giggled as she opened the front door. Riley was aghast when Laura pushed her inside first. 

Riley almost stumbled with her wet feet on someone's vinyl floor. However, a firm, larger body prevented her from doing so. Riley gasped when rough hands grabbed her waist, keeping her upright and safe from faceplanting. She smelled spice and sandalwood and recognized the smell immediately.

"Hey, sweetheart," Negan grinned as Riley stared at his chest wide-eyed. Laura looked excitedly guilty as she left to find Seger. "You miss me that much?" he teased.

"Hi," Riley replied. Negan kept his firm grip on her hips as Riley about melted into the floor. "And I just think you were in the way," she answered with instinctual sarcasm.

Negan grinned and reluctantly released her. He nudged her chin with his fingers so Riley would look at him. "Just like that, huh?" he asked. "You wanna make yourself at home?"

"I don't think I have a choice," Riley said as she looked around. Laura was correct in assuming the girlfriends and wives would be there, as plenty of them eyed Riley and Negan as he flirted with her.

"I can take that if you're comfortable," Negan gestured to her coat. Riley eyed the room before sliding it off. Negan peeked at the sliver of tummy that showed as she wiggled her arms.

Laura! I'm not made for this!

Negan wasn't an idiot and nodded for Riley to follow him. She did so quickly; whether instinctively or not, Negan wouldn't know. Negan took her coat into a room littered with dozens of women's coats and purses. Riley watched him put hers with Laura's things.

"Whose house is this?" Riley asked as she looked around. Whoever owned it seemed clean and organized.

"Ol' man Charles," Negan replied. Riley observed his biker jacket for the second time and remembered how warm it was when she wore it. "His old lady is away... She doesn't like that he rides with us," Negan explained as he turned around. Riley quickly looked elsewhere as Negan smirked when he knew what she was doing.

"Is this like a meeting... Or something?" Riley asked. Negan admired her pretty face as she appeared too nervous to look at him.

"Nah," Negan waved her off. His white shirt and blue jeans were almost too fitting for him, and Riley realized she was totally into him. "There are no outsiders allowed for meetings," he answered honestly, though he couldn't help but tease her anyway. "I'm afraid you'd be trespassing, sweetheart."

"Would you allow women to join?" Riley asked, barely hiding her smile at his teasing. Negan's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise.

"I don't have women lining up to join," Negan grinned cheekily. "Actually, most seem more interested in the guys than the bikes. We already have enough drama behind the scenes when Betty finds out her husband fucked Bonnie."

Riley covered her mouth when she laughed. Negan proudly smirked when he realized Riley almost seemed horrified that she had let herself slip. Her brown eyes betrayed her as she dropped her hand, and Negan's hazel eyes scrubbed her brain in the right way.

"I need a drink," Riley said abruptly as she left. Negan watched her go with a toothy grin.

Laura chatted someone up when Riley approached, ripping the shot glass from Laura's hand as Laura gawked in surprise. Riley tossed the drink back without asking what it was. Laura laughed when Riley's face contorted in disgust as she forced it down. "How was it?" Laura asked.

"I'm going to throw up," Riley squeaked as she shoved the glass in Laura's hand. Laura patted Riley's back and handed her a soda.

-

The cold kept anyone from going outside unless to smoke or piss when the bathroom was occupied.

Laura introduced Riley to some of the girls. They seemed turned off by Riley's slightly aloof behavior as her nerves got the best of her. Laura didn't stray from Riley's side much this time around as the boys played cards, drank themselves stupid, or playfully berated each other across the room. Seger or Negan hadn't been seen in a while.

"I'm going to the bathroom," Riley whispered to Laura as she stood. Laura nodded as Riley maneuvered through legs and tables covered in stubbed-out cigarettes and beer cans. The bathroom was empty, and she quickly claimed the spot as a wrestling match began in the den.

Laura saw Negan and Lenny enter the backdoor. Lenny carried more beer while Negan's eyes wandered the stuffy kitchen. The boys played cards and drank brandy. Laura eyed Negan as he looked for something or someone...

"Hey, legs!" Laura called at him. Negan paused, his curious eyes finding her as she smirked at him. He rolled his eyes, his smirk equally mischievous as he walked toward her. "Looking for something?" Laura asked.

"I just might be," Negan replied smoothly. "You scare her off already?"

Laura rolled her eyes as Charles handed her a cigarette. Riley would kill her once she returned. "Of course not! You should get to know her, you know?" Laura asked as she lit it. "So I can disappear for a bit with that dude giving me heart-eyes."

Negan followed her gaze, and Johnny smiled suggestively at Laura from the other room. Johnny wasn't all that bright, but the girls loved him. Negan trilled his lips as Laura puffed her cigarette.

"Where is she?" Negan asked as he looked around, ensuring it was inconspicuous.

Riley exited the bathroom at that moment. She looked in the room beside her and saw Seger and another woman heavily making out on what was probably Charles' bed. Riley quickly looked away, ignoring the whimpers and exaggerated gasping of whomever Seger was about to fuck. Laura saw Riley approaching and nodded toward her without speaking.

"We were just talking about you!" Laura cooed as Riley paused when she saw Negan. "How about you two sit and chat?" she stood, quickly forcing Riley to take her seat. Negan chuckled, mussing his dark hair as Laura patted his shoulder and left.

"I thought you left," Negan said, sitting in Riley's forgotten seat. Riley smoothed her skirt as if it could magically grow a few inches.

"Is that disappointment I hear?" Riley asked. Negan grinned when she looked at him briefly. "I didn't know I was coming until I got here."

"Not your usual crowd, sweetheart?" Negan teased. Riley's face flushed. She realized Negan's teasing would be frequent, and she might as well get used to it.

"I don't really have a crowd," Riley admitted. Negan opened a cooler beside the couch and rifled through it. He leaned back in his chair once he got what he wanted. Riley watched him pop the tab, and foam bubbled around the lid as Negan slurped it up. She stared so intently that she didn't notice Negan smirking at her.

"You want a taste?" Negan asked. His hazel eyes glistened as he observed her face. "I saw you throw back that shot. I gotta see if you make that face again."

"If you're offering," Riley said. "You just already, you know, slobbered all over it," she laughed. Negan grinned as he handed her the can. Riley waved it under her nose.

"It won't bite," Negan drawled.

"I know that!" Riley squeaked in embarrassment. Negan rubbed his scruffy chin as she sipped it, his grin wide when Riley licked her bottom lip. Her face contorted into a grimace as if she tasted cough medicine. "Ew. Yeah, no," she handed it back.

Negan chuckled as he drank from it. "It's your loss!" he said.

Riley didn't know what to discuss, but making the subject about her sounded horrible. Negan looked around, ensuring nobody was actually getting their asses beat or worse. Despite the boys being rowdy at times, Riley could admit that it was more laid back than she expected. While her thoughts wandered, her dead stare at Negan's face caused him to look at her in amusement.

"You have a lot of hair," Riley said, the most random thing she could think of. Negan's lips twitched as he sipped. Imagine running your hand through it... Heh.

"Well, not as much as you do, sweetheart," Negan said as he pointed at her. "I'm used to those goddamn bobs and shit nowadays. I like long hair," he admitted.

Riley smiled. "Well, I'd never cut it that short if that means anything..."

Negan went to speak, only to be interrupted when Lenny and Johnny approached, clapping him on his shoulders. Negan deduced that Johnny and Laura had a great damn time just by looking at his hair! "What?" Negan asked in annoyance.

"Sorry to interrupt, Ms," Lenny grinned at Riley. She didn't speak as Negan looked at her. "But we need to borrow the boss for a minute."

"Yeah, why's that?" Negan asked dryly. Johnny snickered when Lenny looked embarrassed. They both stared at Negan, prompting him to stand with a sigh. "Excuse me," Negan said to Riley before following them out.

Once they disappeared, Laura approached. She looked tired yet strangely fulfilled as she tossed her keys and Riley's coat onto her lap. Riley looked at her in confusion when Laura giggled drunkenly. "You'll have to drive, sweetie," she slurred.

Riley reluctantly stood, sliding on her coat. Laura needed help walking to the car as whatever captured the boys' attention stopped the party. They rode to Riley's house in silence.

-

Laura slept off her hangover, and since both girls were off, they ate before the television and watched Blue Hawaii. Presley purred away on the couch between them. Laura looked like she had wanted to speak for fifteen minutes but hadn't said anything. Riley brought it up when it went to commercial.

"Nothing," Laura lied. "What the hell is NyQuil?" she asked, gesturing to the television.

Riley rolled her eyes and stood to turn the volume down. Laura sighed as Riley plopped on her cushion. "What?" Riley pushed.

"I know I was drunk, but there was a reason I had us leave when we did," Laura admitted. Riley didn't speak, waiting for Laura to continue. Her patience was usually unmatched. "Sometimes things get tense, you know?"

"Everything was fine," Riley said. "Right? There weren't real fights or anything–"

"But there could have been," Laura whispered as if they weren't alone. Riley didn't notice when her movie returned from commercials. "They have spies that keep an eye on the streets... Negan used to have a good friend, Simon. They had a falling out a few years ago, and Negan let it go, but Simon is slippery. One of the spies overheard talk that Simon and his crew would stop by."

Riley quieted when she thought about Negan being ushered away. "What could possibly have happened if all they do is ride bikes," Riley repeated everyone's words the last few days.

"The Saviors do," Laura shrugged. "But not all of them. Vipers can be temperamental. There are chapters of them around the Midwest. They make Negan's group look like good Christian boys. Simon isn't the big boss, but he is in this state. That group we don't want to get mixed up in." 

Riley looked thoughtful. Negan assured her they weren't a gang, and Riley feared experiencing the difference firsthand. "Do you know why they fell out?" she asked.

"Seger won't tell me," Laura sighed. Riley realized her movie was back and stood to turn the volume up. "And I wouldn't dare ask Negan," she said before smirking at Riley as she sat. "I'm sure he'd tell you!"

Riley rolled her eyes. "We barely know each other. I don't even want to ask what happened with his ex, let alone between him and whoever Simon is."

"Really? Because I caught him looking for you last night," Laura said smugly. Riley swallowed nervously, pulling her blanket closer out of habit.

"I'm sure you trying to set us up had nothing to do with it," Riley said sarcastically.

"I'd never try setting my best friend up with a biker," Laura said indignantly. Riley giggled as they returned to her film.

Chapter Text

"Another day, another dollar?" Laura asked Riley sarcastically.

Riley removed her apron, tossing it on the freshly cleaned counter. After closing time, the cook scrubbed the grill, the smell permeating the air as Riley finished her side work. Laura always arrived ten minutes early to take Riley home whenever she needed a ride. The weather wasn't ideal for making the trek home.

"Unfortunately," Riley said as she donned her coat. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Laura and Riley piled into the car, their teeth chattering as they realized the once warm vehicle was no match for the North Pole outside. As Laura clicked through the radio, Riley stuffed her hands into her coat pockets as she closed her eyes, sighing deeply when her feet thanked her for sitting. A double shift was no damn joke.

The ride was nearly silent due to Riley's exhaustion. She dozed along the way, practically snoring from her odd positioning against the window as Laura stayed quiet to avoid disturbing her. Riley didn't feel the car stop once they arrived at her house. Laura put the car in park, watching Riley enter the early stage of sleep as she smiled mischievously.

"Riley?" Laura asked, gently shaking her shoulder. "You might want to get up. Negan is at your door."

"Huh?" Riley asked, abruptly sitting up despite struggling to open her eyes. Laura could almost smack her knee as Riley looked around in confusion. "What the hell, Laura?" she mumbled, slowly unbuckling her seatbelt.

"It's okay to admit when I'm funny," Laura said as Riley prepared to jump out. "When do you work next?" she asked.

"Not until Tuesday," Riley yawned. "Maybe I'll get hit by a bus and never have to go back."

Laura snorted as Riley opened the door, stepping into the frigid air. "I love you!" she called as Riley shut the door.

"Yeah, yeah," Riley called back tiredly. She fumbled with her keys as Laura waited for her to enter the house. Presley was waiting in his recliner once Riley kicked off her work shoes, shrugging off her coat as Presley wagged his tail when she scratched his head.

Despite Laura trying to rile her up, Riley hadn't seen Negan in over a week. There didn't seem to be any parties for Laura to drag Riley to unwillingly. Riley worked more double shifts than usual, desperately attempting to save for a car since the last one was totaled, taking her mother with it. Riley was close to having enough for another Buick Skylark. Laura never complained about helping her get around town, but Riley couldn't wait to regain her independence.

-

Riley's mini vacation flew by. Before she knew it, she was back in the same orange uniform, waiting for a family of four with a screaming toddler to order food as she stood by their booth, desperately wishing to be elsewhere. It was a busy Tuesday night as the weather warmed slightly, melting most of the impacted snow accumulated over two weeks. Riley told herself the wad of cash tonight would be worth the suffering. They couldn't hand her the menus fast enough as Riley quickly walked away to hang the ticket.

The second server for the night was new and could only handle two tables at a time. Riley took the others along with the bar despite her struggle not to implode with every drink spill, screaming child, or annoyed patron complaining that the menus were sticky or their food was taking too long despite only waiting five minutes. The clock ticked painfully slowly as Riley forced the new girl to start the side work two hours early. The crowd usually waned by eight o'clock.

Riley took a few minutes to sit in the bathroom before closing, groaning as she leaned forward, covering her face as she questioned her will to live. Perhaps she should have gone to nursing school with Laura. Riley's mother practically begged her to enroll, but Riley stubbornly refused. Riley always had a desire to explore a world far from this place. Riley always fantasized that there was something out there for her better than an ordinary life–

"–Riley?" the new girl propped open the restroom door. "There's a patron out here in your section."

Riley rolled her eyes. "I'll be out in a minute," she replied, ripping a piece of toilet paper for show.

"Okay!" Catherine chirped before shutting the door. Riley wadded the paper in her fist before exiting the stall to wash her hands. She grabbed her apron from the hook, stepping into the hall to tie it as she prayed for no damn children this time. Riley was too flustered from getting her shit together that she didn't notice said patron was dashingly familiar. It should have been obvious that Catherine ditched her work to giggle and chat away like any twenty-something would.

"Nice to meet you, darlin'," Negan said sweetly just as Riley went to turn the corner. She quickly jumped back when she realized, ramming against the wall in shock as Catherine giggled away.

Riley covered her mouth with both hands. What the hell is happening? Her insides melted as she felt her cheeks warm up, desperately holding herself together as Negan and Catherine chatted away. Riley would almost bet Catherine would decide to wait on him if she inclined. At least Riley could hide in the bathroom–

"There you are!" Catherine squealed, suddenly grabbing Riley's arm and dragging her around the corner. "Why is your face so red?" she asked loudly, either oblivious or ignorant, as Riley struggled to breathe from the nerves.

Negan watched them approach with amused concern. Catherine smiled brightly, patting Riley's arm before watching them. Riley wondered if it would be too much just to drop dead right there.

"Will someone help me with these damn dishes?" someone croaked from the back.

"I will!" Catherine said, disappearing through the swinging door without another word. Riley rubbed the back of her neck as Negan quietly observed, his leather jacket crinkling as he propped his elbow on the counter, rubbing his fingers along his bottom lip as Riley struggled to speak.

"Cat got your tongue, sweetheart?" Negan drawled, his lips curling into a wide smile as Riley grabbed her notepad from her apron, shakily setting it on the counter.

"It's been a long day," Riley answered with partial honesty. Negan's eyes gleamed as he observed her flushed face. "And uh, Catherine can barely handle one table, let alone all the others."

Negan grinned, his long fingers playing with a salt shaker as Riley watched him. "I see you're living the dream," he teased.

"Something like that," Riley smiled slightly. Negan stopped playing with the shaker, leaning closer as Riley nervously watched his every movement.

"Laura called me," Negan said. Riley couldn't believe she missed how he smelled... "I hope you don't mind if I take you home."

Riley chuckled as he smiled smugly. "Laura asked you?" she asked.

Negan grinned. "Laura would have asked Seger first, but I kinda missed you," he teased. Negan thought Riley might explode from her red face. "But I sort of gathered it was a setup, considering she was talking obscenely loud. Laura ended up having to work, so here I be."

"What would I do without you?" Riley teased.

"I think I'm all right not finding out," Negan replied smoothly. He purposely winked, chuckling dryly when he thought her face would turn purple. "You need a few minutes?" he asked knowingly.

"No," Riley lied. Her racing heart would likely kill her someday. "Do you want anything? I still have to c-clean and stuff," she said awkwardly.

"I'll take whatever you've got," Negan said. "Wouldn't mind some coffee before I go to the shop."

Riley raised her eyebrows as she grabbed a mug. "This late?" she asked. Riley poured the rest of their coffee into his mug before clicking off the machine. She set the dirty pot on the food window, and someone soon grabbed it.

"I do some of my best work at night," Negan said as he picked through the creamer. "Party all night, sleep through the day," he chuckled when Riley watched instead intently. "And I'm a little behind," he admitted. "Gotta have a car ready for pick up in the morning."

"Oh," Riley said lamely, sliding a spoon at him. Negan grabbed it to stir his drink. "By yourself?" she asked.

Negan watched her face, his smirk slipping as he laughed. Riley's boss left ages ago, but she always feared his booming voice would scream at her from the office to keep working. She began turning things off as Negan silently enjoyed his thoughts without sharing. Riley grabbed a clean rag, picking up a container of sanitized water to wipe down the tables and chairs. Negan didn't turn and creepily watch, instead giving her privacy as he enjoyed his coffee. Riley wondered if he was laughing at her instead of with her.

That wouldn't feel good...

Negan didn't bother Riley as she and Catherine quickly closed up. Catherine was in her coat before they were finished, grabbing her purse as a car pulled to the curb. Riley hid the urge to roll her eyes as Catherine left quicker than the speed of light. Negan watched the blonde go with an amused chuckle as Riley quickly locked the doors.

"I think you two will be great friends," Negan said sarcastically as Riley pushed the dried chairs in place. He helped without being prompted.

"My boss already loves her," Riley said. "I'll have to work twice as hard to get some recognition for doing my job," she said dryly.

Negan frowned as they finished putting the chairs in the proper positions. Riley grabbed the clean shakers on a tray to put on the tables. The clean napkin dispensers were on another tray, and Negan grabbed one, fiddling with it as he sat on a stool. Riley eyed him, her lips twitching when she saw the look on his face.

"Does he give you a hard time?" Negan asked lowly.

Riley snorted as she moved around the dining room. "If you mean yelling at me every time I take a breath, then yes."

The back-of-house workers began shutting the lights off in the kitchen. The head chef, Gus, peeked from the swinging door as Riley and Negan looked at him. Gus was a balding man who wore shirts that were too small for him and always forgot his work apron. "You all good out here?" he grunted at Riley. Gus and Negan eyed each other as Riley smirked.

"I'm almost done," Riley answered sweetly. Negan mussed his hair, his smirk telling as Riley wooed her older co-worker. "Negan's driving me home."

"Right," Gus said, staring daggers at Negan while he kept smirking. "I'll see you next time, Martinez," he finished before leaving.

Riley wiped off her tray before grabbing the other. Negan put his chosen tin on the closest table as Riley took her time placing the napkin dispensers. He caught himself checking out her bare legs when her back was turned, and it almost made him feel shameful. Negan rarely hid his admiration for pretty women, as flirting came naturally and usually gave him precisely what he wanted. There was something about Riley that had him questioning his usual tactics enough that he'd do anything to ensure she felt respected. Negan sure as hell ain't a saint, but Riley unknowingly brought out a side of him usually well hidden.

Give him a break. He's a pussy magnet.

"Am I going too slow?" Riley asked, pulling Negan from his trance as she turned to look at him. Negan swallowed as if Riley could read his mind as she smiled at him. "I can hurry up. I don't want to make you late."

"You're just fine, sweetheart," Negan waved her off. "I'm on your time now."

Riley nibbled on her lip, reluctantly looking away as she placed the last two tins. Negan sat on his chosen stool as she sidled beside him, wiping the tray before putting the stack behind the counter. Riley smelled like roses again when she passed him. "I'm almost done," she said shyly.

Negan forced himself to be comfortable in the uncomfortable silence. His big mouth rarely left a spec of silence in normal circumstances. He never did well in long, awkward silence, but Riley seemed content within herself that she didn't feel the need to speak. Negan was fascinated by this, and Riley almost ignored him as she finished her final tasks. It annoyed him when he thought of Catherine leaving her here to do all this shit alone... Negan wondered what Riley was thinking as she eventually slid into her coat.

"I'm ready," Riley said, buttoning it to her neck.

Negan eagerly followed her through the kitchen out the back. "Damn, I'm getting the whole tour!" he said giddly.  "What the hell is that?" he asked, touching something random as they passed. It was too damn hard to see anything.

"It's a can opener," Riley snickered as Negan fiddled with the trap built into the counter. "Don't stab yourself!" she squealed when Negan lifted the handle, and a sharp blade poked out underneath.

"This shit's pretty cool," Negan grinned as Riley batted his hand away as if he were a child. He felt elated when Riley grabbed his leather-clad arm, pulling him along as he smiled at her dark head. Riley dragged him into the dark alley, the drastically cooler air passing through them as Negan wiggled his hand into his pocket for his keys.

Riley seemed pleasantly surprised when he led her to his parked car. She smiled as he opened the door for her. "You drive a Chevelle?" she grinned.

"The Malibu edition," Negan grinned proudly as he patted the black paint. "You ever have a set of wheels?" he asked.

Riley continued smiling as they stood in the cold. "I had a Skylark," she admitted, hiding the sadness she felt saying it. "I'm saving for another. It didn't work out with the other one," she smiled nervously.

Negan watched her face, his hazel eyes burning into her skull as Riley quietly entered the car. He closed the door once her feet were safely inside, rubbing his chin as he walked around to climb into the driver's seat. Riley was already buckled in before he turned it on. Negan waited a few minutes for the heat to run as Riley shivered in place.

You could warm her right up.

...Right.

"You at the same address?" Negan asked sarcastically.

Riley giggled as he beamed at her. The shadows of the streetlamps did little to take from her beauty. "I don't know. Where do you work again?" she asked.

Negan's lips twitched when she looked at him. "I don't think you'd like it there much. It's dirty and cold as shit," he said knowingly.

"I wanna see," Riley said. Negan pulled away from the curb to avoid loitering in case the police were around. "You know where I work. It's only fair," she teased.

"Is this that Quid pro quo bullshit?" Negan asked as he drove. "I wasn't too great in school and all that shit."

"It's exactly that," Riley answered smugly. "Which means you'll have to show me where you live eventually."

Negan eyed her as she watched through her window. He smirked as he stepped on the accelerator, startling her enough that she instinctively grabbed the door as he laughed and sped away.

-

"This is where I live the dream," Negan proudly gestured around the cold, dingy mechanic shop as Riley looked around. He turned on the nearest light as Riley touched a 1958 Plymouth Fury. "Every goddamn day of my life."

Riley kept her coat on as Negan locked the shop door. She didn't seem alarmed by this as she peeked into the Fury window. Four more cars were stored inside, waiting for care over the coming days. Negan removed his jacket, switching it out for a lighter hoodie stained to hell and back.

"What made you interested in cars?" Riley asked, continuing to ignore him visually as Negan observed her.

"Just wanted to be good with my hands," Negan replied. He missed how Riley peeked at him when he said it, her lips twitching as if thinking something dirty. "And I'm pretty damn good at it... And the money is worth it," he admitted.

"So, I can trust you to fix mine when I get a new one?" Riley teased lightly.

Negan chuckled as Riley smiled at him. "I think I'd be pretty damn offended if you go elsewhere!"

"We'll see," Riley teased further. Negan was tickled when she eventually circled the cars to approach him. "What's wrong with this one?" she asked, nudging a tire of the Fury with her foot.

"Needs new spark plugs," Negan replied. "It's a pretty simple fix, but as I said," he grinned when Riley looked at him. "The money is worth it. You ever change 'em?"

"No," Riley answered. "Is this the car you need to finish?"

"That and then some," Negan said. "You like this car?" he grinned when Riley's face flushed.

"It's cool," Riley said, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Do you give lessons on the side?" she asked sarcastically.

"No," Negan chuckled as he popped the hood. "I'll make an exception to this one. You in?" he asked.

Riley shed her coat, borrowing another stained jacket with Dixon stitched onto the back. Negan gathered his tools and the new plugs as Riley shrugged it on, approaching him and the Plymouth Fury. Negan smirked when he saw her in an oil and paint-stained jacket, her bare legs peeking at him under her work uniform.

"Who is Dixon?" Riley asked.

"My boss," Negan replied smoothly as he brought a large lamp over, directing it into the hood before turning it on. Riley squinted slightly at the bright light as Negan focused it correctly. "He owns the place. Taught me everything I know," Negan said, focusing on his tools as he spoke. "And he's why I can ride a bike."

Riley nibbled on her lip as Negan picked through an assortment of sockets for his wrench. He eyed her as she watched intently despite him not speaking. Negan chuckled and began narrating as he picked the proper socket and showed her how to attach it to the wrench. Riley watched, wholly focused, as Negan showed her the inner workings of the hood and allowed her to pull the caps off the plugs.

"Don't pull too hard on the rubber caps," Negan instructed when Riley hesitantly grabbed one. "They come off easily. They're just a bitch to wiggle back on," he smiled when Riley nodded and carefully tugged it loose. "You ever use a socket wrench?" he asked once the caps were off.

"No," Riley admitted shyly.

Negan smiled and gestured for her to lean forward. "It's easy. It's a lot of twisting and shit, but you just unscrew these free. Some might be a bitch," he mumbled when the first one didn't want to unscrew. "But they're the spark plugs, so you just take 'em out when they're unscrewed."

Riley couldn't hide her giggle as Negan flexed his muscles while he fought with the first plug. She watched him finally loosen it enough to pull it out, and he showed her the fucked plug that should have been replaced ages ago.

"You wanna take a swing?" Negan asked as he placed it in her palm. Riley inspected it closely.

"I'll break my arm," Riley said plainly as he held a tin toward her, allowing her to drop it inside.

Negan chuckled as he set the tin down and handed her the wrench. "You won't," he assured, leaning into the hood and nudging her to do the same. Riley looked pouty as he waited with a large grin. "Just like I showed you, sweetheart," he encouraged.

Riley fiddled with the wrench, attaching the socket to the plug and ensuring it fit snugly. Negan watched her attempt to loosen it. He was invested enough that he didn't notice her blush.

"You won't break it," Negan said when Riley hesitated to use force. "Put some elbow grease in!" he boasted until Riley popped it loose. Her stunned laugh when it jerked her made him grin. "This shit is made tough, trust me," he said.

Riley unscrewed the plug and put it in the tin. Negan did the others, and Riley held the tin for him until they were all accounted for.

"Now it's just the same shit in reverse," Negan said as he grabbed a new one. Riley inspected it, seeing the difference up close as Negan beamed at her curious innocence. "You wanna do the first one?"

"Yeah," Riley said eagerly. They resumed their usual position. This was the first time Negan's worked on a car in a long damn time without music...

"Do it slowly," Negan instructed as Riley slowly stuck it in until the screw stopped her. "They're a bitch to get out if they're crooked. The assholes who rush learn the hard way," he snorted quietly when Riley took him at his word, slowly twisting the plug until it was firmly in place.  

Negan and Riley shared the remaining plugs, their hands becoming slightly greasy from oil residue. Negan ensured the plastic caps were on securely before prompting Riley away so they could wash their hands.

"I didn't think I'd know how to do that by the end of the night," Riley joked sheepishly as they dried them with paper towels.

Negan smiled at her as they discarded the towels. "You have any critiques on how I teach?" he asked. Riley watched his face, her lips twitching as she tried hiding her smile. Negan realized he spent too much damn time staring at her full lips before forcing himself to snap out of it. "I'm open to criticism," he finished sarcastically.

"Nothing comes to mind," Riley answered, her genuine response causing Negan to smile bashfully. "Are your cheeks turning red?" she teased him, leaning close enough to observe.

"Absolutely not," Negan brushed her off as Riley grinned. "I'm gonna start this baby up," he said, quickly walking to the car. 

Riley watched him start the car, again flinching in the bright headlights as Negan kept it running, observing the engine as Riley sidled beside him.

"I gotta say," Negan raised his voice over the rumbles of the engine. "You did a hell of a job, sweetheart!" he teased.

"Anyone could do that," Riley replied sheepishly. Negan smirked as he slammed the hood closed.

-

Riley awoke on her couch, slowly blinking as she gathered her surroundings. Presley slept on the armrest above her head, his tail brushing Riley's forehead as she slowly sat up, looking down to see she hadn't changed from her work uniform. Her dry lips confirmed Riley hadn't wiped her lipstick off before falling asleep. Riley stood, crossing her arms from the chill as she hurried upstairs. The clock read 8:34.

The lipstick had smeared onto her cheek when Riley observed herself in the bathroom mirror. Riley grumbled as she quickly tied up her hair, removing her uniform and allowing it to pool at her feet as she washed her face, scrubbing at her cheek where the red nearly dyed her skin. Riley washed her face before moisturizing, deciding to brush her teeth while she was at it. Her house felt colder than usual, so Riley decided to hold off on the shower until later. Riley's feet were icicles, and her stomach rumbled as she looked for clothes in her bedroom.

Riley slipped into thick socks, her favorite sweatshirt, and pajama pants. She brushed out her hair before tying it into another ponytail. Riley was tempted to roll back into bed for a while, though throwing her uniform into her laundry basket allowed her to see Negan's car parked outside. Riley nearly faceplanted into the window to ensure she wasn't seeing things.

Presley was awake when Riley stormed downstairs, roughly opening her front door. Presley watched, uninterested, as Riley saw Negan sitting on her porch steps. He didn't look back, fiddling with something as Riley quietly slipped into her shoes before opening the door and stepping out.

Negan had been fiddling with a cigarette lighter, abruptly closing it when the door opening startled him. He looked back as Riley quietly joined him on the stairs, bunching her sleeves over her hands as she burrowed into herself. Negan watched her face until Riley looked at him, her eyes saying everything.

"Hey, short stuff," Negan greeted teasingly.

"I thought you went home?" Riley asked, her stern brown eyes nearly melting him on the spot.

"I was going to," Negan replied, looking away as he flipped the lighter open. Riley watched in slight fascination. What a weirdo. "But I like your street. It's a lot quieter than mine."

Riley snorted in disbelief. "You didn't sleep at all?" she asked.

Negan chuckled at her sincere concern. "Sweetheart, I'm kinda a night owl," he said as he closed the lighter, stuffing it into his pocket. "This staying up all night shit is nothing new."

"You should sleep," Riley suggested sweetly. Negan met her eyes, his lips twitching when he saw her genuine concern. "You can sleep in my bed for a while. I don't have to be at work until later."

Negan smiled smugly as he looked elsewhere, admiring the neighboring houses as the working folk started their day. "Not how I imagined getting into your bed the first time."

Riley nudged him in annoyance, her angry expression making him chuckle. Negan knew he was forgiven when Riley's face softened, and she tugged on his arm. "Please?" she asked. "At least rest for a while. I don't want you driving home."

"You always this hospitable?" Negan asked when Riley didn't release his leather-clad arm. Riley pondered, her eyes scanning his face as they stared at each other. Negan could tilt his head in the slightest and kiss her if he wanted to. And he wanted to.

"Not with everyone," Riley answered truthfully. Negan reluctantly broke their gaze as he smirked. He enjoyed how her grip on him felt, no matter how innocent. "Just with boys who are my type."

Negan almost choked on his spit when Riley stood, gently releasing him as she wandered inside. She slowly entered her house, allowing Negan to turn and watch her disappear. Riley left her door open as he fought the urge to sprint after her.

Don't be a damn dog. It's not an invitation for anything! Negan smiled as he stood, following after with an arrogant smile. 

Chapter Text

Negan easily made himself at home.

Negan lounged on the couch with Riley's cat, scratching Presley's head as he pretended to watch television. Riley cleaned the kitchen before making breakfast, pulling Negan into the mix when he smelled food. He took off his jacket, only wearing jeans and a dark shirt as he leaned against the counter, drinking coffee as Riley prioritized ignoring him.

Riley had a cute house. Negan observed knick-knacks, photos, and small items here and there to catch the vibe. He noticed in the pictures of Riley and likely her mother that her father appeared absent. Negan watched Riley with softened eyes as she made eggs, chewing on toast before she was finished. Negan smelled cinnamon.

"Food's ready," Riley said, portioning food on two plates. Negan smiled when she pushed one toward him without looking at him.

"Thank you, doll face," Negan grinned. Riley looked at him, placing the pan on the stove. He smirked when her face flushed. "You shouldn't have," he said sincerely.

"What can I say? I like being hospitable," Riley replied sarcastically. Negan grinned when she stacked toast onto her plate before entering the living room. Riley returned, grabbing her forgotten juice as Negan dashed cinnamon on his toast.

Presley nudged Riley with his nose as she ate, silently begging for food as Negan reluctantly joined them. Riley had a television show muted, giving Negan occasional glances as he stopped playing coy and began shoving food into his mouth. Riley nearly choked on her juice.

"These are so good," Negan mumbled, his mouth full of eggs when he bit into his toast.

"They're even better if you eat them slowly," Riley said, watching him out of fear he'd choke. "Don't you eat?" she asked.

"Of course I do," Negan replied once he swallowed. "Just nothing this good," he teased.

Riley rolled her eyes, ignoring his smirk as she continued eating. Presley purred away on the armrest.

Negan awoke sometime later, sprawled on the couch with a blanket. He looked around, disoriented as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. The house was quiet; even the cat had left him somewhere along the line. Negan knew Riley wouldn't leave him alone in her home but almost didn't want to overstep... He used the bathroom before checking the downstairs rooms and even peeking onto the porch despite the cold. It wasn't until Negan heard a noise upstairs that he debated running up there to say goodbye. Riley probably wanted him out of her goddamn hair–

"Did you sleep good?" Riley asked as she came downstairs. Negan mussed his hair, eyeing her in her work uniform. Her smile was telling as she slipped into her white shoes.

"Yeah," Negan said, gesturing lamely to the couch. "That's, uh, more comfortable than it looks," he said.

Riley smiled. "It is," she agreed. They awkwardly watched each other for a minute. "Um... Could you give me a ride to work?" she asked shyly. Negan smirked when she couldn't meet his eyes. "I'll pay you. I tried calling Laura, but she's not answering. I just don't want to walk in the cold," she mumbled.

"I'll give you a ride," Negan replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. He chuckled hoarsely at Riley's expression. "Offer stands both ways," he teased.

"God, stop!" Riley squeaked, touching her face as she disappeared into the kitchen. Negan laughed, having to stop himself from stomping his foot in amusement. He had already used his second innuendo of the day. Riley might kick his ass if he kept it up! Negan couldn't stop smiling once Riley returned to piling into his car and once they arrived at the diner.

"Thanks for feeding me," Negan teased slightly as Riley unbuckled her seatbelt.

Riley smiled, reluctant to look at him. "It's not a big deal," she shrugged. "You're kind of lanky," she giggled.

Negan grinned, gesturing to himself to draw her attention to him. "You see anything better than this?" he asked arrogantly.

Riley looked ready to pop. Negan laughed at her expressions when she struggled to either agree or jab him in the dick for his mouth. Riley laughed quietly as she opened the door, hurrying out as Negan beamed at her shyness. "You're pretty hot," she said before closing it.

"Damn!" Negan boasted excitedly. He felt like a damn child when he watched her walk away, unable to help but wonder if maybe Riley genuinely liked him in the way he wanted her adorable ass.

-

A week had passed since Negan crashed at her place, and Riley hadn't seen him.

Riley didn't take offense to it. She worked long shifts every day since then, having to fill in for some girls who had suddenly fallen ill. Riley didn't believe money was more important than anything, though her wads of bills piling throughout the week could almost change her mind. She even started looking in newspaper ads, looking at cars as she grew closer to having enough to buy one outright. Riley ensured her bills were paid before making a rash decision to say fuck it and buy one anyway.

Laura had come over one day before Riley had to work. Her demeanor was somewhat off for a while, though Riley caught her giving teasing smiles or looks, which prompted Riley to assume that Laura knew Negan hung around for a few hours last week. Riley bathed Presley after he rolled in something in the basement, and she was drying him off once he finally stopped resisting.

"Do you work this weekend?" Laura asked.

Riley hid her sigh, smiling at Presley as he meowed in distaste but didn't fight the towel. "No. For a few days, actually," she said. Laura suddenly appeared eager. "I told him I need a break after covering everyone's ass for eight straight days."

"That is perfect," Laura beamed, reaching into her purse for a flyer. Riley decided Presley had suffered enough and went for a bag of treats, giving him a few as she eyed Laura cautiously. "The guys are having a get-together in the park all weekend. Other groups will be there, but it will be fun. I don't want to go alone," Laura practically pouted, handing Riley the paper.

"Do I have a choice?" Riley asked knowingly as she looked it over.

"Well, normally you wouldn't, but I figured I'd be nice and ask," Laura smiled. "Johnny invited me, and I'm inviting you, too!"

Riley had a perfect reason to go but tried playing it cool. "Okay," she sighed playfully. "I'll be your plus one... Though it sounds like it's actually Johnny," she smirked while handing it back.

"He's not," Laura answered abruptly, taking it back.

Riley giggled when Laura blushed. Laura rarely showed bashfulness! "Sure thing, honey," she laughed when Laura covered her face.

"Says you!" Laura said after a minute. Her smirk was larger than life as Riley tossed the towel into the laundry basket for later. It sat by the closet door for three days, but Riley hadn't had the energy to start the laundry. "Negan got drunk and accidentally blabbed to Seger he was here. You're so nice letting him hang out," she said sarcastically.

"He slept on the couch and ate my food," Riley replied. Laura rolled her eyes, leaning comfortably into the couch as Riley became reluctant to look at her. "I mean, he sat on my porch all night after driving me home..."

Laura smiled slightly. "Seger said he's been having a hard time lately," she mumbled. Riley looked at her in surprise. "He still won't tell me what happened with Negan and that girl, but he made it sound like she's been hanging around again. But it sounds like she's doing it purposely. Seger said she's with someone else now."

Riley quieted as she thought about Negan. She debated asking him about it but still feared overstepping would anger him. It made sense if the reason he couldn't sleep at night was because of unresolved trauma from an engagement ending. Riley had started fantasizing at one point when she was with Jack about tying the knot one day, only to realize later that even if he hadn't cheated, he didn't seem like marriage material. Riley accepted wholeheartedly that she dodged a bullet either way.

"What a bitch," Riley said. Laura guffawed as Riley shrugged and turned on the television. "I need some TV before I go back to that shit hole."

-

That Saturday, Seger and Laura picked up Riley. Seger had a nice car, and Riley gushed about it the entire ride to wherever they were going. It took almost two hours, and Riley was grateful Laura warned her so she could leave enough food for Presley until they returned Monday. Seger explained that all their bikes were already at the site, and the mild weather was perfect to fuck around outside, getting either drunk or high with other leatherheads.

Riley was anxious to see Negan. Laura relented on the teasing the last few days, though Riley rightfully assumed it would begin the moment they arrived. Riley packed comfortable clothes instead of the stuff she wore outside the house. As much as she didn't care what men thought of her, she couldn't help but hope Negan liked what he saw–

Oh, God. Shut up, please.

When they arrived, the sky was brilliant blue. Seger carried Riley and Laura's bags, leading them to a camper designated for them and chosen with love. He showed them around the small living space and proudly took credit for picking it out. Seger blushed when the girls teased and thanked him. Riley shrugged out of her sweatshirt before they left the camper, as it was already warmer than expected. Dozens of people covered the campsite, proudly showing off their bikes and expensive cars. Multiple bonfires were already lit, and the smell of food made Riley and Laura's stomachs growl. Seger led them to the boys and showed them where all the coolers were, their bonfire spot, and where they'd eat dinner in about two hours. Riley and Laura snacked on chips in the meantime.

Riley couldn't help but look around for Negan. She saw his bike, somewhat surprised at herself to make it out so quickly, though his car was absent. Maybe he just brought his bike… Laura eventually found Johnny and brought him into their circle so Riley could get to know him better. It is evident that Laura was becoming head over heels for him despite swearing she wasn't ready to settle down. These were the prime years to fuck around before committing for life! Johnny could converse easily and seemed to feel the same about Laura. Riley couldn't wait to see how this would play out.

The other biker groups mostly appeared friendly, casually walking around to introduce themselves or say hello to old friends. Riley and Laura stuck by each other throughout, only talking to guys if they approached first. Some had obvious intentions in mind, while others were genuinely curious about who they were and who they came with. Seger ensured to watch them from a distance, ready to pounce the moment trouble seemed nearby. Riley felt her face was red all afternoon and hated it. It gave those looking for something on the side a false sense of hope to see her blush when the reality was that Riley wasn't used to such socializing. She endured this only for Laura and Negan, who still wasn't around.

However, as everyone started grilling food, the man in question suddenly emerged. Others were riding their bikes, drinking beer, and smoking cigarettes as they cheered people on and got lost in the excitement of bike riding. Riley drank her favorite soda and watched Seger talk to the same girl she saw him making out with the one night. She awkwardly looked away, only to see Negan standing beside her.

"Fancy seeing you here, sweetheart," Negan grinned, sipping his beer.

"Really? I came to see you," Riley said. Negan dribbled some beer down his chin as Riley smiled at him. He chuckled and wiped his chin as Riley drank her soda.

Negan felt warm inside. What a damn pussy. He chuckled at her unexpected but welcome flirtation. "I'm fucking flattered," he said, clearing his throat. "...Laura?" he asked.

Riley smiled. "Yeah. I just happened to have the weekend off," she shrugged.

"I have to say, I wasn't feeling all this today," Negan admitted. Riley watched curiously as he smiled. "But the guys would back out if I didn't show up, and they need shit like this. It keeps life exciting and all that shit."

Riley thought about what Laura had said the other day. She wanted to ask if he was okay... "That was nice of you," she said, watching two guys race each other on their bikes in a barren cornfield.

Negan smirked, remembering his innuendos for the day had reset. "But seeing you changed my mind," he said, grinning wider when Riley sighed in embarrassment. "There's some haybales around. I heard they're good for rolling in."

"That was so dumb," Riley giggled, smiling at him.

"Yeah," Negan admitted bashfully.

Negan decided he found Riley more interesting than everything going on, and they hung out as they ate, watching the boys take their wives and girlfriends for a spin. Negan pointed out who was dating and who was married, and it was oddly refreshing to see how many of them committed for life. Riley didn't realize she was staring at Negan until he met her eyes and held her gaze.

"You like what you see?" Negan asked. Riley huffed, looking away as he smiled. She decided it was better to start hating his long eyelashes instead of falling in love with them. "Oh, shit!" he boasted. "You do, 'cause you've already told me!" he said.

"It was a moment of weakness," Riley mumbled as she nibbled on chips.

Negan had another zinger lined up when they were suddenly joined by Seger, who appeared stiff as he watched them. Riley quickly looked away and ate her dinner. Negan observed Seger's body language and raised his eyebrows.

"Dixon's here," Seger mumbled, looking around the compound. Riley quietly watched this exchange. "He confirmed what we were afraid of. Vipers are on their way."

"Does he know who?" Negan asked, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. Riley missed how his eyes darted to her as she finished eating.

"Nah," Seger said. "Want me to rally up the guys?" he asked.

"Yeah," Negan said, looking away before Riley observed him. Seger looked between them in amusement. "I'll be there in a minute."

"Sure thing," Seger said, lighting a cigarette as he walked away.

"You'll have to excuse me, sweetheart," Negan said, regretfully standing.

"Is it bad that they're coming?" Riley asked before he could walk away. Negan looked at her, his eyes regretful as Riley watched curiously. She was kind of playing dumb, though Negan didn't need to know that.

"I mean, can't say it's ideal," Negan said, unable to hide his smile when he saw her frown. "I'll send Laura your way," he said before leaving.

Laura and Riley impatiently waited in their camper for over an hour.

"What the hell are they doing?" Laura snapped, angrily stepping away from the window. Riley lounged on the couch, staring at the ceiling while Laura paced. "I can handle myself against assholes like Vipers. I'm not sitting here all night because they had nothing better to do than bother us."

"Go out and tell them, hot shot," Riley said plainly. She shrieked when Laura hit her with a couch pillow.

"Okay, smartass!" Laura chuckled, tossing it back on the couch. "I'm just saying that we need a buddy system!.. Johnny could be mine, and Negan or Seger could be yours–"

"–Seger doesn't like me like that," Riley interrupted.

"Sure," Laura said, sinking into the chair with a groan. "If they don't come and get us in five minutes, I'm going out there myself."

"What if it's that guy? Simon or something?" Riley asked.

"It probably is," Laura mumbled, peeking through the window again. "I've seen him before but don't see him right now—any of our boys, actually."

Riley sat up after a bit, and soon, Laura wasn't the only restless and impatient one. Once Seger came for them, they were both hanging off the couch. He paused when he saw them, heads on the floor and their feet propped on the back of the sofa.

"It's about time!" Laura said nasally, doing a somersault to correct herself. Riley heaved herself onto the cushion, and Seger rolled his eyes at Laura.

"You'll live," Seger replied. "Dixon didn't know who was coming, that's all. We can continue like nothing ever happened," he said sarcastically. "We're gonna go for a ride."

"Where's Johnny?" Laura asked, dashing out before anyone could say anything. Riley and Seger looked at each other. She grabbed her sweatshirt and shrugged. Seger quietly walked down the adjustable staircase, and Riley followed.

Negan's group had brought their bikes into a circle, most already seated and ready to ride. Riley thought seeing all the girls wearing helmets was amusing, while the boys opted out. Laura and Johnny stood beside his bike, their noses nearly touching as they talked. Riley smirked when she saw Laura's googly eyes. Seger watched them from his bike, his face stern yet concerned. Riley had to laugh when Laura noticed and gave him a dirty look.

"Oh, lookie, here, baby brother! They caught another one," a man with a distinctively hoarse voice said when Riley passed him. 

Riley saw him sitting on a bike, pale-skinned, much older, and bald. Whoever he spoke to had long brown hair that was slightly greasy and fell into his eyes. He was also older than Riley but more rugged than the other guy. They both watched Riley as she stopped, observing them in confusion before she heard Negan's chuckle and his arm draped over her shoulder.

"Ignore him," Negan said, steering Riley in the opposite direction. They heard an equally as hoarse laugh as they walked away. "Merle's only here because of Daryl," he explained quietly. Riley didn't complain when they approached his bike.

"Who are they?" Riley asked once Negan handed her his helmet.

Negan zipped his jacket, leaning against his bike as Riley prepared herself to ride. "Daryl's my boss," he said, smiling when Riley remembered the jacket at the garage. "He's a sneaky one... Keeps an eye out on shit out there for us. Pretty sure he lives incognito in the woods," Negan chuckled.

"Shut up," Daryl Dixon grumbled as he walked past. Negan laughed when Riley watched him go wide-eyed.

"Climb up whenever you're ready, sweet thing," Negan said as he mounted the bike. Riley rolled her eyes and climbed behind him, hugging his waist despite not departing for another ten minutes. Negan smirked the entire time they waited.

Once they were on the road, Riley was concerned she'd fly off the bike, and dozens of bikers would run her ass over from their precise formation on the streets. Negan didn't complain if Riley held him too tight, or maybe he ignored it for her sake. Johnny and Laura rode further ahead; Riley could see Laura's curls blowing in the wind.

Negan usually rode first but decided to give someone else the chance this round. He intended for Riley to ride with him all afternoon but remembered it would only be her second time on a motorcycle. Negan hoped to ease her anxiety by not putting her on the front lines on the off chance something would happen. He immensely enjoyed her arms around him and her chin pressed into his shoulder as they drove through the country. Meanwhile, all Riley could think was how good Negan smelled and how she liked holding him–

Riley stared at the side of Negan's face when she realized she was in deep shit. Negan was none the wiser as he focused solely on the road and his friends riding beside him.

Riley snickered as she leaned into Laura's hug. "It's fine. I don't plan on dating a biker."

... Yeah, how's that working out for you?

Riley forced herself to focus on the sound of dozens of running bikes for the remainder of the ride. The endless stretch of country roads spanned miles, and once they returned to the site, they had driven over an hour. Riley was actually saddened that it was over, as everyone parked and immediately hoarded the beer and leftover food as the sky darkened for sunset. Negan turned the bike off but didn't move as Riley removed the helmet, which was still a pain in the ass!

"Don't you want to get drunk?" Riley asked, propping her chin on his shoulder while pointing to Seger and Lenny, stabbing holes into their beer cans and letting the drink pour into their mouths like a fountain.

Negan grinned, rubbing his stubbled chin as they watched Lenny nearly choke. "Nah, it's too early for that," he said.

Riley knew she wasn't the only one feeling the tension. Negan relented from doing or saying anything dumb when Riley unexpectedly hugged his waist, getting comfortable as she people-watched. He looked down at her interlocked fingers over his stomach and felt butterflies like the goddamn pussy he was.

Negan only had so much control. He gently ghosted his fingers along her hand, gauging her body language when he felt Riley squirm behind him, though she didn't speak or move away. Riley stared at the side of his head while Negan watched their hands. He saw her nails were painted white, and the color popped with her skin tone... Riley hoped he couldn't feel her heart pounding through his jacket since it felt like a damn jackhammer.

"Riley!" Laura squealed excitedly across the grass, where they had started a bonfire bigger than the others. "Come and have a smore, bitch!" she called and held one up.

Negan scoffed in amusement, though he was bummed when Riley tensed and released him. He could tackle a damn bear when Riley climbed off, hiding her shaking hands by crossing her arms and tucking them under her sweatshirt. Negan watched her face, his disappointment evident as Riley looked anywhere but him.

"Thanks for the ride," she said.

Negan smiled despite the yearning in his gut. "We'll do it again soon," he teased half-heartedly.

"Riley! Seger made one special for you!" Laura called, her voice nearly drowned out by masculine shouts and intense laughter as the boys fucked around. Johnny and Lenny were throwing weeds at Seger's back like children, drunkenly giggling as they waited for him to retaliate and beat their asses.

"I'm coming!" Riley snapped. Laura gave her the finger from afar. Negan mussed his hair, smiling at the look on Riley's face as she returned the gesture without hesitation.

"Just kiss him already, Jesus," Laura said before biting into her smore. Multiple pairs of eyes turned to look at Riley and Negan, including Seger, who left his marshmallow in the fire too long before it burst into flames. Drunken laughter and yells of fright were heard as Laura and Seger comically tried putting the marshmallow out.

Riley couldn't look at Negan now, biting her lip as she walked away in embarrassment. Negan watched her leave, his gaze unbroken until Riley disappeared into the camper.

"Laura, that wasn't cool," Seger said, angrily tossing the charred snack into the fire. He reached for his cigarettes while Negan finally departed his bike.

Laura sighed, dropping her last bite into the fire. "I know. I'm gonna apologize," she said, hurrying away as Seger watched. He felt a mound of dirt pelt his back and quickly turned, lunging at Johnny and Lenny, who screamed like children and fled. Seger kept the cigarette in his mouth the entire time.

Negan decided to grab a beer, chugging most of the can immediately. Merle Dixon chuckled and lit a cigarette as Negan pushed his hair out of his face for the third time in a few minutes.

"When you gonna cut that mop?" Merle asked before taking a puff and leaning back in his chair.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Negan asked, pretending to ignore Merle Dixon, who could be quite the dick at any moment.

Merle chuckled hoarsely, observing the annoying shitheads squall and act like dumb bastards, and there wasn't any damn cocaine present! "Ahh, don't be like that with Uncle Merle," he said, taking another drag. Negan could smell the smoke where he stood and hated it. "You havin' trouble with your girlfriend?"

Negan didn't respond, watching Seger and Johnny from across the field. Someone had brought out the marijuana, and Negan wouldn't mind using some after what just happened with Riley. Seger ditched his cigarette for a joint.

Merle chuckled condescendingly. "They sure don't make men like they used to!" he sighed obscenely loud. "My baby brother don't know how to get pussy, either. Sounds like you two would be perfect together."

"Really?" Negan looked at Merle, who regarded him arrogantly as he smoked. "Why is it the entire time I've known your ass, I've never seen you with a girl who didn't already have chlamydia?"

"You better watch your mouth, boy," Merle said, his face flattening as he adjusted himself in his chair. "Uncle Merle's just making conversation," he held a hand up, smiling at Negan, who glared.

Negan didn't like Merle. He could appreciate the bastards' one-liners and an occasional good joke, but the truth was Merle Dixon was unpleasant in every sense. He thought highly of himself and often took the piss out of Daryl when it was undeserved. Merle was also a racist drug addict who fell off the wagon more times than he'd ever admit. Daryl and Merle were too close for Daryl to exclude Merle from most activities. The only consolation was that Merle rarely spent time with the Saviors, as Negan still had the goddamn say, no matter what Merle Dixon thought about it.

Daryl returned, sitting in the chair beside Merle. Negan took that chance to walk away, ignoring Merle's hoarse laugh as Negan approached Seger and Johnny.

"Aye, boss!" Johnny greeted. "You want–"

"–Yeah," Negan said. Johnny hurriedly grabbed a joint from the baggie and handed it to Negan. Seger already had the lighter ready for him. Negan stared at Riley and Laura's camper as he smoked. 

Chapter Text

The sunshine was bright the next day. Riley and Laura were served oatmeal stirred over the fire, and they nearly burned their lips from impatiently eating. The other bikers left their tents and cars sporadically, fighting hangovers and cursing the sun for fucking with their eyes as they stumbled around. Laura had apologized to Riley multiple times before they went to bed, and Riley forgave her simply to get her to stop. They didn't talk much during breakfast while waiting for Seger or Johnny to wake up. Riley saw Daryl Dixon sitting on his bike, smoking as he observed the grounds. He accidentally met her eyes briefly before looking elsewhere.

Seger eventually joined them, his blond hair resembling a nest as he sat at the picnic table, shoveling oatmeal into his mouth without greeting them. Riley observed his bloodshot eyes and looked at Laura, who rolled her eyes at her older cousin. "Good morning," Laura said plainly. 

Seger only grunted his response, pulling a flask from his jacket pocket and taking a drink. Riley wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"That's disgusting," Laura mumbled, knowing his drink of choice was always whiskey and coke. "Don't you want to be the least bit sober today?"

"This ain't nothing," Seger said hoarsely, shoveling more food into his mouth. Riley hid her smile, gathering her dishes to dispose of them while Laura eyed her cousin critically.

Riley looked through the coolers for water. They had a substantial stash, though most of what was there yesterday remained. She wouldn't be surprised if it were only the girls drinking it. The bottle was cold as she opened it and took several sips while looking for Negan. The guilt she felt for walking away without saying goodnight weighed on her once she struggled to fall asleep. Riley never slept anywhere but home and had trouble adjusting to new surroundings, even with Laura with her. She assumed he was still asleep and eventually regrouped with Seger and Laura.

At noon, the (sober) boys were preparing for another ride. Laura and Johnny opted to stay behind and have some beers, though Seger seemed eager to go for a spin. Riley hadn't seen Negan, and nobody mentioned him. His bike was in the same spot as yesterday, and Riley certainly wasn't going to start peeking in tents. She watched Laura and Johnny sit together, drinking and talking about something that made Laura's eyes light up. Riley had to smile at them.

"You wanna go?" Seger suddenly approached, hopefully wiggling his helmet as he smoked a cigarette. "I could use a babe on my bike."

Riley gagged, prompting Seger to smile stupidly as she then shyly laughed. "I'm totally wooed right now," she said sarcastically, taking the helmet.

"I have my ways," Seger replied playfully; his husky voice gave Riley chills. He nodded for her to follow. "I promise I'm a safe driver," he said.

"We'll see about that," Riley said as they approached his bike. Seger climbed on, finishing his cigarette, and observed Riley adjusting the helmet. Laura noticed them and watched with interest as Johnny left for the bathroom. Seger reluctantly stubbed it out once everyone was prepared to go, and Riley carefully climbed behind him. He cleared his throat when he felt her arms around him and wondered if Negan felt the same.

"LET'S RIDE!" Lenny yelled, and multiple bikes started at once. Seger's bike still had the ol' kickstart and put impressive strength in his leg to get it going. Riley refrained from getting as close to him as she did with Negan but kept a firm grip as they slowly pulled out of their spots, forming two perfect lines one by one. Laura waved to them as they passed.

Riley happened to observe the tents, seeing a thin blonde stepping out of one, her shirt torn down the middle, but she put it on anyway, barely hiding her breasts from view. She seemed proud as she looked around, walking off as Riley chuckled to herself. Her smile faded when Negan exited the tent after, clearly hungover and wearing his clothes from yesterday. Riley felt her heart sink when his hair was mussed and clearly not from sleeping. She felt her eyes burn but blinked them away as the bikers slowly gained speed. Riley forced herself to look away, but not before Negan noticed them. His eyes followed Riley and Seger as she hid her face.

Laura stood from her chair, covering her mouth after seeing everything. Negan mussed his hair further, attempting to slick it back as Seger and Riley disappeared. Laura stared at Negan until he caught her staring. He appeared slightly guilty when Laura rolled her eyes and walked away. "What an asshole," she muttered.

The air was chilly today. Riley rested her cheek on Seger's back, watching the scenery pass as they drove a different route than yesterday. The crisp air made her eyes water slightly, and she decided that if anyone said anything, she had a perfect excuse. Seger was observant enough and saw Negan leaving the tent, though his mind wandered to the thrill of the ride and beautiful scenery despite the bare trees and barren fields. He turned the radio up, eventually distracting Riley's thoughts as they listened to The Supremes.

The boys drove far out, eventually pulling over to observe the distant Appalachian Mountains. Riley was quieter than usual, crossing her arms as they passed around a camera. The boys took group pictures (some widely inappropriate) before Lenny approached Riley and Seger with a devious smile. "What do y'all say? Wanna get a picture?" he asked.

Seger laughed into his cigarette. Riley didn't feel like taking a photo, especially feeling like shit. Her inner turmoil often showed on her face, and she didn't want it remembered forever. Seger observed her face, his expression softening as Lenny waved the camera with a proud smile.

"What do you say?" Seger asked, the cigarette bobbing in his mouth.

Riley looked between the boys. Seger removed the cigarette, releasing the smoke before crushing the stub under his boot. "Sure," Riley said.

"Yes!" Lenny pumped his fist, backing away as Seger chuckled. "Get nice and close, that's it," Lenny teased as Riley hesitantly approached Seger. 

Seger smiled teasingly. "Mind if I put my arm around you?" he asked, already holding it outward.

"Go ahead," Riley sighed. Seger grinned, weaving his arm around her and firmly grasping her hip. Riley refrained from wrapping herself in his arms, though she relished his warmth as they smiled for the camera. Lenny offered his opinions on how to pose for a few shots before he seemed satisfied.

"B-E-A-utiful!" Lenny said before straightening up. Seger immediately released Riley, who felt her face burn. "Thanks, y'all. I'll be sure you get a copy," he promised before walking off.

"Him and that goddamn camera," Seger mumbled. Riley smiled, and they turned to continue admiring the mountains. Riley imagined how beautiful it would look in the fall, the mountains surrounded by rolling hills with leaves in shades of brown, orange, and red.

"It's a nice one," Riley said lamely. Seger watched her face, laughing in appreciation as Riley shrugged shyly. "What? It is!"

"You're right," Seger nodded. His fingers itched to light another cigarette, but he refrained. "You all right?" he asked, tapping his fingers against his leg.

"Why do you ask?" Riley asked, staring ahead with a stern face.

Seger sighed, shrugging as they avoided eye contact. "I saw Negan leaving the tent."

Riley didn't respond. She tucked her hands under her armpits, realizing her legs would soon numb. Despite the beautiful sunshine, it was colder than yesterday. Riley hoped they had the fires going back at camp.

Seger flattened his lips, deep in thought, as he looked at his boots. "I'm sorry," he said. Riley still didn't look at him; Seger always liked her stubbornness. "That's who Negan is... Likes chasing tail, as Laura likes to say."

Riley smiled, and Seger was happy to help. "I shouldn't be upset anyway," she whispered, looking at her feet now. "It's not like we're dating. We're barely even friends."

Seger shrugged, eyeing the boys to ensure they weren't waiting to leave. They were just as enthralled with the mountains as he and Riley, standing farther down as Lenny took more photos of the guys talking and pointing things out. "It still hurts when you have a crush on someone," Seger said. "Laura shouldn't have yelled that at you last night, but it's not hard to see your googly eyes."

Riley rolled hers! Seger smirked as he reached for his cigarettes, plucking one out with long fingers before sticking it in his mouth. He laughed as his jab riled her up. "Googly eyes, my ass!" Riley exclaimed, angrily gesturing at nothing from her oppressed emotions. "I had a moment last night, okay?" she attempted to play it off.

Seger snorted as he lit it. "Oh, that's a good one," he said before puffing. Riley glared at the trees as Seger eyed her face, unable to contain his chuckles. "I'm just teasing you," he promised.

"I think I liked you better when I didn't see you," Riley mumbled.

Seger nearly spit out his cigarette when he saw her angry face. He laughed until the others looked at him curiously, and Riley seemed proud that he didn't take it too seriously. Seger giggled about it as they mounted their bikes and drove to the campsite.

-

Laura eyed Riley and Seger, who hadn't parted since returning. They mainly kept to the only burning fire, sitting on chairs and talking. Seger managed to reduce the amount of cigarettes he smoked out of respect, though he drank a few beers as Riley sipped water and soda. Johnny joined a smaller group on the road, but Laura felt like staying put. Perhaps it was because she didn't feel like riding, or she wanted to keep an eye on Riley with Negan eyeing her across the field.

"Where's your girlfriend?" Riley asked Seger with a smirk.

"Who?" Seger asked, his lips twitching as Riley smiled at him. Laura eavesdropped...

"Your girlfriend," Riley repeated. Seger's arrogant smile remained as he shrugged, and Riley rolled her eyes. "You know who I'm talking about!"

"I don't have a girlfriend," Seger shrugged, his eyes mischievous as he fiddled with his nearly empty cigarette box.

"Oh, that's bullshit," Riley chuckled. Laura forced herself to quit listening, though Riley excused herself and stood. Seger's anxious fiddling quickly ended as he lit a cigarette once Riley walked away. Laura's fingers itched to light one herself as she watched Riley disappear into their camper.

"You shouldn't be so obvious," Seger said, his lips twitching when Laura looked surprised.

"What are you talking about?" Laura played dumb, unconvincingly so.

Seger rolled his eyes, his cigarette bobbing in his mouth. "You never keep your mouth shut for that long unless you're in someone else's business."

Riley heard a slight altercation outside as she slipped into an extra pair of socks and another shirt before slipping on her sweatshirt. If she could, she'd totally bring the space heater outside. Riley brushed her hair, pouting slightly when she wondered what she'd look like as a blonde. Great! Just great! She forced herself to stop thinking about Negan as she exited the camper, only for the man of the hour to be there, stopping before Riley as she stared in surprise.

Negan had cleaned up in the park showers and changed clothes. His hair was still damp and slicked back, though he was sure it was turning to ice from the crisp air. Riley closed the door, continuing down the stairs without looking at him. "What do you want?" she asked.

"I was hoping we could talk," Negan replied. Riley walked, keeping a distance from him without wandering too far into the prying eyes of others.

Riley laughed in shock. "What's there to talk about?" she asked, turning to look at him. Those stupid eyelashes! "What you do isn't my business, Negan. I don't want to know what happened. I don't want details," she retorted.

"I just—" Negan inhaled deeply, resisting the urge to muss his hair. He refused to admit it had become a nervous habit. Riley stared when he quieted, reluctantly meeting her eyes.

"There's nothing to talk about," Riley whispered. "I'm going back with Seger," she said before walking away.

-

Once dinner approached, the boys dug into the coolers and began cooking the remaining food. There was plenty to go around, and Riley sat with her friends around the fire as they ate and shared horror stories about life on the road and all the trouble they'd gotten into. Seger eventually gave Riley his jacket, ignoring the spiteful eyes of Negan from afar as he unwillingly sat beside his blonde girlfriend. Riley decided that's as far as the labels would go as she willfully ignored Negan.

The Dixons had left a bit ago, riding privately to escape the others. It was refreshing not to hear Merle's constant wisecracks at other people's expense as he sat drinking all day. Riley knew he shouldn't be driving, but you could never sway Merle Dixon into doing the right thing. Negan had decided a while ago that Merle was the person he'd never take responsibility for, and he didn't stop him.

Negan had a few beers, unable to shake the feeling of dread as his hookup became attached and rarely left his side. He used his few minutes of freedom to try to talk with Riley, only to be humbled when she refused to hear what he had to say. Negan couldn't say he blamed her and was impressed that she didn't take his bullshit. Laura had been correct in assuming initially that Negan might have scoped Riley out for a one-night stand but quickly realized (even without Laura's intervention) that there was more to Riley than that.

Go ahead and blame the beer and the weed! You fucked up!

It's not as if they talked about dating. But it was so goddamn evident that it had been a possibility until Negan did what he always did; ruined any potential good he came across in life. Negan was used to women falling to their knees whenever he apologized for whatever the hell he did without a second thought, desperate to mend whatever happened whether they fucked once or multiple times. He's used women plenty, and the girl beside him was no different. Dare he admit he felt GUILT?

Johnny approached the fire, bringing his acoustic guitar to the party. A few guys from surrounding gangs joined the fun, conversing with Negan's boys. Laura looked lost in space as Johnny played guitar to whatever someone requested with Lenny's drunken singing, where most words were wrong. Riley seemed to be having fun, her beautiful smile alighting beside the campfire as she enjoyed the music.

"Hey, do you want to leave?" Negan's companion whispered in his ear, looping her arms around his. He felt tense, staring at Riley from afar as the woman whose name he couldn't remember attempted to sway him into fucking. Negan didn't say anything, looking away to distract himself and hope she got the hint.

"Seger can sing," Laura said, smiling mischievously at him. The boys hooted and laughed when Seger glared at her. Riley quietly observed, her lips twitching.

"Shut up," Seger grumbled in embarrassment. The boys took this as their moment to tease and start roasting him.

"Negan?" the blonde pouted, "I'm bored!" she whined.

Negan sighed, forcing her to release him as she stood. "I'm not interested! Fuck off," he said before storming away.

"Fuck you, asshole!" she screeched after him, standing with a glare. Riley and the others looked over, their expressions hilariously confused as they watched the awkward exchange.

"Sylvia's a clingy one," someone mumbled, sipping their beer. The others chuckled and went back to Johnny's music.

Seger rolled his eyes, lighting a cigarette. "Doesn't understand Smith is a one-and-done."

"Seger," Laura scolded, eyeing Riley as Seger puffed his cigarette. Seger looked at Riley briefly before shrugging.

"You can't say it's not true, Laura," Seger mumbled. "Can't sugarcoat it any more than that."

Riley sighed deeply, looking around to avoid accidental eye contact with anyone. It's nothing. Just ignore it.

The party continued until the unmistakable sound of motorcycles approached. Everyone watched curiously as a new group of bikers entered the yard, driving like assholes as they forced people to dodge away to avoid being hit. The Saviors immediately stood, tensing, when they realized who it was. Seger tossed his cigarette into the fire, grabbing Riley and Laura's shoulders and encouraging them to stand.

"Let's go," he commanded.

"Seriously?" Laura asked in annoyance, glaring at him as the bikers parked, allowing their bikes to idle before turning them off. "I'm not hiding in the damn camper!"

Seger glared when Laura forced him to release her. Riley didn't respond, looking at the new arrivals in curiosity. Their jackets had an unmistakable patch of a snake on them, along with other embroideries. Lenny mumbled to Johnny about getting Negan before loping off in the direction he went. Riley observed the Vipers, all similar in stature with rugged faces. They didn't smile as they exited their bikes, and the man Riley assumed was Simon proudly observed his surroundings, his broad smile strangely unnerving as he grabbed his hips.

"Wow!" Simon declared. He was a tall, thin man with thinning brown hair. His mustache was perfectly trimmed and fit his face. Simon's eyes were oddly void of something Riley could only describe as human. "I thought the boys were shitting me! You all have a nice little setup here!"

"You should know," Ol' Man Charles croaked from his chair. "You used to be one of us."

Simon chuckled, still not looking at anyone as he observed. "Aww," he drawled in a sickly sweet tone. "Well, sorry to say it didn't work out between the ol' boss and me," he said, finally observing his once friends. Seger kept a firm grip on Riley's shoulder. It was too late to take her away without it being obvious. The other wives and girlfriends stuck by their men while other gangs watched afar. "Where is the shit starter anyway?" Simon asked gleefully.

"He'll be around," Johnny replied. Simon's grin remained unsettling as everyone watched with bated breath. "You fellas drove awfully far to pay us a visit."

"What can I say?" Simon asked, holding his hands up with a side smirk. "It's been a long time!"

Lenny and Negan approached. Negan's face was hard as he observed Simon, who continued grinning like an idiot. The Vipers watched, stone-faced, as Negan stood before his people, his lips curling into a smirk as Simon observed quietly. "Your spies from yesterday not do their job?" Negan asked snidely.

"Ah, come on!" Simon boasted, reaching forward to clasp Negan's shoulder. "Don't be like that, hoss! We're just here, keeping it friendly, is all. Truth is, I'm thinking about expanding the tribe!" he declared, releasing Negan as he turned and walked away, placing his hands on his hips. "Get a few charters going around the state, you know? Was just curious to see if you decided to do the same. Don't want our paths being crossed, right?"

Negan sighed. Simon had wanted Negan to expand the Saviors for months when he was in the group, wishing to lead a charter elsewhere to be the lesser man than Negan but ultimately the man of a district. Negan was firm on his stance not to expand, knowing especially that Simon's psychopathic tendencies would corrupt the name of the Saviors, who worked hard to be a good biker gang who rarely caused trouble, only ending it.

"I'm never expanding," Negan replied coolly. Simon looked at him, his smile smaller than before but still eerie. "That's never going to change. But I gotta say, could have had this conversation a bit closer to home if you catch my drift."

"It's no problem," Simon shrugged. "Kinda hard to go on rides in this weather, as you know. Gave us an excuse to stretch our legs a bit," he said, patting the arm of one of his men. "Matter of fact, Lucille felt it was a great idea!"

Negan and the Saviors visibly tensed at the mention of Lucille. Riley looked around at their faces, seeing the mixed reactions of nervousness and anger as Simon smiled darkly, staring at Negan, whose face remained impassive despite going stiff. Seger looked ready to pounce, though holding Riley's shoulder seemed to hold him back. Laura looked at Riley, who seemed to realize who Lucille might have been...

"Speaking of," Simon continued. "You find yourself a girl yet? It's been a few years! Or are ya still trying to find the one?" he taunted.

"I've found better ways to spend my time," Negan replied, lying smoothly. Riley shifted nervously under Seger's hand as he eyed her face. "Pussy's aplenty around here. You know that."

"That it is!" Simon chuckled, observing Negan as if his respect hadn't wavered after everything that's happened. Riley wondered what exactly had gone down more than ever. She cursed Negan for not keeping it in his damn pants and making her more confused than ever!

"You guys want some food?" Lenny asked, gesturing to a portable table filled with burgers and other selections. "There's plenty to go around. Wouldn't want anything going to waste."

"Wow!" Simon nodded, looking at the guys, who shifted in place. "How gracious of ya, Lenny-Boy! As long as you don't mind, your Highness," he gestured at Negan.

"Go ahead," Negan replied. "Just fuck off when you're done," he rolled his eyes.

"Ah, I missed ya!" Simon chuckled as his boys slowly wandered to the food table. "All the good times, eh?"

Seger released Riley once the tension melted off the group. Negan rolled his eyes, turning as Charles approached and whispered to him. Laura held onto Johnny, who quietly praised Lenny for being hospitable to avoid a potential clash.

"Who is Lucille?" Riley whispered to Seger, once again playing dumb.

Seger glanced at her before looking at Negan, who watched them. "Lucille was Negan's fiancée. She left him for Simon a few years ago. It was pretty nasty," he explained quietly.

Riley looked at Negan, her face unreadable when they met eyes. Negan stuffed his hands into his jean pockets, reluctantly breaking her gaze as Simon's group gathered food before eating around their bikes, effectively ending the conversation with the Saviors.

"Tell Laura I'll be back," Riley whispered to Seger. He watched her leave, quirking his eyebrow as Riley approached Negan, who looked surprised but relieved to see her willing to talk to him.

"Will you take me for a ride?" Riley asked sweetly.

Negan grinned, his smile lighting up his eyes for the first time all day. "You're not gonna kill me and bury my body, sweetheart?" he teased.

Riley giggled at his toothy grin. "Not tonight," she promised.

Negan chuckled, straightening his slouched position and nodding for her to follow. Sylvia watched them afar, her scowl prominent as she drank beer.

"I think I can manage that," Negan said as they approached his bike. 

Simon eyed them from afar, his eyes wandering Riley's figure as Negan led her away. His lips twitched in a devious smile before looking away, whistling to his boys in warning that they'd depart in five minutes.

Chapter Text

Negan and Riley drove through the dark streets. The rolling hills prevented Negan from going too far, eventually pulling into a small town. Riley was warm in Seger's jacket, though her hands were cold as she held onto Negan. Negan slowed as they coasted through the barren streets before he pulled into a bar. Riley couldn't complain for the sole reason she needed a heated room!

"You have anywhere to be?" Negan asked once the bike was off.

"No," Riley said in amusement. Negan smirked as they dismounted the bike together.

"Neither do I," Negan chuckled, nodding for her to follow.

They entered the bar, which was nowhere as busy as at home. Riley was grateful for the lack of cigarette smoke as Negan led her through the faintly lit space to a booth closest to the pool tables. Riley rubbed her hands together at the relief from the heat. Negan asked Riley if she wanted a drink, fetching it himself as Riley sat. Riley zipped Seger's jacket when she felt eyes on her while Negan went to the bar.

Riley was surprised when Negan returned with water, not only for her but also for himself. He noticed her bewildered expression and chuckled as he sat.

"I drink shit other than beer and gin," Negan said as Riley stuck her straw in her glass.

"I'm impressed," Riley said sarcastically. Negan grinned, playing with their straw wrappers as they settled into privacy. They casually looked around the place, noting that everyone recognized they were outsiders and were immediately under suspicion. Riley sipped her water while Negan watched her face; his dark eyebrows furrowed slightly as if deep in thought.

"What's the deal with Seger?" Negan asked.

Riley hid her cough when water awkwardly splashed the back of her throat. She blinked rapidly, clearing her throat while Negan watched in amusement. Riley took another sip to wash the discomfort down.

"What's the deal with Simon?" Riley asked, staring through his soul.

Negan's lips twitched before he took large gulps. He cleared his throat before responding. "I asked you first, sweet thing."

Riley narrowed her eyes at his arrogant smile. "Are you sticking with that?" she asked.

"It's a contender," Negan replied, watching her face. Riley thought the shadows on his face made him unfairly hotter than he already was— " I think sweetheart is my favorite."

Riley rolled her lips to avoid smiling. Negan nodded to a bartender who brought him a beer. Riley scoffed at his shit-eating grin. "I've seen worse alcoholics," she mumbled.

Negan took a sip, his eyes sparkling as he set the bottle down. "You don't want to force one down with me?" he asked sarcastically.

"Are you buying?" Riley asked.

Negan laughed at her quick response. Riley liked the look on his face… "Of course," he said.

"Maybe later," Riley smiled bashfully. 

"Sounds like a deal," Negan said. Riley burrowed into her jacket. "So?" he asked, nodding toward her expectantly.

"Are you jealous?" Riley asked knowingly, her eyebrows raising slightly as Negan looked at the table in amusement.

"Do I have reason to be?" Negan asked.

"I guess it depends," Riley answered smoothly. This conversation enthralled Negan… 

"Wow," Negan muttered, rolling the straw wrappers into a ball before tossing it on the table between them. "I mean, you didn't say no," he pointed out. "I expected you to turn all red and immediately deny it."

"Maybe I was just waiting," Riley said lamely.

"For what?" Negan asked.

Riley rolled her lips, reluctantly meeting his eyes. Negan placed his hand on the table, where Riley noted that some of his knuckles were tattooed. She felt an unexpected tingle in her gut— Oh no!

"What?" Negan teased when he saw her face.

"Does that girl like you?" Riley asked. Negan's face fell slightly. "Sylvia?"

"Yeah," Negan admitted reluctantly. He looked at the table, fiddling with his glass while Riley drank more water. "I—"he paused, grabbing his beer and taking a long sip. "Shouldn't have slept with her. I don't know what the fuck I was thinking," he mumbled. "It's why I don't get high when I've been drinking."

"You got high?" Riley asked in surprise.

"Yeah!" Negan chuckled at her bewildered expression. "You've never seen Seger light up, sweetheart?" he asked teasingly.

"I've only come around a few times," Riley answered with narrowed eyes. Negan grinned. "I guess I didn't think you'd be the type."

Negan shrugged, taking another drink of beer. "Well, it stays in the group. It kinda helps me when I feel stressed out. There's a lot of worry being the big guy for all these people. They look up to me," he mumbled.

Add Merle Dixon and being annoyed that Laura might have chopped his balls too early.

"You don't have to explain," Riley shrugged. "About… Anything," she added awkwardly.

"No, I do," Negan disagreed quietly. "You want me to admit I'm jealous?" he asked.

"I never said that," Riley disagreed immediately.

Negan grinned, playing with his beer bottle. "You don't have to, Riley. I know you're damn good at ignoring me, but I know what you saw. Seger thinks highly of you. I already know that. It would make perfect damn sense if he wanted you."

"Seger's known me for years," Riley said, continuing to convince herself otherwise. "I grew up with Laura, and Seger was always around. There's nothing between us like that."

"I beg to differ," Negan said. "I've been uh," he paused to find the correct words. "Kicking my ass about last night enough. I just don't know what… You're thinking of me."

Riley finished her water, her cheeks flushing as Negan quieted. He didn't smile or tease her as Riley processed her thoughts, drawing shapes with the condensation on her glass. Negan finished his water and continued nursing his beer. "In what way?" Riley asked.

"Well," Negan chuckled, rubbing his chin. 

Riley thought his dark beard accentuated his looks too well— GOD STOP!

"I was feeling your hands up last night," Negan laughed. Riley giggled quietly, nodding in agreement as she stirred ice with her straw. "I'm starting to like you on my bike," he teased huskily.

Oh, God. Help me. Riley would likely need a cigarette of her own after this.

"But that's just me," Negan shrugged. "I know I don't get any damn brownie points for taking a girl to bed, but… I need to know if keeping it in my pants would be worth the wait."

Riley flushed, inhaling deeply when her heart began racing. Negan managed to keep any witty, sarcastic remarks to himself as she processed what that meant. Oh, it's crystal clear, honey!

"I don't know," Riley answered quietly. Negan's expression didn't change as Riley frowned. "I wasn't expecting it to feel so bad when I realized what happened. We're not… Dating," she whispered.

"I know," Negan said. His hazel eyes were sorrowful. "But if you're not looking at me in that way, it's okay—"

"What if I am?" Riley asked anxiously.

Negan observed her in amusement. "Then I'd straighten up. It would be pretty damn cool if you did," he admitted.

"I mean it when I say Seger is my friend. He gives me these weird voodoo eyes a lot, and he teases me, but it's because he knows I get shy. He's an asshole like that. You should know," Riley said.

"I would if Seger flirted with me," Negan smirked. "But you? I'm sure I've seen you every shade of red since we've met."

"Yeah, well, you're an asshole," Riley said plainly. Negan finished his beer. "Are you satisfied?" she asked.

"I will be if you're saying I have a chance," Negan grinned like a child.

Riley smiled at his boyish expression. "Yeah," she confirmed.

"Damn!" Negan boasted quietly. "Wanna seal the deal with some sugar?" he asked.

"In your dreams," Riley said as she climbed out of the booth. Negan might lose all his teeth from smiling so damn much. "I'm getting more water."

-

"You're supposed to pocket solids, sweet thing," Negan chuckled when Riley scowled, prepared to throw the cue stick across the room.

"I never said I was good when I agreed to play," Riley retorted in annoyance. Her scowl entertained Negan as he walked around the table, preparing for his next shot. "Helping you get closer to winning means the sooner we stop."

Negan chuckled as he aimed for gold, focusing on the nearest ball to pocket. "You don't mean that," he drawled playfully. Riley's ears clenched at the sound when he took his shot, and they watched it sail across the table, knocking his target into the hole. "Besides, I can get there on my own," he grinned as he repositioned himself.

Riley's pout remained throughout the game. She couldn't tell if Negan's missed shots were intentional or not as they played, though he stayed ahead as they made small talk. Riley enjoyed hearing The Shangri-Las on the radio. Negan wasn't dumb enough to believe he was entirely off the hook despite Riley saying he still had a chance. He forced himself not to pry too deeply into her life, including inquiring about her childhood and what happened to her old car.

"You know, I answered your question," Riley said when there were four balls to go. Negan miscalculated by an inch and didn't score, his lips twitching as he stood straight.

"What was yours, again?" Negan asked, though he couldn't possibly forget.

Riley tried mimicking what she'd watched Negan do this entire time, only attempting to be nonchalant in case Negan caught on to the fact that she was taking notes. She felt awkward trying to smack the ball in the right place so it didn't trail awkwardly off course. Riley wondered why Negan didn't take the piss out of her for how bad she was.

"About Simon," Riley said. She held her breath, closing her eyes as she smacked the ball. Negan smirked when Riley pocketed her second-to-last solid. "I did it!" she squealed.

"Shit!" Negan grinned at her proud smile. "I'll have to stop going on easy on you. You'll be kicking my ass in no time," he said. Riley took a break to drink water and leaned against the pool table.

"Oh, please," Riley rolled her eyes at his arrogant smirk. "You're not going easy on me. I'm just bad."

Negan smiled, sidling beside her as Riley sipped her drink. He refused to have another beer, using this time to sober up. Riley didn't seem in a hurry to leave, but Riley had already informed him that she liked to be in bed by ten o'clock if she could help it. It was well past midnight!

"You don't have to tell me the dirty details," Riley said when Negan didn't explain. "But I thought Seger would start dragging Laura and me across the yard when they arrived."

"There was just some petty shit," Negan explained, carefully choosing his words. "Simon's always been… A vindictive asshole?" he offered. "Too goddamn wild and careless. I mean, getting shitfaced on alcohol and weed is one thing, but cocaine and shit? Nah, I don't want that shit around here. Simon always got too damn big for his boots and tried swindling whatever drugs he could into the picture… Even talked about becoming a damn pimp," Negan spat, rolling his eyes as Riley frowned beside him. "I couldn't stand him after a while. I mean, he wanted me to open a charter for him a few hours away, but his bullshit is the reason why I refused. And I'll continue doing so. Simon fucked off for a while, came back with a Viper jacket, and that's it. I can't say I miss his ugly ass," Negan said.

"He looked the type to do cocaine," Riley offered sweetly.

"Yeah, and everything under the goddamn sun," Negan chuckled dryly. Riley watched his face as he looked around. Everyone here seemed to keep to themselves, and the judgmental stares had finally disappeared. "That's the gist of it, sweetheart… Also doesn't help that I could hold a goddamn grudge like a motherfucker."

Riley laughed at his proud smile. "So can I," she grinned.

"I have a feeling I'll be pretty damn acquainted with that soon," Negan replied.

"It's a possibility," Riley smiled. Negan mussed his hair while Riley watched. "You're not trying to grow a mullet, are you?"

"Jesus Christ!" Negan rolled his eyes, almost clutching his chest from the pain. "That was the worst goddamn thing anyone's ever said to me. Just chop off my dick, sweetheart. It would hurt less."

"Do you ever gel it?" Riley asked mischievously, her sparkling eyes matching her tone.

"Sometimes," Negan replied, eyeing Riley's face as she grinned mischievously. "What the hell are you thinking?"

"Nothing," Riley answered. "We should finish," she said, facing the table. Negan didn't move, watching her face as Riley attempted to ignore his lingering gaze.

"Not sure if you're a good liar or if I'm just inclined to believe you because of your sweet face," Negan teased, his lip curling as he fought a smile.

Riley smiled as she weighed her options for winning this game. "You'll figure it out sooner or later," she said.

-

Once they arrived at camp, Riley entered the camper, where Laura had been impatiently waiting.

"You skank!" Laura sat up, pushing her blonde curls from her face as Riley closed the door. "Did you get the gossip?" she asked excitedly.

Riley removed Seger's jacket, which Laura wiggled her eyebrows at as Riley set it aside. "Some of it," Riley replied. Laura didn't seem pleased as Riley tied up her thick hair, feeling sluggish from such a long damn day. "Negan's outside. I'll be back," she continued, grabbing her bag of toiletries.

"Are you sure?" Laura teased as Riley reached for the handle. "You don't want to stay the night with him?" she asked.

"I never said I'd be back tonight," Riley replied, opening the door as Laura gasped. Laura rushed forward to keep Riley from leaving, though Riley had the door closed and was off the steps before Laura could blink. Negan had leaned against the camper, smoking a joint and watching in confusion, when they heard Laura give a muffled expletive from inside. The smoke was wispy as he blew it away from Riley.

"Is she surprised to see you alive?" Negan asked, his lips twitching as Riley frowned at him.

"Is that marijuana?" Riley asked, ignoring his jab. She smelled the strong scent after the fact and shuffled anxiously. "Could I try it?"

Negan raised his eyebrows, looking beside him to see Laura watching them through the blinds. Riley rolled her eyes, wincing when the light from inside shone on her face through the gap along with Laura's prying eyes. "It's serious business, kiddo," he drawled playfully.

Riley scoffed at the nickname. "I'm not that much younger than you!" she exclaimed.

Negan chuckled, observing her face as he smoked. Riley adjusted her bag, her scowl prominent at his teasing. "We'll see how you feel once you're cleaned up. Let's go," he laughed again. Those loitering about kept to their bonfires, though most had already hit the hay. Riley stayed close as they walked the partially lit grounds to the bathrooms. Negan kept an eye out for Merle, having seen the Dixon's bikes once they returned.

All monsters come out at night...

"I won't be long," Riley said, eyeing Negan once he leaned against the wall. He forced himself not to laugh when he saw her frustrated face. "Please?" she asked.

"In due time," Negan replied, his grin widening when Riley stormed into the bathroom. "Might wanna hurry!" he added.

It was too late and cold for a shower, so Riley freshened up the easy way, shivering from the drafty bathroom. She could smell the marijuana through the vented window on the ceiling, washing her face and brushing her teeth. Negan occupied himself by whistling when he wasn't smoking the joint. Nobody bothered him as he waited outside in the brisk air. Riley didn't make a peep from the bathroom, and she didn't take as long as he anticipated. Negan didn't move from the wall when Riley walked outside.

"I'm ready," Riley said, holding her hand toward him expectantly.

Negan grinned, the nearly dissolved joint bobbing in his mouth. It reminded Riley of Seger, her face flushing at the comparison. It was too dark between them for Negan to notice. "I don't think this is a good one anymore, sweetheart," he said.

Riley's face flattened. "Why are you mean to me?" she pouted. The look on Negan's face was as if someone kicked his puppy. Riley hid her smile when he removed the joint, his eyes trailing her face in concern. It was such a precious moment that Riley wondered why Lucille would try finding it elsewhere...

"You trust me?" Negan asked, his lips twitching when the guilt seemingly passed.

"I think so," Riley answered instinctively.

"Because what I'm about to say sounds a bit suggestive," Negan said, quirking his eyebrows. Riley could appreciate their thickness... "I have more, but they're at the camper," he said.

Riley looked nonplussed. "That tent wasn't yours?" she asked.

Negan's smile didn't reach his eyes, and he shrugged as he stomped the joint out. "No. I don't like sleeping in them. You'd do anything when you're intoxicated off your ass," he said. "You still up for it?" he asked.

Riley didn't need to think twice but did so to hide her eagerness. However, she knew the excitement didn't come from trying marijuana the first time! "I have some time," she replied.

Negan walked beside her, steering her away from the bathroom. Riley could vaguely see Laura still watching them, light filtering through the lifted blind as they passed. Negan either didn't notice or comment as they passed dying fires or those still enjoying the night. Riley realized for the first time all weekend that she felt safe with Negan, and Seger was the only man she'd share that feeling with around here.

"It's not mine," Negan informed Riley when they arrived. "The ol' man lets us bid for it; this time I won," he explained cheekily. Riley smiled when he led her inside. It was similar to theirs: small, with just enough room for a kitchen nook, a bed, and a booth. Riley hid her laugh when she observed the bright colors and couldn't imagine Negan willingly staying here unless he were desperate.

"It's cute," Riley said. Negan gestured for her to sit, so Riley sat at the booth. She eyed the microwave as Negan fiddled in the backroom. "I could use some popcorn," she said.

"Top shelf," Negan said, his voice slightly muffled. Riley perked up when he returned, holding a tiny baggie that he tossed on the table. "You want some?" he asked.

Riley excitedly agreed. Negan stuck a bag in, and they sat across from each other, listening to the kernels pop as the smell of butter filtered through the space. Riley watched the baggie of joints, her hands anxiously fidgeting in her lap. Negan tapped his fingers on the table, watching her face occasionally to ensure Riley wasn't uncomfortable. Riley jumped when the microwave beeped, prompting Negan to frown as he stood.

"Lenny broke the last bowl," Negan explained as he set the steaming bag on the table. "This'll have to do," he chuckled, opening the bag. They watched steam bellow from the package for a minute before Negan ripped it open enough that they could eat without taking turns.

They ate some popcorn and didn't say much. The drawn-out silence soon bothered Negan, who could only stand so much at one time. Even if the odds were that he didn't feel talkative, he was always surrounded by others who also couldn't shut up. Riley was so damn comfortable in it that it continued to fascinate him the more time he spent with her. Negan assumed her beautiful head was alight with wonderful things despite her quietness. Riley soon became restless and eyed the baggie of goods.

"Don't force yourself if you don't like it," Negan said, pulling out a joint. He grabbed the lighter from his pocket, watching Riley's face as she observed his movements. "I mean, ain't as bad as tobacco, but it kicks your ass until you're used to it," he explained.

"That means I'm gonna choke," Riley sighed in embarrassment.

"There's water in the fridge," Negan said, lighting the joint. Riley reached across the aisle and opened the mini fridge, grabbing the nearest water. Negan made eye contact as he stuck it in his mouth, puffing for less than a minute. Riley seemed completely enthralled, though he wasn't dumb enough to believe it was only because she didn't know how to inhale. Negan had seen that sparkle in women plenty, though he'd say this was the first time since Lucille that it excited him.

"Do it carefully," Negan said, coughing slightly as he handed it over. Riley grabbed it, observing it closely as Negan released the smoke entirely. "Just a bit to start. You have to hold it in for a moment before blowing it out."

Riley hesitantly brought the joint to her lips, briefly glancing at him as she followed his directions. Negan hid his smirk when he saw the slight pull in her dimples from inhaling, her brown eyes scanning the place curiously. Riley pulled the joint away, releasing the smoke once her throat felt coated in it. Negan winced when she coughed, though it wasn't as bad as he anticipated. He remembered being around when Laura smoked the first time, and she threw up.

"My throat is dry," Riley croaked, immediately returning it. Negan grinned as she opened the water, chugging most of it immediately. His tolerance was high enough to feel buzzed just enough to relax. Negan used the joint again, having decided that Riley smoking it herself would have the poor kid on the floor in no time.

"That shit doesn't get any better," Negan grinned once he handed it back. Riley wasn't as eager to try again, her wrinkled nose evident if her frown wasn't proof enough. "Just tell me when you're ready to stop."

Riley and Negan traded a few times, though it quickly ended when Riley started to feel it. Negan removed his jacket before placing the remnants in the ashtray. He lounged in his seat, mussing his hair as Riley sat face down on the table. Negan almost didn't want to bother her, but his concern shone through as he gently shook her shoulder.

"You okay?" he asked, unable to hide his amusement.

"Everything is slow," Riley said, her voice muffled. "There's static in my brain."

"That sounds about right," Negan smiled, thumbing her bare arm. "I'd like you to look at me. I want to see if you're all right."

Riley barely lifted her head, her dilated pupils quite the sight as Negan smiled. She didn't brush him off, though Negan wondered if Riley knew she was even touched. Riley observed him, unable to hide her giggle as she set her head down. "It's the hot guy," she said.

Negan appeared baffled, listening to her muffled giggles and whispers. He couldn't help but think incredibly high of himself as the marijuana turned off Riley's filter. "I'll take that as a good sign," he chuckled.

"What's the meaning of life?" Riley asked, burying her face into the crook of her elbow. Negan grinned appreciatively. He remembered his first joint! "I feel so free," she said.

"It's a great feeling, huh?" Negan asked.

Riley sat up, her cheeks red as she pushed her hair behind her shoulders. "It's hot in here," she said. "Aren't you hot?" she asked.

"According to you, yes," Negan replied smugly. Riley laughed, unable to make eye contact with him. She looked around the camper, spotting a radio tucked into the corner. Negan followed her gaze and nodded to it. "Want some music?" he asked.

"I'd love it," Riley gushed. Negan stood and turned it on. They listened to the Chordettes. "I could be in a girl group," Riley said dreamily.

"Oh yeah?" Negan smiled, noting the sparkle in her eyes. "Does this mean you're about to sing me a song? I love that shit," he chuckled when Riley quickly looked concerned.

"We'd have to go on a date first," Riley said.

"I see," Negan said, smiling mischievously. "One date before you perform your oral magic?"

"Negan!" Riley whined. "Are you trying to make me explode?" she asked.

Negan giggled like a child. "One of these days, of course," he said. Riley stood, gripping the table between them, when the room spun. Negan laughed at her embarrassment, though he stood to grab her arm. "Take it easy, sweetheart. I'm sure you can't see straight right now."

"I can't," Riley confirmed. Negan swallowed when Riley looped her arm around his neck, hiding her face as they stood together. "Will you save me?" she asked.

Negan wasn't sure where to put his goddamn hands! He softly grabbed her hips, steadying Riley in case she really couldn't see straight. Riley melted into his embrace, though she continued hiding her face. Negan tried determining if this was a good sign... Maybe sweet thing just needed a hug. However, Negan knew he could beat around the bush and draw some information from her. He always believed an intoxicated mind spoke a sober heart, as much as the guys liked to tease him about it.

"You need saving, babe?" Negan asked. He felt Riley tense, though her grip around his neck tightened as if the name drop excited her. Negan knew she could hear his smile as he spoke. "What happened to you?" he asked.

"My boyfriend cheated on me after my mom died in a car accident," Riley said, speaking as if the words were simple. Negan abruptly pulled her back, staring into her eyes as Riley seemed off-planet. "He said my m-moping was ruining his music career," she continued. Negan's thick eyebrows furrowed as she explained her trauma. "What music career he's talking about, I don't know, but we never broke up, and I saw him with other girls. We never talked again, but it kind of hurt me."

"Sounds like you dodged a bullet with that asshole," Negan said. Riley touched his beard, observing his face closely. Negan smiled at her unprecedented behavior. "How long ago was that?" he asked.

"She died a few months ago," Riley said, still touching his face. Her brown eyes wandered his face, but she was still hesitant to meet his eyes willingly. "He left in November. I don't miss him, but my mom was all I had growing up. I really miss her," Riley said, though she didn't cry. Negan sighed when she released his face.

"I'm sorry," Negan said. He didn't know what the hell to say to Riley that she hadn't heard a million times before. "He's that bastard Seger was talking about before his party," he confirmed.

"That's him," Riley said. Negan still held her, and dare he admit she felt right in his arms? "I think I need to sit down," she said.

Negan had her sit. Riley drank her water, and they listened to the radio until whoever was at the station signed off. Negan switched it off, rubbing his eyes as the marijuana settled, and he began feeling drowsy. Riley did the same, though her exhaustion was accentuated with a yawn.

"I can take you back," Negan said, fighting the urge to yawn in response.

"Could I stay here?" Riley asked. Her mind still spun, though less severely than before. "If that's okay..." she trailed off.

"Whatever you want," Negan replied, crossing his arms. "You can take the bed. I'll be fine out here."

Riley looked around the cramped space. "And sleep where?" she asked.

"Right where you're sitting," Negan said, his lips twitching at her comical expression. "I've slept in worse places, sweet thing."

"Don't be ridiculous," Riley said, standing. Negan grinned when he realized Riley was coming to her senses. "Unless you're afraid I'm contagious," she said.

"Not at all," Negan chuckled. Riley wandered to the back, removing her shoes before crawling onto the messy bed. Negan may have spent two hours in it since they arrived at camp. He turned off the lamp and locked the door before following. Riley chose her side of the bed, watching him in the dark. Negan crawled in, claiming the opposite side as the moon filtered through the closed blinds just enough to make each other out. He ensured to keep the maximum distance possible, though Negan wouldn't mind closing it.

"You'd tell me tomorrow if I said anything embarrassing, right?" Riley asked after a moment of silence. 

Negan snickered, eyeing her from his spot. Riley covered up, turning on her side to watch him. Negan played it cool, hoping to disguise the tingle he felt throughout his body with her so close. "And embarrass you? Nah," he said. Riley snickered, cuddling into the blankets. "We'll see what you remember."

Riley fell asleep first. Negan barely clung on, fighting himself to watch her sleep for a bit. Marijuana always resulted in taking long damn naps or sleeping until the afternoon. Riley looked impossibly cuter as any worry melted away while she slept. Negan moved her hair from her face, feeling the soft locks between his fingers before pulling away to avoid disturbing her. He couldn't wait to see an angel when he woke up!

Chapter Text

When Riley awoke, Negan wasn't beside her, though she heard him shuffling in the other room. She could hear light rain hitting the window as she stretched, her ankles popping in response. Last night was the best sleep Riley had in a long time. Riley curled into a ball under the sheets, unaware of the time and unconcerned as she closed her eyes.

Negan had awoken early and cleaned up in the bathroom. He put Riley's bag on Seger's jacket, eyeing it as time passed, and she hadn't come out. Negan didn't want to awaken her, but they'd hit the road in a few hours once everyone awoke and cooked the remaining food. The weather wasn't ideal, as Negan didn't like the guys riding in the rain. He hoped it'd pass by the time they'd depart. Negan was surprised that Laura hadn't come knocking to find her best friend.

Riley dozed off for a while before she smelled food. Her stomach growled, prompting her to sit up, rubbing her eyes as she fought the urge to yawn. Negan had the radio on low, whistling to whatever was playing. Riley crawled out of bed and joined him, still rubbing her eyes.

"I was getting worried," Negan said when he saw her. Riley was adorably ruffled as she sat at the booth. Two plates of breakfast food were waiting, steam rising and tickling Riley's nose. "I was just about to wake you up. You hungry?" he asked.

"Extremely," Riley croaked. Negan handed her plastic utensils as he sat across from her. "Thank you," she said.

They ate and listened to the radio. Negan's damp hair was slicked back, and Riley couldn't stop wondering what it would be like to grab it. He was the one person Riley had these endless thoughts about, and the resulting blush couldn't hide itself from Negan. It was worse when coupled with the fact that Negan was observant and caught it quickly.

"What?" Negan asked, his grin blinding as Riley chewed.

"Nothing," Riley mumbled. Negan left some food on his plate while Riley demolished hers. She was blissfully full and decided to divert the subject. "That was really good..."

"Charlie's a chef," Negan replied. His smile proved that Riley wouldn't be getting out of this. "But that's not why you can't look me in the eye," he said smoothly.

"Says who?" Riley asked, her nose wrinkling with distaste.

"Says me," Negan replied. "Am I doing something that embarrasses you?" he asked, tilting his head as he observed her. Riley twiddled her thumbs under the table as her food settled.

"No," Riley said. "My mind gets away from me sometimes, is all," she mumbled.

Negan looked like he had plenty to say but kept his mouth shut. He discarded their trash before peeking through the curtains. The rain had stopped, and the others were packing outside.

"Thank you," Riley said. Negan turned to see she had her things. "I should, uh, get ready and stuff..." she said awkwardly.

"It's no problem," Negan said, his smile hiding his disappointment. "The least I could do is return the favor."

Riley smiled at him. Negan stepped out with her, wanting to contribute something so the guys didn't tease him later. Riley walked with him until they passed her camper, where she quietly diverted and slipped inside. Negan kept walking, unable to hide his smirk when he thought of what Laura would say after Riley didn't come home.

"I can't believe you didn't come back!" Laura said as Riley grabbed fresh clothes. She wanted to shower despite the nerves of using a public washroom.

"Nothing happened," Riley said. Laura eyed her smugly as Riley folded her dirty clothes, shoving them into her bag. "I smoked marijuana for the first time..."

"How was it?" Laura asked.

"Dizzy," Riley replied. "I think I blacked out every few seconds... I'm pretty sure I called him hot," she said. Laura laughed! "I already did once, but now he knows I wasn't lying because I couldn't hide it when I was high."

"Would you do it again?" Laura asked.

"Maybe. Just not for a while yet. I'll be back," Riley said, effectively ending the conversation as she gathered her things and left. Laura waited until she was alone to show her excitement.

-

Seger had loaded his bike onto someone's trailer as Riley and Laura loaded his car. Most of the Saviors and the surrounding groups had left, though the stragglers would depart any minute. Riley was miffed when she saw how much trash was left from the other groups but didn't feel comfortable picking any of it up barehanded. Laura said there was no telling what could be on it.

The rain held off despite some sprinkles here and there. The Dixon brothers revved their bikes before departing, and Riley saw Daryl nod to Negan when he passed. Negan looked pleased to see Merle fucking off, and Riley laughed at his evident excitement. She didn't see Negan look at her from across the yard when he heard the sweet sound. Negan liked it when her long hair was down, though the wet updo allowed him to see her face without distraction. He couldn't wait to get a closer look.

"Are we ready?" Laura asked Seger.

"Yeah," Seger replied. He smiled when Riley handed him his jacket. "I thought I'd never see this again," he teased her.

"I'll take it if you're offering," Riley said. Laura smiled at them as Seger chuckled. "It's really warm."

"If you stick around, you might get your own," Laura grinned. Riley rolled her eyes and walked away, ignoring Seger's guttural laugh as he lit a cigarette. Laura shrugged and plucked one from his box, ignoring Seger's displeased expression, though he lit it for her.

Negan bid Charles and the others goodbye. He already felt tired and could use a nap. Negan was pleasantly surprised when he saw Riley standing beside his bike, fiddling with it without climbing on. He attempted to hide the urgency to join her but kind of failed as Laura watched from afar, snorting when Negan managed to play it cool anyway as he approached.

"You gonna take her for a spin one day?" Negan asked. Riley quickly released one of the handles and straightened her posture. Negan grinned when Riley met his eyes.

"I'm good," Riley replied. "I just like it," she admitted, her nervous laugh alighting his soul.

"You're very sweet," Negan teased. "You guys about to leave?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to say goodbye," Riley said. They ignored Seger and Laura's watchful eyes as they said goodbye privately. "I'm not sure when I'll see you again," she finished.

"Something tells me it won't be long now," Negan smiled. Riley returned it, the sparkle in her eyes brightening her face. "I'm sure there will be something going on that Laura drags you to," he chuckled. Negan always imagined Laura pulling Riley from her house by her hair.

"I did have fun. Thank you for letting me come," Riley said sweetly. Negan could feel his knees buckling and almost hated it. He hadn't felt this way since his last relationship, and he was alarmed at how this almost scared him. His ex-fiancée left him a shell of a person for months when she left him. Now, Negan felt shit that he vowed he'd never allow himself to feel again, and it was as exciting as it was horrifying.

"Is it cheesy if I say you're welcome anytime?" Negan asked, his lips twitching at his embarrassment. It seemed worth it when Riley laughed at him. "I mean, I could lie and say you're never welcome again," he added.

"Even I wouldn't fall for that shit," Riley said smugly. Laura and Seger looked over again when Negan's laugh could shake the trees. "But thank you again," she said.

They quieted and stared. Laura excitedly grabbed Seger's arm, nearly ripping it from the socket as she watched in hopeful anticipation. Seger watched, his expression unreadable as it seemed they might witness a first kiss! "Holy shit," Laura whispered excitedly.

Negan would love to shove his tongue down Riley's throat, but her hesitation to make a move stopped him. He could see the struggle in her eyes as they gazed at each other. Riley could see the same in his eyes. Negan remembered what Laura said the night he met Riley and knew he'd have to make the first move if he wanted anything to come out of this budding relationship.  Riley's brown eyes pierced through his soul the longer they stood there, debating if this were the time.

"Come on!" Laura begged quietly.

"Don't you think we should let them be?" Seger mumbled back. Laura glared at him, squeezing his arm.

Riley's gentle smile almost had Negan on the floor. "I'll see you around?" she asked.

"Yeah," Negan replied. He chuckled when he heard Laura's groan from a mile away, and Riley's lips twitched in response. "You know, I think I'm hurt that you haven't given me your number yet," he said.

Riley laughed in disbelief as Negan smugly smiled. "Yeah? Well, you've never asked!" she retorted immediately.

"I just figured you're making me work for it," Negan replied. Riley giggled, though her face proved him right. "If you don't give it to me the next time I see you, it'll break my heart, kiddo."

"You're four years older than me!" Riley reminded him of her partial displeasure of such a nickname. Negan beamed arrogantly as she crossed her arms.

"I know," Negan said. "It just tickles my dick whenever you wrinkle that adorable nose at me," he said, gesturing to her face.

"Isn't she cute when she's angry?" Laura asked, sidling beside Riley and throwing her arm around her. Riley's scowl deepened as Laura teased her. Seger followed, only to say goodbye. "We're ready to hit the road, honey," Laura said.

"Yeah, yeah," Riley brushed her off. Negan watched Riley head to the car, again disappointed for the second time that day. Laura looked expectantly between Negan and Seger as they said goodbye and did a bro-hug.

"I'll see you around," Seger said. Laura stuck her hand out to Negan, who rolled his eyes but shook it as she grinned teasingly. "I tried to tell Laura to stop being so damn nosy–"

"Don't blame me!" Laura screeched. Riley watched them through the car window, almost regretting that she didn't kiss Negan when she had the chance.

-

APRIL, 1966

Over a month had passed since the campout, and Riley hardly saw Negan.

It was similar to the situation beforehand, where they went without contact. Laura assured Riley multiple times that the boys hadn't planned anything since and that Riley would be invited the moment Laura heard something. Riley went to work, cared for her house, and quickly returned to her reclusive self as the winter slowly became spring. It was an odd feeling knowing that Negan wasn't her boyfriend, but the more time passed, the more Riley thought about him and realized she couldn't stop.

Laura jokingly told her that Seger was watching Negan, though Laura and everyone else knew that Negan's heart eyes for Riley weren't a joke. This didn't persuade Sylvia to stop pursuing him. However, Seger explained one night over dinner that it had been ongoing for a long time, and Sylvia only got what she wanted because Negan was intoxicated. It was an easy lay because Negan knew that Sylvia was interested in him. 

"Yeah, it's a dick thing to say, but it's true," Seger said that night. Laura still sighed in disappointment when Riley didn't contribute to the conversation.

Riley devoted an entire rainy day to deep cleaning the house after taking Presley to the vet. He sat in his recliner, grooming himself and minding his business as Riley scrubbed the floors and the walls. The heavy rainstorm was projected to last all day, though Riley was soothed by this instead of being annoyed. Riley loved the rain despite it being an unpopular opinion with almost everyone she knew.

Just after three, Riley settled onto the couch, choosing to rest as she mulled over what to do for dinner. The entire first floor smelled like lemons, but the upstairs would have to wait until next week. Riley's arms would likely fall off if she continued washing the walls upstairs. Whatever played on the television wasn't interesting, but Riley fell into the cycle of watching it anyway.

Riley jumped when someone knocked. Presley immediately stopped licking his paws, looking around in surprise at the loud sound. Riley sneakily peeked through the curtains of her front window, observing the street for a vehicle. She didn't see one and craned her neck to see who was at the door. Negan was drenched from head to toe.

Riley quickly scrambled from the couch, forcing herself to slow down as she unlocked the door. She was unsure if she was more concerned or eager as she opened it, and Negan stood, nearly shivering in his boots—the rain soaked through his layered sweatshirt and biker jacket. "Negan, what the hell?" Riley asked. She couldn't help but feel slightly miffed that he showed up after not seeing him for over a month...

"Why hello to you, too," Negan joked despite his chattering teeth. "I need help," he said lamely.

Riley pulled him inside. Negan repeatedly apologized for soaking her floor as Riley instructed him to remove his boots, socks, and shirts. He was grateful for the heat. Presley watched, his green eyes unamused.

"What the hell happened to you?" Riley asked once she bunched his clothes in her arms. Negan wore his blue jeans, his bare torso glistening from the water. Riley was into the fact that he wasn't overly muscular, though his abs showed. Laura would take the piss out of her about now if she were here... It was the first time Riley had seen his bare arms, and the litter of tattoos stirred something in her gut. This man is sending you to an early grave!

"What didn't happen?" Negan asked rhetorically. He didn't seem at all embarrassed that he was now half-naked in her foyer. If Negan saw her reaction, he didn't show it. "I got into some trouble and got rescued by an angel," he said.

Riley rolled her eyes. "Cute," she said. "I'll wash these for you. Do you want to take a shower?" she asked.

"If it will defrost my balls," Negan replied, his grimace telling of how uncomfortable he was. "I appreciate it," he mumbled.

Riley sent Negan upstairs and threw his clothes into the washer. She figured Jack and Negan were around the same build, and she had some of his clothes lying around. Riley hoped they'd fit him as she collected a black shirt and sweatpants. Presley remained uninterested as Riley walked upstairs, listening to the running shower. Riley awkwardly stood outside the door, adjusting the clothes in her arms. Don't go inside…

Negan gave no fucks that he smelled feminine once he finished. He dried himself with a clean towel, wrapping it around his hips once he realized there were no clothes. His lips twitched, pushing his damp hair from his face. Negan opened the door, planning on calling for his savior, until he saw a pile on the floor. He leaned against the frame, staring at the clothes before laughing.

Riley made tea in the kitchen, anxiously waiting for Negan to come down. The kettle heated on the stove when she heard footsteps, and Presley meowed in the living room. Riley was surprised when Negan entered the kitchen, carrying a purring Presley in his arms. "Your cat likes me," Negan grinned. Riley smiled, somewhat impressed. "I didn't disturb him from his nap. He came to me," he informed gleefully.

"Wow," Riley smiled. "I'm surprised. He's not that cuddly with strangers."

Negan set the cat down when he got restless. Riley observed him in the clothes, grateful that her hunch was correct. The snug fit of his shirt churned her gut in the best way. Imagine wrapping your legs around his waist—

"Am I talking to myself?" Negan chuckled. Riley came to her senses, looking at Negan as if he lapsed into Swedish.

"What?" Riley asked.

"I just said thank you," Negan said. Riley could melt when she looked into his hazel eyes. "For saving my balls," he added.

"Are you gonna tell me what happened?" Riley asked. Presley brushed against her legs, prompting her to open a cabinet for his treats. Presley meowed more than once in excitement.

Negan grinned, crossing his arms as he leaned against the counter. "I ran out of gas fleeing the Feds and ran to your house for refuge. You don't mind harboring a fugitive, do you?" he asked.

"Do I get something out of it?" Riley asked as she fed Presley treats. The kettle softly began to whistle.

"The time of your life? I might be locked up for a while," Negan replied.

Riley snorted, returning the bag. Presley proudly ate his afternoon snack. Negan smirked as Riley washed her hands before grabbing a mug. "Do you want any tea?" she asked, ignoring his remarks.

"What kind?" Negan asked.

"Peppermint," Riley said. "It helps when my throat hurts."

"My nuts would appreciate it," Negan replied. Riley snorted and grabbed another mug.

They sat at the table with their tea. Riley brought out cookies, and there seemed to be an unspoken need to see who could eat the most without throwing up. Negan wasn't much of a tea person but drank it all for comfort.

"You getting sick or something?" Negan asked lamely after a while.

"There's a tickle in my throat," Riley said. "I get colds a lot... My mom was–is the same way," she quickly corrected herself.

Negan observed quietly. Damn! She doesn't remember... "What's her name?" he asked.

"Inez," Riley said. She stared at her mug, her fingers twitching from the urge to shove more cookies into her mouth from anxiety.

"That's... Cool," Negan admitted. "I've never met a Riley before you, either," he said.

Riley looked at him, her lips twitching. "I've never met a Negan. What's the story behind that?" she asked.

"I have no idea," Negan chuckled. "I just tell people my dad was drunk when he filled out my birth certificate. I don't think it's far from the truth," he smirked.

"I like it," Riley admitted. "It's... Extremely fitting," she said slowly. "And it kind of proves there's nobody quite like you," she said, giggling at the shit-eating grin that crossed his face.

"Are you flirting with me, sweetheart?" Negan asked giddily.

"That remains to be seen," Riley replied quickly.

"I see," Negan nodded. Riley eyed his arms, prompting Negan to look at them in admiration. "You like 'em?" he asked.

"Maybe," Riley mumbled, finishing her tea. "I guess I should've known because of your knuckles."

"You could always get a closer look," Negan said suggestively. Riley gagged as she stood and gathered their dishes. Negan laughed as she hurried into the kitchen.

-

"Am I getting special treatment when I visit?" Negan asked with a mouthful of pizza. They sat on Riley's living room floor, eating and watching The Addams Family. The rain continued pounding the windows.

"Why? Because I always feed you?" Riley smiled.

"I would have paid if you weren't so goddamn stubborn," Negan said. They ignored Presley, who sat between them to beg for scraps. Negan hadn't met a cat so determined to eat human food.

"You can buy next time," Riley said. Negan smiled at her disposition to ignore him and watch the television. 

"Next time," Negan mumbled, looking down at his full plate as he laughed eagerly. "Next time!"

"Does that excite you or something?" Riley teased. She had already eaten two slices and grabbed a third. Negan excitedly watched.

"That you want to see me again? Hell, yes," Negan replied. Riley didn't respond as she watched her show. Negan laughed and ate his pizza, unwilling to disturb the princess.

They ate nearly the whole pizza and watched another episode. Riley held Presley in the recliner, stroking his shiny fur as he purred away. Negan made himself comfortable, spreading out on the couch as he watched. Riley couldn't stop her wandering eyes from looking at him and wondering if Negan would be annoyed if she mounted him.

Negan reluctantly changed into his clothes once they were dry. Riley took the loungewear and hid it away, telling herself to keep it just in case. The rain slowly tapered off as nightfall came. Riley couldn't stop thinking about what led Negan to her door and considered bringing it up again. However, she did think the Feds joke was entertaining. Riley perked up on the couch when Negan walked downstairs. His hair was unkempt now that it was dried, but Riley thought he looked good no matter what.

"I should go," Negan said. Riley fought the urge to nibble on her lip. "I've taken up your whole afternoon," he laughed softly.

"I did have fun," Riley said. "I was cleaning before you got here. I have an excuse to finish the rest next week," she joked.

Negan chuckled. "Well, it was fun," he agreed. "Do you mind if I use your phone?" he asked.

"Go ahead," Riley said. Negan smiled and disappeared into the kitchen.

While Negan waited for his ride, they sat on the couch. Riley anxiously twiddled her fingers as the television played. She hadn't been paying attention, allowing her thoughts to roam.

"Are you going to tell me what actually happened?" Riley asked once she had the courage.

Negan's face didn't change as he watched whatever in boredom. He gave her a brief side-eye before sighing. "Merle Dixon hid drugs in Daryl's garage. The asshole doesn't give a shit about anyone but himself... I snuck out back before the police could see I was there. I'm not being pinned for shit I didn't do. You were the closest safe place, sweetheart," Negan explained. "I wasn't lying all that much saying I'm on the run," he chuckled.

Riley raised her eyebrows, looking away to watch the television. "Daryl wouldn't allow you to take the fall, right?" she asked.

"Nah," Negan said. "But Merle would. I hope that bastard spends some time in jail. He hasn't served enough time, in my opinion."

Riley snickered lightly. "I kind of think it's funny you hate him so much," she whispered.

Negan smiled. "It's better knowing it's returned, you know?" he asked. They looked at each other when someone beeped their horn outside.

Riley fetched Negan's biker jacket for him, her face unreadable as he slid it on. Whoever came to get him impatiently beeped again, and Negan rolled his eyes as he wrenched the door open. Riley stood behind him, crossing her arms. She shook her head when Negan yelled at them to wait!

"Guess I'll see you around, sweet thing," Negan drawled.

"Yeah," Riley agreed, smiling slightly as Negan smiled. "Um... Be careful?" she added.

Negan laughed. "Always am, sweetheart! Don't forget about me," he teased.

They stared. Riley felt her skin prickle in excitement. Negan's hazel eyes glistened with mischievous hope, and Riley was sure he began to lean closer until whoever beeped the horn outside. Riley couldn't hide her giggle as Negan rolled his eyes, turning and walking onto the porch. It was too dark for her to see who it was, but Negan's colorful language as he approached the car was too entertaining to ignore. It took a minute for it to settle that she was left with blue balls. Riley huffed and closed the door.

"You impatient fuck!" Negan sighed as he entered Johnny's car. Johnny chuckled as he fished a crumpled cigarette from his pocket.

"I got a blonde cutie waiting for me at home," Johnny replied smugly. His rugged face was unusually bright, and Negan rolled his eyes with a smirk. "You make a move yet, hot shot?"

"I was trying to do that, limp dick," Negan sighed. Johnny stuck the unlit cigarette into his mouth, his eyes alight as he chuckled. 

"How do you know if she'll put out?" Johnny asked. Negan rolled his eyes, rubbing his chin. He thought he saw the curtain in Riley's living room shift, though he didn't see her.

"I don't expect her to," Negan replied. Johnny scoffed in surprise. Negan eyed the unlit cigarette and chuckled. "Are you gonna light the fucking thing?" he asked.

"I lost the lighter. It helps me pretend," Johnny replied sourly. Negan chuckled as he unzipped his pockets for the lighter he knew he had. He felt it in one pocket, though his hand touched something peculiar in the other. Negan handed Johnny the lighter and pulled the unknown out with a frown. He revealed a tiny sliver of paper and unraveled it. Negan grinned when he saw Riley's phone number.

please don't call past 10pm

riley

"You're just now getting her number?" Johnny asked, blowing the smoke out the cracked window.

"She's a special one," Negan replied softly. He laughed at her note.

"You know, Laurie said her ex fucked her up pretty good," Johnny said as he finally pulled from the curb. Negan tucked the slip of paper into his pocket and zipped it up. "Said she doesn't like to show it."

"Yeah, well, that's his goddamn loss," Negan said. "I don't need to meet the bastard to know he's a pussy."

-

As Negan predicted, Riley got sick.

Her boss was pissed when Riley called off the day she was scheduled for a double. Riley's stuffy nose, sore throat, and fever didn't sway him from threatening to fire her before more important means called his attention. Presley cuddled with his sick mother on the couch as she cried and watched television. The frustrated tears prompted a much-needed nap.

Riley awoke at eleven when her phone rang. She couldn't get up, her aching body making it seem impossible. Presley purred away as the phone stopped ringing, only to start a minute later immediately. Riley forced herself up and reluctantly approached the phone, clutching a tissue as she prepared for it to be her asshole boss. "Hello?" Riley croaked.

"Laura said you're sick, sweetheart," Negan said. Riley's heart skipped a beat as she leaned against the wall. "I sure hope it ain't contagious," he joked.

"It could be," Riley croaked. "You were here just a few days ago. Does your throat hurt yet?" she asked.

"Nah," Negan chuckled. "I don't get sick," he stated proudly. "I just wanted to see if you needed anything," he added sweetly.

"Could you beat the shit out of my boss?" Riley joked. "I'm tired of working for him," she admitted.

Negan waved the cigarette smoke from his nose, frowning as he leaned against the phone booth. Seger people watched beside him, puffing away as usual. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Chewed me out for calling off," Riley answered. She brought the phone down when she violently coughed, sinking to the floor.

"Maybe you should see a doctor, Riley," Negan said in concern. "What's his name?" he asked.

Riley frowned at his tone. "I was just joking, Negan," she said. "And I probably will... Guess it's more than a cold," she said hoarsely.

Negan decided to watch out for this guy. He already planned on bothering Riley at work more frequently. "Anything I can get for you?" he asked.

"Orange juice, soup, new lungs, a new job," Riley trailed off tiredly. "Just a few things that come to mind."

Negan chuckled. "I'll see what I can do," he teased. "Get some rest, kid," he said.

"Negan," Riley whined. "I'm twenty-seven," she croaked.

"Which is younger than me," Negan said smugly. "Which makes you a kid. I'll be around in a bit," he said. Riley scoffed when the line disconnected. She let the phone hang from the wall, quietly lying on her side.

After losing consciousness for an unknown amount of time, Riley was startled awake when someone gently shook her.

"Hey, it's okay," Negan soothed. Riley's body hurt from sleeping on the hardwood floor, her eyebrows adorably furrowing as Negan kneeled beside her. Seger stood in the doorway, holding Presley as he watched. "Why are you on the floor, Riley?" he chuckled.

"Everything hurts," Riley mumbled. Negan felt her cheeks flushed for reasons other than her bashfulness. "It's comfortable down here," she lied.

"Whatever you say," Negan said. "Up we go!" he said, slipping his arms underneath Riley and lifting her. Seger moved aside with the cat as Negan left to lay Riley on the couch.

"How'd you even get in here?" Riley asked the guys once Negan covered her with a blanket.

"Laura gave me her spare key," Seger replied. "Gotta give it back to her later."

"Oh," Riley said lamely. Negan smirked as Riley observed them. "Did you bring me anything?" she asked.

"Got your goodies right here," Negan replied, gesturing to the paper bags on the recliner. "I think we did pretty well," he teased.

"Superbly well," Seger agreed. Presley still happily purred away in his arms.

Riley rejected their proposal to make her soup, electing to do it herself. Seger sat in the living room while Negan accompanied Riley in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, silently watching Riley sniffle and cough every few minutes.

"You sound like shit, sweet thing," Negan said, grimacing when her coughs sounded painful. "Maybe you should, uh, get checked out today."

"I don't want to go anywhere," Riley said. Her stuffy nose made her voice sound drastically different.

"Do one of those home visits, then," Negan offered. He grinned at the dirty look Riley gave him.

"Okay, Papi," Riley giggled hoarsely. "I'll think about it."

"What the fuck?" Negan asked. "Did you just call me your dad or something?" he chuckled in disbelief.

"No," Riley answered quickly. Negan grinned widely as Riley shakily portioned her soup into a bowl. "Gracias," she added.

"Papi," Negan scoffed as Riley wandered into the other room. "Sounds a bit suggestive to me!" he called after her.

-

Once Riley was better and working, she was pleasantly surprised when Negan showed up one evening. His full beard had been trimmed, and his long, dark hair was neatly slicked back. Riley had to suck down a glass of water in the kitchen before she returned to her post at the bar. Catherine filled salt shakers at an empty table, burning a hole in Negan's head as she unknowingly poured salt onto the table.

"Your shift at Folsom end early?" Riley asked brightly as she approached. Negan fiddled with a pen, his eyes shifting immediately to her proud smile.

"Time kept dragging on," Negan replied. His amused grin was food for the soul. "Happy to see you too, sweetheart," he chuckled.

Negan had received intel from Laura that Riley was on the clock and used his free time to visit his current obsession. However, he hoped to catch a glimpse of the person he'd likely have to maim or seriously injure. Seger told him that he'd witnessed Riley's boss be a dick to her more than once.

"Do you want anything?" Riley asked. "I have to enforce the thirty-minute rule," she said sheepishly.

"Whatever gets me the most breakfast food," Negan replied. "Sounds like the best goddamn thing ever right now," he admitted.

Riley smiled. "Okay," she said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Negan ate his evening breakfast while Riley worked. One of the girls had disappeared into the office a while ago, and Negan watched in annoyance as Riley began closing just as last time. He cleared his plate and smiled when Riley came around the bar with a tub of dirty dishes.

"How was it?" Riley asked sweetly, putting his plate into the bin.

"Really good," Negan said. "But the service was even better." He chuckled as Riley scoffed and put the tub in the window.

"Martinez!" someone boomed from the office. Negan noted how Riley jumped and nearly flew off the stool in a rage. "That damn drawer better be balanced this time!"

Riley wiped her hands nervously on her apron. Negan stared at the closed office door, where he heard a feminine giggle.

"Do you hear me?" the voice asked in annoyance.

"It wasn't mine!" Riley snapped in annoyance. The room grew tense as the giggling stopped. "I'm never short," she mumbled.

"Martinez, get your ass in here," they demanded. Negan nearly crushed his mug in his palm as Riley crossed her arms, burrowing into her shell as she reluctantly left the counter to visit her manager. Negan sucked down his drink before standing, ensuring to get a good look inside the office when he passed while Riley entered the room. The restroom was a perfect excuse to get a good look at the dick pressing Negan's buttons. When Negan returned, Riley and her boss stood at the register, who rooted through the drawer as Riley watched in fear. Negan could see the nametag read Ed, and the fat fuck smugly counted Riley's drawer, which Negan was wise enough to know you never did before customers.

"We're closed, Pal," Ed said to Negan, refusing to look at him as he counted.

"I haven't paid for my meal," Negan said. "Got held up on a phone call," he lied, digging into his pocket for his wallet. "What do I owe you?" he asked Riley.

Ed rolled his eyes. "Dammit! Do your goddamn job, girl. Cash him out so I can see how much money ya lost me tonight," he said, angrily slamming the wad of bills into the register. Negan's fingers shook as Riley bit her lip to hide the wobble. Ed stormed into the kitchen, unknowingly giving them privacy as Negan fought the urge to kill the fucker.

"How much, Riley?" Negan asked, managing to keep his calm despite seeing red.

"Four-eighty," Riley mumbled. Negan slammed a ten-dollar bill on the counter.

"I don't need change," Negan said. Riley looked at him in surprise as she grabbed the bill and closed his tab. The urge to shake some sense into her reared its ugly head, but even Negan knew the difficulties of working with an assaholic boss. "I'll kill the cocksucker," he mumbled.

Riley didn't respond as she tucked his tip into her pocket. Her flushed cheeks were no match for Negan's anger as Riley hid her embarrassment from him and stayed in her shell. Ed exited the kitchen, eating a burger bigger than his fat face. Negan's eyes were dark as he observed Ed, who ignored him as he chewed and re-opened Riley's register.

"Thank you for coming," Riley squeaked. Negan eyed her face despite her willingness to ignore him.

"Have a good night," Negan said, eyeing Ed another time before reluctantly leaving. He wasn't going far!

Negan waited in his vehicle, watching through the window as Ed finished whatever ego trip he was on and left Riley alone. He chuckled at Riley's smug smile once she was alone, proving her earlier statement was correct. Negan knew that the Cocksucker Ed would eat his dick before apologizing to her for being a dick! Whether Riley noticed Negan waiting outside was unknown as she continued closing. Negan climbed out after a bit, grabbed a cigarette Seger had left in his vehicle, and walked into the alley.

Riley slid into her coat a while after Ed's annoying voice disappeared from the kitchen, signaling he fucked off for the night. She had made herself tea, as it would be a long, cold walk home. The warmer days didn't stop the chilly nights. Riley walked through the dark kitchen to the alley, sipping her tea and not paying as much attention as she should have until she realized what she walked in on.

Despite Ed having a good two hundred pounds on Negan, it didn't stop Negan from plummeting his face repeatedly. Riley froze, allowing the door to slam shut as Ed grunted in agony, his bloodied face barely illuminated by the nearest street lamps. She didn't know if the lit cigarette hanging from Negan's mouth was more shocking or comical. Despite the urge to scream at Negan to stop, the words wouldn't form.

Negan stopped, allowing Ed to slide down the wall like a sack of potatoes. He chuckled into the cigarette, using his bloodied hand to push his hair from his face. Riley remained speechless as she watched, her knees quivering in shock as Ed's raspy breathing became muddled from the blood. Negan puffed the cigarette, his eyes alight as Ed slumped.

"What the fuck!" Riley squeaked, unable to hide the trembles in her hands.

"He'll live," Negan replied, nudging Shithead Ed with his boot. "He got a free nose job out of it, too," he laughed.

Riley's heart continued pounding. Negan smoked the cigarette, looking at her as she refused to budge. His guttural laugh nearly sent shivers up her spine, though Riley wasn't naive to believe it was from fear alone. Negan took a final drag before kneeling beside Ed, roughly gripping his chin and forcing him to look up. Ed was unconscious, which was likely a good thing, when Negan blew the smoke through his nose, removing the burning cigarette and pressing it against a random spot on Ed's face.

Negan kept it there for a minute before releasing Ed, standing with an elongated sigh as he dropped the cigarette. Riley might have been sweating without knowing it as she watched with wide eyes. Negan's mussed hair wouldn't stay in place, prompting him to push it back despite his still bloody hands. "You need a ride?" Negan asked.

"Yeah," Riley answered breathlessly. Negan chuckled, stomping his foot as he observed Ed.

"I think the poor bastard pissed himself," Negan said, again nudging Ed with his boot. "I'll take you home," he gestured for Riley to follow. Riley eyed Ed briefly before following Negan.

Chapter Text

Negan sat in Riley's bathroom, his grimace strikingly intimidating as Riley bandaged his hand. Her expression wavered from disapproving to thankful whenever she looked at him, and Negan had to say it amused him, seeing her internal battle. He was sure he broke a knuckle or two assaulting Shithead Ed.

"I'd get it checked out tomorrow," Riley mumbled as she put her first aid kit away. Negan admired her handiwork, flexing his fingers as much as he could. The ache deepened his grimace, but he'd live.

"Maybe," Negan said. Riley eyed him as she continued dressing down, loosening her ponytail and letting her thick hair down. Negan watched her, unsure if pushing her to talk it out would be wise... But when he felt like yapping, he'd hardly be swayed. "You mad at me?" he asked, his lips twitching.

Riley snorted, pushing her hair from her face and retying it back so she could wash her face. "I don't think so," she replied. "But even I felt something in my loins when you kicked his ass," she stated nonchalantly.

Negan giggled immaturely, his shit-eating grin nearly contagious. Riley lathered her face with water and did her business, hoping she didn't get soap in her eyes as Negan giggled until he could compose himself.

"Well, I wouldn't change a thing I've done," Negan assured her. "Unless you end up hating me, maybe I'd send him a postcard," he said sarcastically.

Riley patted her face dry, rolling her eyes. "I don't care what happens to him," she whispered. "I'd get a job somewhere else if I could."

Negan nodded, once again admiring his bandaged hand. Riley watched him, her expectant eyes almost throwing him for a loop. Her quiet shuffling reminded Negan that he once again invaded her space without question.

"Uh... I kind of need to take a shower," Riley said. Negan chuckled at her nervous smile. "If you don't mind."

"Not at all," Negan said, his grin still blinding as he stood. "You gonna be okay?" he asked.

"I think so," Riley answered. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked.

"I don't know," Negan teased. "I think I need an overnight nurse," he said.

Riley snorted, grabbing the door as Negan shuffled out with a proud grin. "I'd have to charge you by the hour. No freebies," she teased before shutting him out.

-

Negan woke up on Riley's couch, tiredly looking around when he heard rustling in the kitchen. He rubbed his eyes, and the smell of coffee and eggs made his stomach growl.

Riley hummed to the radio as she stirred the eggs. Her eyes felt heavy from lack of sleep, fighting her yawn. Negan joined her in the kitchen, his eyes scanning the room until he saw the clock on her wall. "Christ, seven?" he chuckled in disbelief.

"I go in at eight-thirty," Riley said. Do you want breakfast?" she asked.

"If you're offering, sweetheart," Negan said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said sheepishly.

Riley made toast, and they ate at the breakfast bar. Negan tried to avoid shoving the food in his mouth, though he couldn't help himself. Riley quietly ate, and Negan felt he was adjusting well to her disposition to be silent. He noticed she was reluctant to look him in the eyes again.

"Are you afraid of me?" Negan asked, nervously fidgeting with his fork. Riley looked at him, chewing her remaining eggs. Negan was tickled that Riley could put food away better than he could!

"Why would I be afraid of you?" Riley asked. "Because you gave my asshole boss free reconstructive surgery?" she joked.

Negan smiled, shrugging almost bashfully. Don't be a pussy. "It's not like you've seen that side of me, Riley," he mumbled. "I don't want you to be afraid of me."

Riley shrugged. "It scared me... In a way," she admitted. "Just because I walked in on it happening, not because I thought you'd hurt me," she whispered.

"Might've killed him if you didn't come out when you did," Negan mumbled. Riley's breath seized slightly, though enough that Negan looked at her solemnly. "The fat fuck had it coming..."

Riley gathered their dishes and washed them. Negan finished his coffee, anxiously tapping his fingers on the table as Riley cleaned the kitchen. His hand ached.

"It's damn shitty you have to go back so early," Negan commented. "You could, uh, be curled under the sheets with me."

Riley choked into her mug. Negan's guttural laugh sent her heart into overdrive as she cleared her throat, silently praying she didn't throw up from her coffee trickling down her throat. "Is that all you think about, Negan?" she asked, unable to hide her laugh.

"It is when I look at you," Negan replied smoothly.

"Nobody would call you the boy next door," Riley giggled. Negan laughed, appreciative and grateful that his comments didn't prompt Riley to kick him in the balls. "I have to get ready... Do you work?" she asked.

"I have a car waiting to be picked up... It's been kinda slow ever since Dixon got his shit looted. Daryl's been in a pissy mood, is all," Negan replied. "I'll be there after I drop you off."

Riley looked surprised. "Oh, you don't have to–" she began.

"Come on, sweetheart," Negan smiled. "It's on my way. Don't make me beg. If I gotta beg you to give me a ride, it ain't for that reason."

Riley slammed her mug into the sink. Negan guffawed as she passed him, mumbling in Spanish. He prepared to be turned into a rat at any given moment.

Negan warmed up the car for Riley once she joined him. Riley was running behind and used the mirror to apply her lipstick. Negan watched her, rubbing his fingers along his lips in anticipation.

"Is it weird if I say red fits your face?" Negan asked.

Riley snorted. "Nope. I've heard it once or twice," she mumbled, applying it expertly without fault. "Thank you," she chuckled sweetly.

Negan drove her to work. They listened to the radio, where Negan whistled along. Riley hummed along beside him, enough that Negan stopped whistling to listen. The issue was that Riley was too brilliant for him and stopped when he did. Negan chuckled and didn't comment to save her the embarrassment.

"You should be a taxi driver on the side," Riley teased him once he parked on the curb. She had a few minutes. "Because you're really good at driving me," she grinned.

"That sounds awful," Negan smiled. "But I'd be your personal driver, sweet thing. It gives me an excuse to see you every day!" he boasted.

"You don't need an excuse to see me," Riley reminded him softly. "As long as you don't call me past ten o'clock."

"Why, is that happy hour?" Negan grinned.

"Do you ever run out of things to say?" Riley asked. Negan proudly shrugged, mussing his hair as Riley stared him down.

"No. It's a gift," Negan replied. "But I gotta say, you've outwitted me a few times."

Riley snickered, unbuckling her seatbelt. "I know," she smiled. "Thank you again. I do have money–"

"Ah," Negan said, grabbing her hand before it could slide into her bag. "You see, I can't accept cash. Company policy, you know?" he asked.

"Why are you the way that you are?" Riley asked, her eyes sparkling in amusement.

"My mom smoked marijuana when she was pregnant with me," Negan lied, his lips twitching mischievously. "Guess it left a lasting impression."

"Okay, well... I pay Laura," Riley informed him. "I want to."

"I think I like this free meal thing you and I've got going on," Negan replied, gesturing between them. "I think we can call it even. What do you think?" he asked.

Riley smiled. "Okay... I should get going," she said.

"Call me if you need anything," Negan said. "I'll be at the garage until the car gets picked up. You need the number?"

"We have a phonebook," Riley said. "But I could use yours," she smiled proudly.

Negan chuckled. "I'll write it down for you. But seriously," he said, tightening his grip on her. Riley met his eyes, and the sternness in his gaze couldn't be denied. "Call me if you need anything. You understand?"

"Yeah," Riley rasped. Negan's gaze lingered on her lips. "Get your hand checked out," she reminded him.

Negan smiled when Riley left the car. He watched her enter the diner before pulling away.

Riley's nerves were shot at what might await. She wasn't surprised that the diner had delayed its opening, and those scheduled were sitting around in the dining room. Riley faltered when she saw Ed's wife, Carol Peletier, waiting with the masses. Carol was a meek woman who always had a kind word to say and had taken a liking to Riley quickly. Riley always suspected that the verbal abuse Ed was known for didn't stop at work.

"Oh," Carol sighed when Riley entered. "Riley, did you see what happened?" she asked, approaching Riley. Carol gently grabbed Riley's arms. "To Ed?" she asked.

Riley looked around at her coworkers, all watching Carol with looks of pity other than regret. Ed didn't get along with most of his employees, and those who entertained an offhand, crude joke did so to keep their jobs.

"Were you here when he got hurt?" Carol asked further. Her gentle pressing made Riley feel incredibly guilty. "He's in the hospital... He was badly beaten. Our d-daughter and I were with him all night, but he's in b-bad shape."

"I didn't see anything," Riley lied. Carol maintained her grip on Riley's arms but nodded, her lips trembling in disappointment. "I left before he did," she said.

"I told ya, hun," Gus said gently from the bar, nursing a cup of coffee. "Eddie had himself a bit too much to drink last night. Must've gotten in a scrap with some lad out there."

Carol sighed, releasing Riley with a timid smile. "I'll be around until he's better... But if anyone hears anything, please let me know," she whispered. "Do what you all need and get some customers in here," Carol said before disappearing into Ed's office. Riley sighed, walking to the employee hooks to hang her belongings.

-

Two Weeks Later

"And who are you dressing up for?" Laura grinned at Riley once she climbed into the car. Riley's Brigitte Bardot hair with the ribbons was always Laura's favorite! Laura gushed at Riley's plaid skirt and creme-colored sweater.

"Myself," Riley answered smoothly. Laura cheesed as Riley buckled herself in, meeting Laura's eyes with a giggle. "I'm serious!" she declared.

"Uh huh," Laura teased. "Well, you're gonna love this! The party's at Negan's place tonight. Unless you've already been there, of course," she smiled mischievously.

"I haven't!" Riley snapped. Laura giggled and began driving. "But I can't wait to see it," she admitted.

They drove less than ten minutes, and Laura pulled into the newest allotment of townhouses. Riley was surprised, though she just imagined Negan living in Daryl's garage, much like believing your grade school teacher lived at school. Laura excitedly parked the car. There were several motorcycles out front, those belonging to the Saviors and those from the neighborhood. Every house along the street had something going on in the backyard, and Riley immediately understood why Negan liked her quiet street.

"At least with Summer coming, we can do more things outside," Laura said as she led the way. "It's nice not feeling so cluttered during these things."

"You don't like being all over Johnny?" Riley teased, throwing Laura a large grin as they walked the steps.

"That's different," Laura mumbled sheepishly. Riley giggled when Laura's face flushed, an unusual occurrence. "Don't make me blush!" Laura whined as she opened the door.

"Aye!" Johnny called, immediately rushing over and lifting Laura off her feet. Riley kicked off her shoes as they made out in the foyer, unable to hide her giggles.

"You want a drink?" Johnny asked, pulling back. "I'll get you one!" he said, darting away before either could respond.

"What was all that about not being a homemaker?" Riley asked once they were alone. Laura shrugged, her smile telling as she grabbed Riley's hand and pulled her into the crowd.

"Seger said Negan doesn't let anyone smoke in his house," Laura whispered. "So you won't get smoked out."

Negan's place was nice! Riley's cheeks flushed when all the guys happily greeted her and Laura; those outside on the back deck even raised their beers through the glass window. Johnny approached with water for both girls. Laura smirked when Riley seemed flustered that he considered her as well.

Riley scanned the living room and kitchen for Negan to no avail. She always wondered where he managed to hide for so long at these things. Laura sat on Johnny's lap on the couch, though Riley saw cookies in the kitchen and ate some, enjoying the music from the other room.

"She's in the kitchen," Laura said. Riley looked up just as Negan entered the room, freshly showered and thrilled to see her!

"Why hello!" Negan chuckled proudly. Riley smiled, swallowing her remaining cookie.  Negan's short-sleeved shirt proudly showed her his tattoos, brightened from whatever body butter he used. "Fancy seeing you here, sweet thing," he said.

"Hi," Riley said shyly. Negan grabbed a beer from the cooler. "You have a nice place..." she said. Riley noticed the hand brace he wore and frowned. "What's the verdict?" she asked.

"Broke some knuckles," Negan replied smoothly. "It's nothing. But I just moved in a few months ago," Negan said, popping the tab. He watched Riley before eyeing the water beside her. "You wanna try it?" he asked. "Before I get my germs on it," he teased.

"It's not what I tried the last time?" Riley asked.

"Not at all," Negan replied. He grinned excitedly when Riley hesitantly reached for it. Negan watched as she sniffed it before reluctantly taking a small sip. He laughed at her wrinkled nose as she quickly gave it back.

"God, that's awful," she squeaked. "It's like... Acid bubbles," she said.

Negan snickered, taking a long drink. Riley watched his Adam's apple bob, accidentally becoming transfixed when she noticed a new addition on the side of his neck. She immediately walked toward him, cupping it and moving his messy hair aside. Negan faltered, nearly dropping his can as Riley observed the small addition.

"A new tattoo?" Riley asked, meeting his eyes. It was about the size of a quarter and had three numbers written in calligraphy.

"You've got a keen eye," Negan teased huskily. He bit the bullet and grabbed her hip, purposely bringing her closer. Riley's breath caught in her throat when she met his eyes. Negan's hair framed his forehead, making him look boyish and, dare she say, adorable. "It took the guys a while to notice it."

The tattoo read 7;24. Riley didn't want to touch it, as it was still dark and slightly peeled from its early age. Negan sipped his beer, tightening his hold on her hip, allowing his hand to sprawl out to cradle part of her lower back. The electricity Riley felt flowing through her body was unusual. You didn't feel that with Jack...

"What does it mean?" Riley asked. Negan hid his smirk when she fisted his dark shirt in response to his touch.

"It's my mom's birthday," Negan answered kindly. Don't get too personal... "She died a while back."

Excellent work, smooth operator!

"Oh," Riley said. "I'm sorry."

Negan smiled at her, reluctantly releasing her hip. Riley moved back, releasing him altogether. "No need," he said. "You come with a hot date?" he asked.

"I thought that was you," Riley said instinctively, quickly covering her mouth. Negan grinned as if he had won the lottery.

"I might be in love with you," Negan laughed, his grin deepening when he saw her flushed face. "Definitely getting there," he teased.

-

"No songs by the fire, Chief?" Lenny asked Johnny.

Laura beamed, lounging on Johnny's lap as he shrugged in embarrassment. "I forgot my guitar," he lied, rubbing his stubbled chin.

"Yeah, suuuuure," Lenny teased. There were scattered chuckles as Johnny huffed in annoyance.

Riley drank soda and watched from the safety of Negan's backyard as Saviors stood in the parking lot, tinkering with fireworks somebody had brought. The boys waited for the sun to disappear completely before preparing to light up the night sky. It began making Riley nervous about how drunk they were becoming before the fireworks were lit!

"Use my lighter!" Seger said, shoving it into someone's chest. Whoever fumbled with it, and they watched it fall into the grass. "Damn it!" Seger sighed drunkenly. His partner kneeled in the grass, looking for it in the dark.

"Are we lighting this shit or what?" someone asked in agitation.

Seger walked onto the asphalt after finding the lighter. Those with Riley around the fire eagerly watched them fiddle with the explosives just feet away. Riley felt her skin prickle with anxiety when she realized the drunken boys might actually kill them. She watched with bated breath until she smelled spice and sandalwood, immediately looking around to see where Negan stood. Negan gripped her shoulder, staring at the boys from afar with a scoff.

"They're going to burn my shit down," Negan mumbled.

"You gonna stop 'em, boss?" Johnny asked, smirking in amusement.

"Nah," Negan replied, his lips twitching at the scattered chuckles. Riley's eyebrows furrowed as Seger lit a fuse, and the boys ran for cover.

Everyone listened to the loud zip! Then, the fireworks exploded in the sky. Laura rolled her eyes as Seger and the boys cheered and chugged a beer as they succeeded in not losing any limbs the first time. The smell of sulfur and gunpowder remained heavy as the boys quickly assembled the next firework. Riley got goosebumps when Negan squeezed her shoulder before plopping in the chair beside her, a joint sticking from his mouth, yet unlit. Laura eyed them mischievously as Negan dug into his jean pocket for a lighter, watching Riley before wiggling his thick eyebrows.

"You want a hit, sweet thing?" Negan teased, the joint bobbing in his mouth. Riley pondered for a minute as another firework zoomed into the sky before popping. Everyone watched the white and blue sparks fade into nothing as more drunken cheering and whooping continued. Negan watched her face, using her silence as an excuse to light the joint and inhale.

"I think it's been long enough," Laura teased across the fire. Negan raised his eyebrows as Riley and Laura met eyes, referencing Riley's disposition to wait a while before smoking marijuana again. "A little wouldn't hurt," Laura finished.

Negan chuckled when Riley pulled the joint from his mouth, settling into her seat again with a pout. Laura and Johnny chuckled as Negan rubbed his chin, his smirk endearing as Riley puffed on it for a few minutes. More fireworks popped off over ten minutes, and the smell overwhelmed Ol' Charles until he hid inside the townhouse. Negan didn't speak as he and Riley shared the joint, where she soon sunk into her chair, watching the fire crackle as her head spun.

"Don't do that!" they heard Seger warn. Everyone looked to see someone lighting a firework, though it was poorly aimed and not at the sky. There was an immediate silence as the fuse hissed to life before shooting toward those sitting by the fire, soaring to the line of trees where it loudly and dangerously exploded. Riley and Laura screamed and covered their faces, though Riley's high made her slide off her chair. The boys dove in every direction as the leaves burned and crackled from the explosion, though no fire was started as the others watched agape in the parking lot.

Negan managed to maintain his composure, the joint sticking from his mouth as he blew smoke from his nose. He chuckled at the fucked leaves smoldering before gingerly reaching for Riley on the ground and helping her to her feet. Johnny stood with Laura and glared at the culprits, who loudly guffawed and cursed excitedly as they jumped around like heathens. Seger was equally as excited but still reprimanded the guy Riley now knew was named Billy.

"I almost died," Riley slurred. Negan tossed the joint into the fire as Johnny and Lenny walked to the tree to observe the damage. Negan paused when Riley patted his chest, her pupils dilated and the ribbons in her hair askew from her tumble. "T-Thanks for saving me!" she sighed.

Negan cleared his throat to hide his laugh. "Sweetheart, you are gone!" he grinned. They could hear Laura knocking some sense into Seger and the others a yard away. Negan checked her clothes to ensure she didn't get too dirty from her tumble, though all he did was wipe some grass off her skirt. "Did you get hurt?" he asked condescendingly. "Is it my turn to play doctor?" he chuckled.

"Is this how you romance women?" Riley asked, her eyes closed as Negan grinned. "C-Cause I have a lot to say about it, Boss."

"Boss?" Negan asked, tightening his grip on her hips as he held her still. "We're roleplaying now?" he asked.

"Why do you do this to me?" Riley whined, burying her face into his shirt.

Negan was having too much fun to stop! "And what's that?" he asked.

"I t-think your voodoo eyes are worse than Seger's," Riley pouted. Negan eyed the others as Laura forced them to pack the remaining fireworks. Johnny managed to steal the neighbor's hose and water down the tree in precaution while smoking a cigarette and holding a beer.

"They must be doing their job," Negan replied. Riley pulled back with a huff, stumbling over her feet when she was out of his grasp. Negan was quicker and grabbed her before she could fall and rip her stockings. "Let me help you inside..."

Charles was snoring on the couch when Negan brought Riley inside, marched her into the other room, and had her sit at the table. Negan lived alone but invested in a decent-sized one to invite friends over. Riley ate cookies and pouted when she could vaguely smell smoke in her hair. Her eyes buzzed, and her head felt like someone had turned on the television, though only static played. Riley saw double vision each time she moved her hands, the whooshing in her ears rather deafening as she tried focusing. Negan eventually sat with her, mussing his hair and pushing it away from his face.

"I like your face," Riley mumbled.

Negan snorted, quickly masking his grin and keeping his expression neutral. "You like flirting with me, sweetheart?" he teased.

"Yeah," Riley sighed dreamily. "At least when I can't remember in the morning," she said.

Negan laughed, though he remembered how easily Riley forgot about spilling the beans on her deceased mother. He knew Riley forgetting this conversation was highly plausible.

"But I think it's clearing up, or something, whatever you call it," Riley said, propping her head with her hand. "I think you and Laura are a bad influence on me."

Negan smiled slightly. "There's nothing wrong with letting loose a bit, kid. It's good for the damn soul."

Riley glared at him, though Negan's smile widened at her adorable stubbornness. "I'm twenty-seven," she whined.

"I thought we talked about this," Negan replied whimsically. "You're still younger than me, sweet thing. Perfectly acceptable in my book!"

"Fine," Riley pouted. They listened to people pile into the living room from the deck, and Charles angrily hushed them in his half-awake state.

Laura peeked in, her relieved sigh catching their attention. "Hey, you two!" she cooed, her grin dazzling as Riley glared and Negan smirked. "I was just checking on you, Riley. I won't cockblock, I promise!"

Riley quickly hid her face in her arms against the table. Negan rolled his eyes, though he couldn't stop smiling at Laura's need to tease Riley and the care Laura had for her best friend. Negan met Laura's eyes, and they chuckled together.

-

Riley woke up curled against Laura. The bright sunshine filtered through the windows, highlighting the litter of beer cans, paper plates, and stray shoes and jackets littered about. All furniture in Negan's living room was occupied while the unlucky ones who stayed overslept on the floor. Laura clutched a pillow as she slept, though Riley had used Laura's leg at some point overnight. Riley quietly and carefully sat up so as not to disturb anyone. Laura sighed and curled further into the cushion.

Riley's eyes felt slightly heavy as she wandered to the bathroom and did her business. The last thing she remembered was Billy sneaking outside to light more fireworks as the others ate food and played cards. Negan had been respectful as Riley came down from her high. However, when a myriad of fireworks began popping outside, the flurry of excitement and alarm as everyone either scrambled outside or to safety out of fear they'd go haywire again was a cloudy memory. Negan encouraged Riley to lie on the couch once Charles left, and that was it.

The house was eerily quiet despite the amount of people inside. Riley tiptoed through the room, unsure if she should wake Laura or walk home!

"Laura," Riley whispered, poking her shoulder. Laura didn't budge, and rightfully so. "Laura!" she said. When there was no response, Riley firmly gripped her shoulder and shook it. "Laura?"

Laura groaned but didn't open her eyes. "What?" she whined.

"We need to leave," Riley said. The guys remained dead to the world, utterly oblivious as Riley nearly begged Laura. "I don't know where your keys are."

"Just a few more minutes," Laura whined. Riley sighed and released her, crossing her arms. Laura squirmed slightly before saying, "Negan's not here, anyway. He's at the garage today."

Riley was slightly dejected but had already assumed he was sleeping upstairs and refused to wake him up. Now that it didn't matter, it still didn't sway her into staying. Laura lay on the couch for ten minutes before reluctantly getting up, stumbling around the sleeping boys to gather her things. Riley was already waiting at the door when Laura was ready.

-

With Ed off the job, Riley thoroughly enjoyed the silence at work. There was no anxiety about being yelled at or instructed to keep busy in those brief moments she had to get off her feet. Carol knew how to run a tight ship without being a dick about it, and Riley respected that as much as she appreciated it. The task of arriving for her shift hadn't been as daunting the last three days.

Seger and Lenny had stopped for lunch, leaving a hefty tip on the table that Riley hadn't noticed until they had left. Her cheeks flamed red as she tucked the bills away. Carol made herself tea at the counter and smiled when Riley brought their plates, sliding them into the window for pickup before she started her shift change duties.

"That blond boy is cute," Carol smiled, dipping a tea bag into her mug. Riley nearly choked on her spit, occupying herself by wiping the already clean counter. "He seems to like you."

"He is cute," Riley agreed. Carol's lips twitched as Riley prayed the blush didn't deepen. "His cousin is my best friend. I can't escape him," she joked without thought.

Carol's short laugh was welcomed. "You know what they say," she began before sipping her tea. Riley began restocking the napkin holders on the counters. "Love works in mysterious ways–" Carol paused when Riley dropped a tin when she got butterfingers. "Or not!" she exclaimed.

"Seger has a girlfriend," Riley said, spewing the lie like word vomit. Carol eyed her face as Riley picked up the tin and set it aside, her thin smile almost convincing. "... It was a low blow," she added, slipping a pout in for good measure.

"I see," Carol said suspiciously. Riley smiled and continued working, trying hard to ignore Carol, who was attempting to hide a chuckle. "Nice work today," she complimented before heading into the office.

Oh, imagine if Laura were here for that...

Riley finished her work by three o'clock and left when her replacement came. The warmer weather meant she spent more time walking to and from work than bothering Laura for a ride. Riley ducked into a store along the way and bought another tube of lipstick and nail polish. She tucked the paper bag into her small purse and continued heading home, enjoying the sun on her skin and the cool breeze in her hair. Riley couldn't wait to put her feet up!

It wasn't until she was halfway home that she came to a fork in the road, which she knew would lead her to Daryl Dixon's garage. Riley shuffled awkwardly on the sidewalk as she debated going straight home or checking to see if Negan was working today. She'd be somewhat embarrassed to make the trip, only for Negan not to be around and someone wondering who the hell she was peeping in windows.

Despite the fear, Riley couldn't resist the pull and hurried down the adjacent street. The garage wouldn't be much farther from here!

The garage doors were open this time. Riley ignored the others bustling along the sidewalk to their destinations as she debated nonchalantly walking by from the sidewalk or biting the bullet and entering the tiny front office. There wasn't exactly an instruction manual on how to do this without looking stupid!

Riley sighed when Daryl walked outside, lighting a cigarette. His hands were dirty, his muscular arms covered in oil. Daryl's shirt had the sleeves removed, making the fabric appear rough and mutilated. Riley assumed he wouldn't recognize her and planned on turning her dumbass around, only for Daryl to look at her during his hourly observation of the street. Daryl paused, puffing the cigarette before pulling it from his mouth. His long hair covered his eyes, though Riley could feel them penetrating her skull. Daryl scoffed before giving a quick whistle and sticking the cigarette into his mouth.

Negan appeared, giving Daryl a confused look as he wiped his hands with a towel. Daryl swiftly gestured to Riley with his head, already appearing uninterested as Negan looked over. Riley scowled when someone roughly rammed into her as they passed, wholly prepared to hurl insults at them when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and came face to face with Negan, who looked thrilled yet surprised to see her.

"I think you've got it confused, sweet thing," Negan chuckled when Riley blinked in surprise at his proximity. "I'm supposed to follow you all over town," he teased.

"Says who, Boss?" Riley quipped.

Negan chuckled, bunching the stained blue towel in his fist. Daryl had disappeared. "Says me," he replied. Riley smiled and looked at her shoes. "What brings you all the way out here?" he asked, though his hopeful eyes proved he knew the answer.

Riley felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. "I didn't get to tell you goodbye the other day," she said, the first excuse that came to mind.

"Ahhh," Negan nodded, quirking his eyebrows at Riley's refusal to look at him. "I guess I should give you my number, huh?" he grinned.

"It'd be about time," Riley smiled sarcastically. "I gave you mine almost three weeks ago!" she reminded him gleefully.

"My bad, my bad," Negan replied, holding his hands up. "You going in or coming out?" he asked, gesturing to her uniform.

"I'm going home," Riley said. "I've opened the last few days... It's nice," she admitted. "I can go to bed at my normal time."

Negan smiled, having been endeared by Riley the moment Daryl pointed her out. "Guess I should thank you for visiting me. I don't get much of that around here."

Riley scoffed slightly. "It's not always fun. Ed's wife thinks Seger's in love with me because he and Lenny visited me today."

Negan grinned, though his eyes reflected dismay. "Well, I could have told you that," he drawled, purposely keeping eye contact while Riley's face flattened.

"You don't know what you're talking about, either," Riley pointed out. Negan's lips twitched as she crossed her arms. "This would be a good time to admit you're jealous."

Negan smirked, temporarily looking elsewhere as Riley raised her eyebrows, intently staring at him in preparation for him to admit the truth. "I think I liked this conversation better the first time," he teased.

"Yeah?" Riley sighed before gesturing to his bandaged hand. "Well, you didn't break your knuckles for nothing. You don't have to tell me what I already know," she smiled smugly.

Negan closed his mouth in amused disbelief. He looked ready to speak when they saw Daryl peeking at them inside the garage. Riley's arrogant smile didn't fade when Negan looked into her eyes, his lips twitching as his thoughts changed. "As much as I'm enjoying this conversation with such a devious little shit, I should go before Daryl kicks my ass," Negan smiled sheepishly.

"He's probably much better than my boss," Riley said. Negan looked thoughtful as he nodded. "I'm sorry for keeping you," she apologized.

"Don't," Negan replied quickly. Riley looked surprised at the disgruntled look on his face. "You made my day, sweetheart. I'm the one who likes to surprise people. It looks like I'll have to get used to being on the other end of the stick."

Riley smiled at the sincerity in his eyes. "That sounds smart," she agreed. Negan's smile melted her insides.

Chapter Text

"It's a really nice place you've got here," Riley said. Negan heard her talking to Daryl from underneath the car while he changed the oil. He snickered when he imagined Daryl's face.

"Ya right," Daryl replied gruffly. Riley giggled, and there was a muffled rustling sound. Negan moved the oil bin under the spout before popping the plug, sighing deeply when oil began pouring out after fiddling with the damn cap forever.

"I'm serious! It's the nicest garage I've ever seen," Riley complimented.

"Don't got a maid to clean around here, short stuff," Daryl said. "Don't slip on the oil, ya hear?"

Negan slid out from underneath, sitting up and rubbing the back of his neck. He chuckled when Riley saluted at Daryl's retreating figure. "Yes, sir," she said. Riley looked at Negan when she noticed him, her smile widening when she saw the new oil stains.

Riley had visited him three times on the job now. Negan was titillated each time she showed up unannounced, admittedly saying she called Laura, who called Seger, who called Laura back to let Riley know if Negan would be working. Daryl hadn't complained, as Negan assumed Riley was a breath of fresh air to some of the women Merle's brought around over the years. Riley had been shy around Daryl, though they seemed to warm up to each other and bantered over the most minor things. Negan would go as far as saying Daryl liked her teasing.

"You're embarrassing him," Negan smiled at her. He stood to stretch his body out, and Riley eyed his stomach when his shirt rode up slightly. Negan pretended not to notice.

"I think he likes me," Riley said. Negan finished his water with a scoff. "What's this called?" she asked, tapping the seat on wheels with her foot.

"A creeper," Negan replied. "They're convenient as shit, though the name is a bit questionable," he smiled. "You can sit on it. It won't bite," he teased.

Riley sat without a second thought. Negan chuckled when she lay back, her face alight with curiosity as she observed the ceiling and surroundings. "This is comfortable," she commented, angling her head to see him.

"I'd show you how to change oil, but we can't both fit," Negan sighed. "At least until Daryl gets the grease pit fixed up. The Feds tore shit up because of Merle," he spat in irritation.

Riley stood, her smile pitied as she crossed her arms. Negan liked that she dressed for comfort more often than not and didn't seem concerned whether she impressed anyone. Her shorts showed her slender, toned legs, though Negan refused to stare too long despite him catching her frequent longing gazes whenever she looked at him!

"Another time," Riley smiled. Negan gathered the things he'd need as Riley perched herself on Negan and Daryl's designated counter where she wouldn't seriously maim herself. Riley crossed her ankles, anxiously moving her legs. Negan liked her sneakers!

"You know what to do in case this falls on me?" Negan joked, patting the hood of the vehicle with a wide grin. Riley immediately stalled her legs, looking at him as if he were crazy.

"You shouldn't joke about that," Riley informed him as he sat on the creeper, his boyish laugh sending shivers up her spine. "There's no saving you if that happens, honey," she said.

Negan grinned at the nickname, no matter how patronizing it might have been, as he laid back and pushed himself under the vehicle. Riley nervously twiddled her thumbs afterward until Negan finished and rolled his way out.

-

Negan pulled up to the bar later that day, his grin permanent as he gently brought the motorcycle to a stop. Riley remained plastered to his leather-clad back even when he turned the bike off and set the kickstand. Negan chuckled and patted her hands, her nails coated in her new white polish. "We've arrived, sweetheart," he grinned.

"You ran through a red light!" Riley snapped with agitation. Negan grinned and dismounted after she did, angrily crossing her arms as she glared at him.

"We were perfectly safe," Negan cooed, throwing his arm over her shoulder. Riley's smile faltered, though from no fault of her own. He gently but quickly steered her into the building, his grin blinding because of her pout. "Maybe that asshole shouldn't have cut us off, you know?"

Riley smiled once they were inside. "Yeah, it's totally his fault," she giggled at his smile. They sat at a random booth, furthest from those smoking cigarettes. It was early enough in the evening that they'd be gone before the real partygoers and chimneys came out. Riley grabbed a menu and began looking through it. "I'm hungry. Are you?" she asked.

Negan watched her face, desperately biting his tongue to limit the inappropriate comments this time. Riley raised her eyebrows knowingly when she saw the struggle. Negan grabbed another menu and nodded. "Yeah," he said, his voice coming out like a pathetic squeak as Riley smirked and left it at that. They ordered food, and Negan drank a beer while Riley had lemonade. They vowed to destroy each other at a game of pool after dinner, though Riley knew she didn't stand a chance against him. Negan proudly smirked and decided not to be the bigger man this time as he came up with some roasts beforehand.

"How many shirts do you go through in a year?" Riley asked once they got their food. Negan had nearly demolished his burger within the first five minutes.

"Too many to count," Negan replied once he swallowed. "I'm surprised I could afford a house," he teased. Riley smiled at him. "Christ, Daryl stopped giving a shit and wears the same two shirts. Just leaves them in the office and changes before he leaves. I started doing the same. Can't ruin my jackets, you know?" he asked smugly, shrugging out of his. Riley eyed his tattoos again and how the dark T-shirt complimented his bad boy, biker aesthetic too well.

"Oh, yeah," Riley laughed slightly in agreement. Negan smirked when he saw her reddening cheeks, carefully setting his jacket aside. Riley inhaled the rest of her lemonade when the room suddenly felt a thousand degrees. Negan's new tattoo still peeled, though the dark ink seemed more noticeable the more she saw him. Riley didn't want to ruin the mood by talking about dead parents, though her curiosity was challenging to ignore. They were still getting to know each other, and no subject seemed off-limits... But what harm would it do if they were in the early phases of dating?

Negan caught onto her silence. It wasn't Riley's usual, comfortable silence, but one that proved she was heavily debating something and wasn't sure if she should bring it up. Negan caught onto behaviors better than most and was confident that his suspicions were correct. Riley ate her food, nearly neck to neck with him as if battling to see who could finish first. He chuckled when he thought about where she put it all in that tiny body of hers.

"What?" Riley asked, tilting her head at him.

"Nothing," Negan mumbled, though his eyes were alight with admiration. "I just like looking at you," he teased.

Riley bit her cheek to avoid smiling. Negan seemed proud of himself for hiding most of the sexual innuendos his overactive imagination cooked up on a whim. Riley smiled when someone brought her another lemonade and took a deep sip. "I do look cute, don't I?" she giggled, unable to hide her embarrassment from acting as arrogant as him!

"You are," Negan agreed sappily. They were in similar agreement about how cheesy this conversation was, though neither cared. Negan smirked and finished his food, sipping his beer as Riley forced herself to look away. He waited until she swallowed her bite. "I'm full. But I could eat you up right about now," he offered smugly.

Riley fumbled with her glass but managed not to spill it. Negan's toothy grin made it impossible not to glare at him, though her equally shocked, stressed, and amused face was reward enough. Riley was happy he couldn't see her squeeze her legs under the table.

-

They were neck and neck in a heated game of billiards when a wonderful date suddenly felt like a setup on both sides. Negan almost sniffed out the looming trouble but willfully ignored it so as not to ruin the evening with Riley, though maybe it would have been best to leave and continue the fun elsewhere. Riley was bent over the pool table, assessing her next shot, when the feeling in Negan's gut became hard to ignore. It wasn't until the ring of the bell at the front door that he looked up to see the culprit of the unpleasantness.

Simon trailed in first, adjusting his leather jacket with a wide smirk as he surveyed the room. Riley took her shot and pocketed a ball, her excited smile cutting short when she stood tall and noticed Negan's face. She watched Simon enter as if in slow motion, followed closely by a tall woman with curly blonde hair, sharp cheekbones, and green eyes that could melt you on the spot. A handful of men followed after, though Riley couldn't stop staring at the blonde when she realized it was Lucille.

Negan gripped his cue stick tightly, his body tensing as he looked away. Riley frowned, unable to form words as Simon and his posse approached the bar, though on the opposite side of Riley and Negan's cozy corner. She felt her confidence deflate seeing Lucille in person, remembering Laura's insinuation that Lucille purposely flaunted herself around Negan on the rare occasion they were in the same place. Even if Negan might have moved on from the situation, Riley certainly didn't look like that!

Riley spoke the second thing on her mind. "I thought they didn't live around here?" she whispered.

"They don't," Negan confirmed quietly. They awkwardly stood at the pool table, their game temporarily forgotten as Negan seemed to be having an internal battle with himself. Despite Riley coming around and approaching him after Negan slept with Sylvia, he wasn't aware that Riley knew Lucille had left him for the string bean just feet away.

Riley felt uncomfortable, though she could imagine how worse it felt for Negan. She gently grabbed his arm, her smile small as she shook it until Negan looked at her. "Do you want to leave?" she asked.

Negan's lips twitched, eyeing her hand on his arm. "Right when I'm about to kick your ass? No way," he teased. Riley rolled her eyes, though her smile approved their banter as she released him. "He's probably too far up his ass to see us back here," he added, watching Riley get into position for the shot that could make or break the game. Negan admittedly worried he became too big for his boots, and Riley was about to cream him.

However, they took turns a few more times until Negan pocketed his last ball. Riley pouted as Negan smirked in her face before effectively ending the game when the 8-ball effortlessly fell into a pocket.

"Shit," Negan sighed, unable to stop smirking when Riley's pout deepened. "I'm sorry to burst your bubble like this, sweetheart. I'm kinda the pool master," he teased.

"You're an ass," Riley grumbled. Negan smiled giddily as she put her cue stick on the rack while Negan reorganized the balls for the next player. 

They could hear Simon loudly proclaiming stories to anyone who would listen, though they were relieved to remain unnoticed. The only issue was that the exit to the back alley was on the opposite side of the bar, and their only escape was to go out the front. Negan paid their tab, the playful mood disappearing as quickly as it came while Riley grabbed Negan's jacket from their booth and felt the material. She eyed his back as a bartender cashed him out, her mind sorting the pros and cons of what this could mean before sliding into the jacket, leaving it unzipped as she stuffed her hands in the pockets. 

Negan tucked his wallet away, eager to get the hell out of there, as he turned and saw Riley wearing his jacket. He faltered immediately, his face unreadable as he enjoyed the sight and implications of Riley wearing his jacket. However, another worry hammered his brain until he wanted to blow his brains out. Riley's face remained impassive, though her loose body language showed her nonchalance about the situation.

"I'm ready," Riley said, raising her eyebrows when Negan appeared temporarily stumped.

"Just like that?" Negan asked, the subtle teasing unable to lighten the mood. Both felt dread for different reasons, though neither was more unpleasant. Negan didn't want to deal with either person, and Riley didn't want to meet Lucille, even against her will!

Riley held her hand towards him, her eyebrows arching higher as Negan stared. The silence between them was louder than the music playing at an average volume in the background. He scoffed in surprise, his responding smile allowing Riley to release her held breath. Negan approached her and cupped her cheeks, their gazes unwavering until Negan leaned down, and Riley's heart fluttered in anticipation at their first kiss–

"Well, look what the cat dragged in!" Simon's boisterous voice cut through the air like a knife. Negan's annoyed grunt as he pulled away was mainly unheard, though Riley's red face was on display for all to see.

Simon, Lucille, and a crony stood at the bar, watching the duo with wavering expressions of disinterest and resentment. No matter the situation, Simon's wide, toothy smile always seemed misplaced. Riley unwillingly met eyes with Lucille, whose scowl was very telling and slightly intimidating. Riley felt the urge to coward behind Negan out of fear the claws would come out despite Lucille having no business looking as pissed as she did!

Negan stood tall, his hazel eyes alight with annoyance despite battling the overwhelming protectiveness he felt with Riley beside him. He decided to forgo all fucks and reached between them, gripping her hand. Simon and Lucille's eyes immediately followed though Lucille's gaze lingered as Simon continued grinning at such a coincidence! Riley was so close to Negan that she could press her nose into his arm if she felt she would pee herself.

"You can't be that surprised," Negan replied, the smoothness of his voice perfectly hiding his internal rage. Riley glanced at him in wonder at how he always kept his composure. "It's not like this was ever our spot at one point," he said sarcastically.

Simon's face twitched with displeasure. The guy at the bar assessed the situation and awkwardly walked away when the tension in the room felt thick. Riley watched him leave, approaching the other Vipers sitting and drinking. She looked away when it appeared that whoever the third wheel was wasn't interested in bringing the posse over to intimidate Negan into backing down on what might transpire.

"Oh, I see," Simon said, his abnormally wide grin returning as he grabbed Lucille and forced her into his side. Lucille had been so fixated on Riley and Negan that she stumbled, though she caught herself as Simon seemed hellbent on reminding Negan what he'd lost. Negan watched the strange interaction with narrowed, suspicious eyes. "You're still feeling a bit betrayed that I moved on, I get it. We were just out and about and needed to stop for some grub, huh, Luscious?" he asked, squeezing Lucille as he leered at the side of her face.

Negan rolled his eyes at the nickname while Riley bit her lip to avoid giggling when she thought of how odd it was hearing Simon say it. Lucille seemed to gain her composure and smiled, looking at Simon and only making a strange, high-pitched hum of agreement. Negan could smell Riley's hair as Simon and Lucille had their moment and focused on that to keep himself calm.

"How lovely," Simon said, his facetious smile prompting Negan to sigh. Lucille smiled and ran her long fingers through what remained of his hair, her eyes crinkling at the corners when she smiled. After a minute, Simon seemed to have enough and almost batted her hand aside, observing Negan's annoyed expression. "I know it's been a while since I left your boys, but where are your manners, hoss? Aren't you gonna introduce us?" he asked, gesturing between Riley and themselves.

Riley felt the blood drain from her face when Lucille's eyes bore into her face again. Lucille's eyes weren't made to look at someone with such hate. Riley could feel her annoyance growing at the audacity this chick had to act jealous when it was apparent that Negan got the short end of the stick in their relationship ending... Though Riley knew the aftermath of this would be the ideal time to get the gossip. Negan seemed reluctant to give Simon the satisfaction, though Riley couldn't tell if it was out of fear or spite.

Riley bit the bullet despite her frayed nerves and pulled away from Negan. His concerned eyes wandered her face as Riley kept her composure and approached Simon. Her kind smile sold her sweet disposition on the spot. Lucille glared daggers when she noticed Simon's grin of approval despite Riley fighting the urge to recoil as she stuck out her hand.

"It's so nice to meet you," Riley smiled as Simon shook her hand, his eyes alight with mischief.

"Greetings, M'lady," Simon said, his grip abnormally tight. Negan remained tense, flexing his fingers in hopes Simon would give him an excuse to deck him despite the ache from his healing knuckles. "How nice to finally meet you. I believe I saw you at that cute lil' shindig y'all had going on a while ago! What's your name?" he asked.

"Maybe," Riley kept smiling even when she dropped her hand. Lucille crossed her arms, now eyeing Negan and seeing the same jealous yet protective glint in his eyes that he once held for her. "You can call me Valentina," she said.

Negan's confused expression lasted only a second. His lips twitched slightly as Riley held her ground, surprising him again despite the bashful, unsure demeanor she had just moments before.

"That is a beautiful name," Simon complimented, quickly grasping Lucille's shoulder and squeezing it. "I'm Simon, and this here is my lovely Lucille. Only I call her Luscious," he said, leering at Lucille, who smiled despite her annoyance at the entire ordeal. "I'm sure Negan's told you all about us."

Riley smiled, clasping her hands before her as if she were the most naive twenty-something you'd ever meet. Maybe she could be now and again! "Only a bit here and there," she replied.

"Ah! Well, it is what it is," Simon said, watching Negan as Riley turned and walked to him, quickly reclaiming his hand. Negan's smug smile rubbed Lucille the wrong way. "I bet we've taken enough of your time already! Haven't we, cutie?" Simon asked Lucille.

"We sure have," Lucille said, her smooth voice expertly coordinated to fit Simon's expectations. Negan didn't seem bothered hearing her voice, though Riley could only speculate since Negan now looked amused instead of pissed.

"You've been awfully quiet the last two visits," Simon smirked at Negan. "I'm sure Sunshine over there will get ya outta that post-breakup funk soon enough!" he said, his lips quickly flattening in distaste.

Riley was rattled at the abrupt change in expression, though Negan and Lucille didn't seem affected. Simon's eyes were still void of humanity. Negan laughed at Simon's jab, his boyish snickers hard to ignore as Riley chuckled softly. Lucille didn't appreciate what appeared to be a bonding moment between them.

"Nah, don't worry about me," Negan said, another chuckle escaping while Riley's eyes melted a spot on the floor. He wrapped his arm around her instead, thoroughly enjoying the scathing look on Lucille's face. Riley could only describe the feeling of being in Negan's arms as safe. "You should probably check on your girl, though. She's been glaring daggers at my girl the whole time! Ain't that something?" Negan asked, his condescending laugh causing Simon and Lucille to tense as Negan gently steered Riley away.

The cool air outside was much needed as they approached Negan's bike. They sighed in relief for different reasons, though Negan's anxious mussing of hair genuinely made Riley feel bad. She crossed her arms, fully prepared to be scolded for engaging with Simon without consulting Negan first. Negan observed their surroundings as the parking lot steadily became full as the sun nearly disappeared from the sky.

"Valentina?" Negan asked curiously, looking at her with furrowed eyebrows. 

"It's my middle name," Riley said sheepishly. Negan nodded in understanding, his quiet laugh welcomed as Riley tried relaxing after the tense situation.

"Valentina," Negan softly repeated the name, admiring her face as they stood feet apart. "We'll have to make sure that sticks," he said, his hazel eyes almost mellow as Riley frowned at him. Negan climbed onto the bike without another word, only loosening up when Riley climbed behind him and hugged his waist. He started the bike, staring at the five Viper bikes parked in a circle just a few yards down. Riley hid her face in fear when he pulled out, flying down the street faster than necessary.

Negan took Riley home after a few detours. Riley was too afraid to play dumb and ask why, but she knew Negan was worried about being followed. She instructed him to pull into her driveway, always fearful someone would hit his bike by leaving it on the street. The air was becoming frigid from the early Spring nights, and Riley basked in the warmth of his jacket once she dismounted, and Negan turned off the engine.

"I'm sorry about all that," Negan apologized once he stood. Riley watched in surprise as Negan rubbed the back of his neck. "It's the last goddamn thing I expected to happen."

"It's not your fault," Riley said. Negan seemed awed when he looked at her, and Riley was unsure why. "I'm pretty sure Simon thinks he's smarter than everyone else. It's so obvious he's trying to spy on you," she said, already walking around the house. Negan tried to hide his eagerness to follow, though Riley's fading voice made it difficult not to sprint after her. He didn't want Riley to believe he was explicitly hoping to get laid!

"He's a dick," Negan mumbled. Riley walked onto her porch while Negan stayed at the bottom step, curiously watching Riley do her thing as if he wasn't around. "You gonna give me my jacket back?" he teased with a chuckle.

Riley looked at him after unlocking her door, her smile stirring something in his gut that left him feeling a certain way. "Do you have another date?" she asked.

Negan's lips twitched before he cleared his throat, rubbing his stubbled chin. "Were we just on a date, baby?" he drawled knowingly.

Riley paused as if realizing what she said. Negan's arrogant smile either made her want to melt or stomp on his foot. The breeze slowly picked up, and the cloud cover increased over time. Riley observed the sky before opening her door. "You should put your bike away. It looks like it's going to rain soon," she said before entering her house. Negan grinned when she left the door open for him.

-

Negan lounged on her couch, scratching Presley's ears while he watched television. Riley had taken a shower and had yet to come down, though he vaguely heard her upstairs while she prepared for bed. A looming thunderstorm occasionally shook the windows with loud rumbles of thunder, though Negan heeded Riley's warning and moved it into her empty garage. He watched the evening news until Riley returned, wearing thin pajama shorts and a light pink camisole that she knew made her tits look good. Negan eyed her when she sat but didn't comment.

"Anything exciting?" Riley asked, her teasing smile almost condescending.

"Not until you walked in," Negan replied. Riley rolled her eyes at his toothy grin. Presley abandoned Negan's lap and crawled onto Riley's, purring away while Negan pouted at the betrayal. "Damn, just when I thought we had something special," he sighed.

Riley giggled and petted Presley. "He missed his mom," she whispered.

They watched the remainder of the news, which ended with a story about protests continuing about the Vietnam War. Riley cuddled her cat as they watched, soon realizing that Johnny was the only person she knew who had time in the military. Laura and Seger's parents cried when Seger hadn't been drafted, though they knew that time could come at any moment. Riley looked at Negan and tilted her head in curiosity, wondering if she were destined to date someone who might die in combat.

As if reading her mind, Negan snorted, refusing to look away from the television. "I injured my knee while playing basketball during my senior year. I can't serve," he said.

Riley quickly looked away, her cheeks reddening as Negan decided to gauge her reaction. "What happened?" she asked.

"Had my knee reconstructed," Negan said. "You can't tell by looking at me. The government said I'm too risky and don't qualify, so if you're worried about me, don't be," he replied knowingly.

"Who said I was?" Riley asked instinctively.

Negan grinned but stayed quiet. When The Flintstones began playing, a storm brought a downpour, thunder, and lightning that could make your hair stand on end. Presley became spooked by the storm and hid. They lounged on the couch, watching the animated show about living in the Stone Age. Negan giggled after a minute.

"Johnny watches this shit," he mumbled. "I wonder if Laura knows it's his favorite show."

Riley snorted. "I kind of wonder if they even have time to watch television," she said almost shyly. Negan smirked at her insinuation, and they finished an episode before deciding to see what else was on. Riley disappeared into the kitchen while Negan switched through the channels.

They ate ice cream and enjoyed the thunderstorm, hardly paying attention to the movie playing. Negan made himself comfortable on the couch, arms behind his head, as Riley told him a bit about her childhood and how she didn't have many friends but kept herself busy throughout school and hardly had time to herself. Negan informed her how he barely graduated, not because he was stupid, but because all he cared about was basketball and girls.

"I guess that explains a lot now," Riley smiled at him. Negan smirked at her as she squirmed on her side of the couch, the soft material of her shorts riding high on her thighs from the position of her legs. Riley caught his wandering eye and didn't bother moving, though her accelerated heartbeat proved she was less than nonchalant about how it felt to be admired by someone like him.

"You sure you're not pulling on my dick?" Negan asked. Riley narrowed her eyes at his wide grin. "Hey! I'm just sayin', sweetheart... Guess I'm having a hard time believing you were a lonely kid," he admitted.

"Why?" Riley asked suspiciously.

Negan sighed deeply, moving an arm to touch his stomach instead. "Well, let's just say there weren't many sweethearts at my school. Always seemed like they were competing for shit that doesn't matter now. I dated around and got the same girl every time, you know?"

"Yeah," Riley said, nervously rubbing her knees. Negan's eyes remained soft as he watched her face. "...Kind of. I didn't, uh, start–" she paused before clearing her throat and shaking her head. "Never mind," she finished.

Negan raised his eyebrows as Riley corrected her position, now pulling a blanket over her lap. Thunder shook the windows again, temporarily freezing the television due to the extreme conditions. Riley prevented her trembling hands by smoothing out the soft fabric of her blanket.

"I thought we were being honest with each other?" Negan asked.

Riley looked at him, the fear in her eyes palpable. "We are," she agreed with a nod. "I just talk too much sometimes," she mumbled.

Negan snorted, temporarily watching the television as it tried correcting the reception. They sat in eerie silence as audio struggled to come out. "Really? 'Cause I could listen to you talk all day," he teased.

Riley giggled against her will. Negan smiled as she sighed and pulled the blanket tight around herself before looking at him. "Fine. I didn't start dating until I met... The guy I told you about," she finished awkwardly.

Negan was surprised yet relieved that Riley remembered spilling the beans the first time she got high. However, her seemingly forgetting about telling him about her deceased mother felt like a dirty secret that he felt obligated to keep in hopes that one day soon Riley would bring it up. Riley watched him curiously, fearing what he was about to say.

"So you didn't shower yourself in dick, why are you embarrassed?" Negan asked, his lips twitching at Riley's surprised snort.

Riley laughed sarcastically. "I guess it just leaves a bad impression on you," she answered. "When you know guys are only interested because you had tits in eighth grade, it scared me," Riley shrugged. "...And I knew my mom would kill me if I got pregnant in high school," she added.

"Mine got me condoms for Christmas," Negan said, his pained grunt eliciting another laugh from Riley when she kicked his torso. Negan quickly grabbed her bare foot, his firm grasp on her ankle immediately prompting Riley to try and pull free out of fear he'd tickle her feet! The television resumed regular programming as they wrestled on the couch until Riley hung from it halfway. Her reddened face from laughing and begging simultaneously was endearing while they struggled for dominance.

"Don't tickle me!" Riley squealed in fright, both blissfully unaware they were now in a compromising position. Negan yanked her onto the couch before she could topple off, both panting from the exertions of trying to up the other. Riley's snickers at his arrogant smile made his chest feel warm.

"Why not?" Negan asked. "It's what gets me going, sweet thing," he teased.

Riley rolled her eyes, pushing her hair from her face to see him better. Negan held himself above her, his floppy hair sticking in all directions from Riley yanking on it in hopes of disarming him. She felt somersaults in her gut when she saw his boyish smile as he pushed it back, smoothing the dark strands down the best he could. Negan hesitated to look at her momentarily when they realized how intimate this moment quickly became, though his low chuckle caused goosebumps.

"What?" Riley asked.

Negan's lips twitched as if debating. "Just wondering what might happen the next time I try to make out with you and we get interrupted," he admitted.

Riley could melt into the sofa right about now! Her blood pressure spiked as all the blood rushed to her head, and she was positive the wooziness she felt was real.

"But, uh," Negan mumbled as if remembering they hadn't finished their conversation. "I don't want you thinking I have these wild expectations of you, okay? I really don't give a shit if you've had one boyfriend or a dozen. It doesn't mean a damn thing... You don't have to be embarrassed talking to me. I mean that shit," he said.

Riley's eyes darted elsewhere until Negan managed to grip her chin, still supporting himself with his free hand. Riley likely stopped breathing when he angeled her head so she couldn't hide from him. Their faces were only inches apart despite Riley feeling like she'd implode any second. Negan sighed when she didn't speak.

"And she did gift me condoms," Negan said, his lips twitching when he saw the amused glint in her eyes. "And I used every single one."

Riley squeezed her eyes shut when she laughed, palming his face and pushing him off. They properly seated themselves as the rain continued hitting the windows, and Presley came from his hiding spot, watching them as he chilled in the doorway. Riley felt too warm for the blanket and pushed it aside while Negan mussed with his hair.

"Could you stay with me?" Riley asked. Negan looked at her with quirked eyebrows. "Thunderstorms scare me," she lied.

Negan smirked, his hazel eyes mischievous. "Wow!" he boasted. "You're asking me to stay the night? I'm starting to like where this is going. How the hell do I say no to that sweet face?"

Riley rolled her eyes as he smirked in her face, though her smile didn't lie. "Your pajamas are upstairs," she reminded him. Negan grinned but didn't respond.

They watched the television for a few minutes until Riley decided she had enough of waiting. Negan was wholly unprepared when Riley climbed onto his lap, firmly cupping his cheeks and kissing him once she mounted him. He grabbed her waist in surprise, slumping against the back of the couch as Riley established dominance and took what she wanted. The gentle scratches of his beard tickled her, though Riley tried hiding the giggles as best she could. Negan felt her smiling, tangling his hand in her hair and gently pulling her back.

"Christ," Negan mumbled, staring into her eyes as Riley beamed in satisfaction. Their lips tingled in the best way as they watched each other.

"Hehe," Riley said before giggling. Negan released her hair to cup her cheek, pulling her close to kiss her. Riley melted against him, unable to keep her hand from sliding into his messy hair and holding him in place as their growing feelings for one another culminated in their first kiss. They stayed in this position for a while, deciding together to make up for the false alarms they'd had the past several weeks.

Negan reluctantly pulled away after a bit, noting her full lips were swollen. Riley's deep brown eyes seemed brighter as they gazed at each other, and Negan chuckled hoarsely. "I'm starting to think Laura's full of shit!" he exclaimed.

"Why?" Riley frowned.

"I was under the impression that you're too shy to demand what you want," Negan replied, his smirk widening when Riley appeared displeased but unsurprised. "But it seems like you have bigger balls than me," he said.

Riley laughed, reluctantly releasing his hair. "I can't help that I like to be on top," she said. Negan's comical expression prompted another giggle as Riley sighed and crawled off. "I'll get your stuff," she smiled cheekily before walking upstairs.

Chapter Text

Riley awoke extremely warm, her head resting on something firm. She groggily opened her eyes, seeing the television stayed on despite the programming stopping at one in the morning. Rain gently hit the windows as Riley came to her senses, realizing they had fallen asleep on the couch. Negan's arm supported her head as he snoozed behind her, his other arm holding her to him so she couldn't roll off. Riley suddenly felt wide awake as she lifted her head, looking around the dim room. Presley watched judgmentally from the doorway, wagging his tail as if disappointed. His green eyes were bright in the dark.

"Shit," Riley whispered when she realized she was stuck. She didn't want to wake Negan by squirming free, but her bladder said otherwise. Riley slumped down, listening to his gentle breathing and the fact that he nuzzled closer. Riley squeezed her eyes shut at the cuteness of it all. "Shit," she whispered in agitation.

Presley meowed twice. It was his way of informing Riley that his food bowl was empty and that it was time to pay up. Riley glared at him as if it were intentional.

"I can't move," Riley whispered. Presley stood, trotting over and brushing against the couch, his tail lifting and brushing Riley's nose. He meowed again, walking back and forth and ensuring his tail brushed her face until Riley needed to sneeze. The rumbles in Negan's chest proved he wasn't faking, though he shifted against her back.

Presley stared, sitting like a good boy and wagging his tail. Riley hesitantly grabbed Negan's wrist, holding her breath and slowly lifting it to move it aside. She hid her curse when Negan shifted again, winding his arm around her and nearly trapping her. Riley waited a minute before grabbing his wrist, lifting it, and forcing herself to begin sliding from the couch and away from him. Riley held her breath as Presley moved away, watching Riley's knee touch the carpet. She attempted to angle herself so kneeling on the floor would be easier, though her opposite knee slid from the cushion quicker than anticipated, and Riley plopped on the floor, forcing Negan to drop his arm. Riley managed to hide a scream but not her squeak.

Negan abruptly awoke, looking around despite his disorientation. Riley squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment while Presley walked over and brushed against her, meowing his appreciation for her attempt despite not having received his meal yet. Negan sat up further and peeked over the edge, seeing Riley's squished-up face as she closed her eyes.

"That was one hell of a wake-up call," Negan mumbled, unable to hide his smile as Riley reluctantly looked at him. "You could have woken me up, sweetheart."

Riley sat up, feeling the minor ache in her spine from the tumble. "Yeah, well, why do it the easy way?" she asked rhetorically. Presley booped Riley's arm. Negan grinned when Riley stood, rubbing her eyes and fighting her yawn as Presley followed her into the kitchen.

Once the weather cleared, Riley and Negan changed clothes and walked to get food. Negan didn't want to ride on the slick streets, where some roads had minor flooding from the heavy rain. Riley gave him a toothbrush, and Negan changed into his jeans and kept the shirt he slept in under his jacket. As they walked, he tucked his hands into his jacket pockets, the sun attempting to peek from the clouds.

While she got ready, Riley realized she had climbed onto his lap and kissed him! Negan hadn't commented about it, and he hadn't said inappropriate innuendos thus far, but she felt her cheeks burn each time she thought about what she did. Negan kept a respectable distance and did the gentlemanly duty of walking closest to the street. He was surprised he managed to stay silent this long.

"Can I ask you something?" Negan asked, curiously glancing at her face. Riley's eyes widened slightly.

"Yeah," Riley gently smiled.

"It's just, uh," he began hesitantly, gesturing to her as they slowed their gait. "... It kinda sounds like a dick thing to ask now that I think about it," he said awkwardly.

"It's probably not as bad as you think," Riley said. Negan shrugged, his lips twitching when he considered her viewpoint. "Go ahead and ask!" she encouraged.

"I just can't wrap my mind around how you're so quiet," Negan said. Riley smiled at him, tucking her hair behind her ear when the wind whipped it around her face. "It baffles the shit out of me... Is that a choice?" he asked hesitantly.

"Yes and no," Riley answered, her gaze thoughtful as they approached town. "I don't like saying things when I don't have to, but I'm also comfortable just not speaking... I think it's a habit I picked up somewhere along the line."

Negan nodded, seemingly satisfied that she didn't take offense. "It just impresses me, is all," he admitted. Riley's smile said everything. "And I gotta say it's a bit intimidating."

Riley looked surprised when he smiled at her, her grin widening until she showed teeth. "Intimidating?" she repeated.

"I said what I said, cupcake," Negan replied. Riley guffawed at the impromptu nickname. "I'll reconsider that one. I just can't stop thinking about that hot-as-shit kiss."

Riley turned redder. "I was caught in the moment," she mumbled.

"It's okay if you regret it," Negan teased, though he genuinely hoped that wasn't true. "I understand how it goes."

"I don't regret it," Riley stated. It took plenty of willpower for Negan not to pump his fist in victory. "You don't have to believe me, but Laura wasn't lying to you... Jack had spent months hitting on me, and I tried so hard to ignore it. I think part of me had mistaken his flirting for being nice for the longest time... I don't know," she shrugged. "He initiated every first we had... Including that," she confirmed before Negan could ask.

Negan hid his smirk. "You don't have to be embarrassed talking to me," he reminded her gently.

"It's easier said than done," Riley replied. Negan rubbed his chin in amusement. "So, I don't know what to do with myself, okay?"

Negan held his hands up when Riley appeared temporarily distressed. "Hey, it's all right," he said, stopping. Riley's eyes were flighty as he gazed at her. "Look... I'm going at your pace, okay?" he asked, gripping Riley's chin so she'd look at him. "I'm following you. I'll pinky promise if I have to," he added, raising his eyebrows.

Riley hesitantly met his eyes. They stood in the middle of the sidewalk, gazing into each other's eyes. Riley felt like she was watching one of her mother's black-and-white movies, which she'd watch every Saturday night. Negan released her chin, touching the side of her neck. Riley attempted to block out his long eyelashes. She didn't understand the random attraction to them but knew she was in deep shit–

"And don't be so scared," Negan mumbled, reluctantly dropping his hand. "It just tightens my britches that you gave me another shot!" he exclaimed huskily.

Riley rolled her eyes, her smile subtle as she turned and continued walking. Negan grinned and joyfully followed.

One Week Later:

Riley trained a sweet guy named Blaine for the last week. He had no experience waiting tables, though he did a significantly better job than Catherine when she was a new hire. Blaine helped Riley do the side work without complaint and stayed until the dining room was closed for the night, and they left together. Riley was tempted to film this and force Catherine to watch it repeatedly until the lesson stuck! Blaine was genuinely sweet and not creepy, and she enjoyed working with him.

Carol hadn't said much about Ed's condition, though everyone remained grateful he hadn't returned. Supposedly, Ed didn't want to hire the newbies, though three servers putting in a notice made his hands tied. Carol underwent several interviews before handpicking the new arrivals, and Riley couldn't help but hope Ed never returned. Riley felt tempted to warn Blaine what he'd potentially be getting himself into, but the truth was Ed was kinder with the men in general. Blaine might not suffer under Ed's management.

Negan remained busy at work as the warmer weather prompted people to get work done on their vehicles or new tires. Riley hadn't seen him since their date, though Negan called her for a few minutes every day since. He timed the evening calls almost perfectly to match when she'd be settled in after a long shift. Riley felt a flurry of butterflies when she realized he knew her routine.

On this night, Riley and Blaine were closing together. Blaine was a few inches shorter than Negan, and he had black, naturally curly hair, though he slicked it back daily. He told Riley that if he didn't, the curls and frizziness made it appear as if his hair threw a party atop his head. Blaine told her he was half-Filipino and struggled to find work since he had just moved here to attend school. Riley sympathized with him. It wasn't easy being in a city where the Hispanic population was nearly zero.

"Didn't you say your friend is a nurse?" Blaine asked, glancing over a worksheet he had brought to skim over on his downtime. Riley had peeked at his worksheets throughout the days and immediately knew that Blaine was studying to become a nurse before he told her.

"Laura? Yes. She loves her job," Riley said, pausing her task of mopping the floor to observe outside where a large party departed the bar across the street. "Do you need some help?" she asked.

"I mean, it wouldn't hurt to have some pointers," Blaine said. Riley continued mopping, and Blaine set his papers aside to grab the rack of cleaned salt shakers from the kitchen. Carol insisted the shakers be washed twice, air dried, filled, and sorted by close. Blaine set the rack on the bar and rubbed his neck anxiously. 

Riley glanced at him and tried not to smile. "Old first, new last," she reminded him. 

"That's so easy to remember," Blaine groaned. "I'll remember it one of these damn days," he said, disappearing into the kitchen. Riley continued mopping.

Carol had insisted they close an hour early so she could go and be with Ed. Riley would find that endearing in normal circumstances but couldn't muster sympathy for Ed himself. She knew Carol could do better than Shithead Ed. While her thoughts wandered, Blaine used a scoop and a funnel to fill the salt and pepper shakers. They quieted as they settled into a routine, and Riley began pushing the chairs where the floor had dried. The cooks and dishwashers could be heard chatting as they closed their stations.

Riley glanced at the clock and saw it was eight on the dot. She went to lock the front door, only to come face to face with Negan. He waved through the glass, smiling smugly when Riley gestured for him to enter. Negan slid through the door, and Riley locked it.

"Hope I'm not too early," Negan drawled.

"We're almost done," Riley said. She noticed Negan's bandaged hand had a new wrap. Negan noticed her stare and smiled bashfully.

"Yeah, uh, this shit gets pretty dirty," he said. "They taped my damn fingers together. I look like a damn lobster without one," he said.

"How much longer until they're healed?" Riley asked.

Blaine eyed them from his chosen table. He had only seen Negan pick her up once before on his first shift, and it was obvious that they were on the cusp of being friends to being in a relationship. The way Riley's face lit up when she saw him then and now was pretty cute.

"A few more weeks," Negan replied. Riley began putting the filled shakers on the tables. Blaine only had a few more to go. "I gotta get 'em checked out again... Told them I dropped something at work," he said, giving Blaine a side-eye though Blaine wasn't looking.

Riley nudged Negan when she passed, her disapproving look causing him to shrug and grin. Blaine screwed the cap onto the last one and used a towel to wipe the table. He took the rack and the utensils into the kitchen, where Riley heard Gus bidding them goodnight.

"Are my damn eyes deceiving me, or is he actually doing his damn job?" Negan asked, pointing his thumb toward the kitchen.

Riley giggled at his curious expression. "Yes, and he does wonderful," she replied. 

Blaine returned, throwing on a sweatshirt and carrying a bike helmet. Negan stepped aside when Blaine said goodbye to Riley and re-entered the kitchen. Riley shrugged into her jacket and shouldered her bag. Negan grinned like an idiot when Riley grabbed his hand, switching off the lights before following Blaine, who was already on his bicycle when they entered the alley.

"Just got some great memories," Negan sighed, throwing his arm across her shoulders. Riley scoffed and elbowed his stomach. Negan clutched his abdomen briefly with a snicker, squeezing her shoulder when they approached his car. Negan quickly stepped in front of her when Riley went to open the door. "We've talked about this," he said.

Riley sighed deeply. Negan had insisted that Riley get used to him opening the damn door whenever she entered his vehicle, but Riley always forgot!

"I'm sorry," Riley said, briefly raising her hands in surrender. Negan watched her smugly and opened the door, gesturing for her to sit. "Thank you," she said sassily before getting in. Negan grinned until he was in his seat. 

Negan started the car, and Riley cracked her window. He clicked through the radio, skipping through three times before setting on a random station. Riley had to hide her excitement when they heard Elvis. Negan noticed her change in body language and managed to keep his mouth shut despite the desire to tease her until her face caught fire.

"You mind if I stop at the shop?" Negan asked instead, tilting his head when Riley looked at him. "It'll only be a minute. I just forgot my house key. Scout's honor," he said.

"That's fine," Riley said, buckling her seatbelt. "I want to sit as long as possible," she mumbled while getting comfortable. Negan smirked and pulled from the curb.

Once they were at Dixon's garage, Negan pulled into his usual spot and turned off the car. Riley gave him a questioning look when he unbuckled his belt. Usually, Negan left his car running if it was just a quick trip. His face was worry-free as he nodded at her. "Come in with me," he said, exiting the vehicle without a word.

Riley watched him in confusion and temporary shock. Negan stood before the car, quirking his eyebrows and beckoning for her to follow. She reluctantly unbuckled herself and stepped out, unsure why she felt nervous as Negan unlocked the office door. His face hadn't changed, though his eyes were alight with excitement.

"You're acting weird," Riley said, her deadpan tone making him snicker. Negan got her inside and locked the door again, always compliant with Daryl's after-hours rules. "You're scaring me," she added in the same tone.

"Aww, come on," Negan chuckled, gently grabbing the back of her neck and encouraging her to follow. "I might need help finding them, is all," he lied.

Riley's feet felt like cement despite knowing her nerves were just overreacting. Negan gave her a reassuring squeeze before releasing her. They entered the dark garage, the office door slamming shut before Negan could turn on the lights. Riley went stiff and grabbed the closest part of him, which happened to be his jacket. Negan faltered in surprise but quickly laughed.

"Sweetheart, what the fuck?" he asked, gently prying her fingers from his clothes. They could vaguely make out each other's eyes in the dark. "Are you afraid of the dark, and you just hid it from me?" he joked, holding her wrist as he flipped on the lights.

"No," Riley answered instinctively. Negan smirked at her as if he didn't believe her. "Just in places where I'm unfamiliar with being in the dark," she clarified.

"Understandable," Negan said. Riley looped their arms and kept him in a death grip. He grinned and walked them further, where only two cars sat. Riley knew one was a Mustang and the other–

"Is this the same one again?" Riley asked when she noticed the same colored 1958 Plymouth Fury.

"No," Negan replied, smiling at her when Riley comfortably released him. "This is a new one. Just needed a few small repairs, nothing drastic," he said. Riley was just as enthralled with this one as the last.

"It's really nice," Riley said, peeking into the interior. She heard a slight rustling behind her and straightened up, about to help him search, only to jump when Negan was behind her, holding a key attached to a key ring. His lips twitched when he noticed the subtle jump, though Riley wouldn't admit she was startled.

Negan gently wiggled it. "Aren't you gonna take it?" he teased.

"What did you do?" Riley asked in shock. Negan grinned, fiddling with the key ring.

"I didn't do anything," Negan lied. He figured Riley wouldn't take it and grabbed her hand, placing the key into her open palm. "All yours, babe," he teased.

"You did not get me a car," Riley said. Her blood froze from shock, excitement, and disbelief. At this point, she thought her whole body had become ice. "Negan," Riley squeaked, unsure if she should laugh, cry, or scream! "H-How–" she began. Riley was so shocked that she didn't care that she had started stuttering.

"Well," Negan chuckled, mussing his hair when he became nervous about her mixed reactions. "I do look at newspapers now and again. Someone had one for sale, and I bought it... Had to do some bargaining for it, but I got it!" he said, proudly patting the hood.

"I think I'm going to puke," Riley said, turning and observing... Her car!

"I'll take that as a good sign since you're not beating the shit out of me," Negan said. Riley was so shocked that her chest felt like thousands of fireworks had gone off simultaneously. It was almost as scary as a rogue firework speeding towards you while high on marijuana.

"Why did you do that?" Riley asked. Negan chuckled when she walked around the car, nearly tripping on her feet as she opened the driver's side door. He laughed more when Riley climbed in, in a trance but wearing the most confused, thrilled smile he had ever seen!

"Because you need some wheels, sweet thing!" Negan replied smoothly. He watched Riley shakily stick the key into the ignition and start it, confirming that it ran like a top. "I saw how you looked at the last one. Plus, it kinda got me going thinking of you driving it," he added huskily. Negan grinned when Riley sighed in disgust.

Riley clicked through the radio before playing with the buttons and switches, turning the headlights on and off, using the wipers, beeping the horn, and going through the motions like a toddler with a new toy. Negan could see her happiness; her shock was just the cherry on top. He admired her excitement when Riley turned it off, quickly turning in her seat to climb into the back. Negan laughed when she wiggled over the console. Her arms and legs were all over the place as Riley righted herself. Negan opened the back door as she sprawled out.

"Now that brings back memories," Negan smirked. Riley glared and kicked his leg. Negan laughed through the pain, stepping back so Riley could crawl out. He rubbed the sore spot as Riley observed the vehicle all around.

"You didn't have to do that," Riley said, anxiously wringing her hands.

Negan smiled softly, taking her hand and smoothing her fingers to relax her. "I know I didn't," he said. Riley wanted to cry when his bandaged hand nudged her chin upward. "But I did, so your job is to enjoy her."

"I really might puke," Riley said. "Or die. Or both," she grabbed her stomach when the flutters didn't stop.

"At least take her for a spin before you drop dead, sweetheart," Negan joked. "I've been working on this thing all week!"

"Could we go?" Riley asked excitedly.

Negan grinned and opened her door. "Ladies first," he teased. Riley couldn't get inside quickly enough.

-

After taking Riley's car around town, they returned to the garage, and Negan followed Riley home. He helped her move some carelessly stacked things in the garage since Riley hadn't had a car in months. Riley tucked her vehicle away before joining Negan in the driveway, who proudly admired his work with crossed arms. She clutched her keys in her hands, unable to stop the bout of jitters.

"You know, I realized when I bought it that I'm waiving my right as your driver," Negan said, eyeing her face. Riley's face morphed into realization, and her responding pout could make him pump his fist in victory, knowing she felt the same. "I almost backed out just so I don't have to give that up, but you deserve your independence," he explained, admiring her car.

Riley watched him, tucking her key into her pocket. Negan looked at her to gauge her silence as good or bad, though Riley's response was better than he imagined. He enjoyed her warm hand on his stubbled cheek, and their second kiss was just as hot as the first, though Negan thought the slower pace was adorable... Riley kept him in place, deepening their kiss when she moved closer, and Negan wrapped his arms around her. She slid her hand to the back of his neck, threading her fingers through his hair.

"I'm starting to like this waiting for you to kiss me shit," Negan mumbled once they reluctantly pulled away. Riley's warm brown eyes melted him.

"But you don't have to wait for me," Riley reminded him. Negan played with a strand of her hair, though his fixation on her head said enough. "You can run your fingers through my hair," she said.

"Something tells me that's a special privilege," Negan said, his lips twitching when his nose nearly booped hers. It tickled him that Riley was much shorter.

"You'd be right," Riley nodded. Negan chuckled, releasing the silky strand and gently running his fingers through her thick head of hair. "Again?" she asked hopefully.

"No need to ask for permission, sweet thing," Negan replied. He quite liked touching her hair! "Unless you're asking me to make the first move, I gotta say that doesn't sound as fun as taking what you want from me."

Riley covered her nose when she snorted. "You would like that!" she said.

"What can I say?" Negan mumbled. He reluctantly released her hair to touch the side of her neck. "I think I'm already on my knees for you, sweetheart. I'm not sure how I feel about that."

Riley giggled. "Well, that sounds good to me," she said. Negan urged her to kiss him, and she did. Riley abruptly yet regretfully pulled back as if the thought suddenly hit her. Negan almost groaned at the lost contact despite only ending their kiss. "Could you still drive me? Sometimes, or always," she asked.

Negan's face morphed from confusion to realization to joy! His childish laugh lit her stomach on fire. "That is the best goddamn thing I've heard all day!" he boasted. Riley shyly smiled. "You've become the best part of my day, sweet thing," he drawled.

"I think you're getting there," Riley teased. Negan laughed, pecking her forehead when Riley hugged his waist. They admired her new ride. "I think I'll kick your ass for this later when the adrenaline passes," she whispered.

Negan smirked, temporarily pressing his lips to her hair. "We'll see about that," he chuckled.

Chapter Text

"Oh, you weren't pulling my dick!" Laura called out her window when Riley pulled up in her vehicle the next day.  Riley had the windows down, blaring Blue Suede Shoes. Laura rushed onto the porch as Riley killed the engine, scrambling from the car and meeting Laura in the driveway. "SEGER, COME LOOK!" Laura called.

"Seger's here?" Riley asked, raising her eyebrows as Laura beamed at the car.

"He lives here now. Long story, hopefully not permanently," Laura answered, peeking at the interior. Seger waltzed onto the porch, wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigarette. "Hey, this is how you keep a girlfriend! You buy her nice things," Laura said, patting the hood and smirking at Seger.

"I can't hear you," Seger said plainly, sitting on the concrete wall of the porch. Despite his sunglasses, Riley felt his eyes boring through her.

"I'm sorry, what?" Riley asked, looking between them in confusion.

"Seger fumbled that broad he was talking to," Laura said smugly, looking at her older cousin as he sunbathed. "The one he got caught fucking in Charlie's bed–"

"That's not what happened," Seger disagreed, crossing his ankles as if unbothered.

"No, it is," Laura countered, smiling smugly as Seger bobbed the lit cigarette in his mouth, adjusting his sunglasses to look at her. "I mean, I guess good sex isn't enough nowadays."

"Fuck off, Laura," Seger mumbled. Riley's face burned when he briefly made eye contact with her before righting his frames. "That's what you get for not knocking," he said.

"Imagine not knocking on your bedroom door," Laura said to nobody. Riley's face was comically embarrassed yet amused as she looked between them.  "Hey, at least she waved with her foot–"

"Do you see my car?" Riley asked loudly, proudly gesturing to it as Seger chuckled warmly into his cigarette. Laura looked pleased with herself when she saw the pink in Riley's cheeks. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"She's gorgeous," Laura complimented kindly, tucking her curls behind her ears. "I can't believe he did this," she admitted.

"Yeah, well, I thought he wanted to lure me into a dark garage to kill me and hide my body in cement," Riley said, crossing her arms as they observed. "But this baby is so much better!" she squealed.

"It's so nice," Laura agreed, crawling into the driver's seat. Riley hurried around the car and sat on the passenger side. "I really like it, girl! I'm so happy for you!" she squealed, reaching across the console to hug her.

"I'm pretty sure I saw a Fury was just reported stolen," Seger said, his voice slightly muffled from the porch. Laura rolled her eyes and pulled away, though Riley's expression was concerned as the girls watched each other.

"Seger, shut up," Laura called, rolling her eyes.

"I'm serious," Seger said, hopping from the porch onto the driveway. Riley winced when she imagined the shock to the ankles, though Seger's boots protected him. He leaned into the window, ensuring his cigarette was stubbed out as Laura glared and pushed his head away. Seger grinned and removed his sunglasses. "Now I have to wipe off your damn paw prints," he mumbled.

"That's what you get for being a dick!" Laura snapped. Seger tucked them into his hoodie pocket, accidentally meeting Riley's eyes as she watched them nervously.

"I saw it in the paper," Seger said. "Reported a little dent in the back driver's side… This one was popped into place, though the paint is slightly mismatched. Negan knew what he was doing. You can barely notice it," Seger said. Riley pressed her lips thinly, thinking of the exact spot Seger was talking about…

"You're ratting out your friend for stealing a car?" Laura asked suspiciously.

"Yeah, and who's the one gonna get caught driving it?" Seger asked. Laura and Seger looked at Riley, who pouted.

"I get another car, and suddenly, I'm a criminal," Riley mumbled. "I'll kill myself in jail!" she added.

Seger chuckled. "Nah, you're fine. I made it up." He smirked. Laura rolled her eyes and shoved open the door, nearly knocking him over in retaliation as he laughed. Riley pouted and climbed out.

"This is why I'm happy to be an only child!" Laura snapped.

"Who the hell do you think drove him to get it?" Seger asked, leaning against the house. "I couldn't help it. Come on," he chuckled at Laura's displeased face. "You can't be angrier about it than Riley and expect me to take you seriously."

"I'll get you back for it later," Riley said, crossing her arms and attempting to hide her pout.

"Deal," Seger grinned, gazing at Laura, who watched them incredulously. "I haven't seen her in a while. I had to take advantage," he explained.

"Dick," Laura mumbled. Riley smiled at them. "Well, how about you take me for a spin?" she asked Riley. "Seger is optional. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to run him over instead."

"That's harsh," Seger mumbled, fiddling with his cigarette box.

Riley rolled her eyes, unable to hide her giggle. Seger gleamed at her, and Laura appeared confused that Riley wasn't tossing Seger to the sharks with her! "He can come," Riley smiled. "I'll decide what to do with him after."

-

"You want some lingerie?" Laura asked, running her hands along the rack of silky, alluring clothes while Riley got some things for the warmer weather.

"I'm all right," Riley said, looking through the lace nightgowns on the opposite rack. They were beautiful but not revealing enough to be risqué.

"You know, Negan's birthday is Friday," Laura smiled. Riley fumbled with the hanger as she tried placing the undesirable on the rack, her face slightly panicked. "What?" Laura asked with wide eyes.

"Friday?" Riley asked in disbelief.

"Negan never told you his birthday?" Laura asked, her eyebrows furrowed as Riley panicked on the spot.

"He said it was in April when I met him… How could I forget?" Riley squeaked. Laura smiled smugly as Riley found her choice in the correct size and tossed it into her basket.

"Did you tell him yours?" Laura questioned.

"Just that it's in October," Riley said. Laura shrugged, holding her hips as Riley rubbed her face. "What do I get him?" she asked.

"Lingerie," Laura repeated, grabbing a random number from the rack. Riley wrinkled her nose as Laura shook it for emphasis. "Maybe not this ugly thing, but something to show off your ti–"

"Laura!" Riley hissed in embarrassment. An older woman a few aisles down glared at them over the racks, and Laura only smiled condescendingly until the hag moved away. Riley sighed, already feeling the blood rushing to her face. "I'm not having sex with him already!" she snapped lowly.

"Who said you have to?" Laura asked. She put the ugly frock away, though she grinned when Riley reluctantly looked through the selections. "Hell, you don't even have to wear it. Give it to him and see what he says. He'll know it's waiting for him!" she encouraged.

Riley huffed in embarrassment. "Really?" she asked, her gaze unwavering as Laura smirked. "Here's some lingerie you might never see me in this century," she said sarcastically. "Happy Birthday!"

Laura scoffed in surprise. A few patrons were loitering, and Laura lowered her voice to spare Riley the embarrassment. "Riley," she scolded. "You don't mean that… You can't mean that."

"I can't even look at him without turning into a cherry!" Riley whispered urgently. Laura stopped smiling, her face solemn as Riley aired her frustrations. "How the hell am I supposed to–" she sighed deeply, fingering a light blue girdle. "I feel like I felt the first time. But ten thousand times worse," she mumbled.

"If he's as sweet as you say, why are you worried?" Laura asked. Riley gave her a dirty look, prompting Laura to hold her hands up in surrender. "Just trying to understand, honey."

Riley sighed reluctantly, rubbing her chest when it felt like her heart might leap from her body and sprint across the store. "Because I saw Lucille," she mumbled. Laura's eyes widened, grabbing Riley's arm as she stared in disbelief. "I met her in the weirdest, informal way possible, and she looks like these women," she said, gesturing to a mural of models posing in seasonal fashion. "I'm sure her tits could cut glass."

"Okay, and have you looked in the mirror lately?" Laura asked, her tone as bewildered as her face. "You don't look like them because you're unique, and gorgeous, and sexy–"

"Thanks," Riley smiled sarcastically. "Lucille is a beautiful white girl—exactly the type who is supposed to be with men who look like Negan. How do I kid myself to think I belong with him?" she asked.

"Riley, where is this coming from?" Laura asked, her face severely concerned as Riley tried hiding her shaking hands. "You never talk about yourself like this… You're spicy! I always meant that. You're hot, and I don't even go that way!" she exclaimed. They ignored the judgmental looks they received from the stuck-up patrons nearby. The girls giggled to themselves, and Laura smiled and nudged Riley. "And fuck her! I'd be pissed at myself if I fumbled someone who looks like Negan.  I'm a white girl, and he wasn't interested in me, so…" she added.

Riley explained what transpired as they reluctantly looked through the undergarments. Laura had been heavily invested in the horrific details, though her sympathy about the situation shined through… However, Riley hadn't told her one teeny-tiny detail of importance, either…

"YOU'VE KISSED?" Laura screeched. Riley shoved Laura into the rack to shut her up, though Laura was too thrilled to care! "ABOUT DAMN TIME!"

"Laura!" Riley hissed. "Stop!" she whined, prepared to get on her knees to beg.

"I'm sorry!" Laura squealed excitedly, nearly smothering Riley in a hug. Riley figured they'd be banned from the store for the foreseeable future. "Ugh, this is amazing! I knew Negan was in love with you when he saw you!"

"You're being ridiculous," Riley mumbled, her cheeks slightly pink.

"Am I?" Laura challenged. Riley decided she didn't like anything and continued walking, happy with the Summer clothes she had picked out. No lingerie today! "You act like you're not attractive or that he wouldn't like what he sees when it's obviously bullshit. I caught Negan checking you out the night of Seger's party, and I know he was looking for a hookup!"

Riley stopped, causing Laura to bump into her. Laura smiled mischievously as Riley gawked at her, the pink in her cheeks replaced by a bit of white as if pale. "What?" she asked.

Laura sighed. "Riley, you're not dumb," she said. Riley's expression was unreadable as she observed Laura. "Negan isn't hung up on his ex, all right? I'd be annoyed anytime mine was brought up, just like you are with Jack. And yeah, you're so not blonde, but Negan doesn't care! If you were any easier, you likely would have fucked the night you met. But you're not. And Negan knows that. Who cares if Lucille has tits and sharp cheekbones? So do you! And you have the cutest freckles in the sun–" Laura cooed, pinching Riley's cheeks despite her distaste. "And… As I said, Fuck her. Lucille ran after that Howdy Doody motherfucker, and she hates herself for it. I'm not surprised she wants to take it out on you."

"Simon doesn't look that much like Howdy Doody," Riley snorted.

"They have the same smile," Laura disagreed as they got in line. "But you get my point. I almost wish Negan wanted to jump my bones when I tried seducing him, and he wasn't interested… He sees you, and that's it. Negan wasn't behind you in line by coincidence; he approached you. That's not nothing, Riley. The guy is obviously obsessed with you! Negan bought you a car!" she exclaimed. 

"I just have work to do on myself," Riley mumbled. Laura gently patted her arm. "I told him about Jack."

"Really?" Laura asked, observing Riley curiously. "You told him about your mom, then?"

"No," Riley answered. Laura gave Riley a weird look, prompting Riley to backtrack as she struggled. "I-No? I don't think I did… Oh no," she mumbled, covering her face.

"When did you tell him about Jack?" Laura pressed as they moved forward.

"The night I got high," Riley answered, lowering her voice until Laura had to lean closer to hear. "I just remember telling him my boyfriend left me a few months beforehand… I wanted Negan to save me," she added bashfully. Laura smirked as Riley brainstormed the hazy memories. "But I know I can't remember everything… Everything kept going black. I don't know… Does he know about my mom?" she asked.

"I don't know, babe," Laura sighed, giving Riley a sympathetic smile. "He's never brought it up?"

"Negan's asked about her name. That's it," Riley said, her eyebrows furrowing as realization hit. Laura waited for Riley to speak as they moved ahead in line. They were next! Riley felt nervous as she looked into her basket of clothes. "I might have told him my mom is dead," she mumbled.

-

Riley arrived home from the store the following day, her backseat full of groceries and new flowers. She had forgotten how nice it was to be able to get up and go wherever she wanted when she wanted! Riley unloaded the groceries before she started planting flowers in the garden. Her mother had always taken her garden seriously, and Riley had vowed to upkeep it for the rest of her days. Riley pulled weeds and dead plants, humming along to a song she had heard on the radio that wouldn't leave her head.

Negan's birthday was in two days. Laura said the boys were still working out the details for a party, though Riley guessed Negan had decided his birthday wasn't a big deal, and the day likely would have whizzed on by! Riley struggled to think of a suitable birthday gift, though it felt like their relationship was fresh enough to where she'd never figure it out.

Laura's gift was all right… If you were confident enough to pull it off. Riley imagined dressing in lingerie, only for Negan to take one look and laugh. The idea of something was usually better than the reality, and Riley couldn't help but assume that Negan's expectations of her body would only lead to disappointment. She never thought of herself as ugly, though Jack's criticisms throughout their relationship destroyed her self-esteem. Riley had always been shy, though it only worsened as time passed, and any positive observations became too much to handle, sans her cherry state whenever she was in the presence of any men.

But her conversation with Laura left an impression… "'If he's as sweet as you say, why are you worried?'" Laura asked.

Riley finished planting her flowers, sitting on the steps, and observing the pretty Marigolds, Violets, and Tulips accentuating her house. Riley chose the Marigolds specifically for her mother, as the funeral home had recommended them for the funeral service as an act of remembrance. The golden petals reminded Riley of the sun, her mother's favorite weather. She felt tears prickle her eyes and wiped them away, unwilling to spend a beautiful day in the dark recesses of her mind… Riley wished she had company.

-

April 22nd, 1966

Riley arrived at work at eight in the morning. She was relieved to see Carol instead of Ed. The start of each shift felt like an episode of Jeopardy!  I'll take "Is Shithead Ed at work today" for a thousand, Al!

"Oh, Riley!" Carol cooed when Riley entered the dining room. "I know you're scheduled for a double tomorrow, but would you mind if Cynthia takes your evening shift? There just isn't any room for five of you tomorrow, and she needs some hours," Carol explained.

"That'd be perfect, actually," Riley said in surprise. Carol sighed in relief and thanked her.

Riley and Catherine worked the breakfast rush, moving nonstop until they were ready to hit the floor. Catherine had improved with pulling her weight, and they split tables evenly and raked in the tips. Riley even got to sit outside in the sunshine for ten minutes, slipping out of her shoes and curling her toes as she sat on Gus' rickety chair he used for his smoke breaks. Watching everyone strut the sidewalks with fancy suitcases, suits, and ties made Riley feel almost insignificant as she looked at her ugly orange dress, fingering the material. Look at me, Mom!

Riley returned to the dining room so Catherine could break out. She washed her hands and re-tied her apron, attempting to ignore the sudden twist in her gut. Riley had been in tune with her intuition for years, though this was the first time Riley felt a genuine fight or flight response bubbling within. Riley assumed she might have been worrying whether or not she'd see Negan for his birthday and decided to brush it off.

However, Mother Earth gave Riley a huge middle finger when she stepped into the dining room, pausing when she saw a taller, thin blonde bombshell fiddling with an unlit cigarette on Negan's favorite stool. Riley felt the swinging door hit her ass as she froze in place, suddenly wishing she could evaporate with the snap of a finger.

Lucille doesn't seem like a smoker…

As if reading Riley's mind, Lucille lit the cigarette, tucking the lighter into her leather jacket with the same embroidered serpent as the Vipers. Riley was suddenly grateful that they weren't required to wear nametags…

… HOW DOES SHE KNOW WHERE YOU WORK?

"Hello!" Lucille cooed, blowing smoke from her painted lips. She pulled the ashtray closer to tap off the bit of ash at the tip. "Oh, girl, that color is horrid," she chuckled.

Riley felt her stomach coil uncomfortably at the insult. She only watched Lucille, her expression wavering in upset at the jab–

"–No, not because of you," Lucille said, her eyes softening when she realized how it sounded. "I just… It's a choice," she said, unable to tear her eyes away.

Riley hesitantly approached, instinctively setting her notepad on the counter. "It wouldn't have been my first choice," she mumbled. Lucille puffed her cigarette, her green eyes boring into Riley's face. Riley nervously clicked her pen repeatedly. "What can I get you?" she asked.

Lucille had a menu beside her, peeking at the list of beverages as the cigarette smoldered. "I'll have chamomile, please," she said. Riley felt Lucille watching every movement as she filled a mug with hot water, set a tea bag on the plate, and pushed it over. Lucille immediately dunked the tea bag, her manicured hands intimidating Riley for they could puncture her eye sockets.

Riley was grateful when another table walked in. Lucille stirred her tea as Riley greeted an elderly couple who stopped in for an early dessert. Riley thought she could feel Lucille's eyes boring into her back, though her nerves were so shot that Riley might have imagined it. The patrons requested two pieces of pie, which was not quite the order Riley had hoped for, as it only meant she now didn't have an excuse to avoid Lucille!

"I used to be a server," Lucille said once Riley was behind the counter. Riley looked at her, grabbing the stack of menus that needed to be wiped and sanitized. The elderly couple ate their apple pie in peace. "A few years ago… Hated it," she said, fiddling with her cigarette. "My boyfriend made me quit." She said.

Riley quirked her eyebrow, gauging Lucille's aloof yet comfortable body language in an attempt to understand what the angle was here. And more importantly, how the hell does she know where you work?

"It's all right," Riley said lamely, wrinkling her nose when the sanitizer smell wafted. "Wouldn't want to do this forever," she mumbled.

Lucille smiled, setting her cigarette on the tray and drinking her tea. Riley avoided looking at her, focusing on her task and wondering how the hell she'd explain this to Negan whenever she talked to him next. If she even should!

Riley breathed in relief when Catherine returned. Catherine immediately walked to the couple and introduced herself. It was always encouraged to be as personable with the customers as possible, though Riley always left it to the extroverted ladies to be the life of the party. Catherine especially didn't mind, as she was a natural chatterbox–

"You know, I was surprised to see Negan seeing someone again," Lucille said, her eyes piercing as they met eyes. "I know he's been around the block the last few years." 

Riley's face was unreadable as Lucille seemed to test the waters. "I wouldn't know," she answered plainly. Lucille's expression didn't waver as she continued drinking her tea. "I just met him a few months ago."

"I see," Lucille said. Riley turned away, reaching into a cupboard for a new towel. "Well, it's nice to see him expanding his horizons a bit," she continued, eyeing Riley up and down once she resumed position. "You're not his usual type."

Riley somehow prevented her face from flattening. Lucille didn't appear smug, though Riley could only imagine what was happening in her brain. Lucille resumed smoking her cigarette as Riley struggled to find a response to the backhanded compliment.

"Are you Mexican?" Lucille asked.

"Yes," Riley replied, feeling her skin prickle. There were plenty of instances where her response to that question was not met with positive feedback. "I was born here," she said.

"You have amazing cheekbones," Lucille said, analyzing Riley's face despite the odd situation. "I might be jealous of your jawline. What's your name, again?" she asked.

"Valentina," Riley replied. Catherine glanced across the room, her frown evident as Riley reluctantly met her eyes. Catherine didn't speak.

"Right," Lucille nodded. Riley thought Lucille's eyes would zap her ass. "Well, you are so pretty. It's understandable why Negan looked so jealous when you met my boyfriend."

Riley knew she didn't imagine the resentment in Lucille's gaze. She paused, setting the recently wiped menu aside to watch Lucille, whose face remained unreadable. "How did you find me?" Riley asked.

Lucille grinned. Her pearly white teeth might have been intimidating if Riley hadn't had an equally as bright smile (despite often being teased for being a close-lipped kind of girl). Lucille took a final drag before stubbing out her cigarette. Catherine reluctantly stopped watching to approach a table of patrons who just entered the diner.

"This town isn't that big," Lucille answered. "Being small and predominantly white made it pretty easy." 

Riley scoffed, temporarily forgetting this was transpiring at her workplace. Lucille seemed amused that Riley didn't seem afraid to confront the situation, unwise to the shit show going on internally. "What do you want?" Riley asked. Lucille propped her chin with her hand, her eyes burning holes in Riley's face as they watched each other.

"Negan hasn't told you shit, has he?" Lucille asked, unable to hide the condescending tone in her voice as they stared each other down.

"I didn't think it was my business," Riley replied curtly. Lucille chuckled, her feminine giggle almost sounding like bells. Riley could see how men would go weak at the knees at the sound…

"Oh, honey, no man that looks at you like that cares if it's your business or not," Lucille said. "Yeah, I broke off the engagement; I'm not here to pretend otherwise… But Negan is a jealous peach," she said, plucking a stir stick from a glass and playing with it. "How long have you been dating?" she asked.

Riley couldn't prevent the rush of blood to her face. She looked away, almost feeling the heat expanding to her chest as Lucille gazed in wonder. Riley could practically cry from embarrassment.

"Oh," Lucille whispered, smiling eerily at Riley. "You're a shy thing, aren't you?" she asked, unable to hide her scoff. "It must be a pretty new relationship if you can't look me in the eye and answer the question!"

"Can I get you anything else?" Riley asked in irritation. She hated how Lucille's arrogant smile reminded her of Negan, though the intentions significantly differed. Riley couldn't help but wonder where Lucille might've learned it from! "My boss is a hardass about loiterers," she said.

"I'll have another cup," Lucille said. Riley hid the urge to roll her eyes and got Lucille more water and another tea bag. Lucille assembled her drink, and Riley watched the steam rise from the mug. "I'll go out on a limb and say it's pretty new… I was the same way when I started dating him. Negan isn't like any other guy I know, including my boyfriend… Simon's apple didn't fall too far from the tree. They're both jealous boys; there's nothing you can do about it."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Riley asked. "Is Negan's jealousy supposed to scare me off?"

Lucille giggled after sipping her tea. "Honey, that's the best part!" she said. Riley felt her skin prickle at the disconnect she felt hearing Lucille's joyous laugh when the tension between them could be cut with a knife. Riley started to understand the connection between Simon and Lucille, though Lucille hadn't lost all the humanity in her eyes. They just seemed… Off. 

Lucille continued, "Or it is when it's normal jealousy... I bet he's the sweetest right now," she said. Riley watched her incredulously, unwise to the fact that Catherine took another table. Catherine was unaware of the subject of conversation but wise enough to know that her co-worker was in a tense situation. "Negan's doting on you, and he loves talking to you. I'm sure he's been here plenty, watching you work and making you feel like you're the apple of his eye… And you probably are," Lucille said, her expression stern as Riley recoiled slightly. "Because that's how I felt. Negan has this way of making you feel like you're the only person who matters to him… He showers you with expensive gifts and hypnotizes you with his beautiful eyes, but it's all a game to him."

Riley couldn't speak. She didn't know what to say.

"You know the guys," Lucille said, her eyes softening enough that Riley could almost feel the threat pass, but Riley knew it was a lie. "You can hang around them now, but you'll never see those people again once Negan's got his claws in you. Negan can't stand it when men look at you, let alone speak to you. You might as well kiss your friends goodbye because it's the same shit no matter where you look. Negan is jealous, and not in a cutesy way, Valentina. Simon got me out of that relationship. Negan pretends it's all my fault and that I was the slut that got away, but Simon saved my life. I couldn't stand to be with Negan anymore, so I left… And I moved away from here."

"And I'm just supposed to believe you?" Riley asked despite her desire to want to trust Negan. Lucille's recount of nearly everything that's happened since Riley and Negan met rattled Riley more than she'd like to admit.

"You don't have to do anything," Lucille shrugged, drinking more tea. "I'm just here telling you what I wish someone told me."

Riley remembered the jealousy in Lucille's gaze at the bar. Why would you be jealous if you were in an abusive relationship with that person?

"I get it," Lucille said. "Negan is hot. And he knows it, Valentina, it's why it's so easy for us to fall into his bullshit traps. You can do whatever you want, but just consider what I said," she said, holding Riley's gaze as she pushed up the sleeve of her jacket. Riley stared at Lucille's pale arm and the long, scarred laceration on her skin. "That is what he does… Came after me with a knife when I wanted to leave the first time. He slashed me pretty good," Lucille mumbled before rolling it into place. "I wasn't a perfect girlfriend, yes, but I believe in the girl code. Just watch yourself, Valentina," Lucille said before standing.

Riley watched Lucille take out a wad of bills, slamming them on the counter before leaving.

-

Laura wrapped a towel around her damp body, rushing to her phone and dialing Riley's number for the umpteenth time. Johnny whistled downstairs, helping Seger load alcohol into the car in preparation for Negan's birthday party. It was after eight o'clock, and Laura had been trying to get a hold of Riley all afternoon once she knew Riley would be home.

"Still nothing?" Johnny asked, peeking at Laura in the bedroom once the line only rang.

"No," Laura sighed, slamming the phone down. "Unless she had to stay over, I don't–" she paused when the phone rang and excitedly yanked it off the hook. "Riley?" she asked hopefully.

"I was in the shower," Riley said, and Laura heard a rustling sound. "What's up?" she asked.

"We found a party spot!" Laura exclaimed. "I'm sorry it's so late; we were having trouble because Lenny's been all anal about bad weather, and–"

"Tonight?" Riley asked nervously.

"Yeah," Laura said, sitting on her bed. Johnny watched from the doorway. "I told you Negan's birthday is today, Riley. Haven't you heard from him today?" she asked.

Riley sat on the window bench in her room, gazing at the empty, darkening street. She burrowed into her sweatshirt and pajama pants as the cold air blew in from the cracked window beside her bed. "No," she mumbled. "I've only been home for a bit. He usually calls me at night."

"Well, you're coming, right?" Laura asked, frowning when she heard the dejected tone in Riley's voice. "I promise it's not anything crazy… Well, you know, except the boys being jackasses, but–"

"I don't feel good," Riley said. "I've been working a lot, and I haven't been sleeping," she explained, embellishing her lack of sleep. "I just want to stay home tonight," she said, unable to hide the crack in her voice.

"But–" Laura began protesting.

"I'm sorry. Have fun," Riley croaked before the line went dead.

"Riley!" Laura sighed anyway. She pulled the phone away and stared at it before anxiously looking at Johnny.

Riley angrily hung up, pacing her room as she nervously yanked on her damp hair. Her chest tightened as her heart rate increased, and she shakily sunk onto the bench. Riley wanted to believe Lucille was lying, but her anxious mind refused to think someone would lie about something so heinous… The jealousy was enough for Simon to react when Negan pointed out the daggers Lucille threw at Riley. Riley felt tears prickle her eyes, grabbing a pillow with shaky hands as she wondered if she had made a grave mistake.

Chapter Text

April 23rd, 1966

Seger knocked on Riley's door the fifth time. A lit cigarette hung from his mouth, observing the quiet street as he waited.

Laura was devastated when Riley had never shown up the night before. Negan hadn't seemed bothered, though Seger learned that Negan hadn't told Riley it was his birthday because he never thought it to be a big deal. Despite Negan's desire for attention most of the time, his birthday had always been a burden. Nobody knew why. The only way for Negan to celebrate was a surprise birthday party, which his friends delivered every year… Negan had heard that Riley hadn't been feeling well and managed to sneak away to call, only for the phone to ring. Laura tried multiple times today before work and said she was sure the phone was off the hook. Seger decided to take matters into his own hands, assuring Laura and Negan he'd handle it so they didn't have to miss work.

Seger sighed in worry when Riley didn't come. He finished the cigarette, stubbing it out before leaving it in a place he could grab it before he left. Riley hated cigarette butts littering around her house! Seger walked into the yard, gazing at her home and wondering how he could get the little shit to talk to him.

Riley lay in bed with Presley. He slept against her, his paws pressed to his face as he snoozed. Riley's tiny radio played on a low volume, though she heard someone's repeated knocking. Both her phones were off the hook, and she couldn't stop crying out of frustration. Lucille's invasion of Riley's workplace, which she already hated, sent her into an emotional breakdown. She struggled to accept Lucille's explanation as truth, though some of Riley wanted to believe her because it was unbelievable to lie about something like that!.. But Negan being an abusive boyfriend?

Riley heard a slight banging sound against her house. She propped her head slightly, glancing around her room. Presley moved in his sleep but didn't wake up. Riley sat up when she heard it again, only to jump from the bed when she suddenly saw Seger's head pop up outside the window. She gasped when he grinned stupidly, though it quickly faltered when the unstable trellis he climbed up rocked dangerously.

"Seger!" Riley snapped, darting forward and opening her window. "You're gonna get killed!"

"I'll be fine," Seger panted, slamming his hand onto the windowsill. Riley grabbed it as he struggled to maneuver safely into the window without slipping. She imagined how comical it was to see a six-foot-something guy climbing into your neighbor's window. "–Shit, I think," he grunted.

"That's so old!" Riley sighed nervously, using both hands to grab his arm. She'd tumble out with him due to her size. "It came with the house… Idiot!" she snapped.

Seger chuckled. "Okay, hun. Just keep your grip, yeah? Move back a bit. I'll need some space," he said. Riley nervously stepped back, keeping her arms outstretched, tightly holding his arms down as Seger quietly gathered himself before heaving himself into the window, his muscular body barely able to squeeze through from the tight angle. However, Riley was relieved when his arms were inside the house.

"Shit, this is gonna hurt," Seger grunted. "Pull me!" he winced, his voice higher than usual.

Riley winced, pulling with all her might. Seger grunted as he began sliding into her bedroom. His body was oddly stretched until his sneakers caught on the windowsill, and they both tumbled to the floor. Riley's scream made him laugh despite his painful plop on his stomach. They panted from their adrenaline, sprawling on their backs as they gathered themselves.

"If I died, at least it was in front of a pretty girl," Seger mumbled. Riley snickered, rolling her eyes as they sat up.

"You're such an idiot," Riley said. Seger rubbed his knees, wincing when he felt bruises forming along his legs and abdomen.

"You could have let me in," Seger said, his gaze unwavering as Riley wrapped her arms around her legs. Her face became solemn again as he mimicked her pose. "What's going on?" he asked.

Riley didn't reply, looking elsewhere as Seger watched curiously. He mussed his blond hair when he understood he'd have to pull teeth.

"The party kind of sucked last night," Seger said. "We're used to seeing you around nowadays."

Riley stayed quiet. Seger didn't recognize the song on the radio but kind of liked it.

"Could you talk to me?" Seger asked, raising his eyebrows when Riley reluctantly looked at him. "Laura was worried about you all night... It worried me seeing how she was worried about you. I wouldn't have climbed into your window if I didn't care."

"What do you know about Negan and Lucille?" Riley asked, reluctantly keeping his gaze. Seger raised his eyebrows higher, nearly popping them off his face. "And don't bullshit me."

Seger grinned, rubbing his bearded chin. "Wow. You haven't asked him yourself?" he asked.

"I didn't plan on it… So soon," Riley mumbled. She stretched her legs, wiggling her toes and ankles. "I've been afraid to ask," she admitted.

"Yeah…" Seger frowned. "Uh, almost nobody knows the entire story. The guys that don't only know she left Negan for Simon. That pisses them off without knowing the details. Why are you asking that after locking yourself in your house?" he asked.

Riley hesitated to explain, nibbling her lip briefly as the words wanted to spill, though she couldn't form words. Seger resisted the urge to bob his head to the catchy tune! "Lucille came to the diner yesterday," Riley whispered. Seger tensed, looking at Riley as if she had grown another head. "She was nice but mean at the same time? I think she kept calling me ugly–"

"You're not ugly," Seger said in annoyance.

Riley snickered. "Thanks," she whispered. Her cheeks burned, refusing to meet Seger's eyes as he stared intently. "But she…" Riley felt her chest coil uncomfortably. "Could you please just tell me?" she asked.

"I don't think it's my place, Riley," Seger said. Riley gave him a dirty look, prompting him to raise his hand. "Hey, don't kick my ass, all right? I wasn't bullshitting you when I said it was a nasty breakup."

"I won't tell Negan I know!" Riley said. "Unless he must know. Lucille shows up at my job and tells me that Negan was abusive, and he tried killing her, but I feel so guilty for doubting that Negan is a good person because I want to believe her, but then I feel guilty for turning against Negan when I know that I can't blindly believe what Lucille says."

"Riley, I really think you need to talk to Negan," Seger explained softly. Riley glared as he sighed in frustration. "I'm not looking to get my ass kicked. The boys don't gossip," he said, using air quotations.

"Is it true?" Riley asked.

"I wouldn't let you date someone like that," Seger said, his concerned expression making her waver as they watched each other. "What exactly did she tell you?"

Riley rubbed her hands. "Just… Said he's the jealous type, not in the cutesy way," Riley said, mocking Lucille's voice. Seger chuckled dryly. "And she showed me this scar on her arm. She said Negan got jealous and hurt her. I don't know what to do," she mumbled. "I mean, why lie about that?"

"I need a cigarette," Seger said as he stood. Riley pouted below as he mussed his hair. "Come on," he said, nudging her leg with his boot.

"I don't want to go anyw–" Riley gasped when Seger suddenly lifted her, throwing Riley over his shoulder. Presley slept away as Riley screeched, clawing at his back in shock. "What the hell!" she snapped, clinging to Seger as he carried her downstairs. "Don't drop me!" she squealed.

"I won't," Seger chuckled, holding her effortlessly as he unlocked her front door. Riley felt the blood rushing to her head as he stepped onto the porch, allowing the door to close before he set her on her feet. Riley fell onto her knees, fixing her hair as her head cleared. Seger sat on the steps, shrugging off his leather jacket under the warm sun. Riley glared at him as he grabbed a cigarette.

"Your tattoos are stupid," Riley mumbled. Seger chuckled into his cigarette as he lit it, taking a quick puff.

"I think I want a girl like you," Seger said, blowing the smoke from his nose. Riley's face flushed as he knowingly teased her.

"I think I'm going to stop liking men," Riley mumbled. Seger grinned, watching a group of children walk home from school, chattering excitedly as they carried their books. Riley let him smoke for a few minutes.

"I'll clean up the stubs," Seger mumbled.

-

Seger pulled into the parking lot of Negan's townhouse. Riley clung to his back as he stopped the bike, anxiously looking around to see a group of people sitting around a bonfire a few houses down, drinking and enjoying the crisp evening. Riley reluctantly climbed off, crossing her arms as Seger settled back, watching her curiously as Riley looked at Negan's place, where the lights were on downstairs.

"I can't do this!" Riley whined.

"Laura's dramatics are rubbing off on you," Seger commented, smiling when Riley glared at him. "I wouldn't bring you to someone dangerous."

"You're making me feel stupid," Riley mumbled. Seger's face became disapproving as she frowned. "I already feel bad enough for doubting him," she mumbled.

"That's not fair," Seger said, squinting as the setting sun fell into his eyes. "I mean, that's not a conversation you have with someone who is working, and it's not the thing you want to hear when you're just starting to date someone."

"We're not dating," Riley said, tensing her arms. "It's not official."

"You're dating," Seger corrected.

"Seger–" Riley began, prepared to chew him out when they heard a door open, and Seger smirked as he stared behind Riley. Riley reluctantly turned, seeing Negan watching from his stoop. He was dressed in his usual garb, having not had time to settle in after work. Negan leaned against the doorframe, his eyebrows furrowed in concern. Riley melted when she saw him, and the guilt on her shoulders became exponentially heavier.

"I'll leave you to it," Seger smiled, standing from his bike. "Think I'll go for a walk!" he said before leaving.

Riley watched him leave before reluctantly turning to see Negan. His soft smile didn't fit his face, as if Negan knew something wasn't right. Riley felt her skin prickle with anxiety as she reluctantly approached him. Negan didn't speak, only moving aside so Riley could enter his house. He smiled vaguely when he smelled her hair.

Once they were alone, Riley nervously moved into the living room. The memories of grown men littering the floor and hanging off furniture made her smile, but the nerves she felt alone with Negan were enough to wipe her smile completely.

"Seger said you wanted to talk," Negan said, his eyes carefully watching Riley look out his patio door. Riley should have known when Seger asked to use her phone!

"Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday?" Riley asked, still observing outside. Children sprinted in a field a few yards out, tossing a football.

Negan appeared stunned, though Riley couldn't see his face. "My birthday ain't a big deal," he replied almost sourly. "What day is yours?" he asked.

"The twenty-ninth," Riley answered softly.

Negan's lips twitched as he nodded. "I'm sorry," he apologized, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I don't celebrate my birthday willingly. But it would have been nice to see you last night," he said.

Riley felt tears prickle her eyes, and her body felt like it could shut down from nerves. She had no qualms about touching his glass door, finding something to grab when her chest felt tight. Negan watched, reluctantly approaching when he noticed something was wrong.

"Hey," Negan said, gently touching her shoulder. Riley cowered away, putting space between them as she felt a panic attack coming on. "Riley?" he asked in concern.

"W-What happened with you and Lucille?" Riley asked, her eyes hardening despite her tears. Negan gaped, his body tense as he tried to figure out where this was coming from.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Negan asked hoarsely.

"What happened?" Riley asked, unable to control her jitters. Her skin prickled under Negan's gaze, though he only looked concerned and almost scared of her unexpected behavior.

"Riley, what–" Negan scoffed, mussing his hair. "Why are you looking at me like you're scared of me?"

"Just tell me," Riley begged.

"I don't understand why you're asking," Negan explained. "Lucille broke up with me and ran off with Simon–"

"Tell me the truth!" Riley snapped.

"I am!" Negan snapped. Riley wiped her face, her hands trembling. "What do you want me to say?" he asked, mussing his hair until it framed his face. "T–That I came home to one of my oldest friends fucking my fiancée in my bed? That she threw the engagement ring I saved up for so fucking long in my face? And that she fucking came back two months later, threatening to kill herself because I wouldn't take her back?" Negan snapped, his menacing glare causing Riley to recoil. "You know, Lucille wasn't who I thought she was… I did what I could to give her everything, and it was never enough. When she left, I didn't give a shit about anything. I drank myself stupid every day and smoked every chance I got; I couldn't shake it off! I was killing myself," he mumbled, looking away as Riley's eyes watered. "Over some broad that never gave a shit about me… It's why I don't drink like I used to, why I don't smoke cigarettes unless I have to fry a fat bastard in the face for fucking with my woman–"

"Negan?" Riley croaked.

"Why did you come here, looking at me like this?" Negan asked, angrily gesturing at her. "Why? Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Lucille showed up at work," Riley whispered, her voice cracking when she saw the look on Negan's face; his crestfallen expression gave her the worst nausea. "Y-Yesterday," she said, shakily reaching for the nearest chair to sit before she could faint.

"And what did she tell you?" Negan asked lowly, his eyes accusing as he watched her shake like a leaf.

"I shouldn't have come here," Riley whimpered, gripping the arm of the chair until her knuckles turned white. Negan's face softened slightly, though his eyes told another story.

"What?" Negan asked, squinting at Riley as she had a meltdown in his living room. "Do you think I'm not used to Lucille making me the bad guy?" he asked, plopping onto his sofa. "That you're the first person to hear about the horrible boyfriend I was because I kept forgiving a woman I shouldn't have? Simon wasn't the first, Riley," Negan snapped, forcing himself to relax his fingers when his knuckles cried in pain. "I was so blinded by what I felt for her that I forgave Lucille every time she fucked someone else because I thought I couldn't do any goddamn better than her," he explained shakily. "So afterward, yes, I only fucked to be something other than the goddamn pussy Lucille turned me into! I stopped inviting her to shit because I knew she'd run off with a guy because she did it every fucking time! So because of that, I was jealous and couldn't trust her because I couldn't! But that's my fault," he laughed sarcastically.

Riley stared at her lap, wiping her wet cheeks as she avoided looking at him. Negan was the one who felt he could throw up this time.

"I came home from work, and she broke into the shithole I was living in," Negan mumbled. "Drunk off her ass and screaming at me to forgive her, but I wouldn't. I had done it so many damn times before that when I hit my limit, it wasn't what she expected. Lucille threatened suicide if I didn't take her back, and I tried calming her down without accepting her apology, but all it did was piss her off. Lucille tried stabbing herself in front of me," he said, forcing himself to blink back tears. Negan hadn't cried about this in years. "I tried getting the knife from her, and she got hurt," he whispered, watching his shaking fist. "The bleeding wouldn't stop, and I had to take her to the hospital, thinking she'd bleed out from the damn gash that probably should have killed her. You could see her goddamn bone," he seethed.

Riley didn't try and interrupt…

"A few days later…" Negan trailed off almost nervously. "I got the shit beat out of me. Lucille told Simon what I'm sure she told you, and I was jumped by Vipers. I had broken ribs, a cracked nose, I couldn't fucking see for days because the swelling of my face was so goddamn bad," Negan said, gesturing to the side of his face where there was a tiny scar. "Got hit with a glass bottle… Could have gone blind if it were just inches over. The guys found me… Seger, Daryl," he sighed deeply. "And we didn't see Vipers for years… Until recently, and they won't stop coming around. I'd never hurt a goddamn woman, Riley. If that's why you can hardly look at me, I know there's nothing I can do to prove that Lucille is the batshit one. And because I know Simon gave the order to attack me, that's why I'll never trust that bastard again. Lucille could get fucked with him for all I fucking care!"

"I'm sorry," Riley whispered. Her tears were no longer from fear and shame but sorrow. "I really am," she sniffled.

"I haven't felt for a person what I've been feeling for you," Negan mumbled, his eyes searching the room for a distraction from her cries. "I'm sorry that Lucille did that to you, but I'm not sitting here and allowing her lies to paint me as the bad guy in front of you. Whatever the fuck their deal is, we'll figure it out. Daryl and his crew are doing what they can to scope shit out, but that's all we have. Lucille is intimidated by you," he said, now looking at Riley. She hesitantly met his eyes.  "I can't convince you to believe me, Riley. I know that. If you can't be with me, then–" he cleared his throat when emotion leaked through. "It is what it is. It won't be the first goddamn thing Lucille took from me," he said.

Riley hesitantly stood, approaching him and slowly sinking onto the cushion beside him. Negan was grateful he didn't cry, though his watering eyes had been proof enough that his pain was real. He watched Riley fiddle with her sleeves, peeking at him when she felt her face could handle it. They bore holes into their eyes as they processed their simmering emotions.

"I didn't want to believe her," Riley whispered. Negan stared but didn't speak. "And I couldn't stop thinking about if it were true, and… I didn't know how to feel, Negan. I'm sorry," she said, unable to hide the crack in her voice as she covered her face, crying into her palms.

"Seger told me she showed up," Negan whispered. Riley abruptly dropped her hands, looking at him in disbelief. "And you can't be mad at him, Riley. He knows not to blurt that shit out… Even to sweethearts like you," he said, unable to hide his teasing smile. "But Seger gave me a heads up. I just… Wanted you to bring it up first," he explained quietly.

Riley curled into his side. Negan sighed, wrapping his arm around her and squeezing her tight. Riley cried into his shirt, unable to hide her grief from such a hideous story and her guilt manifesting into a clusterfuck of emotions all at once. "I'm sorry," Riley said, unable to say anything else.

"Don't be," Negan whispered, stroking her hair. Riley's shaky inhales crushed him, though the heavy emotion in his voice hurt her. He chuckled lightly after a bit. "I did sell her engagement ring… Got this place out of it," he mumbled. "Just took me a while to grow some balls to move on," he said. 

Riley smiled, hugging his waist. "It's a nice trade," she whispered. Negan smiled, their eyes temporarily meeting.

-

Riley had refused to service the bar during the shifts following Lucille's visit. She avoided looking at it as much as possible, unable to shake the paranoia she felt seeing the spot Lucille had stolen from Negan. Riley assumed a few visits from him would eventually erase the horrid memories, though Negan hadn't been around much since Riley received her car. He admitted he was back to staying up all night, unable to fall asleep until Riley prepared for work in the morning or still asleep on afternoons she closed. 

Their emotional, eventful visit three days ago still weighed on Riley. Negan seemed to accept Riley's conflicting emotions as promised, though Riley's guilt hadn't subsided… You did show up at his place, practically accusing him… 

Riley realized the mug she filled with coffee overflowed, quickly setting the pot aside and pouting as she sopped up the excess with a rag. The rag warmed under her palm as she cleaned until the counter was spotless. She heard the bell ring as someone opened the door, though Riley didn't immediately look up. Riley heard Carol.

"I'll only be a minute, Ed," Carol said. Riley felt her skin prickle, looking to see Carol help Ed plop into a chair. Ed's black and blue face was quite a sight, though minor swelling remained. Riley could see popped vessels in his eyes from afar.

"Whatever," Ed grumbled. He glared at a group of old ladies watching from their booth. 

"Just here to get some files," Carol smiled at Riley, unlocking the office door. "Got an extension on our taxes… Ed hasn't felt well to go."

"Don't be spittin' our business, woman," Ed mumbled from his table. Carol immediately stopped and entered the office. Riley swallowed her saliva and quickly delivered a clean mug of coffee to her waiting patron. Ed watched her eerily. It was the first time Riley'd seen him since the incident. Riley wished she could turn the clock back two minutes and disappear outside before Ed could see her. She ignored his lingering glances while she checked her tables, nervously counting the seconds while Carol rooted through cabinets in the office. Riley knew Ed would only commit tax fraud, anyway…

Carol exited the office with piles of folders. Ed stood haughtily, adjusting his shirt over his beer gut. His gaze lingered on Riley for too long as Carol struggled to hold the folders and simultaneously lock the door. Riley decided to check on her food in the kitchen.

-

Riley was nearly finished closing the dining room. She pushed the wiped chairs into place, humming softly to the music she heard playing on the radio from the kitchen. Riley couldn't wait to get home and patiently wait by the phone for Negan to call, and the idea of being excited to wait on a man stressed her out. You are fuuuuuucked!

"You about finished?" Gus asked from the kitchen, watching Riley through the food window.

"I'll be leaving in about ten," Riley answered. "You can go home."

"If ya say so," Gus said. "You want me to leave this radio on for ya?"

Riley agreed, and Gus bid her goodbye. She sighed when she heard him and the dishwasher shuffle out, the heavy exit door slamming shut.  Riley continued humming to the music as she did the last few touchups, her eyebrows crinkling in confusion when she heard someone unlocking the front door. Riley turned and felt her blood run cold when Ed entered the diner, his heavy breathing equally a turn-off as it was a nuisance. She eyed him, placing salt shakers on the tables as he locked the door before turning to her.

"Ya have no business talkin' to my wife," Ed said harshly. Riley's eyebrows raised as she stared at him in disbelief. "Ain't nothin' about us, your business!"

"Excuse me?" Riley asked, wiping her sweaty palm on her dress. Ed's darkened eyes were terrifying even across the room. "I love Carol. And I wasn't in your business!"

"When ya talkin' about things that don't concern you, it's you stickin' your nose in shit that ain't your business," Ed growled, walking closer until Riley put tables and chairs between them. "Next time ya see my wife, ya don't say a word! She don't need to be talkin' to no spic!"

Riley felt her hands shake in equal rage and fear. Ed glared; his nasty bruises and blood-red eyes made him look straight out of a handbook of Universal monsters. She quickly felt the wall press into her back, their tense staredown causing goosebumps along her arms. However, Riley's mouth couldn't be swayed to fall into submission. "What the fuck did you just call me?" Riley spat, her brown eyes darkening with anger.

"A goddamn spic! I never wanted ya here! Carol thought ya were a nice girl, but you're worthless," Ed said, his sneer nearly covering his entire face. "Ya walk around this place, actin' like ya better than everyone… You ain't, little girl. Don't talk to my wife, and don't mess with me!" Ed snapped, pointing a beefy finger at Riley until she recoiled. "Ya lucky I haven't seen ya boy around. The bastard will be meetin' the tail end of my gun when I see him again!"

Riley chuckled dryly, her laugh deepening Ed's glare. "Oh, please! You know you're not shit. Carol could do so much better than your ugly ass. It's not my fault your gut is bigger than your dick–"

The pain in Riley's cheek was instant. The sharp pain in her neck from her head being forced sideways by Ed's slap caused a cramp in her shoulder. Ed breathed heavily before her, glaring daggers into Riley's face as she gathered herself, only to realize she couldn't move. Riley felt hot tears prickle her eyes in response to Ed's backhand.

"Now ya listen to me," Ed seethed, gripping Riley's chin and forcing her against the wall. Riley squeezed her eyes shut, willing the tears not to spill. Ed deserved no satisfaction for the fear he inflicted on Riley at this moment. "Ya wanna keep your job? Ain't nobody around here gonna hire a Mexican. Don't back-talk me, missy. I'll kill ya the next time you mouth off!"

Riley gasped when Ed released her. He shoved a chair away to exit, his glare present as he exited the front, ensuring to stare Riley down as he locked the door before leaving. Riley waited until he disappeared to collapse to the floor, holding her chest as a panic attack settled over her. The joyful music echoing in the kitchen made her cry harder.

-

Riley pulled into her driveway less than an hour later. Her cheek hurt, and Riley had checked in the bathroom before leaving, only to confirm that there was already a bruise. She gathered her bag, still unable to hide the trembling in her hands as she exited her car. Riley paused when she realized Negan's bike was parked beside the garage, and she felt excitement before it was enveloped by dread.

Oh, no… Oh no. Oh no.

Riley shakily walked around her house, finally seeing Negan standing in her yard. He had chilled on the porch until Riley got home, successfully hiding to avoid a nosy neighbor reporting him as a bandit. Negan's leather jacket crinkled when he stuck an unlit joint into his mouth. The darkness prevented him from seeing the bruise as the clouds hid the moon. Riley forced herself to smile as she approached, heading to the steps. Negan's wild, mussed hair framed his forehead, and Riley's gut stirred with excitement when she remembered how hot he was.

"You're lucky my mom isn't here. She would have shot you," Riley teased as they climbed the stairs. Her smile wiped short, as Negan would know the truth in minutes.

Negan smiled, keeping the unlit joint between his lips. "I'm sure she'd love me," he said. Riley didn't respond as she unlocked her door. "What can I say, sweetheart? I missed ya."

Riley shook as they entered her house, and she quickly set her things in their designated spots. Presley stirred on the couch but didn't wake. Riley didn't bother looking for a light switch, her mind reeling with how she'd explain the bruise to Negan. She wondered if he'd mind if they just sat in complete darkness!.. Negan turned on the lamp. Riley felt her heart drop when Negan looked at her, his expression flattening. She was frozen as Negan's nostrils flared angrily, and he slammed the door. Riley crossed her arms, instinctively attempting to make herself smaller as Negan stormed over, gently grasping her chin despite his anger.

"Riley, who did this to you?" Negan asked, his gravelly voice churning her gut despite the serious situation. Riley didn't speak, only wincing when Negan's eyes darkened. He gently ghosted his fingers over the large bruise, black and blue littered across her entire cheek.

"It's not–" Riley began instinctively.

"Don't bullshit me!" Negan snapped, his eyes sorrowful when Riley recoiled, squeezing her eyes shut from fear. He sighed, gently but firmly grasping her shoulder while keeping her chin in place. "I'm sorry… Just tell me who did this to you, Riley. Don't bullshit me," he said, his domineering voice causing more goosebumps.

Riley didn't speak. Negan watched some tears fall down her cheeks.

"Who. Did. This. To. You?" Negan repeated, his voice eerily calm at every word. Riley would not want to be on the receiving end of his angry gaze when you were the cause. "Did it happen at work, or here, or–"

"Ed," Riley whispered. Negan's expression didn't change as Riley sniffled. "He came in today with Carol… And then he came back after it was just me. He called me a–" Riley stopped, allowing more tears to escape as she replayed the slur repeatedly in her head. "Called me a–"

"A what?" Negan asked, finally releasing her chin.

"A… Spic," Riley mumbled. Negan's lips twitched downward in a mighty frown, stuffing his unbandaged hand into his pocket to keep his anger at bay. "And he threatened to k-kill me after I said he had a small dick."

Negan's face abruptly changed as he laughed, though it remained low and hoarse. He grinned, mussing his hair as he walked in circles, pacing the anger away as Riley watched. "A small dick," he repeated happily. Negan admired her briefly before his smile disappeared, and he gripped her shoulder. "Come on," he demanded, steering her into the kitchen.

Riley sat at her table as Negan rooted through her fridge. She wiped her face, ensuring no more tears as Negan fiddled around in the other room. Riley watched him when he returned, holding a bag of ice wrapped in a towel. Negan kneeled before her, gently pushing her hair from her face and tenderly pressing the compress to her face. Riley closed her eyes from the initial ache and cold, touching his wrist briefly as she took over. Negan reluctantly released it, gripping her hip as he watched her face. Riley reluctantly told him the whole story. Negan didn't interrupt once, though his calm expression left Riley shaken as he processed this information as if Riley was giving him a weather report. Riley kept the compress on her face for about fifteen minutes before Negan took it from her, placing it in the freezer for later. Her cheek was so numb that poking it didn't cause a reaction.

"You clean up," Negan whispered once Riley removed her shoes and fed Presley. Riley watched Negan's face, her heart pounding when it felt like she was staring into a void. Negan gently cupped her good cheek, gazing into her eyes. Riley saw in Negan's eyes what she saw in Simon's… "You don't leave. You get me?" he asked firmly.

"What are you doing?" Riley asked, her eyebrows furrowing as they maintained eye contact.

"Do you understand?" Negan asked, his voice forceful enough that Riley paid attention but didn't cower.

"Yes," Riley answered quickly. Negan stroked her cheek before releasing her, immediately heading to the door. "Negan, what are you doing?" she asked again.

"I have shit to do," Negan answered, opening the door. Riley watched in disbelief as he chuckled, mussing his hair again before he looked at her. "I'll be back in a bit… Don't worry about me, baby," he drawled, his eyes unreadable as Riley gawked at him. "It'll be okay. I've got you," he said before exiting. Riley stared at the door once Negan slammed it. Presley watched her from the couch as Riley eyed the joint Negan left on the table. 

Chapter Text

Riley sat on her window bench upstairs, smoking Negan's forgotten joint.

He had left two hours ago... Riley didn't know what to think. She watched cars drive up and down the street, allowing the marijuana to soothe her nerves as her mind wandered to all the worst-case scenarios. While Riley didn't give a shit about Ed, Negan's calm, abrupt exit is what frayed her nerves. Riley could hear the clock tick by while waiting for Negan's promised return.

The marijuana soon made her head spin. Riley stumbled from her bench onto her bed, shakily setting the stub on her bedside table before rolling onto her back, watching black spots cover the ceiling. The low-volume music on the radio wavered in and out of her ears. Riley soon laughed, prompting a giggle session as the stress of the situation caught up to her unsober mind. The pain in her cheek temporarily disappeared despite the pull from her smile.

Riley had unintentionally fallen asleep. The marijuana-induced sleep continued to be the best sleep ever. The whooshing sound in her ears finally ceased, though softly shaken awake temporarily brought it back as Riley jumped, gasping as she came to her senses. Negan sat on her bed, hand on her shoulder and wearing an amused smirk.

"You enjoy yourself?" Negan asked, nodding toward the stub on the table. Riley's slightly bloodshot eyes amused him further.

"What did you do?" Riley slurred instead of responding.

Negan's smirk didn't settle her nerves. "Nothing you need to worry about. How about you change out of that shit and go to bed?"

"Not until you tell me what you did," Riley mumbled, wondering if Negan suddenly grew an extra pair of eyes.

"I didn't do anything," Negan said. "Just had a lil' rally with the guys. Ed's still alive and breathin', kid. But he won't be at peace for long."

Riley dragged herself out of bed, gathering her pajamas as her head slowly spun. Negan sprawled on her bed, crossing his arms behind his head as Riley wandered into her bathroom. He chuckled when he saw her confused face before the door closed.

-

Despite Negan's insistence that Riley call out, she returned to work the following day. Negan reluctantly dropped her off.

Riley managed to cover most of her bruises, though some remained where the skin was dark, and it hurt to apply pressure for proper coverage. She had told everyone that it was the result of hitting her face when she kneeled for something, unwise to how close she was to her kitchen counter. Everyone seemed to believe it, though nobody continued to press her.

However, Riley was shaken when Ed decided to return to work for a day. He stayed in the office, ensuring the door was open so he could watch Riley unwillingly work the bar. The new hire had to learn to manage more than one table and was assigned the main floor. Riley wished Blaine or Catherine had been scheduled, as she could have used a friend. Every glance toward the office showed Riley that Ed held her well-being in his hands. Her fear of him increased in under twenty-four hours. It was a slow day. Riley read bits of the paper when she wasn't cleaning or restocking. Ed didn't seem to care, something that shocked her the longer she made time for herself. Riley ensured to only read moments at a time, not wanting to take advantage of Ed's kindness.

At three o'clock, Riley had closed the tab on her only party in nearly two hours. Riley turned from the register as they shuffled outside, only to jump when Ed leered at her. Her blood ran cold as they met eyes, and nothing human reflected in his.

"You remember our conversation from yesterday, little girl?" Ed whispered. Riley could smell the whiskey on his breath.

"Yes," Riley replied lowly.

"And I don't get no goddamn thank ya for lettin' ya keep your job?" Ed asked, his eyebrows furrowing until they formed a V.

Riley bit her tongue when her instinctive need to bite back struck her. Ed's lips curled into a sinister smirk as Riley realized she was cornered. Showing Shithead Ed any gratitude was the last thing Riley wanted to do! Riley went five hours without crying whenever she saw Ed's ugly face and didn't plan on slipping now.

"No," Riley said anyway. She smiled despite feeling as if she could throw up. "Carol is the reason I have this job, not you. What are you gonna do in front of these people?" she asked, slyly gesturing to the people dining.

Ed's face nearly turned purple as they watched each other. Riley realized the target on her back had grown a few sizes, and the thought of playing Ed's game made her sick. She stood her ground, staring into his beady eyes as he seemed to fight his internal battle.

"Ya better watch how ya speak to me, little girl!" Ed hissed, briefly pointing a beefy finger in her face. "Make yourself useful before I change my mind."

Riley breathed in relief when Ed entered the kitchen, barking orders at the cook to fix him a plate. She touched her cheeks, feeling the heat rushing to them. Riley's bruise ached when she touched it, causing her to rip it away before sighing.

Negan had stayed over last night but hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. Riley arriving at work and seeing Ed confirmed Negan had been telling the truth, though Riley had no clue what the meeting with the boys entailed. Negan's soft eyes throughout breakfast gave Riley feelings she didn't know what to do with. He looked at Riley as if she held the answers to every question he'd ever asked, and it was the first time Riley had seen something like it.

A bit later, Riley had delivered someone's food when there was a crash! Riley turned, seeing Ed had dropped a plate of food he had taken from a departing guest. He leered at Riley, angrily gesturing at the heap of leftovers and ceramic. "Clean this shit up!" Ed growled, his bloodshot eyes nearly popping from his skull.

Riley inhaled deeply as Ed kicked part of the plate in her direction, narrowly missing her white sneakers. He stalked around the bar, walking straight into his office, where he purposely kept the door open. Riley's customer gawked at her but didn't speak. Riley forced herself to count to twenty, closing her eyes as her hands shook.

When her anxiety calmed, Riley knelt, only to pause when she saw Negan sitting at the curb. He sat on his bike, smoking a cigarette as he watched her. Riley stared at him through the glass, unable to prevent the flurry of voices telling her to leave or do whatever Ed said. Negan kept eye contact, his dark, mussed hair framing his face as he let his eyes do the talking. Riley forced herself to look away, shakily picking up the plate pieces and throwing them into the trash.

Ed had returned, watching Riley heed his demands. The customer continued eating but watched Ed warily. "That food ain't gonna clean itself," Ed said haughtily.

Riley met Negan's eyes again. He smoked the cigarette as if he were posing in a magazine. Negan forced himself not to look at Ed, who watched Riley in a way Negan had never seen... Riley patted her pockets. She had left without her bag this morning, though her house key was safely tucked in her uniform. Her small wad of tips were in their designated pocket.

"Don't make me tell ya again, girl!" Ed barked.

Riley glanced around the restaurant, where all eyes remained on her. Ed's beefy face resumed its purple color as Riley defied him. Negan watched curiously as he stubbed out the cigarette, almost hating how the nicotine relaxed him despite his overwhelming hatred for cigarettes now. He hoped Riley wouldn't be upset with him...

"Fuck this," Riley said, ripping off her apron. Ed watched, aghast, as Riley chucked it at him before exiting the bar.

"WHERE YA THINK YA GOIN'?" Ed barked, rushing forward to stop Riley as she walked away. "YA BETTER GET BACK HERE AND THINK TWICE, MISSY!"

"Vete a la chingada!" Riley snapped, ensuring to meet Ed's eyes as he paused. "I quit!" she added.

Negan vaguely heard Riley's exclamations, chuckling as he quickly started the bike. Riley suddenly ran for it, allowing the door to rebound off the wall as she approached Negan, somehow able to mount the bike at top speed without falling on her ass. "Go!" she called over the roaring engine. Negan laughed as Ed stumbled onto the sidewalk, attempting to grab them before Negan sped from the curb.

Negan drove a fair distance before he pulled over at a park. Riley's hair had fallen out of its bun, unraveling it once he turned off the bike. Negan climbed off, observing Riley up and down as she stood, her shaky legs a telltale sign that her nerves were everywhere.

"I quit my job!" Riley exclaimed, her eyes wide and concerned as Negan grinned, leaning against the bike.

"In the best damn way I've ever seen, I gotta say," Negan said proudly. Riley retied her hair, her face panicked as she watched him.

"I quit my job–" Riley repeated, only for Negan to cover her mouth.

"In a pretty damn deserved fashion," Negan said, his eyes stern as Riley blinked at him. "You could do better than working for that shithead, you hear me?" he asked, now gripping her chin.

"It's not that easy for people like me," Riley whispered, her jaw temporarily aching from Negan's grip. Negan looked sympathetic as his eyes scanned her face.

"How about you take a few days?" Negan asked, slyly gripping her hip with his free hand. "And don't you worry about that. I'll handle it," he said.

Once Negan released her, Riley looked puzzled. She observed the park, seeing children on the playground and couples walking or having picnics. Riley sighed, feeling her shoulders slump as the adrenaline passed, and she began regretting her decision.

"Riley, seriously," Negan said, pressing his chest to her back. Riley tensed at the unexpected contact but quickly relaxed when she smelled him. "I've got your back. I meant that," he mumbled in her ear.

"I still have my car money," Riley whispered, noting her goosebumps from his proximity. "I can live off that for a while..."

"Then it's settled," Negan said, gliding his hand across her stomach before dropping it once he heard Riley's breath catch in her throat. "And... It would have happened sooner or later," he added.

Riley gave him a suspicious glance when he pulled away. Negan's face remained passive as he mussed his hair. "What do you mean?" she asked, eyeing him.

Negan chuckled humorlessly. "Come on, Riley. There's no goddamn way in hell I'd let you keep working for someone like him. And Ed ain't off the hook."

"Negan–" Riley began, her stern face eliciting a chuckle as Negan started walking. "What are you up to?" she asked, almost pleading as he walked away.

"Let's go for a walk," Negan replied, his voice fading. Riley watched in desperation before following.

-

That night, Negan had obligations, so he dropped Riley off before dark.

Riley couldn't shake off the nausea. Negan promised to see her tomorrow, though Riley yearned for his company now. He hadn't let her in on his plans, though Riley knew he'd be with the guys. Riley cuddled Presley as she watched television, forcing herself to eat a light meal despite her queasiness. She took a bath, bringing her radio into the bathroom as she sunk into the lavender-scented bubbles. Riley couldn't stand her anxious thoughts as a bubble settled over her chest long after quitting her job. It was well past eleven o'clock.

While Riley dressed, the shrill ringing of her telephone startled her. She sighed, quickly sliding her shirt over her head and grabbing it, setting the bulky device beside her in bed as she answered. "Hello?" she asked.

"Riley! Thank God," Laura breathed. "I was so afraid you were still at work, I–"

"–Yeah, about that–" Riley began.

"Haven't you heard yet?" Laura asked curiously. Riley frowned, staring outside as Laura paused.

"Heard what?" Riley asked.

"A huge fire broke out there. The entire place is gone," Laura said. Riley immediately stood, her eyebrows furrowing. "It just happened. It happened sometime after closing. I guess they don't know if anyone was inside."

"Holy shit," Riley said, palming her forehead. "I hope no–" she paused.

Oh...No.

... How about, oh, YES?

"Riley?" Laura asked. "Are you there?"

"I quit today," Riley said, quickly saving herself as her mind wandered. "Ed pissed me off the final time, so... I've been out of a job for a few hours."

"Oh!" Laura gasped. Riley smiled slightly when she heard Laura's excitement. "Thank. God! I couldn't stand that asshole. Good for you, girl! What are you gonna do now?"

"Take some time off," Riley said, resuming her spot in bed. She adjusted the base before it could tumble from her bed. "Use some of my car money, look for another job..."

"Hey, that's a good plan," Laura said. "I mean, I'm glad you're not, like, unexpectedly unemployed, you know?"

Riley snickered, fingering the hemline of her shirt. "I know what you mean," she mumbled.

They hung up after a few minutes. Riley stared at her rotary phone, opening her bedside drawer for her address book. It belonged to her mother, though Riley had since added her friends and even Negan. Negan had her number memorized almost immediately, though Riley couldn't remember the last four digits to save her life. Riley found his name surrounded by tiny hearts and blushed, dialing his number and listening to the dial slide. She nibbled on her lip as the phone rang, and rang, and rang...

Riley slammed the phone down and quickly redialed. The continued ringing added weight to her chest, and the second failed attempt was the final straw. Riley fumbled with her phone, uncaring whether it was properly on the hook or not as she darted from her room and downstairs. Presley watched as Riley grabbed her keys and slid into her shoes.

The drive to the diner was brutal despite the short distance. Riley was only blocks away when she saw the thick, black smoke billowing toward the sky. Bright lights of emergency vehicles illuminated the street and nearby houses as people gathered in their yards, curiously watching the firefighters actively fight the flames. Riley followed a line of traffic being directed, risking rear-ending the person before her as they turned onto 12th St. Riley saw Carol standing before the restaurant, covering her face. She forced herself to pay attention as she drove away.

An Hour Before...

Ed sat at his desk, counting cash with his pudgy fingers. He smoked a cigar, clearing his throat every few minutes as he totaled his weekly profit. The closing server had left a bit ago, unbothered to wish Ed goodnight as they left. Ed sat in his stale office, listening to the clock tick on the wall as he purposely distracted himself to avoid going home.

There was a peculiar clicking sound, though Ed paid it no mind. He set his stack of bills aside, chuckling gruffly at his accumulating wealth. He scribbled lowered amounts in his books, stuffing more than his fair share into his suitcase. The state screwed him on his taxes every year, so a little extra in his pockets doesn't hurt anyone!

Ed stopped writing when there was another sound from the dining room. He stood from his chair, his deep wheezing temporarily making it difficult to focus on what he heard. Ed walked around his desk, adjusting his shirt over his gut as he approached the door. He looked into the dark dining room and saw nothing unusual. Ed's face flattened when he saw a bus tub of dirty dishes on the counter, rolling his eyes as he rubbed his belly. Despite his dislike for the Mexican, Ed could admit, at the very least, that she was the best closer. There was never a speck of dirt or trash left over when Martinez closed.

The sound of scurried feet happened quicker than Ed could contemplate. He yelled when a bag was suddenly forced over his head, and his knee gave out when someone hit him with a baseball bat. The bag tightened around his neck, barely muffling Ed's screams as he clawed at the bag, unable to hide his pain at his likely shattered knee.

"Stand up!" someone commanded angrily as Ed moaned and rolled around. "Unless you want another one!"

"Please! Please, take my money," Ed begged pathetically. "Take all I got!"

There was a chorus of chuckles. Ed clawed at his face, his warm breath nearly suffocating as he attempted to pry it off. The rope around his neck ruined any attempt at freeing himself.

"Anyone want to take the bat?" someone chuckled.

"I will!" someone said gleefully.

"Please! Please! I can't get up!" Ed pleaded, unable to touch his knee. "Take my money!" he repeated his plea.

"You hear that, boys? Eddie boy thinks we're after his money," someone laughed.

"It's good to know we can help ourselves after the fact," another said.

"One more chance to stand up! Don't tease my boy here! What do you say, Eddie? Are you gonna move your fat ass, or are we breaking another knee?"

"Fuck you!" Ed croaked. "Fuck you..."

"Damn! What a damn shame... Well, go on, Lenny boy," someone sighed.

"NO! PLEA–" Ed began, only to scream when he felt the bat hit his other knee. He screamed curse words, his hands flailing midair as he blindly attempted to block further blows.

"Oh, SHIT!" someone laughed over Ed's screaming. "I guess it's true when they say people show their true faces when they know they're in their final moments... Get him up, boys."

Ed attempted to prevent whoever from yanking him off the ground, but the pain in his legs was so intense that his upper body could only flail. Ed yelled when they forced him upright, uncaring of his broken kneecaps that buckled under his weight. He felt sweat bead his forehead from the intense pain along with the stuffy sack tied over his head. Someone pulled a chair over, and Ed was suddenly thrown into it, unable to hide his half-relieved sigh when the weight was removed from his knees, though the deep ache caused his fingers to twitch.

"Please... Please... I don't know what ya want!" Ed begged hoarsely.

"Anyone have a knife?" someone asked.

"I do," another person said, a voice Ed hadn't heard.

"Thank you! Always prepared, huh, Seger?" the other chuckled. There was a slight shuffle as Ed whined when he felt himself becoming tied to the chair. "We'll get that bag off ya in a minute, bud! Don't worry one goddamn bit."

"Whatever ya want, it's yours!" Ed begged, feeling the sweat roll down his cheeks.

"Thank God we bought the tape," Seger sighed. Once the knots were tied, Ed couldn't move. His pathetic weeps for mercy were unheard as he blubbered, unable to hear the guys as they observed such a pathetic waste of man.

"All right, Eddie boy!" the other man exclaimed excitedly. "How about we get this thing off you?"

"And let me go! I won't tell a damn soul," Ed pleaded for mercy.

There were more laughs at Ed's expense. He cried as he felt a tug on the rope around his neck, and the bag was suddenly ripped off. Ed inhaled deeply, his eyes bulging from a lack of oxygen. His vision blurred as he tried to adjust to the dark room where five men stood before him. Some were lounging at his tables while the others stood before him, their glares menacing as Ed cried.

"Shit, that's a face only a mother could love," one said, the man who removed the bag. Ed looked at him once his vision corrected itself, only to realize it was the man Martinez had run off with that day... And the man responsible for beating Ed's face into a pulp! "Look at you, Eddie!" he laughed.

Lenny had appeared from the office, holding up a bag of cash. "Eddie made it too easy for us, boss!" he chirped.

"Great!" he boasted. Ed panted as he stared at the boss. "I hope you can excuse my rudeness just now... I'm Negan," he said, lightly patting his chest. Seger handed him the baseball bat. "I know we've had the pleasure of being acquainted the first time already, but all I can recall before I beat the fuck out of your face was you telling me I talked too much... Bad news is, I got some stuff to get off my chest... But see, the catch is, this time, you'd best hope I never stop talking. Because when I do, something terrible will happen to you."

Ed didn't speak. A few of the boys sitting at the tables disappeared into the kitchen, where Ed could hear them quietly talking, along with some shuffling noises.

"You know, my father was just like you," Negan said, observing Ed as if utterly disgusted by his existence. "I grew up hearing the shit he'd say to my mom, who worked herself sick to keep us going... Even laid his hands on her a few times when I was a boy," Negan said, observing the shiny wood of the bat. "I was too young to defend her the way I wanted to, but I remember hearing her cries at night... That shit kept me up, and it still does. My father was an unemployed, drunk bastard who thought the world owed him something... What that was, I don't know. He wouldn't piss on you if you were on fire."

Seger lit a cigarette, taking a seat in the nearest chair. Ed hid his cry when his knees burned.

"Well, I ain't no stranger when it comes to dealing with people like you," Negan continued. "I know enough to acknowledge that kind of abuse inflicted on others in the workplace don't stop there. You have a wife and a kid," he said, watching Ed incredulously. "You treat them the same way?" Negan asked, shouldering the bat as Ed shook like a leaf. "I bet you do! Well, I have a problem with that all on its own, but it ain't why I'm here, Eddie... You see, I've recently become very, very attached to a super hot chick that, I must say, lights up the whole damn sky. I bet it hardens that tiny prick of yours whenever you treat her like the shit under your boot. But, unfortunately for you, that shit stops now. Hell, I hoped letting you off easy the first time would have gotten through your thick head that it was time to stop," Negan said, kneeling before Ed, who eyed the bat.

"But it didn't," Negan continued, chuckling when Ed refused to look him in the eye. "Hell, even that burn mark on your face serves as a reminder," he grinned when Ed continued sweating bullets. "I've never actually killed a man before this. I hoped we'd be able to leave this situation without getting blood on my hands, but you just kept going!" Negan retorted, roughly grabbing Ed's chin. "What did you call her?" he asked.

Ed kept his mouth shut. His legs wobbled as the throbbing in his knees continued. They listened to the boys tinkering in the kitchen.

Negan laughed humorlessly. "My father was a racist," he said, his eyes darkening as he observed Ed. "I easily could have turned out like him, but nah," he tapped the bat against the tile. "That ain't me. But it's you. And seeing her tears while she told me about what you did made me see red. I'm sure you've heard that saying plenty," Negan said, his mischievous smile temporarily making Ed wonder if he were a madman. "I always thought it was some lame excuse men used to justify doing shitty things, but nah, that shit is real!.. It took a lot of damn willpower for me not to come after you last night, but there surely would have been consequences for me seeing red. So, I waited until I could rest easy, knowing the only person getting punished was you."

"We're good to go back here, boss!" someone called from the kitchen.

Negan grinned, standing before Ed, who began to shake harder. Seger stood, tossing his finished cigarette on the floor before nodding at Negan and entering the kitchen. Lenny scooped up the bag of cash and followed.

"Now, when I see red, it's just a question of what I am capable of," Negan said, shouldering his bat again. "And, well... I almost hate to break it to ya, but I'm starting to think I am capable of damn near anything. But wait," he chuckled, observing Ed gleefully. "I forgot! Remember when you threatened to kill my girl? You walloped her pretty good in the face," he said, unable to hide his twitching fingers. "So before I have my way with you, I'm gonna let the boys take turns getting a few good shots in. Hell, I might not even need to use the bat!" he laughed.

"Please–" Ed began begging as Negan walked away, rubbing his chin as he laughed. "Please–" he said as the others gathered around him.

After ten grueling minutes, Ed had been knocked off the chair, his bruised, bloody face on display as he struggled to breathe but remained conscious. While the boys wished to go longer, they were on a bit of a time crunch!

"Well!" Negan boasted with a wide grin. Ed's swollen eyes barely allowed him to see Negan looming above. "I really want to bash that ugly dome in, but I gotta say the boys did a hell of a job for me," he grinned, tilting his head slightly as Ed gargled. "And, what kind of justice would it be if I don't keep you alive through the best part?" Negan asked.

Ed couldn't move. He fought to keep his eyes open despite his fear. Negan became temporarily expressionless as he observed Ed for the last time.

"It didn't have to be this way," Negan drawled. "But you chose this. I almost wish my girl was here to see you like this, seeing the coward you really are... But she ain't, because I have morals, believe it or not! Until assholes like you test me, and suddenly I forget my moral code," Negan grinned as Ed wheezed. "Anyway, I've taken enough of your time! I am thrilled that we had this chat, Eddie! I'll never forget ya, trust me," Negan chuckled before loping off.

Ed barely hung onto consciousness. It wasn't until he smelled smoke that he cracked his eyes open a bit later, only to see the large flames just seconds before he was engulfed.

-

i made a playlist! check it out 

Chapter Text

Three a.m.

Negan walked home.

The air was bitter as he ambled along the sidewalk, hands shoved in his jacket pocket. After the guys spent hours decompressing after their intervention, everyone felt it was time to go home. It had hardly been a celebration after the deed was done, but shaking off the adrenaline as a group made the adjustment a bit easier. They could see the billowing smoke from Lenny's place and watched for hours until the fire department ended the fire.

Negan hated that he almost craved another cigarette. He reached into his pocket, sticking a joint in his mouth as he grew closer to home. Negan could see his car sitting in the parking lot but hadn't paid much attention to the Fury parked in a space a few spots down. He finished the walk to his porch steps, only to pause when he saw Riley curled up by his door.

Negan pulled the unlit joint from his mouth, watching in surprise as Riley seemed to sleep despite the frigid air. He quickly stuffed it into his pocket, taking the stairs two at a time before he stood above her, seeing Riley peeking at him from her curled position. The look in her eyes likely told Negan what he didn't want to know.

"It's too cold for you to be out here," Negan mumbled.

Riley adjusted herself, leaning against the brick. "It's not that bad," she lied.

Negan grabbed his key and unlocked his door. "How long have you been here?" he asked.

Riley patted down her hair, adjusting it over her shoulders as Negan opened the door. "I'm not sure... A while," she said.

Negan could already see it in her eyes. "Feel free to come warm up," he said before entering the foyer.

Riley rubbed her eyes, watching Negan disappear. She felt her gut churn, and she gripped the wall as she stood to avoid falling over if she decided to pass out. Negan had left the door wide open, already out of sight, when Riley stepped inside. She closed the door with shaky hands. Negan stood in his living room, fighting the urge to light the joint teasing him in his pocket. Riley crossed her arms, regretful that she had left her house without a jacket. Negan shrugged out of his, hoping to ease his temptation to light up.

"Where were you?" Riley asked, watching Negan hang his jacket. Her body felt goosebumps as it adjusted to the warm house.

"With the guys," Negan replied. Riley eyed his dark T-shirt as if she could possibly tell if he were responsible for Shithead Ed's diner being burned down.

"Doing what?" Riley asked. Negan sat on the couch, his face unreadable as they met eyes. Riley eyed his tattooed arms, unable to forget how hot he was–

Negan laughed lowly, propping his elbow on the back of the couch to ruffle his hair. Riley wasn't sure if she liked his smile, though her knees wobbled anyway. "I mean, there weren't any girls," he said.

Riley sighed, shuffling anxiously as Negan played it cool. "Negan, I'm not–" she paused, observing his impassive face. He stared, his hazel eyes unreadable, as Riley felt the nausea worsen. "...Fucking around," she said.

Negan grinned, unable to keep himself from admiring her face as she glared at him. "You mad at me, baby?" he asked, noting how Riley instinctively stepped back. He shrugged, temporarily observing his hands as he continued smiling. "I'll go out on a limb here and say it kinda seems like you know the answer."

Riley sighed shakily, running her hands over her face as Negan's lips turned downward, unsure if he was numb to the feelings inside despite killing someone.

"But maybe I'm reading you wrong," Negan said. Riley peeked at him through her fingers. "So, if you're mad at me for something, sweet thing, you might as well say it," he finished curtly.

"Did you do something to him?" Riley asked. Negan chuckled, mussing his hair again. Nervous habit... "Laura called me and said there was a fire, so I tried calling you, and you obviously weren't home, so I drove by, and I saw Carol–" she sighed, suddenly feeling hot. "Did you do it?" she asked. Negan frowned when he saw her face become pallid. He leaned forward, staring into her eyes as Riley's head suddenly felt funny. The pulsing in her forehead ached, the queasiness unstoppable–

"I think you should sit down," Negan said, now feeling a spike in blood pressure. Letting a shithead burn to death? Cool. Seeing your girl panicking? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

"Will you just answer the question?" Riley begged.

Negan stood, his lips twitching downward as Riley watched him as if he were a different person. And maybe he was. "You need to sit down," he said, squinting at her. "You're not looking too good, Riley."

"You did it," Riley accused, her legs becoming weak. Negan didn't speak, his eyes almost sorrowful now despite knowing he'd never regret what he did. "W-Was he still there?" she squeaked.

Despite Negan's hatred for seeing Riley this way, he couldn't pretend. "Yeah," he said. Riley's wide eyes made him feel funny as they observed each other. "We gave him the ending he deserved. Nobody worthwhile got hurt."

Riley panted, realizing she had begun to see black spots. Her head pounded, her knees weakened, and her ears felt flooded. "I–I need to lay down," she said, her words becoming slurred. Negan quickly grabbed her as she fainted, becoming dead weight in his arms. He grunted, his expression between upset and annoyed, as he kept Riley from hitting the floor.

"Fuck," he sighed, carefully getting his arms underneath Riley to lift her. Negan gently laid her on the couch, quickly scanning her face as Riley's eyes rolled back before she went limp. He sighed deeply, listening to her quiet moans as her body attempted to wake up. "Riley? Fuck," he snapped when Riley's eyes remained closed.

"Am I dead?" Riley slurred.

Negan smiled slightly despite Riley's closed eyes. "No," he whispered, noting her flushed cheeks from her raised body temperature. "I don't know what the hell to do," he admitted. Riley didn't respond. Negan forced himself to sit beside her, willing his nerves to calm so he didn't end up in the same boat.

"I don't feel good," Riley croaked after a few minutes. "I can't move," she whined. Riley told her muscles to move, though her body didn't get the message.

"You need to lay there," Negan replied softly. "You need to, uh, sort yourself out."

Riley quieted. Negan saw sweat bead on her forehead, reluctantly rolling her shirt above her belly button, hoping she'd cool down. Riley didn't move.

Negan hadn't meant to fall asleep, though the eventful night exhausted him more than he thought. He winced when the sun beamed directly in his face, his grimace deepening when his back ached from his awkward position in the chair. Negan rubbed his eyes, pushing his messy hair off his forehead as his eyes adjusted. He paused when he realized his couch was empty.

Negan listened for shuffling, the faucet turning, or something to indicate Riley was around. He stood after a minute, wandering around the first floor, his heart rate increasing when he didn't find her. Negan rightfully assumed Riley wouldn't go upstairs out of respect.

"Shit," he sighed, reluctantly opening his door. Negan immediately noticed Riley's car missing from the mostly cleared parking lot. "Shit!" he repeated.

-

Two Weeks Later

Negan ignored his oily hands, using the payphone outside the shop to call Riley for the umpteenth time. He wouldn't use the phone at the desk, unwilling to let the guests waiting in their car listen in on the unlikely chance Riley would pick up. Negan waited with bated breath, roughly squeezing the receiver when it only rang. He angrily hung up, ignoring the worried glance of the person waiting outside. Negan ignored them, leaving the payphone and heading into the garage.

Daryl's hands resembled Negan's. He gruffly talked to someone picking up their vehicle, observing Negan suspiciously as he returned to the car he was working on. Negan's careless tossing of his tools in the toolbox confirmed his anger if his pissy face wasn't sign enough. Daryl nodded at the guest leaving before observing Negan again.

"What?" Negan snapped when Daryl didn't look away. Daryl scoffed in amusement as Negan mussed his hair despite his dirty hands.

"Ya havin' trouble?" Daryl asked gruffly.

"No," Negan snapped again. Daryl washed his hands, attempting to scrub most of the damp oil off to smoke a cigarette. He used dish soap instead of hand soap for optimal results.

"Ya know, haven't seen your girl around," Daryl commented once he lit a cigarette. He spoke the magic words, fighting his smirk when Negan tensed, his expression flattening more in frustration, anger, and anxiety.

"She's not my girl," Negan replied, his fingers twitching as the cigarette smoke assaulted his nose. He managed not to light up since the Day of Reckoning, though the longer Negan went without speaking to Riley, the worse the temptation to chain smoke began. However, it wasn't as painful as Negan's belief that Riley really wasn't his girl now.

"That's a load of shit," Daryl said. Negan sighed, about to rip out the damn drawer when he couldn't find the socket he needed. Daryl took a drag, still observing Negan as if he expected an outburst, which could happen at any moment. It wouldn't be the first time Daryl witnessed Negan in emotional distress. "She found out what ya did, huh?" he asked.

"Yeah," Negan said. Daryl nodded, his eyes wandering the floor as Negan inhaled deeply, closing the drawer. "I mean, she already knew when she confronted me about it."

"Seemed like a smart girl," Daryl commented. "When's the last time ya saw her?"

Negan scoffed, refusing to look at Daryl to avoid asking for a cigarette. "The night of," he answered curtly. Daryl only nodded. Negan stood before his unfinished car, unable to stop the shaking in his hands. Daryl smoked his cigarette, allowing it to bob in his mouth as he debated something. Negan hated the tightness he'd felt in his chest since that morning...

"Maybe ya should take the day off," Daryl grumbled. Negan looked at him. "Ya been here every day since. Ya look like shit," he added, his lips twitching slightly as Negan rolled his eyes, a slight smile playing at his lips.

"I've been keeping busy on purpose," Negan replied. Daryl's cigarette was a stub at this point. "I want to call her all fucking day... I'm trying not to just show up at her house. I wouldn't put it past her to shoot me on sight," he mumbled.

"Ya tell her it wasn't just you?" Daryl asked.

"I didn't get the chance," Negan explained quietly. "I mean, she fainted in my damn living room. I'll never see her again," he said, eyeing the vehicle. Daryl didn't speak, stubbing out the cigarette. "But I don't regret what I did. Better Ed than me waking up to hear he killed her."

"Yeah..." Daryl trailed off. Negan knew Dixon understood after years of friendship. "Go home. I don't wanna see ya here for a few days. Got it?" he asked.

Negan chuckled, meeting Daryl's eyes as he squinted at him. "Sure thing, boss," he said sarcastically.

"Fuck ya," Daryl waved him off before leaving. Negan chuckled despite feeling dead inside.

-

How Fucking Long Now?

Negan went two days before the urge to return to work struck him. He forced himself to stay away, having learned in the past that Daryl would whoop him for disobeying direct orders. Despite his gruff exterior, Dixon could be a softie with those he cared about. How Daryl and Merle Dixon were related, Negan would never know. But Negan wasn't looking for a beat down and forced himself to keep busy at home.

The place the diner once stood remained a burnt, destroyed hunk of shit despite the fire being over two weeks ago. Negan hadn't paid much attention to the news, though Lenny confirmed that the fire had been ruled accidental, though the findings hadn't been reported. The guys knew they had it in the bag, though the local publication of Ed's timely demise almost made Negan want to mount it on his wall.

Riley's lingering scent of rose water had diminished. Negan could smell it on the pillow Riley slept on, though he desperately longed to see her at night. His regular, fucked sleep schedule returned, and Negan spent those lonely hours wide awake, unable to move from his couch as he reeled over what he lost... But Negan hadn't been bullshitting Daryl. He'd never regret what he did because it meant that Ed couldn't make good on his promise to kill Riley over nothing but being Hispanic. Negan knew that time would have come, even if Riley might have believed Ed was only intimidating her.

The heavy rain currently fit Negan's mood. He was silent, listening to the rain hitting his house as he sprawled on the couch, the only light caused by the streetlamps. Negan couldn't concentrate enough to watch television or listen to the radio. The only consolation was that he hadn't smoked, and his fridge was void of alcohol. Negan didn't want to know the bender he'd go on if he had booze on hand... The ticking clock on his wall cruelly teased him.

Negan jumped when someone knocked on his door. The heavy thuds proved it wasn't Riley despite his hope. Negan sighed deeply, rolling his eyes as he read it was just after one a.m.

"Open up!" Seger called from outside. "I know you're awake!"

Negan forced himself to stand, wandering to the foyer and opening the door. Seger was damp, entering the house as Negan returned to the living room without a word. Seger kicked off his boots, closing the door before more cold air could blow inside. He wandered into the living room, observing Negan as he resumed his position.

"Still nothing?" Seger asked knowingly.

Negan chuckled dryly, staring at the dark ceiling. Seger sat in the closest chair, propping his feet on Negan's coffee table. "I've already told everyone it's over."

"Wow," Seger drawled quietly. Negan ignored him, cracking his knuckles when he became restless. "That's depressing," he said.

"I didn't expect anything different," Negan said. He felt Seger's eyes burn into him as they chilled in the dark room. "She probably thinks we're just like the other gangs. There's nothing I can do to convince her after that."

Seger knew of Negan's no-smoking rule, though he forced himself to leave his cigarettes in the car. The boys knew that Negan's stress caused him to smoke again, and Seger wanted to try and help Negan resist temptation by not carrying any on him. However, it could be argued that the times Negan's lit up recently were rookie numbers.

"You sure about that?" Seger asked gruffly. Negan's eyebrows quirked despite Seger being unable to see. He waited for Seger to elaborate, though the shithead left it at that.

"Considering she hasn't picked up her goddamn phone in two weeks, yes," Negan replied sassily. Seger hid his chuckle at the unexpected sass.

"Have you tried to see her?" Seger asked.

"Give me a fucking break," Negan mumbled, now sitting up. Seger watched smugly as Negan corrected himself, his face unamused as he watched Seger. "I ain't ready to meet my maker. Sweetheart might blow my damn head off," he said.

Seger didn't respond, picking at the lint on his shirt. Negan looked outside, vaguely seeing puddles forming in the grass from the downpour.

"You tell Laura?" Negan asked, smirking when Seger looked at him.

"Johnny got to her first. She reacted the same, but knowing Riley's safe made it easier to handle. They've been fucking nonstop. I can't be there at night," Seger said awkwardly. Negan chuckled, cracking his first genuine smile of the day.

"Of course, that lucky fuck," Negan sighed deeply, tilting his head back. He continued staring at the ceiling. "I might actually go crazy this time... I don't know. I haven't felt this shitty in years, and it ain't because of Ed. I can't stop thinking about her," he admitted sadly, now twiddling his thumbs with anxiety. "I can't stop thinking about Riley, and she probably hasn't spared a damn thought about me because of what I did."

"We all did it," Seger corrected. Negan didn't respond. "We don't apologize for protecting our own... You said that," he reminded Negan, who chuckled lightly. "And from what I remember, our girls weren't excluded from that."

"Have you seen her?" Negan asked, temporarily meeting Seger's eyes. Seger was never afraid to look you in the eye, even if he was the cause of anger or distress. Negan was too embarrassed about his vulnerability in this situation to return the gesture.

"Yeah. Quite a bit," Seger replied smoothly. "She knows everything... But she bruised me up a bit," he admitted. "I can't tell you if Riley's thought about you because I'm not Laura. But she's not herself, either," Seger said. "After Riley beat me up, Laura kicked me out for some girl time," he repeated with air quotations.

"Riley's always been good at ignoring my ass," Negan mumbled. His fingers twitched for a cigarette or a damn joint. "Tell me, man. Are you here telling me to visit her without being invited? I have a feeling she'd be a damn good shot. I ain't ready to lose my balls."

"I'm not saying shit," Seger smirked, mussing his blond hair. "But I'm also not saying you shouldn't visit."

Negan snorted quietly, rolling his eyes as he resumed his sprawled position. "I hurt her enough," he mumbled.

Seger kept Negan company throughout the morning. Negan thought it was a nice distraction, though his fatigue began weighing on him when Seger left. Negan forced himself to shower, trim his beard, and change clothes before he collapsed into bed. The birds sang their tune outside as Negan lay in bed facedown, unable to block out the sounds of nature and the traffic around the block. Negan wondered what the ordinary folk were doing with their day, not wallowing in the pity of losing a girl whom Negan hadn't gotten to call his girlfriend.

Negan somehow managed to sleep, though not as long as he needed. Once Negan awoke, it was late afternoon, and his sheets were haphazardly spread around the bed as he came to his senses. The sun blasted through his curtains, forcing Negan to squeeze his eyes shut and bury his head into the pillows with a groan.

-

After six days, Negan hesitantly showed up to work.

Daryl looked displeased to see him so soon but allowed Negan to stay. Daryl handed Negan a wad of bills from his previous vehicle despite Daryl finishing it. Negan barely got a word of disagreement out before Daryl gave him the evil eye, and Negan backed off with a chuckle as Daryl paid him.

Negan used the newly reconstructed grease pit all day, grateful the rush of those needing an oil change allowed him to forget his pity party temporarily (yet barely). As much as Negan wished for the strength to forget, he didn't want to forget Riley in any capacity. The thought made his chest hurt like it hadn't been weighed down for three weeks. Negan almost missed the oil stains along his hands and arms!

They closed shop at seven. Daryl gave Negan a brief nod before mounting his bike and revving the engine before taking off. Negan changed his shirt, ensuring no oil was on his body before he closed the garage and locked it. He wandered through the office, ensuring the door was locked once he slipped outside. Negan eyed his bike, which hadn't had a babe on it since Riley quit her job.

The guys planned to meet at the bar tonight. Negan hadn't felt like going, not just because he was staying sober despite his anguish, but because it was the same bar where he met Riley. It was hard enough seeing the simple day-to-day reminders of her, but visiting the place where he saw her the first time would be a kick to his balls... But Negan knew the guys would drag him out of the house if he didn't show up. Negan knew it was best to show up with dignity despite feeling like shit.

At ten o'clock, Negan arrived with the boys.

-

"I don't want to be here!" Riley snapped at Laura, who dragged her to the bar entrance anyway.

"Too bad!" Laura snapped back, bringing them to a stop. Riley glared, ripping her arm free as Laura observed critically. "You haven't left your house in days, Riley! You need to get out for a while. I haven't seen you this way since your mom died. It upsets me."

Riley sighed, observing her new sundress. Laura encouraged Riley to wear makeup, which she did for the first time in months. They had dinner together before Laura tricked her into coming, citing she had forgotten to mention they were coming for a few drinks. Riley fought like hell to go home instead, but Laura put her foot down and drove Riley here anyway.

Should have known Laura offering to drive was a damn trap!

"Fine," Riley grumbled.

Laura smiled softly, fixing Riley's hair. "They're the same guys you've gotten to know, Riley," she whispered knowingly when Riley looked ready to cry. "And you can't tell me that you're not the slightest bit relieved that Ed's dead," she mumbled. "Who knows what he might have done to you," Laura sniffed before entering the bar.

Riley reluctantly followed after a minute. The cigarette smoke had yet to become unbearable, though the joint was busy. She quickly trailed after Laura, who grabbed Riley's hand and pulled her along to the table of bikers in their favorite corner.

"Shit. You came," Seger said when he saw them, smiling smugly at Laura.

"I told you!" Laura rolled her eyes, refusing to release Riley's hand.

Seger chuckled smugly. "Who said I was talking to you?" he asked. Laura pouted, though Riley's genuine smile prompted Laura to smile quickly.

"You keep each other company. I'm gonna see Johnny," Laura smiled, pushing Riley closer to Seger. Riley's face flushed despite the blush on her cheeks. Seger rolled his eyes as Laura smiled mischievously before leaving.

"You want a drink?" Seger asked, stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets.

"Sure," Riley smiled. Seger nodded and gestured for her to sit. Riley sunk into the chair, watching Seger approach the bar. She fiddled with her hands in her lap.

Seger waited for their drinks when Laura suddenly ambushed him, grabbing his arm roughly. He looked at her, about to speak, when he saw the look on her face. Laura looked anxious yet surprised. "Negan's here?" she asked.

"Yeah," Seger replied nonchalantly. "It's the first time we've gotten him to do anything since... You know," he mumbled when someone got too close.

"Oh," Laura frowned, though she scoffed once the bartender handed Seger his drinks. "Well, he's certainly living it up with that broad," she said bitterly. Seger quickly looked to where Laura briefly pointed. Negan was across the room, comfortably talking to an unknown brunette woman whose heart eyes were unmistakable. Seger and Laura looked at Riley, who was far enough away and facing the opposite direction.

"What do you expect?" Seger asked. Laura frowned at his bitter tone. "Riley hasn't talked to him in almost a month. He thinks she broke it off."

Laura smacked his arm, uncaring that some alcohol splashed onto his jacket. Seger cursed and dabbed at his arm with napkins. "Go and stop him!" she demanded. Seger laughed and tossed the wet napkins into a bin.

"I can't do shit!" Seger replied, watching Laura as if she were crazy for suggesting such a thing. "All he's fucking done is talk about her. I can't really blame him. That shit hurts, Laura," he mumbled before leaving with the drinks.

Seger should have known that wasn't the end, as Laura quickly grabbed him and forced him to stop. Seger managed to keep the drinks from spilling over, though his glare hardly phased his younger cousin, who had since become immune. "Riley isn't over him!" Laura snapped. Seger sighed, though Laura knew he knew that. "I can't force her to talk to him before she's ready, all right? But we can't let her see that... And she hasn't done anything since it happened. Negan isn't the only one hurting, Seger. You need to... Make Negan jealous."

Seger inhaled deeply. He shoved his alcoholic beverage into Laura's hand before leaving. Laura watched with furrowed brows as he approached Riley, kindly handing her water before saying something unintelligible. Riley's gentle, understanding smile was unmistakable. Seger smirked at her before he returned to Laura, who waited until he looked to steal a sip.

"Are you trying to get me killed?" Seger laughed humorlessly once Laura was in hearing range. "Negan was suspicious enough about me and her already. I'm not looking to start beef with him by making him think I've wanted to fuck her this entire time!"

Laura rolled her eyes. "Oh, please! You so would," she said. Seger shrugged, laughing smugly as Laura shoved his chest. "Come on! We both know they're crazy about each other. I mean, you don't have to take advantage of Riley, but at least be flirty or something. We can't let them break up!" she whined.

"Riley says they weren't official," Seger reminded Laura. "Just because Negan's talking to some chick doesn't mean anything will come of it. He's been a fucking mess with all this shit."

"Then make him jealous!" Laura demanded before shoving Seger in Riley's direction. Seger gave her the dirtiest look when she smirked and handed him his drink.

Riley looked startled when Seger returned, lost in space as the others sat in their conversations and card games. Seger looked troubled as he sucked half of his drink without thought. Riley raised her eyebrows as he set his glass down, coughing slightly from the burn in his throat.

"You look beautiful," Seger said. Despite Laura's demands, he meant it. He grinned when Riley flushed, though this was their usual shtick.

"Thank you," Riley squeaked, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. "It's new..." she mumbled, playing with the dress.

Seger glared at Laura across the room when Riley looked away. Laura smirked as Johnny played Billards.

"You should dance with me," Seger said after they finished their drinks. Riley looked at him wide-eyed.

"Huh?" Riley asked in surprise. Seger laughed at her bewildered expression.

"You're at a bar, honey," Seger said. His playful, condescending tone made Riley smile and roll her eyes. "I'm probably worse at it than you are," he added.

"I don't dance," Riley grumbled, drawing shapes with the condensation on her glass.

Seger eyed Negan and the brunette in the same spot. He learned Negan's game over the years, though Seger couldn't tell if Negan was entertaining the broad or if he might have approached her willingly. The girl had grabbed the lapel of his jacket somewhere along the line, though Negan seemed to keep a comfortable space between them. Seger quietly looked at Riley, his guilt kicking in immediately when he saw her sweet face.

"Laura wants me to flirt with you," Seger blurted out.

Riley's eyes widened, looking at him like he started spewing soup. "What?" she asked in embarrassment.

"Shit," Seger rubbed his neck bashfully. Riley gawked at Seger as he chuckled nervously. "Uh, yeah... I mean, I already do, a little bit," he grinned when Riley touched her face as if she could feel the blush. "But she wants an in-your-face way, and I just feel like shit already," he admitted.

"You've barely said anything," Riley laughed despite her shock.

"I know. That's how bad it is," Seger said. Riley sighed deeply, rubbing her arms as she looked around the room. Seger was thankful she seemed to miss Negan and the chick. "You should dance with me, though," he said.

"The song is too fast," Riley mumbled in embarrassment.

"Then we wait for a slow one," Seger replied. Riley squinted at him, unfazed by his smirk. "I'll never ask again. Scout's honor," he said, holding up his fingers.

Riley sighed. "Fine," she agreed half-heartedly. "But I'll need to take a sip of whatever you're drinking tonight."

Seger laughed and stood. "Deal," he said before leaving. 

Riley waited until he left to bury her face in her hands. "FUCK!" she yelled. Nobody heard over the music.

-

"You ever dance to your crush?" Seger asked when he dragged Riley to the floor, where people began to sway to Elvis.

"Yeah, in my room," Riley answered bitterly. Seger chuckled and placed his hands on her waist, though he managed to keep it respectful. Riley wrapped her arms around his neck, nestling closer as they slowly swayed.

Seger saw Laura watching them. She gave him a thumbs up, prompting Seger to snort and look away. Seger smelled Riley's hair and understood why Negan always talked about how damn good she smelled.

"You're a good dancer," Seger said. Riley had become chilly throughout the night, though being in Seger's embrace warmed her enough that she couldn't help but cuddle closer.

"And you're full of shit," Riley replied instantly.

"I meant it when I said I think I want a girl like you," Seger grinned. Riley snorted into his chest, causing Seger to wrap his arms around her. She appreciated that he kept his hands away from her ass.

They swayed in a circle with the others. Seger led the way, though Riley would only be grateful. He eyed Negan and the chick as they left their corner, though they moved closer to the bar where Laura, Johnny, and a few others loitered. Seger and Laura met eyes again, though Riley caught them and frowned.

"Why does she want you to flirt with me?" Riley asked him.

Seger hesitated to answer. It wasn't until the song slowly transitioned into another slow ballad that they were caught. Riley followed Seger's eyes, who had focused on Negan, who watched them with unreadable eyes. His companion was occupied talking to Laura, who looked uninterested but managed to stay friendly. Riley and Seger recognized that look plenty. Seger tightened his arms around Riley in case she pulled away, though Riley only relaxed in his embrace.

"Oh," Riley whispered.

Seger chuckled when Negan forced himself to look away, his body language now hostile and anxious. "Yeah," he said.

"Is that his girlfriend?" Riley asked, managing to hide the tremble in her lip.

"They didn't meet until tonight... I don't know what's going on with that," Seger admitted softly.

"If he wants to move on, I guess it's okay," Riley said.

Seger frowned, looking at Riley in surprise. Riley didn't look at him, though her expression never lied. "Why do you say that?" he asked.

Riley peeked at him for a millisecond. Seger patiently awaited her answer. "It has to be okay so it doesn't hurt," she answered.

You've ignored him for weeks.

Seger sighed deeply, allowing Riley to tuck her head under his chin. "You know, I've never heard Negan talk about someone like he's talked about you."

Riley showed a noticeable change when Seger said that. He felt the slight stiffness in her posture, though Riley didn't respond in her typical fashion.

"If you're dancing with me after what happened, of course, he's going to be pissed," Seger continued. He knew Riley listened because she always listened, even when you thought she wasn't. Seger shook his head as they swayed. "Laura wants me to make him jealous, so he'll have no choice but to save you," he explained sarcastically.

Riley peeked at Negan, her eyes partially hidden by Seger's jacket. He wasn't looking at her, though the proximity between him and the other chick had shrunk. Riley accidentally dug her nails into the back of Seger's neck, only realizing when he grunted quietly.

"Riley, you're peeling my skin," Seger informed her through clenched teeth.

"Sorry," Riley said, immediately smoothing her hand over the scratches. Seger chuckled and cleared his throat when he noticed Negan's temporary gaze of resentment.

"I mean, you should do whatever's right for you," Seger said. Riley looked at Negan and his new friend, her heart racing when it looked like they could kiss at any moment.

"Do you think he's actually moved on?" Riley asked, reluctantly pulling back. Seger watched her, adjusting his hands on her back from their changed position.

"I don't think so," Seger replied. They watched each other as the song changed into something more upbeat. "Why are you looking at me like that?" he chuckled.

"It's either we make out, or I go up there and beat a bitch up," Riley said. Seger looked nonplussed at her seriousness. "I just got this dress," she added.

"You could do both–" Seger laughed when Riley pinched his neck. "Jesus Christ–" he groaned.

Riley glanced over just as the brunette planted a massive kiss on Negan's lips. Laura gaped beside them, unsure how to react, as Riley and Seger watched with varying emotions of surprise and jealousy. Riley couldn't tell if Negan liked it or not, though the anger she felt bubbled deep within, threatening to explode at any second.

Seger chuckled when Riley looked at him, kissing his scruffy cheek. "I can't wait to see this," he grinned when Riley smiled smugly before pushing through the lingering crowd of dancers.

Negan hadn't been sure if he liked the feel of this broad's lips, though he didn't have enough time to decide, as it abruptly ended when they were ripped away from each other. Laura's thrilled laugh sounded distorted as Negan opened his eyes, unsure if he was hallucinating when Riley and the woman he had been talking to throughout the night entered a heated argument. Negan only caught some of it once he came to his senses.

"Él es mío!" Riley snapped. Laura raised her beer as the nearby Saviors watched in rapt surprise.

"What?" Elizabeth asked, her glare hardly intimidating despite Riley's nerves hidden by the adrenaline. "This is none of your fucking business!"

"Oh, I BEG to differ," Riley retorted. "Seriously, it's a lost cause."

"Who the hell do you think you are? Negan?" Elizabeth asked, looking at him in confusion.

"Shit!" Negan boasted happily, his grin prompting both girls to glare at him. "All of this for me? Where've you been, baby?" he asked Riley. Elizabeth crossed her arms, her prominent pout causing Laura to snort into her bottle.

"I haven't been as busy as you seem to be," Riley answered angrily. Elizabeth looked between them, her expression comically confused as Riley and Negan had a staredown.

"Awww, don't be like that," Negan drawled. He was thrilled he only had one beer. How disappointing would it be not to remember this until he's in the ground?

"I'm sorry, what am I missing here?" Elizabeth asked.

"Just scram," Laura replied. Elizabeth gave her a dirty look before leaving, ignoring the chuckles of the others.

The sight of Riley and Seger dancing played on an endless loop in Negan's head. Riley's face nearly looked unreadable, though her slight pout told Negan everything he needed to know without her violently shoving a random girl he met at the bar.

"I never thought you'd be the jealous type," Negan said smugly, his eyes trailing down her figure as the others watched.

Riley couldn't think of a response as the adrenaline died. Laura watched nervously, immediately catching the shift in energy as Riley felt the bubble settle over her chest. Her limbs weakened slightly as realization hit. Johnny took Laura's bottle as she stood from her stool, though Riley was already gone. Negan sighed, picking his jacket up and throwing it to Lenny, who nodded as he caught it. Laura and the guys watched Negan follow after.

Riley flew outside, ignoring the questioning glances of those loitering outside as she stormed away, already heading down the sidewalk despite the dark and possible dangers of walking home. She vaguely heard The Shangri-Las still playing from the bar, fighting the frustrated tears as her chest tightened.

"You're just going to leave?" Negan asked from behind. Riley paused despite telling herself to keep walking. She didn't turn around, only imagining Negan's angry expression as he watched from behind.

"What's wrong with me doing it for a change?" Riley asked shakily. Negan heard her despite their distance. She heard his footsteps, though the rough grab of her elbow surprised her enough that she ripped her arm away, turning angrily until they were face to face. "Why were you with her?" she snapped.

Negan chuckled in disbelief despite hating being on the receiving end of her glare. "Guess I'm just a bit confused, sweet thing," he said, his expression void of genuine amusement. "You haven't talked to me! You haven't. As far as we're concerned? That's over."

"What, was I just supposed to forgive you on the spot?" Riley asked angrily. Negan's resolve slowly crumbled the longer he saw her, and he hated how badly she affected him. "Was I supposed to be okay with it? You don't even know what I've been going through since then!" she snapped.

"You didn't have to forgive me," Negan replied, his anger perfectly matching hers. "You didn't have to do shit, Riley. But you fucking left!" he snapped. Neither seemed to care that they were doing this in such a public place. "But the least you could have fucking done is told me all you wanted was goddamn time! I'm not a fucking mind reader, Riley. I thought you left me! And you're gonna be pissed at me when you were just with him?" he snapped in disbelief.

"We were just fucking dancing!" Riley snapped. "And you know that there's nothing between me and him!" she squeaked, quickly wiping her eyes when she felt tears looming. "And excuse me for not knowing how to fucking handle hearing what you did!" she said, angrily shoving him.

Negan inhaled deeply, only moving about a foot despite her impressive shove. He hated how he couldn't stand to see her cry because he was now fighting those raw emotions Riley never seemed afraid to show. "I didn't want her to do that," he replied, fighting the thickness he felt in his throat. "Actually, you know, maybe I did," Negan said, meeting her eyes when Riley cried, unable to hide her sob. "Because all I've fucking done is think about you and try to get you to talk to me without just showing up at your house because I didn't know what to do! Maybe I wanted that because it would have helped me forget about you."

"I didn't know what to do!" Riley snapped tearfully. Negan mussed his hair with anxiety. "I didn't want to be confused," she whimpered. "W-What was I supposed to do after hearing that, Negan? Every time I thought about calling you or picking up the phone, I just became this," she angrily gestured to herself.

"You don't have to be afraid of me," Negan said, his arms itching to hug her when he saw her shaking. Riley hugged herself, attempting to make herself smaller, hoping she'd disappear. "What was I supposed to do?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he observed her face. "Wait around and see if he'd make good on his promise to hurt you? Maybe you want to see the good in people, Riley, but don't act so damn naive! It's either I take care of the goddamn problem or wait for the day I have to bury you. Do you want me to say I regret it? I don't. You know the truth; you know everything there is to know, so why can you be with him, but you can't even fucking look at me?" he asked.

"Maybe I love you or something," Riley said shakily. Negan's expression wavered as she attempted to process her emotions. "And maybe all of this has messed me up enough that I don't know how I feel about you. And it's confusing, and you just kissed another woman right in front of me!" she cried.

"Riley," Negan mumbled, hesitantly closing the distance between them, delicately grabbing her bare shoulder. Riley didn't move away, though her cries continued tearing Negan up inside. "I didn't–" he inhaled shakily. Be a damn man! "I didn't want that. I don't want someone else. I've been waiting for you, Riley, but you just... Disappeared," he mumbled.

"I didn't want to be here in the fucking first place!" Riley snapped, though her anger wasn't directed entirely at Negan. He dropped his hand at the scathing look she gave him. "I'm going home. Don't follow me," she choked out before walking away.

Negan watched her leave. He watched Riley disappear around the corner, though he followed anyway.

Chapter Text

Riley was cold in her dress. Her bare arms remained crossed, quietly ambling down the sidewalk toward her house. The hazy, buzzing streetlamps weren't comforting, though they never were. Riley hadn't walked alone at night in so long that it felt like the first time again. She blamed her trembling on the cold air, which wasn't entirely the case.

Riley assumed Negan hadn't followed her. Her frequent peeks backward the first few minutes showed she was alone, though it was far from true. Negan made some shortcuts, eventually catching up when an alley crossed her path, though he ensured Riley walked ahead before he'd trail behind. Negan hated the stalker-esque feeling he got doing this, though it wouldn't feel as bad as something happening to Riley on her way home. He joined her on the sidewalk when Riley was a few yards away, inhaling deeply at the relief with Riley in sight.

Riley felt nervous when she heard men talking. She slowed her gait when she saw two men standing beside a vehicle, talking as if possibly intoxicated. She ensured not to look at them, keeping them in her peripherals as she crossed the street. Negan heard the masculine voices and quickly made another shortcut.

"Where you going, girlie?" one called after her. Riley hated how unflattering it felt to have some rando catcalling you. She kept walking, ignoring the whistles and immature, goofy chuckles as the guys looked around the corner, watching Riley continue her journey.

"It's a bit late for you to be alone, ain't it?" the other asked. His friend laughed stupidly. "Ya want some company?"

Riley might have bit back if it had been the middle of the day with multiple onlookers, though her mother's advice never to entertain such behavior overpowered her instinct to mouth off.

"She must not have heard us," the other friend said, simultaneously amused yet annoyed. Riley wished she was closer to home, though these people finding out where she lived almost made it seem like a blessing.

"How about you come and let ol' Bud look at ya?" they called. Despite their fading voices, Riley felt her instincts go haywire as if they had started following her.

Riley hesitantly looked back, her heart dropping when she proved herself right. Bud and his friend were following, though they were so far behind that they appeared to be stick figures. They noticed her gaze, their hoots becoming louder as Riley turned, grateful she wore white sneakers in case she had to run–

Her startled gasp when Negan approached likely would have amused him in other circumstances, though her scared expression prevented him from enjoying it. Riley's chest fluttered uncomfortably when Negan eyed the guys who now stopped, awkwardly observing from yards away. Despite their argument, Riley was grateful to see him.

"You're that surprised to see me?" Negan asked, the subtle twitch of his lips catching Riley's attention. "And to think I might have acted the fool and listened to you," he said thoughtfully.

Riley glared, quickly stepping around him. Negan's vague chuckle made her stomach tingle as she kept walking. He ensured the guys were no longer following, rolling his eyes when he saw them loping the way they came. Negan followed Riley, his giraffe legs catching up in no time.

"You can ignore me all you want," Negan said, trailing just feet behind as Riley ignored him. "I'll be on my way once you're back home."

Riley didn't speak. Negan rubbed his chin, unable to hide his admiration for her beauty. He had missed running a hand through her hair, though seeing her in person after so long made her thick locks appear incredibly inviting... Oh, the places you can't go.

"Actually, I have an even better idea," Negan grinned, noting Riley's shoulders relaxed. "I wasn't planning on getting in your business, but it's killing me," he said, dragging the word out for dramatic effect. "Do you have a chip on your shoulder, or is it the Jolly Green Giant? Kinda hoping it's him, 'cause I love that motherfucker," he said.

Riley flexed her jaw but didn't speak. They were just minutes from her house.

"I wasn't pulling your dick when I said you don't seem like the jealous type," Negan said, vaguely able to smell her hair from the breeze. His balls might have even clenched in response! "Just when I think you can't surprise me anymore, you go and do some shit like this. Well played, sweet thing! Well played," he said.

"I'm almost home. Go away," Riley retorted.

"Don't be like that," Negan drawled condescendingly. Riley bit her tongue in desperation when the urge to go back and forth reared its ugly head.

"You're–" Riley abruptly paused, her face contorting angrily as an insult threatened to spill. Negan observed smugly, grateful Riley couldn't see his prideful ass beam at her. She turned and glared at him. "Why are you bothering me?" she snapped.

Negan held his arms up, his gaze unserious as Riley stared daggers. "Just doing my job, sweetheart," he replied.

"You're not coming into my house," Riley said, resuming their walk as Negan smirked at the back of her head.

"I've gotten freaky in worst places," Negan replied.

"I guess you better find your girlfriend," Riley mumbled, curling her fingers when she felt nervous.

Negan didn't respond, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as they slowly but surely entered her neighborhood. Riley's chest ached, though she convinced herself it wasn't in her best interest to continue showing such grief over something that she played a part in fucking up. In her opinion, this entire evening was nothing but a setup with the worst results!

Negan scoffed, his expression flattening completely. "Yeah? And who would that be?" he taunted.

"I don't know. Whoever just swallowed your tongue?" Riley said curtly.

"Yeah, see, that ain't what I'm looking for. It's a big disappointment when you know there's a total babe out there for you, but her stubborn ass cracks your nuts before you ever had a chance," Negan chuckled dryly.

"Not everything is my fault," Riley mumbled. Negan's expression wavered slightly despite Riley being unable to see him.

"Did that just make you green with envy, baby?" Negan asked. He smirked when he saw Riley's deep inhale, swallowing down whatever was brewing inside her. "Hell, I can't say I blame you. Jolly Green Giant kicked me right in the nads when I saw you all nice and cozy with my boy."

"Yeah, and you've been jealous long before tonight," Riley said smugly. "Maybe I shouldn't have shoved her away, but I couldn't help myself. Happy?" she snapped.

"I am if you're admitting you were jealous," Negan shrugged happily.

"Why else would I do that?" Riley asked incredulously.

Negan snickered, taking longer strides until they were side by side. Riley fought the urge to look at him, though her skin prickled in the best way when he sidled beside her. "A verbal admission is sometimes better than anything else," he replied. Negan grinned after a minute. "It was rough not springing one out right there, I'll tell you that," he added smugly.

Riley sighed in annoyance. "Are we done here?" she asked hopefully.

"Not until I know if you hate me," Negan replied.

Riley paused, forcing Negan to bump into her from her abrupt stop. Negan smelled her perfume, his eyes trailing her sweet face when Riley reluctantly looked at him for the first time without throwing daggers. Riley looked surprised as he watched her. "You think I hate you?" she asked.

"When you ignore me for three and a half weeks, what the hell am I supposed to think?" Negan asked. The playfulness quickly disappeared as they stood before the other, burning holes in their faces. "You leaving that morning without talking to me is one thing. But for a month?" he reiterated as if the word still shocked him.

"I was scared," Riley said, attempting to keep her attitude contained. Negan quirked his eyebrows at her when she sighed. "I am scared," she mumbled.

"You're scared of me?" Negan asked. Riley watched in real-time as Negan's puppy dog eyes showed their face, and it nearly melted her on the spot. Oh no...

"... For you," Riley mumbled. Negan watched her quizzically, his hazel eyes darkened under the streetlamps.

"I don't understand," Negan replied, observing Riley as if she said something silly.

"We can't talk about this out here," Riley mumbled, crossing her arms again when the chill settled.

Negan scoffed, "Well, I'm banned from your house, sweet thing. Ain't no better place than right here if that's what you want."

Riley huffed, her icy brown eyes only widening his arrogant smirk. "How about I walk myself to the shallow grave you're going to bury me in?" she asked.

"I'd sure appreciate it," Negan said. He watched her face, their eyes meeting and holding the other hostage for over a minute. Their gentle, matching chuckles were well received.

-

Negan quietly waited on Riley's porch steps. He regretted passing off his jacket, though sitting here seemed like a damn privilege. Negan anxiously shifted after a bit, wondering if Riley decided to stand him up as payback...

He heard the door open, and something soft and heavy landed on his head. Negan snorted in surprise, pulling the thick blanket off while Riley sat beside him, dressed warmly in sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and thick socks. She wrapped her arms around her legs, quietly observing the dimly lit street as Negan wrapped the blanket around his shoulders, unable to hide his shivers.

Negan didn't know if Riley wanted him to speak first. She didn't look at him, her dark hair framing her face as Negan stared, though Riley refused to reciprocate. Negan almost hated how he quickly felt the damn butterflies he convinced himself didn't mean anything when he accepted that Riley wasn't coming back. He had longed for Riley all this time, though sitting with her now felt like a dream.

"You can't be mad at Seger," Riley mumbled after a bit.

"It had me going for a minute," Negan mumbled, slightly embarrassed as he mussed his hair. "Kinda looked like it got serious before you shoved my date," he finished sarcastically.

Riley met his eyes, and hers narrowed as Negan smiled smugly. "We might have started making out if things hadn't happened as they did," she replied, her lie barely passable as Negan smirked at her.

"Oh, sweetheart," Negan drawled, refusing to look away, even when Riley looked elsewhere. "Kinda sounds like there'd have been a scuffle either way," he said.

Riley fought the shaky inhales. She had missed his pet names throughout this debacle, and her heart couldn't handle it. Riley rubbed her chest, attempting to appear unbothered as Negan watched curiously. She dropped her hand before the tightness could disappear.

"Are you mad at me?" Riley asked quietly. Negan sighed deeply, adjusting the blanket when the warmth finally enveloped him. He was comfortable enough that sitting out here didn't seem so damn bad. Riley gave him a side-eye the longer he didn't respond.

"How could you dance with him, but we haven't seen each other since that night?" Negan asked.

"I don't know what you want me to say," Riley said, her eyebrows furrowing when they met eyes. "I don't know, Negan. I've known Seger for over half my life and met you three months ago. I guess that made it easier to accept it... And to not feel so fucking confused," she explained.

Negan scoffed, his uncomfortable laugh twisting her gut in the worst way. "If you want me to apologize for what I did, it ain't happening," he said, staring into the street as Riley shuffled uncomfortably beside him. "I did what I did, and I don't regret it a damn bit. You're safe. That's what's important to me, Riley."

"How are you not in jail?" Riley asked. Negan laughed at the unexpected question, though her eyes told him she had been serious. Her need to lighten the tension struck simultaneously.

"Do you know what Lenny does for a living?" Negan asked, fisting the blanket before the breeze could knock it from his shoulders. Riley shook her head, her confused expression entertaining him further. "All that fancy industrial bullshit in that kitchen? Yeah, he repairs that shit," Negan explained, his hands itching for something to light. Riley looked dumbfounded as Negan spoke. "We had three minutes to get out before shit lit up, and we did. I wouldn't have done something so goddamn risky if there were any chance it would get traced back to us. Accidents happen," he finished curtly.

"Oh," Riley whispered. Negan observed her as she processed that information. "We weren't told details," she mumbled when she caught him staring.

"You could have turned me in," Negan said, his eyes burning into her face. "I almost expected you to sell me out after a while. Why didn't you?" he asked.

"Why would I want to get justice for Ed?" Riley asked, lowering her voice as if it weren't just them. "Better yet, why would I want to get you into trouble? I said I was scared for you and meant it, Negan... I was afraid you'd get caught or someone else would, which stressed me out! And every time I wanted to see you, I'd just have a breakdown. I've been having nightmares when I wasn't there," she explained hoarsely. "Maybe you and the guys could deal with it, but that's not me."

"If I have anything to be sorry about, it's only because of how you feel," Negan replied. I could have been here for you if you had just let me."

Riley pondered briefly before sighing. "You never answered my question," she said.

Negan chuckled dryly. "What I am is confused as shit," he replied, temporarily meeting her eyes. "I thought we were over, and then you look like you moved on with Seger, then you're chewing my ass out because some chick I chatted with at the bar kissed me. And I gotta say, it wasn't as damn satisfying now that I've made out with you. There's just no competition," Negan said, his mischievous smirk causing her face to flush.

"Stop," Riley mumbled in embarrassment. Despite her warm clothes, she began shivering. Negan eyed her, his hands twitching as he debated sharing the blanket with her. Riley would likely snip his balls off... "But did you like her?" Riley asked, unable to prevent the lowering of her voice until Negan strained to hear.

Negan's amused scoff made her frown. "I wouldn't have run after you if I did," he admitted softly.

Riley felt tears prickle her eyes as Negan watched her. He unraveled the blanket from one shoulder, hiding his smirk when Riley seemed to read his mind. He scooted closer and allowed Riley to share the blanket. Riley pulled it snugly around her before nestling against him. Negan felt he might enter cardiac arrest when her cheek pressed into his arm.

-

Riley sat across from Negan, eating the biggest sundae he had ever seen. Negan fiddled with the straw wrapper from his milkshake, the cherry stem bobbing in his mouth as Riley ate her ice cream, watching intently. Negan stuck a finger in his mouth before pulling it out, revealing the tied stem. Riley dropped her spoon in her bowl, her dumbfounded face making him laugh.

"No way," Riley said. Negan happily set it on a napkin between them.

"I told you," Negan smiled. Riley eyed him in fascination as she grabbed her spoon and ate a big scoop of chocolate ice cream and marshmallow fluff.

"Any other party tricks?" Riley asked after she swallowed her bite.

"None that I can do in public," Negan replied before sipping his shake. Riley cleared her throat when the marshmallow fluff stuck to her esophagus. Negan's smirk at her expression was light.

It had been somewhat awkward since they talked about their tribulations the night before, though Negan treating her to ice cream had somewhat loosened the tension. He knew it was only the start of hopefully reconciling his relationship with Riley, though Negan knew it would take more than frozen dairy to fix things.

"Does this mean I'm forgiven?" Negan asked, his lips twitching slightly as Riley sipped her water. Her ice cream mountain was nearly finished.

"That depends," Riley answered sweetly. Negan quirked his eyebrows, sipping his milkshake until you could hear the slurps at the bottom. Riley ate the rest of her whipped cream and didn't elaborate.

"On?" Negan pressed impatiently.

"You know, the guys are gonna expect us to hate each other now," Riley said, tilting her head slightly at him. Negan nodded, his lips twitching as he imagined the conversations when they didn't return. "Could we pretend to be mean to each other? I could use a good laugh."

Negan's immature giggle gave her butterflies from such cuteness. "What did they ever do to you, kid? You're about to rile them all up."

Riley shrugged. "Well, Laura told Seger to flirt with me to make you jealous, and it worked," she smiled smugly. Negan went to speak, only to stop when Riley kicked his ankle. He winced, reaching down to rub it. "It was all with good intentions, yeah, but it could be fun... And I kinda liked it when you were an asshole," she added.

"I don't know," Negan drawled sweetly. "It got me going when I thought you were about to beat my ass," he said.

"Then it's decided. Nobody can know we made up," Riley said. "At least for a night..." 

"You gonna let me have it, sweet thing?" Negan smirked at her flushed face.

"I guess we'll find out," Riley replied. Negan smiled and stole her cherry.

-

"Are you sure?" Laura asked a few nights later, watching Riley fidget in her passenger seat. "There's no way Negan won't be here. This is the one time I won't be offended if you want me to take you home."

Riley hid her smile. She knew Negan was here; he had informed her earlier that he would be there that afternoon when he called. Laura's sweet concern was touching, and it was difficult for Riley not to spill the truth. Riley and Negan had to step back in their budding romance, though Negan seemed grateful that Riley "forgave him." Ed would likely become a distant memory, though Negan hoped the bastard spent an eternity in Hell. Riley needed time to process everything, but being around Negan again prompted her to wish she hadn't stayed away for so damn long. The grief Riley felt worsened because she avoided him, and it was more harmful than expected.

Negan continued to honor his word. He followed in Riley's footsteps without complaint.

"I'll be fine," Riley said. Laura gave her a sympathetic yet sorrowful look. "I don't want to be alone right now," she lied.

"Well, you know Seger will dance with you," Laura smirked as she turned her car off. Riley unbuckled her seatbelt, giving Laura a dirty look as she smiled cheekily.

"Your cousin, who you could have gotten killed?" Riley reminded her with raised eyebrows.

"Oh, please!" Laura waved her off with a scoff. Riley fixed her hair as Laura brushed her curls. "Seger was and will be fine. You should have seen how concerned he was when you didn't return," she teased matter-of-factly.

"Will you guys ever give this up?" Riley asked, exasperated, as Laura grinned and set her brush aside.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you showed him a good time," Laura said before opening her door. Riley mumbled to herself, exiting the vehicle as Laura laughed.

It was a warm, humid night. Riley had switched her wardrobe for the looming Summer months, though her choice to wear a cropped top and shorts that hugged her thighs had little to do with the weather. Laura's new Go-Go boots had heels that Riley couldn't imagine herself pulling off, let alone a place where dancing was inevitable. Laura still couldn't believe Riley had dipped into the modern fashion trends and wore something that showed some belly.

Before they could enter the bar, Laura turned, jingling her keys at Riley before putting them away. "If you change your mind, you can drive my car home. I can just ride with Johnny."

"I'll be fine," Riley grinned, adjusting a rogue curl that refused to stay in place. Laura's nose wrinkled when it brushed her skin. "I promise," she said.

"If you say so," Laura sighed before leading Riley inside. Riley didn't think she'd ever get used to the atmosphere, even if this became a bi-weekly occurrence for the foreseeable future.

Seger and Negan had no beef, and it was evident as Riley immediately noticed them playing pool. Riley was surprised it didn't appear as busy as in the past, though it managed to remain stuffy with limited space. Laura already informed Riley that only half of the boys could come, though Riley knew Laura and Seger would be her company. The anticipation of how this would play out with Negan almost made her nervous but in an exhilarating way.

"I'll let Seger know you're here and available," Laura smiled at Riley before walking over. Riley glared at her retreating figure despite knowing Seger had her back. She sat beside Johnny, who seemed stressed as he and the boys watched some baseball rerun on a small, grainy television.

"Hey, Seger," Laura greeted her older cousin brightly. She glanced at Negan, who was lining his shot. "Judas," she addressed him coldly. Negan laughed and continued planning Seger's takedown.

"What'd you do to get her here?" Seger asked, swiftly nodding in Riley's direction. Negan hadn't been clear if Riley intended to come, as she had been vague on their phone call earlier. He looked up instinctively, his body going through the motions and taking his shot despite being unprepared. Negan looked temporarily annoyed when he didn't score, though seeing Riley lifted his horrible mood.

It's like nothing ever happened...

"I didn't do anything. She asked to come," Laura answered, crossing her arms before peeking at her best friend. Johnny seemed to be explaining something on the television as Riley listened. "Just wanted to let you know we're here. Maybe you could hang out," Laura said pointedly before leaving. 

Seger looked worried, giving Negan a brief side-eye. Negan hid his reaction perfectly, grinning stupidly once Seger wasn't paying attention and observed his next move. He looked at Riley across the room, who used Laura's distraction to smile at him. It was so brief that Negan might have missed it hadn't she been the most important thing in the room.

Riley had been sipping Laura's mixed drink when the boys approached after finishing their game. Laura watched in excitement, hoping Riley could find some pleasure in fruity drinks. Negan hadn't touched a drop since arriving, though he found it fascinating to see Riley attempting to step out of her comfort zone, even in the tiniest ways.

However, their prank allowed no compliments tonight.

"Finally letting loose tonight, sweet thing?" Negan asked, hoping the admiration in his eyes didn't give him away. Riley swallowed, managing to hide her grimace at the taste. The burn in her throat was too difficult to ignore. Laura looked between Riley and Negan briefly but didn't comment.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Riley asked, squinting at Negan. Despite the obviousness, there was no telling what might actually come out of Negan's mouth.

"It's just nice seeing you not be so uptight," Negan replied. Riley nearly spat out her sip when she wanted to laugh but managed not to as Negan grinned cheekily. Laura gaped at him, though she didn't speak.

"Are you bitter that I wasn't loose for you?" Riley asked smugly. Laura looked like a kid on Christmas as she enjoyed the show. Negan laughed, rubbing his chin at her beautiful response. The guys stopped watching the television to observe in surprised amusement.

"You wanna try me out?" Negan asked. Despite their calculated shit-talking, it felt like only the two of them.

"I'd rather stick pins in my eyes," Riley lied. Laura grinned and took her drink back. Negan's deep, appreciative laugh gave Riley goosebumps when he left for the bar.

-

By eleven, the bar was packed. Riley rarely strayed from their designated table, though the guys had since drowned themselves in beer, playing pool or darts when the single boys weren't chatting up the ladies. Laura and Riley took a bathroom break together, though Laura hadn't said anything about Riley and Negan's back-and-forth bickering the last two hours.

Riley felt thirsty and declined Seger's offer to get her something. Seger had been talking to a girl occasionally, though he constantly checked on Riley when she was left alone... Though Negan's watchful gaze all night wasn't lost on Riley, who could almost regret proposing their prank. Despite their distance, disagreement, and now reconciling, Riley longed for Negan as if the past had never occurred. He entertained some women who approached him, though he refused to allow them to get too comfortable. Riley twiddled her fingers, wishing she could be with him.

Come on, just forget the whole thing. Who cares about payback when you're desperate?

...I'm not desperate!

Sure.

Riley ordered a soda, tucking her hair behind her ear and ignoring the guy on the barstool checking out her ass. Riley hadn't worn these shorts before tonight and began reconsidering her decision to buy them. Laura praised her for looking so hot, though the already unwanted male attention seemed to be catching up as the patrons got drunk.

Negan watched, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. The boys were hyped like children on sugar, not paying him a speck of attention. He glared daggers at the man eyeing his girl–

Oh, how you've backtracked on that!

"What's your name, Sugar?" the older man croaked at Riley. Riley did her best to ignore him but began feeling guilty for being rude despite knowing she didn't owe him shit.

The bartender handed Riley her soda once he finished someone's mixed drink. Riley smiled and grabbed a straw, the unprecedented smack to her ass making her gasp, though the music muffled the sound as she gave the leering man a surprised, upset grimace. It had been less than a minute before Negan approached, nearly yanking the guy from the stool and shoving him away.

"Keep your fucking hands off!" Negan snapped, angrily pressing into the guy who stumbled, holding a hand up as if it could stop Negan from beating his ass. The loud spat caught the attention of the others, who looked curiously. Laura pushed Johnny back, watching intently from the corner they made out in.

"Eh, she yours?" the guy chuckled. Negan angrily fisted his shirt, hiding the satisfaction he felt when the pervert immediately tensed and shut up. "I'm sorry, all right? I didn't know she was taken!"

"Stay the fuck away from her!" Negan shoved him. The creep fell over a stool, roughly hitting the floor as people gawked, though some hooted their approval. Negan relented from punching the douche in the face, not wanting to get kicked out... Riley sipped her soda to hide her smile despite the twist in her gut from being touched without consent.

Negan breathed deeply when the fuck walked away. He mussed his hair, turning to look at Riley, who quietly admired his face.

"You all right?" Negan asked, approaching yet keeping a distance to prevent Riley from being overwhelmed. His worried eyes softened her immediately.

Riley felt her stomach fill with butterflies. Maybe you do love him... "Thank you," she squeaked.

Negan nodded, mussing his hair again until it was a flop on his head. Riley's unexpected, forceful kiss nearly knocked him off his feet. Laura yelled from her corner, prompting the Saviors to shout and laugh in relief when Negan hugged her waist. Seger glared at the pervert as he hid from them.

Negan relished the feel of Riley's lips. Their initial rough, passionate kiss turned soft. He cupped the side of her neck, hiding his chuckle when Riley instinctively leaned into his touch. Negan briefly hummed into her mouth before reluctantly pulling away. He laughed when Riley followed his mouth, asserting dominance with another peck. Laura continued ignoring Johnny as she watched with a proud smirk.

"Does that mean I'm forgiven?" Negan grinned arrogantly.

"We'll see," Riley smiled, taking her soda and walking away. Negan inhaled deeply, chuckling after a minute as he walked in the opposite direction.

-

Riley was wiped out by one o'clock. Laura and Johnny had disappeared, though Lenny assured her they'd be back. His immature giggles told Riley what they were doing.

Negan managed to stay sober, though the temptation to smoke had eaten at him all night. Despite Riley's likely forgiveness and her hot-as-shit kiss, he found himself bumming a cigarette anyway, his deep resentment for the unhealthy habit returning full force as he stood outside, ignoring the suggestive glances two women threw his way as they smoked and giggled to each other.

He wondered what it'd be like to go to one place without being gawked at. Negan knew it was a curse to be so sexy. He chuckled to himself, rolling his eyes at his arrogance as he took a drag.

Riley exited the bar, curiously observing those lingering outside until she spotted Negan. The alcohol had made her slightly bloated, though Negan thought the little pudge was adorable. Riley pulled her shorts up, allowing the tight material to squeeze her despite being uncomfortable. Negan noticed her walking over mid-puff, though Riley didn't appear bothered.

"Seger said you've been smoking a lot," Riley said once she was close enough. Negan blew the smoke away from her. "'Cause you've been stressed..." she frowned.

"Yeah," Negan replied, glancing downward as if embarrassed. "I've never coped much in healthy ways. The warnings and shit from last year scared my mom," he admitted. Riley frowned at him.

"Oh," Riley said. "When did you say she passed away?" she asked, recalling their brief conversation in his kitchen.

"October," Negan replied. He looked at his cigarette, fighting between stubbing it out or taking another puff.

Riley eyed him, her expression temporarily unreadable. Her mother died in October. Negan observed her, still unsure if Riley remembered spilling the beans. He rightfully assumed she still didn't remember. His memory was somewhat hazy from being intoxicated then, though Negan thought he remembered enough.

"What?" Negan asked, deciding to stomp the cigarette.

"What happened?" Riley asked.

"Hit and run," Negan replied, his smile barely there as he attempted to keep the mood light. "She didn't have a car. I let her borrow mine quite a bit, but I needed it because of work. I don't like riding the bike when it's raining, so she went out for something and got hit. They, uh, were pretty sure whoever hit her hit someone else and killed them. I don't think I'll ever know the truth, but I've just accepted as is," he explained. Negan temporarily eyed the women briefly giving Riley dirty looks.

Riley looked nervous. Negan didn't like the look on her face as she pondered, her lips trembling slightly before she bit them.

"What's wrong?" Negan asked.

"What day did she die?" Riley asked.

Negan frowned slightly. Riley's gaze stirred something in Negan that left him unsettled. "October fourth," he replied.

Riley's face went pallid. Negan didn't think he was an idiot, though her reaction took a minute to process. Riley's fingers trembled as they observed each other, and Negan's recognition made her want to cry.

"T-That's the night my mom died," Riley said. Negan's surprised, slightly grief-stricken face shook her. "I-I know I've never talked about it, but–I think I haven't. Have I? I don't remember when I got high, but I remember I talked about Jack, but–"

"You told me," Negan whispered. Riley's eyebrows furrowed, looking elsewhere as his admission settled. "I didn't want to bring it up when you didn't remember... I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"Don't apologize," Riley mumbled. Her smile wavered, though Negan knew it was real. "I'm kinda happy you didn't. I just don't tell people, you know? And I didn't want to dump all of it on you... I was afraid you'd get annoyed by my moping," she whispered. "Because that's why Jack left."

Negan sighed, their eyes finally meeting. "Sweetheart, Jack is the biggest cunt I know. The damn trash took itself out. Any asshole who leaves his girl after that ain't a real man, and as I've told you before, you could do better than the trash you can't seem to escape from," he chuckled lightly. Riley's soft laugh temporarily healed the ache he felt inside.

"Yeah," she whispered. Neither was sure when they suddenly became so close, though neither complained. "We lost our parents on the same night. Because of the same person," she said, grateful that tears couldn't present themselves this time. "How fucked up is that?" she croaked.

Negan played with a strand of her hair. Riley felt her nose burn, quickly closing her eyes so as not to decide to cry after congratulating herself for avoiding it. "Christ," he sighed, looking elsewhere when his eyes burned. You broke a damn record with all the crying the last month! "By the same goddamn person," he said, reluctantly releasing her hair.

"I'm sorry about your mom," Riley whispered.

"I'm sorry about yours," Negan said. Riley hated the hurt she felt seeing Negan's face drastically change, and Riley thought she was staring into the sad eyes of a puppy. "Fuck," he chuckled, pushing his hair from his forehead. "I'm sorry, baby," he said, wasting no time hugging her when Riley embraced him.

"This shit sucks," Riley mumbled into his chest, their tearful giggles temporarily lightening the mood. Negan refused to release her. He ignored the awkward, weird looks they received despite only embracing. Riley squeezed him until he struggled to breathe, though Negan wouldn't complain!

"Tell me about it," Negan replied. He glared when the pervert exited the bar, stumbling over his feet as he wandered down the sidewalk. Negan sighed deeply, unable to keep from touching her hair as he felt her soft locks. "I meant what I said, though. You deserve a shit ton better than that cuck," he said.

"You mean someone like you?" Riley asked, pressing her chin to his chest to smugly observe him. Her teasing smile made Negan vaguely blush as she chuckled.

"Precisely," Negan grinned. He continued feeling her long hair. "If you'll have me, of course," he added lightly as if pondering the possibility of Riley rejecting him.

"I'm sorry for leaving like I did," Riley said, fighting the shivers when she felt his free hand linger above her ass. Negan either didn't notice or decided to be polite. "I know I messed up. You weren't the only one being an asshole," she smiled slightly.

"It sucked ass," Negan admitted. Riley couldn't imagine ending their embrace... "I mean, it's not that I couldn't understand why, it's just... I was pissed because I thought I lost you before you were actually mine, you know? That fucked with me more than anything," he explained quietly, observing her cute nose and full lips as Riley's doe eyes became noticeable. "But I gotta say now that you're here, I admire the shit outta you for sticking to your lady nuts."

Riley rolled her eyes, allowing herself to break the hug at his toothy grin. "You were doing so good, too," she teased.

Negan's husky laugh sent shivers up her spine. "What can I say, kid? You ever see anyone as dashing as me?" he teased.

"Are you asking me to choose between you and Elvis?" Riley asked. Negan looked genuinely offended as Riley laughed at him.

"Shit," Negan sighed playfully. Riley giggled at his defeated laugh. "How could I compare to Elvis?" he asked in exasperation.

"You don't," Riley said. Negan stared, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "No! I don't mean like that–" she squealed when Negan lunged, narrowly missing her as Riley bolted in a circle. "You're your own breed!" she laughed when Negan captured her, holding her tight as they stumbled over their feet.

"Wow," Negan grinned as he kept her upright, pressing his chest to her back. Riley grabbed his arms. "So if the King rolled up right now, you'd tell him to fuck off for me?" he teased.

"You're mean," Riley whined. Negan giggled immaturely. Their hearts felt full. "Not even one night with him?" she asked.

"Nah," Negan said, allowing his lips to brush her ear. Riley couldn't hide her shiver at the tickle. "I'm just like you, baby. I don't like to share," he said huskily.

Riley felt a tingle below the belt. Whether it was Negan's intention or not didn't matter as she fought her inner demons. Riley inhaled shakily. "Shit," she mumbled.

Negan smirked when he had her where he wanted her. "You looking for a ride home?" he asked.

"If you're offering," Riley replied, unable to hide the shakiness in her voice when her gut tingled and her heartbeat quickened.

Negan allowed his hands to grip her waist, sliding them down her stomach, allowing his fingers to graze the exposed skin of her belly. Riley held her breath as Negan released her, his smirk almost too wide for his face. He nodded for Riley to follow. "I'm available," he hid his grin at her bewildered, stressed face. "It's getting kind of cold," he said, gesturing to the sky. "I wouldn't mind warming up a bit at your place," Negan grinned, heading to his bike before Riley could comprehend what he said. Riley sprinted to catch up.

Chapter Text

"Look at this little shit!" Negan beamed the moment he saw Presley. The cat stared, his big green eyes suspicious as Riley slid off her shoes. Negan gently scratched Presley's head, grinning wider when he leaned into Negan's hand. "Aww, he does like me!"

Riley watched with crossed arms and a gentle smile. "Yeah," she said. Negan pouted when Presley got tired of him a minute later and hopped down. "He's flighty a lot of the time," she assured him. "You can't take it personally."

"I'll have to pick up the pieces," Negan joked. He looked at her, his eyes briefly trailing her figure as her eyes darted elsewhere. Negan appeared hesitant but didn't move. "You gonna be okay?" he asked.

"Yeah," Riley nodded, squeezing her arms tighter when she felt chilly. "I still think you're the best personal driver," she teased.

"How sweet," Negan cooed playfully. Riley grinned at him. Negan beamed at her. "Doesn't hurt to give that Fury a break, you know?" he teased further.

"Not at all," Riley smiled gently. The air between them felt tense if you caught their drift. Her expression wavered slightly when she suddenly felt nervous. Negan observed quietly, his eyes searching her face when he felt her apprehension. He wasn't surprised when she didn't add anything else.

"I'll leave you to it," Negan said. His gentle smile gave her goosebumps as he walked to her door. Negan didn't want to overstep and assume Riley wouldn't mind more physical affection, as he stayed true to his word last month about going at her pace and nothing more. Riley hesitated, unsure how she felt, as Negan respectfully showed himself out. She walked onto the porch with him, standing before her door as Negan walked off the steps. Riley crossed her arms again when the breeze made her shiver.

"Negan?" Riley asked before he could exit her yard. Negan hoped he hid his urgency as he turned around, though it seemed impossible. Riley couldn't resist smiling when she saw his excitement.

"Yeah?" he asked when Riley didn't continue.

Riley looked around as if someone would be outside at two o'clock. Negan patiently waited, though his eyebrows quirked upward in amusement when he could see her apprehension even with the gentle lamplight from her house.

"Do–" Riley paused, still observing their surroundings. Negan quietly chuckled, rubbing his stubbled chin. Riley sighed impatiently at herself.

"I don't have all night, baby," Negan teased, though it was a lie!

"Do you have a condom?" Riley asked. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks as Negan's expression fell, his surprise evident as Riley squirmed in place.

Negan fell into the trap of carrying a condom in his wallet like all the single guys he knew... "Shit," he whispered, chuckling breathlessly as Riley nibbled on her bottom lip.

"Because I don't," Riley mumbled in embarrassment.

"Y-Yeah," Negan said, unable to prevent his stutter despite his embarrassment. "I mean, maybe a few," he added, his bashful laugh endearing Riley further.

"Could you come back inside?" Riley asked.

Negan desperately scanned her face as if Riley were playing a cruel prank. She continued squirming under his gaze, her nervous shuffles lighting a fire under his ass to respond instead of sending the kid into an early grave from embarrassment. Negan smirked, mussing his hair as he returned to the porch. Riley's heart pounded, yet she quickly entered her house. Negan inhaled deeply before following.

Riley could fly away with the flutters she felt throughout her body. Her hands shook as she closed her door once Negan was inside. Negan watched curiously, his hands shoved into his pockets as he waited for Riley. She reluctantly turned, stressfully tugging on her fingers as they stared each other down. "Hi," she whispered.

"Hey," Negan chuckled. He hoped his nonchalance didn't add to her nervousness, though something told him it did. "What's going on up there?" he asked, nodding toward her head.

"I don't know. I might die," Riley answered.

Negan rubbed his chin, his childish laugh only adding to her butterflies. He walked closer, observing her quietly as Riley almost had a meltdown before him. "I think that's the last thing we want, sweetheart," he said humorously.

Riley inhaled deeply, observing his face despite her nerves. She didn't have to see herself to know her face resembled a tomato. Negan's loose, unbothered attitude interested her as much as it made her jealous of how he never actually seemed shy. You might as well go for it!

Negan nearly lost his balance when Riley suddenly jumped on him, her skinny legs wrapping around his waist impressively fast. His startled, immature giggle when he kept them upright tripled the nerves in her gut. The way Negan held her so easily childishly fascinated her as she gripped his neck for dear life.

"You've been making the first moves, baby," Negan said, his curious gaze temporarily grounding her when she felt as if she were floating. "Gotta say it makes me feel kinda special," he grinned at her flushed face.

"My face regrets it," Riley whispered.

"Yeah?" Negan teased, adjusting his hold until Riley was seated more comfortably against him. "Wanna use your takeback?" he asked.

Riley took thirty seconds to debate. "No," she said. The sparkle in Negan's eyes fueled her nerves.

Negan's smirk softened, and he tightened his grip as he carried her upstairs. Riley smelled him, almost hating herself for being so nervous. Negan entered her bedroom, approaching her bed before setting her down. Riley felt slightly woozy as he kept his grip on her hips. Negan frowned when he saw her slight panic, even in the moonlight.

"I'm following you," Negan reminded her, cupping her cheeks until she looked into his eyes. Riley nodded, gripping his wrists as the realization hit.

"Okay," Riley whispered. Negan fiddled with the hem of her shorts, glancing at the bit of exposed belly while she gathered herself. Riley cupped his face, urging him to kiss her. Negan gripped her hips in response, forcing down the urge to ravish her like he would in normal circumstances... Riley reluctantly broke their kiss to sigh in aggravation. "Could I just follow you?" she asked.

Negan laughed, the boyish sound endearing her again. He temporarily rubbed his chin, glancing downward in thought while Riley watched expectantly. "Of course you can," he replied smugly. Riley wanted to melt into the floor when he met her eyes, the intensity in his something Riley hadn't seen before. "It's just, you know, things could go either way... I go with the flow, you know?"

"It'd make me feel better," Riley mumbled.

Negan gently gathered her hair, feeling the softness between his fingers as Riley relished the feeling. He met her eyes again, nodding his understanding before dropping his hand. Riley felt the weight on her chest lift slightly when Negan kissed her, his hands cupping her lower back as she melted into his warm embrace. Their soft make-out didn't stop even as they backed closer to her bed, almost falling onto it when Riley's knees hit the mattress. Negan chuckled when her grip tightened, their kisses becoming more urgent until they sprawled onto the bed. Riley helped Negan remove his jacket, quickly feeling his bare arms once his shirt was exposed.

"Shit," Negan chuckled again when he felt her soft lips on his neck. He felt around his pocket for his wallet, quickly tossing it elsewhere before it could get lost in the eventual pile of clothes. Negan didn't anticipate her quick bite; his amused gasp caused Riley to giggle mischievously. "Shit!" he snorted.

Riley's laugh was cut short when he kissed her. Negan kept himself upright but gripped her hips, effortlessly lifting her until they weren't hanging off the bed. Riley squirmed when his lips trailed from her lips to her neck, the feathery touches causing her to nearly trap his head when she instinctively flexed her shoulder. His muffled laugh temporarily broke the tension she felt.

"I'm sorry to ask again, but you're sure?" Negan mumbled, their noses brushing when they watched each other.

Riley grabbed his hand, shyly encouraging him to slide his hand underneath her shirt. Negan couldn't believe how nervous he felt, scanning her face as Riley released him, unable to hide his shaky breaths when he felt the soft skin of her belly before the cotton of her bra.

"Don't rip my shirt," Riley said, glaring at him when Negan suddenly looked mischievous.

"Wouldn't dream of it, sweetheart," Negan lied, feeling the material of her bra before he removed his hand, balancing himself to push her shirt up. 

Riley surprised him when she maneuvered out of it without thought, pushing her hair from her forehead once Negan discarded it. He met her eyes first before he glanced at her chest, gently trailing a finger along the cup. The urge to cover her face nearly crippled Riley as Negan traced his fingertip along her cleavage, unable to keep from taking her in as if, in some fucked way, he needed to memorize her body as if he'd never see it again.

"I'm usually not this slow," Negan mumbled. Riley met his eyes, her adorable giggle nearly making him blush as he proudly shrugged.

"You can take it off," Riley reminded him. Negan leaned forward, capturing her lips in a starved kiss while Riley secretly had a meltdown. She squirmed underneath him when Negan's hands wiggled underneath her, ghosting his fingers along her spine–

The shrill ringing of her telephone disrupted their bubble. Riley's impatient whine into his mouth prompted a chuckle as Negan pulled back, grinning above her when the phone continued ringing. "Aren't you gonna answer that?" Negan teased.

"Not at this fucking hour," Riley huffed impatiently. Negan admired her covered tits until the ringing stopped, and Riley gripped his shoulders. "Now take it off!" she demanded.

"Spicy!" Negan laughed in bewildered excitement. He resumed position, reaching underneath to unclasp her bra. Riley squirmed slightly when her nerves resurfaced. Negan caught her satisfied inhale once he freed her tits. He slid the straps down her arms, watching her face as Riley maneuvered her way out. They maintained eye contact when Negan removed it, dropping it elsewhere. Riley closed her eyes, unable to shake off the nerves that hadn't been this severe even her firsttime...

The ringing phone broke the tension. Negan grinned at Riley's annoyed yet flustered face as he managed not to peek. He crawled over her, grabbing the phone before Riley could stop him. Riley quickly sat up, uncaring that she nearly knocked Negan off the bed from her adjustment. Negan grinned smugly as he answered the phone. "Hello?" he asked. Riley remembered her tits were out and instinctively covered them despite Negan looking elsewhere. "Yes, Laura... She's in good hands, trust me," Negan said, unable to hide his immature giggles. Riley palmed her face as Negan grinned at her. "I'll take your word for it. Now hang up, I'm about to get laid–"

"Negan!" Riley huffed, kicking his arm. Negan winced, and Riley could vaguely hear Laura squealing. Riley glared at Negan as he smugly hung up, watching her with an arrogant smile as Riley glared at him.

"What can I say? Your girlfriend is cramping my style," Negan teased. He quickly changed course when Riley dropped her arm, pushing her dark hair behind her shoulders as Negan instinctively swallowed when his throat dried. "...Shit," he repeated for the umpteenth time. There was a quick scramble as Negan nearly knocked them over when he ambushed Riley. He squeezed her to him, cupping her face as he gave her soft kisses once they settled against her pillows.

"I'm nervous," Riley admitted quietly. She felt her cheeks flush, though whether Negan could see in the moonlight was unknown. Negan admired her body, heeding her previous instructions and cupping a breast, his fingers nearly trembling when he felt her soft skin. Riley sighed, her eyes flickering elsewhere as Negan kissed her shoulder, the feathery touch causing goosebumps along her arms.

"I know," Negan whispered. They met eyes as Negan's lips ghosted her skin. Riley felt her heartbeat quicken when Negan nipped her cleavage. His chuckle when she squirmed churned her gut. "You still want to follow the leader?" he asked, unable to hide his teasing.

Riley sighed shakily. Negan's lips on her sensitive skin gave her unexpected, electric tingles throughout her body. He chuckled when he saw Riley's struggle to form words. He bit the bullet and kissed down her belly, watching her face as Riley debated the next course of action. Negan didn't wander too far, overly cautious out of fear he'd terrify her by heading for super uncharted territory.

"Talk to me, baby," Negan said, his firm voice catching Riley's attention. His arrogant smirk when they met eyes gave Riley conflicted feelings.

"I'm going to die," Riley stated. Negan snorted, adjusting himself onto his knees as Riley silently panicked. He mussed his hair, unable to hide his laugh as Riley eyed him nervously.

"I think we both agree we don't want that," Negan smiled. Riley felt her nipples pebble when a chill settled over them. He eyed her tits before focusing on her shorts. "Second chance for a takeback," he said firmly.

Riley palmed her forehead in frustration. Negan traced shapes along her bare stomach, watching curiously as Riley struggled to grasp reality. Perhaps it was nerves after being celibate for months, or that coupled with being half-naked before Negan or asking Negan outright if he had a condom! Definitely not because your tits are out and proud.

"Riley," Negan whispered, his eyes softening when he realized how serious her anxiety was. It made him feel like a damn dick!

"Don't stop," Riley said finally. Negan eyed her suspiciously as if afraid Riley was looking out for him more than herself. "I'll be okay... I'm a crybaby. I'm sorry."

"Nah," Negan mumbled, watching her face as he reached for her shorts. Riley watched him unbutton her shorts, her gut fluttering madly once they popped open. "It's just one word, sweetheart. I'll get over it," he said.

Riley maneuvered herself as Negan pulled her shorts off. He removed his shirt, adding it to the pile while Riley sat up, forcing herself to push back the nerves and focus on the important things. Negan seemed surprised when she moved before him, prompting Negan to grab her as they kissed. He grabbed her hips, giving gentle squeezes as their kisses became hurried and desperate. Negan pulled Riley onto his lap, grasping at her body wherever he could as Riley buried her hand in his hair, grabbing what she could while Negan hid his childish excitement when he felt her bare titties against his chest.

"You're such a kid," Riley said when he pulled away, kissing down her neck until he reached her tits. His gruff chuckle before he captured a nipple released the butterflies. Riley's body went cold from his intense warmth, curling her toes in response to the ache she felt in her vagina when he played with both. OH no.

"Tits are tits," Negan replied once he pulled back. Riley rolled her eyes at his smug grin, gently scratching his head as Negan fought the urge to purr like a goddamn cat. "But I gotta say, I've never seen titties quite like this–" he laughed when Riley palmed his face, muffling his words as she gathered herself. Negan grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand away as Riley pouted.

"Thank you," Riley said, unsure of what to say...

Negan grinned when he saw her blush in the moonlight. He cupped her face, kissing spots along it before settling on her forehead. Riley shivered at his soft lips between her eyebrows. Negan's chest warmed when he felt her tremble from the cold. He gathered her long, thick hair in one hand before pulling her back, keeping her locks snatched so Riley couldn't look away. Negan smirked in her face as Riley managed to maintain eye contact without dying.

"Last time," Negan said. The concerned yet demanding tone of his voice would have had Riley squeeze her legs together hadn't Negan blocked her from doing so. He tugged Riley's hair when she went to answer with nonverbal gestures. "Use your words, baby," he scolded.

"No," Riley squeaked. Negan kept her hair snatched as they watched each other. "I want to..." she mumbled shyly.

Negan seemed pleasantly surprised. Riley sighed when he released her hair, wrapping his arms around her and maneuvering them until Riley sprawled onto her back. Negan adjusted himself above her, again kissing along her face, her neck, and her stomach–

"Why am I more naked than you?" Riley asked, her pout evident as Negan laughed into her belly.

"Guess that means I'm desperate to see you naked," Negan replied smugly. Riley rolled her eyes, though they told everything as Negan slyly looped his fingers into the waistband of her panties. They met eyes, though Negan's smugness didn't show on his face.

Riley squirmed when Negan pulled them down, observing her face as Riley's blood pressure spiked... She assumed he'd be eager to peek at uncharted territory but was surprised at how nonchalant he appeared about the ordeal. "I think we should be equals by this point," she mumbled.

Negan grinned arrogantly as he observed the soft, cream material of her underwear. "We'll get there," he replied condescendingly. Riley glared once he tossed them aside, her eyes innocently checking him out as he pushed his hair from his forehead. Negan grabbed her knees, eyeing her mischievously. "You know, this is the most patient I've ever been in this situation," he said, his lips twitching as Riley frowned. "I gotta say it's nice," he admitted bashfully.

Riley poked his torso with her foot. "That makes me feel kind of strange," she admitted softly.

"Tell me about it," Negan mumbled humorously. Riley's skin prickled when he gripped her ankle, gently maneuvering her legs until she was exposed. Negan's soft kisses on her knee didn't help with the goosebumps! "Does this mean you trust me?" he teased hopefully.

"I think so," Riley whispered. Negan's arrogant smirk made her eyebrows quirked. "What are you doing?" she asked dryly.

Negan grinned, tugging her ankle until Riley had no choice but to spread her legs. "A damn service," he replied smugly. Riley's throat dried when Negan maneuvered onto his stomach, nestling himself between her knees. Negan chuckled when Riley made watching the ceiling her mission. "I mean, if that's okay with you," he teased.

"I think so," Riley said. She tensed slightly when she felt the first– "Shit," she repeated Negan's favorite mantra of the evening. Her nipples pebbled in response to his touch. Negan peeked at her between her thighs, looping his arms underneath her legs to keep her secured. Riley felt his hands wander her stomach until he cupped a tit. Negan's breathy chuckle into her pelvis created more goosebumps.

Riley squirmed, placing her hand over his on her breast as Negan's gentle strokes of his tongue curled her toes. Negan resisted the urge to bury himself, determined to make this last as long as possible. His usual hurried, straight-to-the-point ways in the bedroom took a backseat. Negan's womanizing ways of seducing women for sex were an unfortunate result of losing his fiancèe... He knew it was time to forget that bullshit! What a better time than right now? Negan forced himself to focus when he felt Riley's fingers thread through his hair.

"You're–" Riley paused when Negan drew shapes, searching for those delicate sweet spots. Her long fingers had his hair in a vice, though Negan couldn't complain! "Right to it," she finished lamely. Riley wasn't a stranger to oral sex, though her ex-boyfriend ensured to inform her frequently that he didn't like it. In the spirit of things, Riley refused to blow him if the asshole wasn't willing to reciprocate– Girl, you better focus!

"Damn, that's a beautiful pussy," Negan said, reluctantly pulling back to lick his lips. He felt the energy leave Riley's body as she whined in disapproval. Negan's smug smile in the moonlight excited her beyond relief. "I've got you, baby. Don't worry," he teased when he saw Riley's face.

Riley resisted the urge to push his head down, though Negan did it himself. She curled her toes when Negan tightened his grip on her lower half, the calculated strokes of his tongue eventually causing her belly to tremble in anticipation. Negan watched her face, flicking his tongue over her clit sporadically, silently teasing Riley by reminding her he could play her like a fiddle for as long as he wanted. He snickered into her pussy when Riley involuntarily squeezed her legs closed, temporarily trapping his head when Negan found a sweet spot. Negan refused to look away despite Riley ignoring his ass, either covering her face or fisting his hair or the sheets. Negan kneaded her tit, smugly pleased that the girls were happy to see him.

Despite the urge to talk her ear off, Negan forced himself to continue without distraction. Riley's quiet, shy whimpers underneath him stirred feelings in him below the belt. Negan tightened his grip when Riley neared release, and she instinctively tried moving away once her pussy became overstimulated, and the sensitivity caused uncontrollable trembling in her legs and stomach. Negan grunted in warning when Riley tugged hard on his hair, her breathless apology and soothing motion entertaining him. Riley propped herself on her elbow, allowing a foot to drape over his shoulder. Negan felt strangely comforted to know that Riley did trust him, and sharing her body with him made him feel blessed!

"Don't stop," Riley begged quietly, her shaky fingers holding him in place. Negan unexpectedly met her eyes in the dark, and the coil he felt in his gut could probably make him blow a load. He licked and sucked her declared spot, maintaining eye contact as Riley folded. "Please, don't stop," she whined with anticipation.

Negan cupped her other tit, his silent laugh into her pelvis when Riley gripped that hand too lost in Riley's whimpers and gentle sighs. He hummed into her cunt, vaguely able to feel her toes digging into his shoulder when they curled again. Riley managed to keep herself upright, her flushed cheeks making the room feel a thousand degrees. Negan sighed in admiration when Riley reluctantly dropped her hand, pushing her lengthy hair behind her. He could smell the rosewater, encouraging him to finish her off. Riley's gasp when her orgasm struck was music to his ears. Negan chuckled into her pelvis when Riley's body nearly catapulted from the mattress, barely missing his nose as he slurped her cum. Riley laid back, watching him happily swallow everything she gave him. Negan didn't need to speak for Riley to feel his arrogance.

"Fuck," Negan grinned once he managed to pull back. Riley kept her foot in place as Negan licked his lips, eyeing her mischievously as Riley caught her breath. "That was the most rewarding shit ever, sweetheart," he teased quietly. Negan pressed kisses along her pelvis, trailing his lips to her belly button. "I haven't tasted anything like it."

Riley huffed in embarrassment. Negan's childish laugh made her giggle anyway. "You're an asshole," she mumbled. Negan chuckled into her tummy as he crawled up her body, trailing his hand along her side until he grabbed a tit.

"What can I say? Gotta do what I can to make you blush. I love that shit," Negan whispered once they were face to face. He smirked into her mouth when Riley kissed him, immediately unbuttoning his jeans. Negan pulled back in surprise, glancing downward as Riley made quick work of them. "Damn! I must've woken up the beast," he joked.

"Yeah, well," Riley mumbled lamely. Negan began shedding his remaining clothes as Riley gathered herself. "I'm desperate..."

"Nothing wrong with that," Negan snickered at her thoughtful expression. He clumsily reached for his wallet once he was naked, and Riley attacked him with kisses until they rolled around her bed. Negan lost his breath when Riley came out on top, her soft tits pressing into his bare chest as they made out. He felt along her bedside table, fumbling with the leather wallet without looking as Riley invaded his senses. He grabbed a handful of ass while he was at it, her stunned giggles into his mouth warming his chest.

Riley sat on him, only breaking their kiss when it was obvious Negan couldn't get the damn condom! They quietly joked around while he pulled it out, throwing his wallet carelessly across the room. Riley's stunned laugh as his toothy grin only added to their excitement. Negan opened the wrapper, immediately missing Riley's warmth, when she reluctantly dismounted. She eyed his junk nervously, already imagining the painful conversation with Laura that would inevitably follow... Despite their anticipation, they watched each other once the condom was in place. Riley tucked her hair behind her ears, crawling beside Negan as he sprawled on her mattress. She cuddled into him as they processed what was happening.

"You still nervous?" Negan asked gently. He cupped her face, stroking her cheek delicately with his thumb.

"A little," Riley admitted. Negan's long eyelashes stirred her belly...

Negan nodded. Riley could see in his eyes that Negan didn't take offense. "Whenever you're ready," he reminded her.

Riley's soft, swollen lips were quite a sight. Negan delicately kissed her, holding her face as Riley immediately reciprocated. Their gentle, patient kisses healed a part of Riley she didn't know was broken. The sparks she felt with Negan at this moment were beyond whatever she felt with Jack. Riley basked in Negan's warmth, their bodies feeding off each other as their make-out ignited more excitement in their gut. She moved onto her back, gripping Negan's shoulder and gently gesturing for him to move above her. Negan obliged, unwilling to break their kiss as he settled above her, his large hand covering half of her face amused him.

"I'm ready," Riley whispered. Negan kissed her nose, forehead, and between her eyebrows. "Please?"

"Okay," Negan whispered. He adjusted himself between her thighs, temporarily looking elsewhere as they situated themselves. Riley's heart pounded when she saw his size, and her nerves about how this could go outweighed her nerves about her self-esteem. Negan met her eyes once they were in place, and she felt his cock probe her. Riley nudged his leg with her foot when he didn't move. Negan's soft laugh at her quiet assertion made her smile bashfully.

Riley gripped his shoulders, staring into Negan's eyes as he guided himself into her cunt. Negan's reluctance was unheard of, though he couldn't help the overwhelming need to treat Riley as if she were fragile. Riley squirmed at the discomfort, digging her nails into his shoulders before he was halfway in. Negan breathed deeply at the tightness, gripping the pillow until his knuckles turned white. The urge to envelop his cock entirely became an internal battle as he listened to her body above his.

Riley's orgasm had helped, though her abstinence ruled above all this time. Negan's deep inhales of pleasure, yet subtle frustration wasn't lost on her. Riley attempted to put the claws away but struggled to. "Go all the way," she mumbled, ignoring Negan's concern. "It'll help... Trust me," she whispered.

Negan nodded, looking between them at her trembling stomach. Riley squeezed her eyes shut when he wasn't looking, her wobbly knees telling of her discomfort. Negan bit the bullet and thrust forward, and Riley's relieved sigh almost made him laugh. He noted how her trembling ceased immediately, though her pounding heart against his chest proved it wasn't over. "Shit," he breathed softly. Negan almost folded at the feeling of her warm, wet pussy. "That's never happened before," he admitted, his thick eyebrows furrowing as Riley relaxed underneath him.

"It happens sometimes," Riley whispered. Negan cleared his throat when she involuntarily squeezed his cock. "I'm okay," she assured him.

Negan kissed her, keeping his grip on the pillow as he thrust against her. Riley gripped his hair, and her quick whines into his mouth stirred Negan in the best way. Negan worked his hips until he found the correct pace, still fisting her pillow and holding her neck where Riley couldn't break their kiss. He felt her pert nipples against his chest, struggling to keep himself from squishing her as her soft breasts teased him below. Negan's dedicated, firm thrusts were perfect for the slower pace he set.

"Fuck," Negan sighed, barely stopping their kiss as they panted. Riley's eyes threatened to close when it felt like Negan stirred her guts. "You're taking me so damn good, baby," he praised gently.

Riley whined when his praise excited her. Negan grinned breathlessly when he felt her physical reaction. "It's pretty good," she whispered shyly. Riley giggled when Negan laughed.

Negan gently slid his hand under her head, cradling it while he felt her soft hair. Riley's gentle sighs and the sound of their connected bodies were a beautiful combination to behold. Negan felt his balls tingle the longer they fucked, though his desperation not to come yet almost distracted him enough that his dream might come true. Riley mewled when Negan kissed her neck, nibbling and sucking a random spot as he fucked her. She threaded a hand through his hair, the other desperately clutching his shoulder to keep him close as if Negan could think about stopping.

"Talk to me," Negan demanded, though his soft eyes didn't match his sternness. Riley furrowed her eyebrows, whining impatiently when Negan laughed at her expense. "How are you doing, baby? Is this what you wanted?" he asked condescendingly.

"Yeah," Riley squeaked. Negan tilted his head forward, capturing a nipple just when Riley convulsed, her pulsating cunt threatening an orgasm sooner rather than later. "Right there," she whined.

Negan almost saw stars. "Shit," he chuckled weakly. Negan maintained his grip on her head, the soft cradle kickstarting her heart the longer he held her. "I know there ain't another cunt like yours–" he chuckled when Riley palmed his face in embarrassment, though the praise continued exciting her.

"You're an asshole!" Riley giggled, though her desperation and embarrassment showed in her voice. "I wanna come," she whispered.

Negan kissed her deeply. Their warm bodies against each other turned the room into a furnace. "You wanna come on my cock, baby?" he asked huskily.

"Please," Riley whispered. Negan grinned when her leg lazily looped around his hip.

"Damn, my dirty girl," Negan laughed huskily. He resumed playing with her tits, his warm saliva cooling on her nipples, creating goosebumps. Riley squirmed underneath him in anticipation of her orgasm. Riley clutched him desperately, her sighs and whimpers in his ear stirring Negan's gut until he knew the end was near. Negan grasped her wherever he could, lazily kissing her as they struggled to keep a grip on the other. Riley felt the coil twist in her stomach, desperately clinging to the feeling in her pelvis as Negan rocked his hips at the same firm, steady pace.

"Fuck," Riley sighed when her body spasmed. Negan grinned arrogantly when he felt her orgasm, the resulting clench around his cock prompting a groan before he could stop it. Riley fisted his hair, her final whine music to his ears as she relaxed underneath him. Negan welcomed the tug of her pussy, shakily continuing his thrusts until he came. He felt the condom become wet as he stilled inside her.

"That was pretty cool," Negan whispered in her ear. Riley snorted, cupping his scruffy cheek and kissing him. He melted into her touch, resuming his grip on her neck as they made out... Riley's thighs were wet. Negan reluctantly broke their kiss, carefully pulling out. Riley sighed at the loss of contact, though the ache left behind promised she'd catch hell in the morning.

"I'm tired, and I didn't even do anything," Riley whispered once Negan lay beside her. She eyed his junk...

Negan snorted. "I wouldn't say that," he teased lightly. Riley fought the urge to bury herself in the warm covers as he smirked at her. Negan eyed his condom with a sigh. "I'll wait for you to finish," he said, nodding to her bathroom.

Riley kissed his cheek. Negan turned his head, kissing her before she could get too far. Her surprised giggles in his mouth amazed him. Negan gave her gentle pecks before reluctantly releasing her. "I won't be long," she mumbled before climbing off.

Negan watched her leave. He mussed his fucked hair with an arrogant smile. "That was some good shit!" he boasted. Negan heard her giggle from the other room.

Chapter Text

"You're kinda lanky," Riley whispered. Negan snorted into her pillow. The gentle early afternoon sun peeked through Riley's closed curtains. "You're all legs."

"Yeah?" Negan rasped, gently smacking her with a pillow. Riley's muffled giggle tickled his balls. His floppy hair gave Riley similar feelings as she pulled the pillow off her face. "I think that makes me quite a catch," he chuckled.

"If you care about that sort of thing," Riley teased. Negan plopped his head onto the pillow with an embellished sigh.

"Damn! I think I like that you're kind of difficult to please," Negan teased. Riley pouted when he smiled. "Ya know, in a good way," he added sheepishly.

"Nice save," Riley said. Negan groaned when Riley pushed the covers aside, reaching for the sweatshirt that flew off the bed during their... Escapade. She grinned as she slid it on.

"Come on. Where are you going?" Negan asked. Riley pulled her hair from the neck, lazily tying it up as he pouted at her back.

"I have to feed my cat," Riley answered smugly. Presley sat in the doorway, his judgmental green eyes unamused as he wagged his tail.  Riley stood, hiding her snicker, when he sighed into the pillow. She searched for her sleep shorts as Negan grumbled under the sheets.

-

The moment Negan turned off the bike, Laura flew from her house. Riley climbed off, her helmet barely over her head, as Laura approached them. "Well, look who it is," Laura smirked at them.

Riley's displeased face clashed with Negan's smirk. Riley handed Negan the helmet, who strapped it to the bike. "Don't even think about it," Riley hissed quietly.

Laura held her hands up. "No worries, no worries!.." She grinned as Riley blushed. "But where'd you get that phone operator? Kinda sounded like an asshole to me," Laura said.

Negan's dry laugh amused Laura. Riley sighed and quickly walked away. Negan climbed off, his smirk widening as Laura observed him critically, crossing her arms.

"Judas," Laura greeted snidely.

"Ya know, I kinda like that," Negan replied smugly.

Laura rolled her eyes. "I'll kill you if you break her heart. I'm a nurse," she smiled smugly. Negan cleared his throat, his smirk barely there when he realized she could kill him. "I could make it look natural."

Negan almost stomped his foot as he laughed when Laura walked away.

Riley stole Laura's orange juice, drinking a glass just as Laura entered the kitchen. She could see Negan outside, leaning against the bike as Laura's elderly neighbor gushed over him as she tended her garden.

"So?" Laura asked excitedly.

"I love orange juice," Riley said, taking a deep sip.

Laura took the glass from Riley, who glared when a bit splattered her hand. "So?" Laura asked.

"What?" Riley whined. Laura reluctantly returned Riley's juice.

"Well, first thing's first. Is it big?" Laura asked hopefully. Riley had expected it and avoided choking on her juice, though she glared at Laura over the glass. "Fine. But did you guys do it?" she asked.

"You're the one who talked to my phone operator," Riley smirked, setting the glass in the sink.

"Riley, come on!" Laura whined, her gray eyes pleading as Riley avoided the question. "I won't tell anyone, I promise!"

Riley went to speak, only to pause when a confused-looking brunette entered the kitchen. Laura wasn't surprised, sighing as the mystery woman scratched her mussed head of hair. "Where am I?" she asked.

Laura ignored Riley's wide eyes. "Lexington," Laura answered.

"Oh... I don't know where that is," their friend sniffed. 

Laura sighed. "Damn it, Seger," she mumbled before smiling at the brunette. "Come on. I'll call you a cab," she said, gently escorting her into the living room. Riley sighed when Laura gave her a pleading look as they disappeared.

Riley raided Laura's cabinets while she remained occupied with Seger's date. Negan had disappeared from the bike, though he hadn't entered the house. Riley assumed Seger had left, but a quick peek outside proved her wrong. Seger had changed the oil on his bike, and his hands were greasy as Negan talked to him. Riley ate granola and secretly watched.

"God," Laura sighed as she entered the room. "Seger always finds the tourists. I don't understand–" she paused when she saw Riley watching the boys. Laura grinned. "You know, I don't think I need to ask if you guys had sex. It's all over your face."

"No, it's not," Riley denied quickly, shoving a handful into her mouth.

"Oh, come on!" Laura grinned, approaching Riley and grabbing a handful of granola. "Could I guess how many times? Is he a Samantha or a Darrin? I'd guess he worked that magic, so I'm gonna bet on Sam–"

"You have the weirdest analogies," Riley snorted as she chewed.

"Which is it?" Laura asked excitedly. Riley continued eating, which caused Laura to pout after a few minutes.

"Samantha," Riley mumbled after what seemed like ages.

The door opening stopped Laura's excited squeals. The girls darted from the window, scrambling into the nearby chairs as the boys loped inside. Riley decided to sightsee as Laura grabbed a cigarette and lit it just as the boys entered the kitchen. Some granola tumbled from the bag onto Laura's clean floor.

"I sent your date on her way," Laura said when she saw Seger. Negan looked elsewhere, his smirk evident as Seger began washing his hands. "Girl didn't even know what planet she was on."

"We didn't do anything," Seger lied, using dish soap to scrub his hands until they turned red.

"Oh, that's not what I heard last night," Laura snorted into her now-lit cigarette. "Guess I'm the only one in the room who didn't get lucky."

Riley choked on her granola. Negan and Seger looked at her; Seger looked concerned, though Negan's smug grin said a mouthful.

-

"Are you getting paid extra for this?" Riley asked, scrubbing a spot of mud from her side of the car. The blistering sun was brutal as they washed a car behind Daryl's garage, away from most prying eyes.

"We'll see," Negan snorted, doing the same on the other side. His hair was partially damp from using the hose as relief from the heat. "It's some old man. Just wanted to be nice since I finished early," he admitted.

Riley tossed her sponge into a soapy bucket, grumbling in Spanish as she adjusted the strap of her bikini. Negan did his best not to be a damn dog and stare the last twenty minutes, though it was difficult now that he knew what the hell was underneath. The pale yellow was beautiful, and her brown skin slowly darkened the longer she spent in the looming summer sun. Riley's shorts ensured she didn't feel exposed in the middle of downtown on a weekday.

"What the hell does he do, wander through the wilderness?" Riley mumbled, soaking the sponge before resuming her task. Negan grinned but didn't speak.

They washed every nook and cranny they could reach. Negan showed her this foamy shit you spray on the rims to make them shiny, arrogantly assuring her he'd let her use it on the Fury if she behaved. The dirty look Riley gave him absolutely tickled his dick! They sat on the ground, shading themselves from the sun as Daryl worked on a car inside. He could see them patiently waiting for the rims to adequately soak before they'd rinse them clean. Riley hated the heat, which showed as she became restless.

"You gonna survive, sweet thing?" Negan asked when she huffed.

"No, this is awful," Riley whined. Negan chuckled when he saw her flushed face. "I have an air conditioner at home for a reason!"

Negan snorted. "I hate to break it to ya, sweetheart. It ain't helping your case, being right beside me, you know–" he chuckled when Riley kicked his leg. "Christ!" he laughed painfully, rubbing his calf.

"I'm kinda hot..." Riley mumbled in embarrassment.

Negan smirked as she looked away. "No kindas about it," he mumbled in return. Riley smiled smugly as she observed anything but him. "I'm gonna wash that shit off. I wanna go home."

"Yay," Riley croaked. Negan laughed as he stood, loping to the vehicle, where he grabbed the hose. Riley watched Negan begin spraying the rims, unable to see the mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he finished the passenger side. Negan yanked the hose, walking to the driver's side. His face was impassive as he sprayed the tires. Negan forced himself not to look at Riley if she caught him peeking. He noticed her eventually stand, observing him work as she moved closer to the car.

Riley screamed when Negan sprayed her with the hose. It lasted maybe ten seconds, though the cold water sent shocks through her as it soaked her body. Negan giggled immaturely, returning the spray to the car as he ensured all bubbles were gone. Riley's pained, bewildered giggles only worsened his amusement as she observed her soaked torso in shock. Negan grinned as he released the nozzle, proudly observing their work as Riley gathered herself. "We did a damn good job," he noted, unable to hide his laugh when he saw her stunned face.

"That was cold!" Riley squeaked. Negan's arrogant smile made her gut tingle as he briefly scanned her face before admiring her figure.

"You said you were hot. Just wanted to help you out," Negan continued, smiling brightly. Riley scoffed. Negan set the hose down, still giggling as he mussed his hair before grabbing a towel. He dried the rims, his skin prickling as if suspicious that Riley would not let it slide. The hose was within arms reach, and Negan kept it within his peripherals.

Riley dumped a bucket of soapy water on his head. Negan stopped drying, water dripping down his entire body as he remained crouched. Riley smiled arrogantly, nonchalantly walking away to set it down. He barely hid his chuckle, dropping the sopping towel and pushing his soaked hair from his face. He wiped his eyes, which somehow survived without getting soap in them. Riley's distant giggle amused him. "Oops," she said.

Negan grabbed the hose, managing not to slip as he annihilated Riley with the water blast. Riley's screech as she darted around the car caught Daryl's attention. He briefly watched with subliminal interest before snorting and returning to work.

"You giving up, baby?" Negan chuckled when Riley disappeared. His hoarse laugh went straight to her loins. "Man... Didn't think you were a quitter," he teased.

Riley fought the discomfort of crawling on asphalt and moved to the front of the car as Negan slowly circled the back. The only remaining bucket was her last resort of potentially winning. Riley's shoe slid on the puddle, though she caught herself with her hand despite the ache in her elbow from the impact. She scrambled to her feet, unable to duck before Negan blasted her again.

"Shit!" Negan boasted when Riley grabbed the last bucket. He stopped spraying despite knowing he could destroy her! They watched each other with broad, goofy smiles. "You gonna get me from over here, baby?" he drawled.

"Yeah," Riley squeaked. "I can do it."

"Oh yeah?" Negan grinned before dropping the hose. "Go on! It's in your hands now, sweet thing."

Riley shifted awkwardly. Negan proudly watched her debate, though the actual context was something to be desired. "Uh... I hurt my elbow," she said, pouting as she cupped it, tightening her grip on the bucket. "It really hurts," she said.

Negan stared, his face briefly unreadable as if debating if she were truthful. Riley wasn't entirely lying! Her brief tumble had stunned her temporarily at the impact. "You hurt yourself, sweetheart?" he asked condescendingly.

Riley put the bucket down, still cupping her elbow as she sniffed. Can you still cry on demand? "I slipped," she said. Negan's softened eyes as she "observed" the damage almost made her feel guilty!

"Awww," Negan drawled. He eyed the hose briefly before stepping around it, taking purposeful strides as Riley rubbed the spot. "Need me to kiss it and make it better?" he asked.

"It would be a start," Riley said. Negan grinned, rubbing his bare arm as the hot sun dried them. "Especially because I wouldn't have fallen if an asshole didn't spray me with a hose!"

"Oh!" Negan laughed at her pout. "Oh, you had me right till the end," he said. There was a brief staredown before Negan darted for the hose, and Riley grabbed the bucket. She quickly ducked behind the car, briefly getting sprayed as she hid. Riley clutched the bucket, prepared to start praying, when she heard Negan walking around the vehicle, only... "What the shit?" Negan said.

Riley peeked over the hood. Negan held the nozzle, watching as the water lost pressure and slowly trickled out. Riley stood, holding the bucket as they watched the pitiful display. "You broke it," she joked sheepishly.

"This fucker has been through worse," Negan chuckled, allowing the hose to drop. They stared at it as a tiny stream of water continued leaking. "I don't see why the fuck–"

They looked toward the garage when Daryl chuckled, a cigarette bobbing in his mouth as he leaned against the building. Negan's face flattened when he realized Daryl stood beside the spigot! Riley laughed, covering her mouth as Daryl proudly beamed behind his cigarette. Riley's now silent laugh hardly swayed Negan, who sighed deeply at such a bold betrayal!

"Think it's broken," Daryl grumbled before entering the shop.

"This is some bullshit," Negan chuckled dryly. Riley's quiet giggles were secretly food for the soul. Negan's stupid grin as Riley smugly observed him only added to her amusement. "What do you say we call a truce?" he teased, chuckling nervously as Riley approached, her eyes determined despite Negan's offer of peace.

Riley dumped the bucket on him. Negan trilled his lips as he again became drenched. Riley grinned widely, dropping the bucket as Negan gripped his hips in defeat. His bright, amused eyes observed her smiling face as they observed each other. Negan's hair awkwardly framed his face, but Riley liked how it looked on him. "You look good wet," she giggled stupidly.

"I thought the same thing about you last night– OW!" Negan laughed painfully when she angrily pinched him. Riley yelped when he managed to get his arms around her, and they nearly slid on the damp asphalt. Her loud, almost terrified giggles exhilarated him as she clutched his arms for dear life. "But you already knew that," he teased quietly.

"Ey! No screwin' on the job!" Daryl called from the garage. They could almost hear his amusement without seeing him.

"It's all good, boss!" Negan called back giddily. "We're just wrapping up," he said. Riley smiled and burrowed into his embrace.

-

A few days later, Negan accompanied Riley to the grocery store. "This shit keeps flying off the shelves," Negan commented, grabbing a single bottle of NyQuil. "Whatever the hell it is... Nighttime cold medicine," he read.

Riley snickered at him when he added it to the cart. "I probably could have used that when I was sick a few months ago."

"Well, now you're fully stocked," Negan teased. They continued down the aisles, and Riley added things to her cart. Negan added a few things for himself, not wanting to steal a cart for the handful of things he wanted to buy.

Riley was peeking at bananas when she noticed someone approaching. "Riley?" Carol Peletier asked. Riley looked up in surprise, holding a bundle of bananas. "I haven't seen you in a long time, ever since..." Carol trailed off.

Riley put the bundle in her cart. When Carol hugged her, she felt incredibly guilty. "I'm sorry about Ed," Riley said, despite the words tasting awful on her tongue.

"Oh, it's been hard... So hard," Carol whispered when they pulled away. Negan saw them from the aisle he exited from and hung back. "Sophia and I... We've been doing well, you know? I have to say... I think this is the best we've been."

Riley's eyebrows nearly shot off her face. Carol noticed her expression and smiled slightly. "Oh," Riley said.

"Oh, Ed..." Carol sighed, her eyes temporarily surveying the store. "He got what was coming to him... For what he's done to his family."

Riley was... Stunned. Especially the way Carol then smiled at her as if knowing something she didn't. Negan hesitated from a distance.

"Anyway, I've been thinking about rebuilding with the insurance money I got," Carol continued, rubbing her arm. "Or, there's this little restaurant for sale across town that I've been looking at... Have you found another job?" she asked.

"No," Riley replied instantly. "I've just been enjoying my free time for now," she said, smiling slightly.

"Well, if I decide to buy... I'm hoping you'd come to work with me," Carol said, smiling lightly at Riley's stunned face. "Of course, I'd understand if you find another job by then, but maybe you'll think about it?" Carol asked hopefully.

"Holy shit," Riley said. Carol chuckled lightly at her reaction. "I'd love to, Carol!" she smiled.

Negan decided to approach once the ladies hugged again. He set a bottle of something in Riley's cart. Carol looked at him in surprise before a knowing smirk crossed her face. "Wow. Riley, I've yet to meet your friend," Carol said.

Riley's cheeks flushed. Negan shoved his hands into his pockets, smirking at Riley as she looked away from them both. When Riley was too flustered to speak, Negan reached a hand toward Carol. "Negan," he introduced himself. Carol smugly shook his hand. "I'm Riley's... Boyfriend," he added smoothly.

"This is Carol," Riley said when she gathered herself. Negan so casually calling himself her boyfriend only made her more flustered. "She was... She's my new boss." She chuckled lightly.

"It's nice to meet you," Negan smiled when Carol dropped his hand. "I hope I'm not interrupting," he smirked.

"Not at all," Carol said, waving Negan off. "I was just here to get a little something for my daughter... Someone left us a sum of money in our mailbox after Ed," she smiled at the thought. "We'll be okay for a while."

Once Carol dismissed herself, Riley looked at Negan. He watched her smugly. "Well, she was nice," Negan commented once Carol disappeared around the corner.

"Yeah," Riley said. Negan's unwavering smirk told her everything she likely already knew. They continued the shopping trip without incident. It wasn't until Riley started driving home that she looked at Negan again. "It was you guys," she said.

Negan popped the tab of a beer and took a sip. "What was?" he asked plainly.

"You guys left the money," Riley said, looking at him thoroughly. Negan smugly rolled the window down. "It was all over your face."

"Well, I ain't gonna confirm or deny," Negan said before taking another sip. "But Ed did say we could take his money," he finished.

Riley had never asked for details about how that night had gone... This was the most she heard and likely would ever want to hear. Riley chuckled lightly as she continued driving. "I see," she mumbled. Negan watched her face, his expression softening when he saw Riley's thoughtful expression.

-

"I have eight of his earlier albums," Riley said, clutching her Elvis records tight to her chest. Negan looked through her tiny collection of records. "You'll have to kill me to touch them," she said.

Negan laughed at her pout. "You want a minute alone with them?" he asked.

"Yes," Riley answered immediately. Negan smiled smugly. "I'd prefer Elvis because it came out ten days before I turned eighteen. It changed my life," she explained.

Negan whistled, his eyebrows quirked in his amusement. "I'm starting to think I have actual competition," he said.

Riley shrugged, still clutching her records like an old friend. "Please," she snorted. "He only does movies now... Some of them are from movies. Blue Hawaii and King Creole are my favorites. G.I. Blues wasn't too bad. I really only bought it because of two songs, but–" Riley paused when Negan smirked at her.

Negan tucked away West Side Story. "Hmmm," he chuckled. "What'd your mom think of him?" he asked.

Riley's angry pout made him laugh harder. "She grounded me for watching him on Ed Sullivan," she said grouchily. "Which was the night before my birthday, if I could add! Hound Dog was banned in this house... Not anymore," she grinned cheekily, though the underlying sadness in her eyes spoke to Negan.

"If I had been born Megan, mine likely would have done the same," Negan said cheekily. Riley giggled, finally allowing him to peek at her cherished records. He sighed deeply as she thumbed through them. "The only man who could take away my woman– Ouch," he chuckled painfully when Riley elbowed him.

"You're so jealous," Riley's quiet, awed, surprised giggles made him scowl. She put the records on their designated shelf as Negan pouted beside her. "I'd feel bad if it wasn't so funny," she giggled.

"I'm secure," Negan mumbled. Riley's grin as she straightened beside him might have crushed his ego if Negan wanted to be a pussy about it.

"Whatever you say," Riley said. Negan watched Riley tuck away her last record before he attacked, nearly tackling her onto her bed as she shrieked for mercy.

Chapter Text

"Riley, I'd like you to meet Camilla," Carol kindly introduced Riley to her new co-worker. "She's Catherine's sister."

Riley smiled and extended her hand to Camilla. "Hi," she said. Camilla was Riley's age, with pale skin, long black hair, and brown eyes.

"It's nice to meet you," Camilla smiled back. "Carol said you worked with her before."

Carol smiled, gently squeezing Riley. "One of my best servers. I think you two would get along. You're both shy and soft-spoken," she said. Riley's cheeks flushed slightly. "Blaine and Catherine will be here in a bit. Maybe you two could just get to know each other a bit."

And so they did. Riley and Camilla had coffee, sitting at a refurbished booth as they chatted. Camilla was two months younger than Riley, flunked out of college, and thought Elvis Presley was a dreamboat. Before they knew it, they had talked for an hour, interacting as if they were lifelong friends. Once Blaine and Catherine arrived, Carol returned. For two hours, Carol reviewed the new menu with her servers and the etiquette and uniform expectations. Riley was grateful that Carol switched the ugly-ass orange uniforms for a baby blue color that looked pretty on her skin. Riley and Camilla exchanged phone numbers before departing. Camilla noticed Negan leaning against his motorcycle across the street as they walked outside together.

"Shit, who is that?" Camilla asked in bewildered amazement. Riley followed her gaze and smiled. Negan wasn't paying attention, watching some worker protest down the street.

"That's my boyfriend," Riley said proudly. Camilla looked at her, seemingly impressed. "His name is Negan."

"Shit... Good for you, girl. He's hot," Camilla smirked before digging out her car keys. "See you next week," she said before departing.

Negan heard Riley's footsteps before he noticed her. He caught her embrace before she could accidentally knock him to the ground when she hugged him. "Nice to see you, too, baby," he chuckled. "I only dropped you off three hours ago."

"Three hours too long," Riley said into his shirt before she pulled back. Negan grinned when he saw her puppy dog eyes. "Thank you for picking me up," she said as he handed her the helmet.

"Anytime," Negan smiled as she slid it on. "Uh... Are you busy later?" he asked almost hesitantly. "There's this little thing going on with another biker gang, and it'd be cool as hell if you came with me."

"You want me to come?" Riley asked in surprise. Negan smirked at her expression.

"Hell, yeah!" Negan boasted. "I know Laura's working tonight, but... I'd really like to show you off," he said, allowing his eyes to trail her figure before he met her eyes. Riley's face flushed; Negan never hid when he checked her out. "I promise it'll be safe. But no hard feelings if you don't want to."

Riley pondered for a minute. She had never attended anything without Laura... But Negan would be there, Seger, the guys...

"I'll go," Riley said, meeting his eyes. Negan grinned excitedly.

-

Riley and Negan arrived at someone's house the next town over at ten o'clock. He kept his arm around her as they weaved through the group of people drinking, smoking cigars, and some attempting to dance despite the cramped space. Seger and the other guys had arrived long before that, having claimed a spot. Riley wore a simple T-shirt and the shorts that squeezed her in uncomfortable places. Negan got a nice handful of ass before they had even left her house. Negan introduced Riley to some people who seemed friendly despite their rough voices and gruff exteriors. Riley giggled when she saw Johnny pouting in the corner, missing his lover.

Riley sipped some of Negan's whiskey at one point. Her sour face caused the boys to giggle and tease her when she handed it back. Negan proudly took a big swig. They ate a ton of pizza, so Riley felt seven months pregnant by the time the food was gone. While Negan eventually got up to make some rounds, Riley didn't move from her haven on the couch. She observed the room, where people got drunk and others smoked from a bong, which passed around the room. Riley noticed a woman in a blue dress that seemed drunk off her ass, nearly hanging over the same group of guys in the kitchen. She got a bad feeling in her gut when they passed her around, grabbing handfuls of her ass or breasts, some even kissing her while the others laughed. The woman was giggly and seemingly all for it, but Riley wondered if her intoxication was the main culprit.

"Seger?" Riley mumbled to him as he sat across from her. "Who are those guys?" she asked, nodding to them in the kitchen.

Seger glanced over, his expression unreadable. "They're with the Rebels," he mumbled. "They call her Lizard Tongue," Seger said almost uncomfortably. "Just try not to look," he added.

Riley glanced over again. The woman chugged a beer as the men egged her on. "Oh," she said lamely, her expression slightly comical from such a nickname...

Negan returned a bit later, his gait a bit loose, but his eyes alert. He plopped on the sofa beside Riley, throwing his arm around her shoulder and nuzzling her head. Riley couldn't help but giggle when his breath tickled her skin, and his lazy smirk highlighted his now goofy demeanor. "Baby, I missed you," Negan mumbled into her ear.

"Go ahead and have another," Riley said when Negan touched her thigh as if drunkenly claiming her. "I'd love to drive your Chevelle," she added. Seger snickered from his chair as someone passed him the bong.

"Don't threaten me with a good time, sweet thing," Negan said before pulling her onto his lap. Riley clung to his shirt in surprise. "Goddamn, I'm so glad you're mine," he said before pecking her lips.

Riley stayed on Negan's lap as he held her protectively. His behavior shocked her because she had never seen him this way. Negan was always level-headed, alert, and not at all mushy or possessive. As time passed, and things seemed to take a turn, even the rest of the Saviors seemed uncomfortable. Seger moved beside Riley while Johnny sat beside Negan, who didn't complain when Riley's legs rested on his lap. Negan had almost lulled to sleep with Riley in his arms, his head nuzzling the top of her head.

"We should plan on getting the hell out of here," Seger mumbled to Johnny after a bit. Riley's cheeks burned when it sounded like the booze and marijuana made people uninhibited and... Horny.

Johnny chuckled when Riley quickly looked away as a couple got freaky just feet from them. "I'll let Lenny and them know we're fucking off. Don't want them thinking we're joining whatever the fuck this is," he said as he stood.

"Don't look," Negan mumbled into Riley's hair, tightening his grip. "Sorry about that, sweetheart."

"Ain't never seen this before," Seger said into his cigarette. Riley clung to Negan as he forced himself to sober up. While they waited for Johnny to return, Riley, unfortunately, now understood why the Rebels called that woman Lizard Tongue.

"Let's go," Johnny called when he returned, Lenny and the others in tow. Seger and Riley had never moved so fast as the Saviors filed out individually. Negan giggled immaturely when Riley nearly sprinted to his car.

"I gotta take a piss before we leave," Negan said as he approached Riley, who stood by the door. He handed her his keys before he loped off into the woods.

Riley watched as Seger and the others mounted their bikes further away. She enjoyed the warm Summer air on her face as she waited. As the boys chatted briefly, she heard someone crying a few yards away. Riley glanced over, seeing two men wrestling a woman to the ground behind a shed. While her heart dropped, all reason flew out the window as she saw someone struggling for help– a woman, no less, about to experience the worst thing that could happen to a girl.

"STOP!" Riley shouted as she approached when one of the men ripped the woman's blouse down the middle. Everything happened so fast that Riley wasn't sure it happened when she attempted to break it up. She was gripped around the waist and shoved to the ground effortlessly.

"Got another one! The whores just keep on comin'!" the beastly man cackled as he unbuckled his belt before putting all his weight on Riley, who wasted no time kicking and scratching him wherever she could reach. Riley also felt her shirt rip, greedy hands attempting to slither up her shorts. By the time the other woman was nearly unclothed, a quick scuffle of multiple feet was heard before the weight lifted from Riley, and several blows were heard as whoever began plummeting the culprit. Riley vaguely saw Seger bludgeoning the person, much like Negan did to Ed. The woman beside her curled into a ball, her sobs breaking the daze Riley found herself in.

"Jesus Christ!" Negan said, yanking off his jacket to cover Riley up. Lenny did the same to the other girl, who sobbed and nearly strangled Lenny out of relief. "Riley, baby," Negan said thickly, helping her sit up and slide his jacket on. "How the fuck–"

"They're as good as fucking dead!" Johnny snapped as he and Seger approached, their knuckles bloody and swollen. The assailants were unconscious on the ground, feet away. Riley could feel the adrenaline and fear slowly die, only for her to burst into tears as Negan picked her up like a child. Lenny and the others tended to the other girl as Negan carried Riley away.

The following day, Riley awoke to Negan watching her from the window bench in her room. His hair was a messy flop, obviously mussed from anger and stress. Riley wore a shirt and sleep shorts, which she didn't remember slipping into before she fell asleep. Her chest felt heavy as the unpleasant memory came flooding back. Negan watched her start hyperventilating before he moved beside her, his firm hands attempting to soothe her.

"Hey," Negan gently cooed, his uncharacteristic sadness only worsening Riley's anxiety. "You're okay, sweetheart. I'm right here–"

"I shouldn't have tried to help," Riley croaked as tears streamed down her face. Negan's sorrowful expression wounded her as much as she pitied herself. "I don't know what the fuck I was thinking–" she sobbed.

"What you were thinking was that somebody needed help," Negan said firmly, gripping her wrists before she could lash out on herself. "You shouldn't have done that, yeah. But you were trying to do the right thing, baby. I'm just so fucking happy that the guys heard–" he paused when Riley clung to him, sniffling and sobbing into his neck. "I'm sorry," he croaked, his eyes watering despite not wanting to cry. "I shouldn't have left you alone even for a fucking second."

Riley settled down once Negan held her for a while. They didn't talk, only lay together in silence until Negan eventually fell asleep. He hadn't gotten a wink last night from anger and anxiety. Riley held Presley once he joined them, soon falling asleep again.

-

"What fucking pigs," Laura seethed once Riley told her the story a few days later. It was the weekly Friday night with the guys at the bar. They sat alone at a table while the guys played pool. "How have you been holding up?" she asked, her voice softening as she observed Riley.

Riley shrugged, fidgeting with the fruity drink Laura had ordered. "I haven't been sleeping well," she admitted. "Negan's lived with me all week, but... I'm all right," she finished.

"Maybe we should have a girl's day," Laura smiled. "We can hang out, get your mind off things... Out of your damn house," she grinned when Riley smiled. "I'm off on Monday."

Riley sighed painfully. "That's my first day of work," she said regretfully.

"Oh, yeah!" Laura said excitedly. "I completely forgot! Carol was so sweet about offering you a job. I'm glad she's better off without Shithead Ed," Laura said before sipping her drink.

"Carol advocates for others so much that she never does it for herself," Riley said, eating the pineapple her drink came with. "Maybe I'll like my job a lot better this time."

As the girls talked and caught up, Negan and Seger kept an eye on them even from a distance. Negan still felt so fucking guilty about not being more vigilant that night but internalized it to avoid dumping his baggage onto Riley. Seger managed to play pool alright with his bandaged, broken knuckles. As Seger took his shot, Billy wandered over, rubbing his bald head.

"Hey, there's this kid outside asking to speak to you," Billy told Negan. Negan and Seger both watched him with raised eyebrows. "And I mean a kid. He's gotta be in high school."

"I'll be right there," Negan said. As Billy sauntered away, they set their cues on the table. "Save our game," he instructed Lenny, who agreed. Riley watched Negan and Seger duck outside. She got butterflies whenever she saw Negan's tousled black hair.

"Billy boy wasn't fucking lying," Seger muttered as they stepped out, where Billy and a few others loitered. A lanky group of boys in faux leather jackets and forced rugged, youthful expressions stood around. They were the kind of kids that bullied you on the playground. Negan observed them as he and Seger approached. Billy and Ol' Man Charles smoked a cigarette.

"What's going on?" Negan asked, pausing before the group. Seger watched each boy individually as he pulled out a cigarette.

"Sir, my name is Robbie," the frontman said, stepping forward. "These are my friends. We want to join your biker gang."

Negan, Seger, Charles, and Billy gawked at the boys. Robbie watched hopefully, his blue eyes darting between the older men. His friends remained stoic behind him, almost as if they were robots. Negan couldn't help but chuckle, uncomfortably rubbing his chin.

"We have bikes," Robbie said, gesturing to a circle of them down the street. "We've built them ourselves. We don't have the money for these nice ones y'all got," he explained, gesturing to the Saviors' bikes neatly lined in the parking lot. "We dropped outta school cause our parents are shit, and we got nowhere else to go. Let us prove that we're good enough to be a member."

"This ain't a charity," Negan said, dropping his hand as he observed the boys. Robbie's face fell slightly, though the others remained stoic. "How old are you?" he asked next.

"Seventeen," Robbie answered. "Tex and Chris are sixteen, and Tony and Corey are seventeen, too. Please, sir. We ain't gonna be any trouble."

Negan and Seger shared a look. "Y'all are practically babies," Negan said, meeting Robbie's unrelenting gaze. "I can't be responsible for a bunch of kids. Y'all should go back home, go back to school while you still fucking can. This isn't the place for you."

"Negan," Robbie said, catching Negan and Seger's attention when they turned away. Negan looked back in surprise. "Please... Please don't send us back. Have a heart," Robbie added.

Negan inhaled deeply, again meeting Seger's eyes. This was the first time kids had ever asked to join the gang, and Negan didn't like it. "Fine," Negan said slowly. Robbie lit up, gesturing for the boys to enter the bar. "No," Negan said, causing the boys to pause. "Not them. Just you," he said to Robbie.

Robbie looked puzzled. He turned, observing his friends, who looked confused and awkward as they shuffled in place. There was a tense silence as Negan and the guys waited to see what Robbie would say. Robbie looked forward, confidently stepping towards Negan with a pep in his step.

"Nah," Negan said, forcing Robbie to move back. The kid was stumped, just as his friends were. "You see that? Exactly why I can't let kids into this shit. You just abandoned your boys at the drop of a fucking hat!" he chuckled in disbelief. "That's a hard goddamn no," he said, watching Robbie critically. "Get the fuck out of here and go home," Negan dismissed them.

Seger, Charles, and Billy quickly followed Negan into the bar. Robbie fumed, turning and angrily pushing past his friends to their bikes. The friends loped off behind him.

"Good on you, bud," Charles croaked, patting Negan on the back once they returned to the pool table. "That's a true leader right there."

Negan smiled a bit at the praise. Any good word from Charles sent tingles to your heart. "Something tells me they think we're up to no good here," he muttered as he grabbed his cue. "What the fuck do a bunch of goddamn kids need from me, anyway?" he questioned as he took his shot.

-

Riley panted heavily as Negan gripped her throat, forcing her back to arch slightly as he rocked his hips against her ass. She grabbed his wrist, her lips parting in a strangled moan at the quick, steady rhythm of Negan's thrusts. Rain pattered the windows, vaguely masking the sound of their connected bodies as they let off some steam. Negan nuzzled the side of her head, panting into her ear from the exertion while he squeezed the sides of her throat, cutting off her air in the way Negan learned that Riley liked.

"Ne–" Riley began, only to cut off when Negan squeezed her neck tighter. She chuckled breathlessly when he did so, letting the words slip off her tongue as Negan quietly told her to shut up. Riley's soft moans only made Negan's need for her grow, his grip on her waist tightening as he held her upright.

"I think I love you, baby," Negan chuckled, equally as breathless from the exertion alone. "Especially those goddamn noises you make," he said, loosening his grip on her neck before Riley could faint. Her deep, desperate gasp for air was strangely erotic. "You like that?" he asked huskily into her ear.

"Yeah," Riley whimpered, her nails digging into the sensitive skin of his wrist and arm. Her knees ached from pressing into the mattress for so long.

"That's what I thought," Negan chuckled darkly into her ear before he pushed her forward, moving his hand to the back of her neck as he held her down. His calculated change in rhythm made her nearly sob as her body trembled from the roll of his hips. "Can't wait to feel just how much, baby," he smirked breathlessly.

Minutes later, they lay beside each other, panting and satiated. Riley watched him in wonder, her unwavering gaze prompting Negan to glance at her in amusement.

"Something on your mind, sweet thing?" Negan asked softly, his voice light and teasing.

"Maybe," Riley whispered, her brown eyes sparkling with something Negan couldn't pinpoint. Admiration? Amazement? Both?

Negan smirked, looking at the ceiling. They had yet to clean up; Negan hadn't even removed the condom yet. It was starting to get uncomfortable, but he didn't feel like moving his ass. "I won't kiss and tell," he replied smugly.

Riley grinned, scooting closer until she was nestled against him. "I just... Never orgasmed with my ex as much as I have with you," she mumbled bashfully.

Negan's arrogant smirk reddened her cheeks. Riley hid her face from him as Negan cheesed, relishing in the victory of confirming his dick was top-tier. "That cuck couldn't get my girl off? I'm not one bit surprised," he said casually. Riley nudged him with her foot.

"I knew I shouldn't have said anything," Riley chuckled playfully, nuzzling his bare chest. Negan grinned, gently playing with her hair. He loved these moments with her, where they relished the afterglow together. Negan was surprised when Riley seduced him after her first day of work. He had assumed she'd be too tired to fuck, but he also assumed Riley wouldn't want to after what happened at the party. Riley seemed to need it in a way Negan didn't fully understand.

Once they were decent, Negan again held Riley, her dark hair tickling his nose, as they listened to the radio quietly playing in the background. He hadn't said anything to her about Robbie and his friends because Negan didn't think it was necessarily relevant, though now that a few days had passed, he realized how odd the ordeal was.

"These teenagers asked to join the group the other night," Negan said. Riley could hear his voice rumble through his chest, where she had listened to his heartbeat. She frowned, lifting her head slightly to look at him. Negan met her gaze, his feminine eyelashes framing his cheeks.

"How old?" Riley asked quietly.

"Sixteen and seventeen... Supposedly," Negan said, watching the ceiling once Riley laid her head down. "Said they have nowhere to go, their home life is shit... But they're kids. I told the leader of the pack I only wanted him, and I've never seen someone drop their 'family' so goddamn fast ever since Simon did the same to us."

"How the hell do they even know who you are?" Riley questioned quietly. She melted when his chuckle rumbled in his chest.

"I guess shit gets around," Negan said, trailing his fingertips along her bare back. "Plenty of guys have tried getting in, but... Never kids."

Riley nibbled on her lip as she pondered Negan's words. He played with her hair briefly when he came across it before continuing to stroke her back. "When's the last time you added a new member?" Riley asked curiously.

Negan snorted, grabbing a handful of ass through her panties. Riley squirmed against him. "Fuck, kid... I think four years ago? It's been so goddamn long. Billy was the last one I let join. Merle jumped on the fucking wagon after he got out of jail," Negan sighed at the memory. "Came to live with Daryl, found out that he had some boys to ride with, and he's been a goddamn pain in my ass ever since."

"Where's Merle now?" Riley asked softly.

"Probably on some kind of bender as we speak... Getting chlamydia," Negan snorted when Riley nudged him in amusement. "Hey," he chuckled, raising an arm in surrender. "I'm only judging from the past, baby girl. Merle's got a few diseases to go with the notches on his belt."

"Well, maybe those kids are just looking around," Riley said once their giggles passed. "To find a group that'll take them in."

"Maybe," Negan rasped, playing with her hair. "I might be overthinking shit, you know? It just rubs me the wrong way. Others out there aren't as tame as us... Hard drugs, sex trafficking, crazy shit like that. They're gonna get themselves involved with people that give no fucks about them. That's the fucked up part of the whole damn thing... I can't help but feel that I pushed them on that path," Negan admitted.

"You did the right thing," Riley said, resting her chin on his chest. "It's one thing to be responsible for adults, but not kids who aren't yours... And it's not like you know who they are. They could be just as crazy as Simon."

Negan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners in his amusement. "You're right," he said. "Guess I should have talked about this sooner," he added.

"You should have," Riley agreed smugly. Negan laughed, again grabbing a handful of ass when she adjusted herself, leaning over him until they kissed. He smiled smugly into her mouth when she moved on top, allowing him to feel her up as they made out.

-

When Riley worked a closing shift a few nights later, Negan sat on his porch steps, smoking a joint while drinking gin straight from the bottle. He was somewhat delirious, though he enjoyed it for the simple reason of it allowed him almost to forget what happened to Riley at that stupid goddamn party. While Riley didn't speak about it much, it killed him to know that he and the boys could have handled the situation without Riley getting involved so heinously if he had been paying attention.

While Riley had already told him not to take any blame, Negan couldn't help but take all of it. He took a deep swig of gin, ignoring the burn from his parched throat, a result of the marijuana. Negan almost wished he wasn't alone here, that he could selfishly use another person to distract himself without getting hammered, but everybody seemed busy. As he grew up, Negan almost forgot what it was like to be alone. He was used to constant company nowadays... While he managed to knock out smoking again, weed and alcohol were always there for him. Negan knew if he kept it up, he'd be the same borderline alcoholic from years before. The same pathetic person he became once Lucille fucked off.

Negan groaned when he heard his phone ringing from the kitchen. He stood without falling on his ass, holding his joint between his teeth as he carried the gin bottle inside. Negan shuffled into the kitchen, grabbing the phone before the call could end. "What?" he snapped into the phone.

"Is that any way to talk to a lady?" Lucille replied. Her voice felt like shards of glass fucking him in the ears.

"How the fuck did you get my number?" Negan asked in drunken annoyance. He forgot the joint was in his mouth and pulled it away.

"The phone book?" Lucille answered as if Negan were stupid and not intoxicated. "It's nice to hear that you're still a drunk even after I left. I thought that new girlfriend of yours would have straightened you out."

Negan chuckled dryly into the receiver. "You fuckin' made me this way," he said. "What the fuck do you want?" he slurred.

"Touchy," Lucille said. "Look. I called to make a truce, all right? Before shit gets even more out of hand."

"Why the fuck would I want anything from you?" Negan asked, throwing the joint into the sink in annoyance. "As far as I'm fuckin' concerned, you're not worth my goddamn time."

"The same old Negan," Lucille sighed. Negan could almost see the smug smile on her fucking face. "Vindictive and an expert at holding a grudge. It's been three years, sweetie. I'm sure we can agree just to forgive and forget, right? Especially since Si and I are moving back into town. Simon's a bit homesick."

Negan blinked as Lucille's words sunk in. He felt his stomach churn, and not from the fucking gin. "You're lying," he said lowly.

"I'm not," Lucille said. "We are moving back next month. Si doesn't know I'm calling you, so maybe don't mention this to him whenever you see him next. I'm sure it'll be sooner than you think–"

"How about this?" Negan chuckled before taking a drink. His throat was parched like a motherfucker. "How about you and your fucking cuck stay in the shithole you live in and don't fuckin' come near me, yeah? There ain't shit here for you."

Lucille fell silent. Negan was shocked, as she had gotten comfortable with being unafraid to retort, no matter what he threw at her.

"Negan, I don't want to do this anymore," Lucille said, her voice noticeably lighter, almost vulnerable.

"I've stopped doing this shit a long time ago," Negan laughed humorlessly. "You wanna join the club? Go ahead. Do it by leaving me and the guys the fuck alone," he said before slamming the phone onto the hook. Negan's head pounded as he took another gin drink, setting the bottle on the counter before he ambled into his bathroom. He barely made it to the toilet before he threw up. 

Chapter Text

"Negan... Negan? Hey, wake up."

Negan jolted awake, his eyes flying open in response to whoever shook his shoulder. Riley kneeled beside him, her eyebrows furrowed as she observed him. He had fallen asleep –or passed out– by the toilet, embarrassingly enough. Negan looked as shitty as he felt, squeezing his eyes shut with a grunt. "Fuck me sideways," he mumbled. There was a rustling sound before his toilet flushed.

"I called you four times, and you didn't answer," Riley said. Negan heard water running before a cool rag wiped his face. "I got worried," she sighed.

"Made a bad decision," Negan mumbled. His eyes didn't want to fucking open. "Turn the light off, baby," he added. Negan groaned quietly even when he saw the light disappear from behind his eyelids.

Riley was rightfully worried even as Negan picked himself up despite knowing he could vomit at any moment. He practically crawled into the bathtub despite intending to take a shower. Negan wasn't sure how long he lay there before properly cleaning up. Once he became presentable, he still felt like death as he shuffled to his kitchen, where Riley silently watched the coffee pot. Negan sank into a chair, his hazel eyes bleary and somewhat confused. He could have sworn he had made it to bed last night...

Negan snapped out of the brain fog when Riley gave him half a mug of coffee. He raised his eyebrows at her smug expression. "Where's the rest of it, sweet thing?" Negan asked hoarsely in amusement.

"That's all you get until you have some water," Riley said, already setting a glass before him. "You'll thank me later," she added.

Negan smirked slightly, rubbing his stubbled chin. He took a long sip of coffee while Riley began making him food that wouldn't make him throw up whatever remained of his organs. Negan finished the pathetic amount of coffee before he chugged the water quicker than he likely should have. His grimace once Riley gave him some food said it all.

"You gonna lecture me?" Negan asked once he kept the first few bites down. Riley ate her eggs with an unimpressed look. "I know it's brewing up a storm in there," he said knowingly.

"You want me to lecture you?" Riley asked sweetly yet condescendingly. Negan snickered, pushing a few morsels around his plate. Riley grinned at Negan's pleased expression when she allowed him more coffee.

"I should probably apologize first," Negan admitted. "Can't imagine what the hell you walked in on."

"I've never heard you snore that loud," Riley said after taking her last bite. Negan looked embarrassed, ruffling his damp hair until it framed his forehead. "I'm at least going to ask you what happened," she said after a minute.

Negan sucked down the three swigs of coffee, grimacing slightly from the lingering ache in his forehead. "Nothing happened," he lied smoothly. Almost too smoothly. Negan hated it. "My thoughts just get away from me and shit."

Riley, rightfully (again), looked suspicious. Negan had learned that Riley never pressed for information in most circumstances. It seemed his luck had run out today. "About what?" she asked curiously.

Fuck. Negan fingered the mug handle. "It's nothing worth mentioning, baby," he said. Another goddamn lie... "But thank you for checking on me," Negan smiled at her admiringly.

"I knew something was up when you didn't call me after work," Riley said. She took her dishes to the sink. "But you need to get more rest. And drink more water."

"Yes, ma'am," Negan snickered, already standing to fill his glass. He sincerely hoped he didn't throw up in the next few minutes.

-

"Simon just thinks we're fucking stupid," Seger mumbled, puffing his cigarette. Negan sat beside him, ignoring a group of women eyeing them across the bar. He hadn't smoked a cigarette in almost two weeks, something he was extremely proud of. The stress of losing Riley for a month had mentally fucked him up, but now that she was his again, the stress culminated from Simon and Lucille supposedly returning.

"There ain't a fucking reason for them to come back," Negan commented lowly. He played with his beer bottle. "Haven't done shit to warrant any shit like this. It's all about fucking power with that string bean-looking motherfucker."

Seger snickered into his cigarette before stubbing it out. His face became serious just as quickly. "Shared territory never works out. Heads clash, shit gets serious way too fucking fast...Anything to remind people that the piece of shit is always around."

"There's a reason they're doing this," Negan said after pondering. "I don't know what, but it ain't because they're homesick. There's always a fucking motive with that bastard. All he did was bitch and complain about this town. We're all better off without him around," Negan sighed, fishing some cash from his pocket before sliding it to Seger. "Thanks for the loan," he joked as he stood. Seger saluted with a smirk as Negan left.

Negan sat on his bike outside the bar for a while, enjoying the warm Summer air as the sun slowly set. He had this sickly feeling in his gut that hadn't subsided since Lucille's phone call a few nights before. Negan hid it from Riley, and fuck if it wasn't eating at him. Perhaps he didn't want her to worry or take his burden from him and wallow in it herself. It wasn't Riley's problem; he didn't want to drag her into it. Negan wished he could just forget Simon, forget Lucille most of all, but they were like nails on a chalkboard in his fucking head.

Negan started his bike, revving the engine for the hell of it. He weighed the options in his mind - wallow in pity alone at home or bother Riley at work. The answer was an easy one.

It was a slow night at Carol's Diner. Riley and Camille talked as they tidied the dining room. The nice weather usually kept the crowd away, and to Riley, the loss of wages wasn't a hindrance if it meant she didn't have to speak to people!

"Do you think Carol would let us close early?" Camille asked, taking a break from mopping to look at the clock. "We only have two more hours until close..."

"Probably not," Riley snickered. While Carol had always been more lenient than Ed, she still ran a tight ship. Camille pouted slightly as she continued mopping. "Maybe she'll pity us this time," Riley added teasingly.

"Either way, it seems someone is pitying you today," Camille smirked though her gaze lingered outside. Riley turned, looking through the large windows to see Negan parking his motorcycle at the curb. She quickly looked away, her cheeks blood red. Camille nearly cackled as Riley scurried behind the bar, forgoing her current task to look bored and desperately needing something to do.

"Guess I have shitty timing," Negan said once he walked in and saw part of the dining room floor was air drying. He smirked at Camille, carefully stepping around the wet spots.

"I'd be angrier if you wore those ugly-ass boots," Camille responded coolly. Negan and Camille liked each other enough that Riley usually had to separate them to avoid a roasting session getting out of hand. Negan's smart-ass mouth and Camille's nonchalant honesty could easily end in disaster.

"Cute, cute," Negan smirked at Camille as he strutted to the bar. Despite it being after seven o'clock, Riley started a fresh pot of coffee, knowing it was all Negan would ask for. Negan smirked as he took a seat. "But not as cute as you," he chuckled immaturely at the look on Riley's face.

"Always smooth like butter, aren't you?" Camille asked from across the dining room. She hurriedly rolled the mop bucket into the supply closet when she saw people heading for the doors.

"Slow day?" Negan asked, lamely attempting to make conversation. Camille returned to fetch the table of three. "I think this is the slowest I've seen this place since reopening."

"It's not so bad," Riley shrugged, setting a clean mug on the countertop. Negan's lips twitched when she didn't need to ask. "I've probably made too much money since we've opened."

"That's the first time I've heard of making too much money," Negan chuckled lightly. The smell of fresh-brewed coffee assaulted his nostrils. "You're something else, sweet thing."

Riley rolled her eyes as she poured his coffee. Negan's smug smile said it all as he admired her pretty face. His smile widened when Riley grabbed his favorite creamer from the cooler. Ah, shit!

Negan had a few cups of coffee and ate breakfast for dinner while Riley and Camille finished their last two hours of work. It was nice not hearing Shithead Ed's fat fucking mouth screaming orders at Riley as she worked. Negan thought he could hear the damn angels singing as he ate his breakfast in peace. Hearing Riley and Camille's conversation was strangely therapeutic.

Negan pulled his bike into Riley's driveway at nine-thirty, and she clung to his back. He turned it off as she dismounted, pulling the new helmet off her head. Negan threw out the old one and got a new one for her, yet she still hated what it did to her hair.

"Wait up," Negan called after her when she took a few steps towards the house. Riley hid her smirk as she turned, watching him temporarily struggle to dismount the bike without falling over. Negan's smirk gave hers a run for her money when he approached, grabbing her wrist and tugging her closer. "Not even a kiss goodnight?" he teased her, his lips brushing her temple when she looked away.

"I just assumed that you invited yourself over," Riley replied, her smirk widening at his immature chuckle. Negan's laugh could cure cancer.

"Ain't opposed to just assuming I'm welcome," Negan grinned widely, gripping her chin until she was forced to meet his eyes. "Maybe I just like hearing you say it."

"Yeah? Well, keep dreaming," Riley said, already halfway to the house before Negan could react. His deep chuckle followed her to the porch. She barely had the door open when he hounded her from behind, pushing them over the threshold. The door slamming cut off her boisterous laugh.

-

Negan was alone at the shop. Daryl had left a bit ago despite offering to stick around until Negan finished the car. While Negan had appreciated the offer, he knew he might be there a while. Riley would be off in just a few hours, and he planned on working until he left to pick her up.

The setting sun painted the sky in beautiful pink, yellow, and orange colors. Negan leaned against his bike outside the shop, an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth. While the urge wasn't quite there to smoke, he now dealt with the lingering effects of needing to go through the motions. It was a pain in his fucking ass, but a consequence of lighting up for a month. Negan watched as a painfully familiar motorcycle approached, turning into the parking lot without signaling. The car behind them blared its horn as they passed.

"Fuck," Negan sighed in annoyance as Simon beamed maniacally at him after parking the bike. He ripped the cigarette from his mouth, shoving it into the trash can.

"Boss!" Simon called ecstatically as he dismounted the bike. Negan scowled, attempting to hide his annoyance. Simon patted the handle of his motorcycle with an embellished, proud sigh. "Ah, nice to see that Dixon's still in business... Heard the police like to sniff around here," he said.

"Daryl ain't responsible for the dumb shit Merle does," Negan replied plainly, already pushing off his bike.

"Things haven't changed much, have they?" Simon offered cryptically. His smile was more unnerving than Negan remembered. "I gotta say, something about comin' back here to good ol' Lexington just..." Simon sighed deeply in faux remembrance. "Tickles me. Ain't surprised that you've stayed after all these years."

Negan chuckled humorlessly. "All I've ever known is right here. If you don't like it, you could always leave," he said hopefully.

Simon held his hands up, his lips curling upward slightly. He followed Negan into the garage, lingering at the garage door as Negan headed to his toolbox. "Come on, man! Don't be like that. I just came to bury the hatchet... After all, Luscious and I have been looking at some places around here. If we're gonna be neighbors, best to be civil, eh?"

Negan's jaw clenched, though Simon couldn't see. He opened his toolbox, hiding his shaking hand by rooting for the wrench to finish the job.

The car... Yeah...

Simon hid his scoff, ruffling his balding head. "I get it, all right? You hate my guts after the way shit ended between us... Can't say I blame you," he said, his tone almost convincingly tender. Negan found the wrench he needed. "But it's all in the past. You have your little filly now, don't ya? What's her name–"

Negan nearly tossed the wrench back into the box as he turned, though he kept it tight in his grasp. It'd take a millisecond to chuck it at Simon's head. "Oh, I see," Negan chuckled dryly, twirling the wrench. "So, because I have my girl, I gotta... Forgive and forget?" he chuckled in annoyance. "Let bygones be bygones? You've never fucked with that before. I ain't inclined to believe you're ready to start now."

"Suit yourself," Simon replied, his hands again held in surrender. "I'd be shittin' bricks myself if I were you. All I'm saying is that if we're gonna be neighbors around here, we should let things go back to being copacetic."

"Sure," Negan nodded, fighting the urge to laugh or commit homicide. "Might consider it," he lied. Negan inhaled deeply, mussing his hair. "We're closed," he added, already closing the garage door. Simon's lips twitched downward as he stepped back, already strutting towards his parked bike.

Negan angrily kicked a dirty bucket, slamming the wrench on a workbench. He gripped the stained wood tightly, attempting to contain himself as conflicting emotions hit simultaneously. Negan listened to Simon's bike drive away, the sound of its rumbling engine soon too far to hear... He needed to finish the damn car for pickup in the morning. Negan sniffed, grabbing the wrench with shaky hands.

-

Negan sat on Riley's porch steps, flicking his lighter. It was well after two in the morning. He listened to the crickets and distant cicadas sing their songs while he suffered the mental turmoil of guilt and hidden shame. Guilt, because he still hadn't gotten over what happened at that stupid party two weeks ago. Guilt because he hadn't told Riley anything about Lucille's phone call or Simon showing up at the garage two days ago. Shame because he was too goddamn proud and embarrassed to talk to Riley, yet also shameful that he hadn't kept Riley safe when she needed him the most.

Shame because Lucille might've been right in calling him a drunk.

Negan wasn't an alcoholic; he never had real substance issues outside of his dependency after Lucille dumped him, but this time was different. Crawling into a bottle felt like the best option right now despite having a support system right upstairs. Negan should be confiding in Riley and garnering advice and sympathy for this predicament. However, all he could do was drown his sorrows in shit that currently tasted like acid on his tongue. It felt like he was suffocating in a way that even Negan didn't fully understand...

The bottle of whiskey rested beside his feet. Negan could smell the moisture in the air, the leaves blowing gently in the breeze as a storm rolled in. He could see faint streaks of lightning over the neighborhood some blocks down. It was tragically perfect for the horrid shit he felt inside. Negan flicked the lighter shut, feeling the metal nearly burn his hand from the constant use. He forced himself to set it aside, rubbing his palm on his clean sweatpants.

-

December 12th, 1944

Negan peeked his head out from underneath the covers once the noises downstairs stopped. He could vaguely hear the crackling of the old radio playing in the living room, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, a song his mother raved about ever since she caught some flick at the local theatre. Negan could hear his father's heavy footsteps, an omen after the things Negan had heard from the safety of his bed. It wasn't until the front door slammed shut that Negan threw the covers off himself, his small feet hitting the cold wooden floor. He crept to the staircase, peeking from the landing. All Negan could see was the faint glow of the Christmas tree, the smell of fresh pine lingering despite the reek of alcohol. Negan couldn't see his mother. The music got louder as Negan headed downstairs, ensuring his footsteps were light and unheard. Broken glass littered the foyer—Negan wasn't a stranger to the jagged brown shards—and the smell of beer permeating the air made his nose uncomfortable. He carefully stepped around the rug, nearly tripping over his mother's lifesize nutcracker statue that terrified Negan until a few years ago. Negan swore repeatedly that he'd seen it move more than once.

"Mom?" Negan's soft voice echoed through the living room, where puddles of what he assumed was more beer stained the carpet. Christmas decorations had been knocked over, their coffee table nearly thrown across the room, leaving a hole in the wall. Negan froze when he saw droplets of blood drying on the floor, a trail leading into the other room. He wiped his sweaty hands on his plaid pajama bottoms, swallowing despite his dry throat. The kitchen light was dimly lit, but it was where the trail of blood tapered off. Negan hesitated, his voice catching in his throat.

Cora sat on the kitchen floor, her back against the wall, when her ten-year-old son hesitantly rounded the corner. She immediately closed her legs, hiding her bloody thighs from his view. The blood could easily be explained away by the cut on her palm, where her husband had slashed her with a broken bottle while she defended herself. Cora's nightgown was ripped at the shoulder, though she ensured it didn't slide off.

"Honey," Cora acknowledged him, hiding the lingering fear and discomfort in her voice. Negan remained glued to the corner of the room. "Everything is alright now. Go back to bed."

"You're bleeding," Negan croaked, his observation making Cora sigh softly. The number of times her son had cleaned up blood in his own house was nearly inconceivable.

"I'm fine," Cora lied, attempting to sway him to go back upstairs before August came home. It could be minutes or hours from now. Days. "Go to bed, Negan. Please. You have school."

Negan watched Cora attempt to stand, her bloody hand braced against the wall. Cora winced as she stood, her palm sliding along the plaster until she nearly fell to her knees. Negan immediately rushed forward, grabbing Cora's bare arm, where new bruises mixed with the fading ones. "Mom," Negan said as sternly as a child could muster.

"I just... Need..." Cora panted, her bloody hand gripping Negan's pajama shirt as she attempted to keep herself upright. She collapsed entirely, her feet slipping on the blood that had gushed from her vagina. Negan grunted when Cora accidentally yanked on his shirt, nearly giving him a friction burn.

"Mom!" Negan said, his panicked voice echoing loudly. "Mom!" he wailed, reluctantly dropping her arm when she sprawled out on the floor. Negan nearly slipped on his socks as he rushed to the phone in the living room, almost ripping the receiver off the hook. He knew the police station's number by heart now. Tears streamed down Negan's face as he attempted to explain that his mother might be dying on their kitchen floor from a wound Negan couldn't see.

-

Negan lay curled against Cora in her bed two weeks later, his backpack thrown into the corner chair. Cora gently stroked his hair, her cheeks sticky from dried tears. They listened to A Date With Judy, one of Negan's favorite radio shows, because he liked listening to Judy talk about never having a date... And he felt mature listening to a show about teenage social angst. Cora's still bandaged hand smelled like antiseptic, but Negan didn't care.

"Your bump is gone," Negan observed quietly, his head nestled under her breasts. Cora's hand paused, her breath catching in her throat. Negan didn't move from his position, though he could practically hear Cora's heart drop.

"It is," Cora agreed quietly, still stroking his hair. The show went into a commercial.

Negan was quiet as he pondered. He knew what the bump meant because Cora had told him last month that he would be a big brother. But now...

"There's no baby?" Negan asked for confirmation, though he already knew. He was only ten, but he wasn't an idiot. Cora's chest heaved slightly, prompting Negan to sit up. The look on Cora's face came straight out of Negan's nightmares.

"No," Cora confirmed shakily, moving her son's messy black hair from his forehead. Negan's expression equally broke her. "Not anymore, baby."

Negan's eyebrows furrowed, his gaze falling to her stomach, hidden under her nightgown. Cora hadn't done much since returning home from the hospital days ago, spending most time sleeping or crying in bed. August had returned home briefly to pack a bag while Negan was at school and hadn't been seen in over a week. "Why?" Negan asked, though he sort of knew the answer. All he knew was that pregnant women had to be extremely careful, or...

Cora's gaze was haunted as she cupped her son's chin, her thumb gently stroking his smooth cheek. Despite August having dark hair and brown eyes, Negan miraculously inherited her soft hazel eyes–something Cora would always be grateful for. Negan's eyebrows were furrowed as he waited for a response.

"I miscarried," Cora explained softly, attempting to be as calm as humanely possible. Negan hadn't heard of such a thing. "It's when an expecting mother loses the baby growing inside her."

"It died?" Negan asked bluntly, snapping his mouth shut when it fell open, the words registering almost too quickly. Cora closed her eyes when tears prickled them, threatening to spill. Negan's mind spun a mile a minute, attempting to make sense of something that sounded so scary. There was never a good reason that August threw his tantrums or hurt Negan's mom the times he lost control completely. Negan remembered every sound he heard that night, every cry, shout, crash of something heavy or glass breaking...

"Yes," Cora confirmed gently, opening her eyes to observe Negan's handsome little face. She'd always been jealous of her own boys' eyelashes. Cora always teased that there was a hurricane in Florida whenever he batted them in annoyance. It used to annoy Negan, but now he giggled along with her. Cora released Negan's face when he looked distraught in a way that might set him off completely.

"Is that why Dad hurt you? Because the baby died?" Negan asked, saying the only logical thing he could try to understand. Negan had experienced enough in his short life that he no longer attempted to think of why August did what he did, trying to avoid villainizing his father. But Negan knew the truth. August was the bad guy, and Negan hated him.

"No. That's not why," Cora said immediately, though her tone already told Negan that she wouldn't speak more about it. Negan's eyes burned with tears, prompting Cora to wipe her eyes due to an alarming amount of guilt, but knowing that it was the best decision for now.

"I wanted a little brother," Negan sniffed, the tears in his eyes crushing Cora. She reached for him again, only to drop it when Negan shoved it aside. His hazel eyes held so much fury that it was the one time Cora saw bits of August in Negan, and the mere thought of that always hit like a punch to the gut because Negan would never be his father. Not her little boy.

"I know you did," Cora soothed as best as she could. Negan allowed her to ruffle his hair, her comforting touch finally causing the moisture in his eyes to spill. Cora felt as if she'd been pierced several times through the heart. "I was so happy to give that to you, honey... But it just happened, and..."

It didn't just happen. August was the reason she lost the baby. And over time, Negan would know the truth. But for now, Cora refused to contribute to the nightmares Negan had already been having about her bleeding to death on the kitchen floor. It was no place for a ten-year-old.

"But one thing we will always have is each other," Cora said, gently cupping Negan's cheek until he looked at her, tears and all. Cora felt moisture dribble down her cheek. Negan's soft sniffles were stakes to the heart. "You are my son, my whole heart... And I love you," Cora sniffed, kissing Negan's damp cheek. She broke down when Negan threw his arms around her, their shared grief manifesting in this private moment.

-

Riley stirred in bed when she felt Negan crawling in beside her. She lifted her head somewhat, observing the moonlight briefly illuminating Negan's face as he slid under the covers. Presley slept peacefully on the window bench, his paws covering his face.

"Negan?" Riley whispered, her voice cracking from disuse.

"Go back to sleep," Negan whispered, leaning forward and pecking her forehead. Riley's disgruntled, sleepy expression would have amused him in circumstances where his traumatic childhood hadn't kept him up most of the night. Riley seemed reluctant as she lay back down, her deep sigh prompting Negan to kiss her head, his lips lingering even after she quickly dozed off in his warm embrace. Negan's head buzzed slightly. It was barely noticeable, as he'd managed to shelve the whiskey after a few sips. He didn't complain when Riley nestled against his side, her clean hair tickling his nose. Negan could smell the rosewater and the faintest hint of jasmine from her lotion. The reason he reflected on such a heinous memory was because Cora rejected his father's advances that night, resulting in the aftermath being what it was.

And the idea of something remotely similar happening to the sweet girl beside him because Negan failed to protect her had killed him all over again. He felt sick every time he remembered some beastly motherfucker attempting to rip her shorts off, a violation of Riley's entire being so severe that Negan couldn't handle the emotional turmoil that remained on his part. Riley had handled the ordeal better than he had. While she had never spoken about it since the day after it happened, Riley didn't let it change her or her outlook on life. But because Negan felt guilty about it, he was on the path to being more like his father— unable to put the bottle down.

Negan gripped Riley's hip to prevent his hand from shaking. While Riley slept like a baby, Negan had another night of restless sleep.

Chapter Text

"You've been quiet...er," Laura told Riley over lunch. Rain softly hit the glass of Carol's Diner. Riley's half-eaten sandwich and homemade kettle chips cooled in their basket. Laura smiled at her best friend. "Something on your mind?" She pressed.

Riley sighed deeply, her gaze fixed on a growing puddle along a dip in the sidewalk. While she'd felt hungry when they first arrived, she'd grown full after a few bites. Laura watched expectantly, her blonde eyebrows raised as she stirred her decaf coffee with a spoon. "Kinda," Riley answered, briefly meeting Laura's eyes before she stared at her uneaten food.

"I see," Laura observed with calculated interest. She hummed an off-key melody while Riley stared at everything but her friend. "You gonna tell me, or make me guess all afternoon?" Laura asked.

"I'm just..." Riley began, trailing off as her mind continued racing. Not the most successful girl time they'd ever spent together... "Worried about Negan. He hasn't been himself," Riley added quietly. Dejectedly.

"...Oh," Laura said lamely, watching Riley with silent understanding. "I mean... Yeah. I've noticed, too."

"Yeah. And none of the guys seem that concerned about it," Riley added quietly, unable to mask the bitterness she felt saying it. Lenny, Johnny, Billy, Ol'Man Charles, even... Seger seemed to have taken notice, but knew better than to make a fuss out of something that Negan would only pull himself out of on his own.

"Well, the guys aren't exactly the ones you wanna run to during an existential crisis. Johnny had a meltdown the other night when he thought he had a gray hair. It was just a split end," Laura snorted at the thought. "Now, add in a crazy duo of your ex-fiancée and your rival, ex-best friend? Yikes."

Riley didn't respond, though it was evident that she was just lost in thought. Laura grabbed a kettle chip from Riley's basket.

-

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, dear Charlie..." The joyous and slightly rambunctious song for a man turning sixty-six filled Charles' living room. His wife, Clementine, beamed at him when he finally blew out the candles. Their two children and six grandchildren clapped the loudest. His great-grandchild (who was only eight months old) slept through it in her wicker bassinet. 

"Only two years away from sixty-ni-" Lenny slurred, only to cough when Seger roughly elbowed him in the gut.

"I think you need to go back to school," Seger chuckled lowly, his grin wide and contagious as Laura cackled. Lenny frowned, holding fingers up as he attempted to count in his drunken state.

As Clementine and their daughter cut the cake and passed plates around, Negan and Riley watched from the farthest end of the table. Negan's smile hadn't been quite there even during the song, though his bare knuckles gently traced along Riley's exposed arm. Her strapless floral sundress had been his favorite part of the day, since he had been able to caress her bare shoulders and arms nearly the whole time they'd been at the birthday party. It was more comforting than sexual, though Negan's scowl when Billy got caught staring at Riley too long had spoken volumes.

While Billy likely meant no harm, Negan didn't like giving chances.

Two plates of chocolate cake were placed before them. Clarice, the oldest granddaughter, smiled shyly before hurrying off to grab her slice. Charlie was already on his second piece before Riley even picked up her fork. Negan smiled at Riley, but didn't move to take a bite of his own.

"How wonderful it is to have such wonderful friends and family," Clementine said a bit later as everyone ate cake. There were only a few slices left, though Charles was allowed a third piece because of his special day.

"Don't know what we'd do without Senior Statesman Charlie," Johnny said, reaching over to give Charles a firm clap on the shoulder. There was a loud toast of beers, soda, and juice as the guys (at least those two sheets to the wind) again began slurring out Happy Birthday in several different keys, which made Riley flinch.

Negan finished his slice of cake last. He didn't seem particularly interested in eating it, though he did so to be polite. Riley watched Negan directly as he chewed while averting his gaze, finding the room more interesting than anything else. She knew enough to understand that it was Negan's silent (but not so subtle) attempt at deflection. Negan's hair fell messily over his forehead after mussing it so much. "Stop starin'," Negan mumbled with a mouthful, though his lips hardly moved. The slight tilt of his lips proved his amusement anyway. Riley rolled her eyes with a smirk.

"Sure," Riley said sarcastically. She saw Clementine and Laura gathering dishes and stood. Negan smirked slightly as Riley gathered their trash and followed the girls into the kitchen.

"–I swear, Mrs. C. There haven't been any parties when you aren't here," Riley heard Laura lie to Clementine just as she crossed into the threshold.

Clementine eyed Laura as if wanting to believe her, but had lived long enough to know when somebody was lying. Laura's cute smile as she scraped scraps of food into the trash, plate by plate, was precisely what Riley had come to love about Laura over the years. Clementine chuckled hoarsely. "I see. That Billy seemed to know his way around our house, and I had never met him until today!" Clementine boasted as she began scrubbing dishes in the sink.

Laura smirked at Riley when she noticed her bringing more dirty plates. "Have you talked to him yet?" Laura mumbled to Riley, failing to appear as subtle as intended.

"Not yet," Riley mumbled back. Clementine peeked around her shoulder at the girls.

"Negan sure can't keep his hands off you," Clementine commented nonchalantly. Laura nearly spat out her own spit as she tried not to laugh. Riley sighed deeply, closing her eyes in silent prayer as Clementine spoke with the non-existent filter of a woman who gave zero fucks. Clementine scrubbed at a particular spot of dried sauce. "I never saw him that way with whatever her name was–"

Laura raised her eyebrows at Riley without saying a word. Riley squinted at her in warning as they handed Clementine a stack of dishes. "He's usually... Not." Riley said lamely. Laura scoffed, raising her eyebrows as if to say, 'Yeah, right!'

"I remember being that young and in love," Clementine sighed happily. "Charlie and I have been married almost forty years... Already had two children by the time we were your age. Time for you two ladies to get started!" Clementine joked.

"Oh, hell no–" Laura scoffed immediately, only to catch herself when Clementine looked back in surprise. Riley had to look away to avoid bursting into laughter. "I–I mean, maybe in a few years," Laura said, catching herself barely in the knick of time.

"Oh, you'll change your mind," Clementine said good-naturedly, though Riley couldn't help but internally roll her eyes. "Though, word of caution if you choose Johnny. Might want to get those kids reading at an early age–"

"Riley started reading when she was three," Laura said quickly, taking another moment to shift the conversation away from future imaginary children. Riley scowled at Laura. "I'll never forget your mom telling my mom that night after the parent-teacher conference when Scotty Hill accidentally broke your glasses on the school bus," Laura added.

"The last of my achievements," Riley mumbled, the self-deprecation enough to make Laura snort, though Clementine watched almost critically.

"Three, huh? Wow," Clementine said in surprise despite her stern expression. "You both will have beautiful children... But don't forget what I said," she pointed a soapy finger at Laura. "Johnny? Sweet boy. But not the sharpest tool in the shed."

Riley snorted, her quiet giggle muffled by the running sink water. Laura pouted slightly as Clementine finished the dishes.

-

The drive home was quiet. Riley had driven this time, her freshly washed Plymouth Fury nearly sparkled under the warm sun. Negan stared out the window, the breeze ruffling his messy hair as he fingered a crumbled cigarette he'd stolen from Seger. While unlit, having something in his hand helped quell the anxiety he felt. Negan had no intention of smoking it. He had been going on for almost a month without lighting up—no point in giving up now.

Riley hummed softly to the radio. Negan followed the melody by tapping his fingers against his knee, though he wasn't actually listening. The ruffle of Riley's hair in the breeze washed the scent of rosewater all over him. Negan swallowed the pooling saliva in his mouth when he wanted to stick the cigarette into his mouth. When they arrived at Riley's house, the sun was just setting. Negan had crushed the cigarette in his hand, the slight smell of tobacco heavy in the air. Riley rolled up her window, watching Negan as he lazily did the same before opening his door. She watched him climb out, her jaw flexing slightly in concerned... annoyance. Riley threw open her door, barely ripping the keys properly from the ignition before stumbling out after him.

"Hey!" Riley called out. Negan was already ten steps ahead, his lithe figure tense, as if walking to his death. Her sandals felt heavy as Riley scurried after him around her house. "Are you going to talk to me, or just grab your shit and leave?" She asked. Negan came to a stop. He didn't turn right away, his shoulders tense as if he needed to pop them into place again. Riley watched expectantly, her eyes hardened as she stared at his back. When Negan turned, his expression was unreadable, though not cruel. Riley hated how his handsome face almost distracted her from the issue at hand.

"Didn't know you wanted to talk, sweet thing," Negan said smoothly, tossing the unused, crumpled cigarette into the trash can. It reminded Riley that trash day was tomorrow... Negan smirked, though it didn't reach his eyes in the usual way Riley had grown accustomed to. He spread his arms slightly before they fell to his sides. "Talk." Negan pressed.

Riley scowled, closing the distance between them until they were toe to toe. "You think I'm stupid?" She asked, raising her eyebrows at him. "You–"

"Don't put words in my mouth," Negan sighed, watching her closely. His hazel eyes were almost pained. "Never said that shit, never fucking will."

"Fine," Riley said, her posture slumped as if already defeated. "But do you think I haven't noticed that you've been–" Riley paused, attempting to find the right words.

"Mopey? Dopey?" Negan offered, his smirk not quite there as he observed her face. "Ain't too familiar with those seven dwarves, but one of those has to be right," Negan joked despite the inappropriate time to do so.

"Mopey? Yeah," Riley said, crossing her arms. "If you didn't want to talk about it back then, fine. But after all this time? You walk around here like a ghost. You barely smile anymore!"

Negan sighed, observing Riley as if her own observations hurt him. "I don't know what you want me to say, sweetheart... I've been–" he paused abruptly.

"Don't bullshit me," Riley said, furrowing her eyebrows at him. Negan eyed her face. "Don't blame it on work. This didn't start until–"

"Until what?" Negan asked, stepping closer until her forehead nearly bumped his chest. His face hardened as he watched Riley, as if silently daring her to continue. "Until I let some fat fuck put his hands on you? Until I turned my back for three seconds, and you were on the ground–" Negan paused, running a hand over his mouth as he forced himself to take a deep breath, albeit a shaky one. Riley's heart sank when she saw Negan's face. The only sound was the distant rumble of interstate traffic a few blocks down and the crickets coming out of sleep. He turned away, unable to hide his shaky hands as he paced. 

"That wasn't your fault," Riley whispered to him.

"Sure fucking feels like it," Negan replied bitterly, forcing himself not to look at her as he poorly attempted to gather himself. "Should've checked those idiots out before I ever brought you there," Negan's voice cracked slightly as he internally berated himself over it for the umpteenth time since it happened. "Rebels? Yeah. Lizard Tongue ain't as bad as it got with them, sweet thing... Told the guys we're never going somewhere they'll be again."

Riley didn't approach him like she instinctively wanted to. She hesitated in place, noting that her elderly neighbor across the street was watching them as she watered her plants, though no water came from her watering can. Riley looked away before her neighbor caught on that she was, well... caught.

"Can't see someone I care about go through shit like that again," Negan said, swallowing hard. He didn't see the way Riley frowned at him in confusion. "Maybe I ain't a saint. And maybe my old man never cared about what he did, but..." Negan flexed his jaw. "I ain't him... I don't stand for that shit. And I couldn't be the one to save you. Seger beat me to it," he chuckled bitterly, though his lips trembled with emotion as Negan still tried hiding it.

"But I'm the one who tried to help her–" Riley began softly.

"No!" Negan snapped, turning to look at her again. He approached so quickly that Riley couldn't process what was happening when Negan gripped her arms, his touch heavy, though his gaze was pleading, his hazel eyes melting her soul. "NO. Don't fucking do that!" Negan's glare was superficial as he watched Riley in distressed impatience. "Maybe I don't understand what it's like to be a woman, but even I know that shit ain't right for anyone to be blamed other than those two low-lives."

"Then why are you blaming yourself?" Riley asked. Negan swallowed the bile in his throat as they watched each other. The old neighbor had ducked back inside. "You weren't the one doing what they did, Negan... But you and the guys helped stop it. Not even about me, but with that poor girl who would've–" Riley paused before she could finish the gruesome sentence.

Negan released her arms. He looked more distressed than Riley had ever seen him. "All I've fucking thought about is all the times I heard my dad do that shit to my mom, and I wasn't strong enough to keep it from happening," Negan spewed it all out unexpectedly. He clenched his fists, his chest heaving as he attempted not to blow a fucking gasket. "I-It's torn me up inside all these goddamn years, and then... I saw that shit happening to you, and it's all I see when I close my eyes. The only goddamn thing I hear is my mom begging him... Not knowing if I was even supposed to be here," Negan laughed dryly. "Always knew that I wasn't planned... But it ain't the goddamn joke I thought it was back then, now that I understand what that might mean."

The silence between them was palpable. You could choke on it.

Negan exhaled deeply, shoving his hands into his pockets as his shoulders relaxed. "It never should've happened... Any of it," he mumbled, his eyes flickering to her face. "Not just my mom. But you at that damn party."

"I'm sorry," Riley croaked out. Not knowing what to say felt like a common occurrence as of late whenever there was a trauma dump...

Negan shook his head, again closing the space between them. He cupped her jaw, forcing Riley to meet his eyes as he tilted his head to level with her. "Don't be sorry," he murmured, his messy hair tickling her forehead as Negan leaned closer. "Especially if you ain't giving up on me."

Riley's face fell slightly. She shook her head, pressing herself closer until Negan had no choice but to hug her. Riley sighed shakily into his chest. Negan held her tight, his lips grazing her forehead as they embraced right there in her yard.

-

July 4th, 1966

Fireworks. Firecrackers. Colored smoke bombs. The smell of sulfur was strong as the entire neighborhood lit up the sky in celebration. Lenny and Johnny each had a pile of hot dogs, trying to see who could eat the most without throwing up. Seger ate his normal portion of BBQ with a slightly disgusted expression.

"Guess whiskey dick isn't the only thing getting in the way tonight," Laura mumbled to Riley a fair distance away, eating her fourth slice of watermelon. Riley chuckled into her bite, juice dribbling down her chin as she used her plate to catch it from dripping onto her sundress. "He's going to get sick!" Laura added in disgust.

"You're not the only one not getting laid tonight," Riley mumbled, dabbing her mouth with her napkin. Laura pondered before grabbing a fifth slice. Riley watched in amusement.

"Oh, no!" Laura gasped, watching Riley with pity. "I thought Negan looked pouty this afternoon," she teased Riley.

"I wouldn't have shown up if it were a pool party," Riley said, inhaling deeply as she rubbed her stomach, the slight pudge of water weight uncomfortable in her tight dress. At least it held everything in place...

"Imagine if any of us could afford a pool. I'd be as red as a lobster!" Laura complained at the mere thought. "At least you'd just look prettier than you already are. And you are hot."

Riley's scoff made Laura giggle. They continued eating the fresh fruit.

Negan's Chevelle pulled up a moment later. He and Charles climbed out, carrying more beer. Despite the July heat, all the boys wore their biker jackets like faithful soldiers. Laura nudged Riley, nodding over to the guys waltzing over with alcohol that would be gone within a few hours. Seger couldn't stand to see the hot dog-eating contest anymore and approached the girls, his plate of ribs tight in his grasp as he pressed his lips together tightly.

"They're acting like damn dogs," Seger said, eyeing Laura's stack of watermelon rind on her plate. "And I see the tradition has spread."

"Oh, fuck you–" Laura began, only to dramatically squeal when Johnny snuck up behind her, attempting to press a wet kiss to her face. Riley moved aside just before Laura could run her over while making a run for it.

Negan approached, his smile subdued as he pushed his way through the crowd of people, most of whom he didn't care enough to know shit about. Riley yeeted her paper plate of fruit scraps into the trash can just as Negan reached them.

"No beer?" Seger observed in surprise, watching Negan with quirked eyebrows as Negan slid his arm around Riley's shoulders, his lips grazing her forehead in greeting.

"Not today," Negan breathed deeply, smiling slightly as Seger nodded in understanding. Riley watched Negan, her gaze trailing his jawline as she leaned against him. "Plenty for everybody else," Negan added.

Seger ate his ribs, his eyes scanning the crowd of people in Charles and Clementine's backyard. The sun was nearly set entirely, though the high humidity had yet to offer any relief from the heat.

"You should eat something," Riley whispered to Negan once someone engaged Seger in a conversation.

Negan shrugged, his lips curling slightly as he debated it. Charles' son removed the rest of the smoked ribs from the smoker, the smell of fall-off-the-bone meat wafting right over to where they stood. Negan hadn't eaten much all day, though the thought of consuming anything made him feel nauseous. "Later," Negan smiled slightly, ignoring the concerned way that Riley watched him anyway. He slyly grabbed a handful of her ass, temporarily distracting Riley as she rolled her eyes with a shy smirk, touching his chest in silent warning to behave.

Negan did eventually eat some food when Riley grabbed something for herself. They sat on a blanket in the yard, their knees touching as they silently ate and watched the neighborhood fireworks. Charlie's youngest grandchildren had been completely enthralled, screaming each time the ground shook from an explosion. Riley ate an extra rib from Negan's plate that he didn't want.

"Kinda kills me to see you fueling up, and I can't put you to work later," Negan mumbled, his smirk making Riley giggle into her bite as he watched her smugly. He sighed good-naturedly, sipping from his Coke bottle.

"I'll fuel up for the next time," Riley teased Negan. He smirked into his bottle as Riley wiped her hands with a moist towelette.

"Glad you still decided to come," Negan said a few minutes later, his eyes silently adoring as he observed Riley's face. She leaned backward on her hands, watching the sky light up, illuminating her pretty features. "Shit, ain't the same without you now."

Riley barely hid her shy smile. She fiddled with the hem of her dress, angling herself slightly towards Negan. "Well, maybe I have you three to thank for making me want to leave the house," Riley said, nibbling slightly on her lip as she watched Negan admiringly. "...Especially Laura," she whispered, looking at her knees. "I get on her case sometimes for being pushy, but... Laura never let me hide for too long. Always pushed me to get out there. Especially after my mom."

Negan nodded, his lips curled slightly at one corner. "Must run in the family. Seger never fuckin' left me alone after Lucille left, and... Then my mom," he inhaled shakily, gently grasping Riley's bare knee. "Now, you've got my ass to look forward to hounding you left and right." Negan grinned, leaning closer to graze her temple with his lips.

-

After they left, Negan and Riley stopped off for gas on the ride home. Riley leaned slightly out the window as Negan filled up, leaning against his car with an unlit cigarette in his mouth. He smirked around it, ignoring the dirty look someone at the opposite pump gave him, fighting the urge to show his hands to maximize discomfort. Negan didn't even have a lighter on him...

"You're funny," Riley teased him sarcastically once the other customer finally drove off, thick smoke coming from the exhaust of their truck. Riley wrinkled her nose but didn't complain.

"Ain't no harm. Keeps me from lightin' up otherwise," Negan said, bobbing the cigarette between his lips. "Guess I can't blame the fucker. But I ain't that dumb," he snickered, removing the nozzle from his car and placing it back on the pump.

Riley grinned, watching Negan walk around the car to the driver's side. Her smile faded when she noticed a thin, leggy blonde stepping out of a vehicle before the convenience store. That curly blonde hair had been permanently ingrained in Riley's mind for the last few months. Negan barely had his belt buckled when Riley nudged him repeatedly.

"I'm going as fast as I–" Negan chuckled before he looked up, realizing what Riley was now pointing at. Negan's face hardened immediately as they watched Lucille walk into the convenience store with a small wad of bills. "Of fucking course," he snapped lowly.

"Looks like she's alone," Riley mumbled. While Lucille was one thing, she didn't want to see Simon's dark, lifeless eyes...

Negan turned on the car. He waited a millisecond, ensuring that Lucille didn't turn around before she disappeared into the store. Negan sighed deeply as he drove off, his jaw tight as if biting back something harsh. Riley watched him sympathetically. "Yeah, about that..." Negan mumbled.

Which is how Riley found out that Simon and Lucille were more local than either would care to admit.

-

July 15th, 1966

Negan jumped awake when his phone rang shrilly. Riley stirred beside him, lifting her head just as Negan leaned over her, fumbling with the receiver as he attempted not to squish her beneath him. The gentle patter of rain on his bedroom windows could almost lull Riley back to sleep.

"'Ello?" Negan grumbled into the phone, using his elbow to support himself. Riley blinked up at him, bunching the blankets under her nose as she watched his face. Negan stiffened slightly. "Fuck. I'll be there in a bit," he said before hanging up. Riley hardly had a second to grasp what he said before Negan was crawling out of bed, immediately searching for appropriate clothing to wear.

"What's going on?" Riley croaked, lifting her head slightly to look at Negan better.

"Charlie's in the hospital," Negan mumbled, grabbing the jeans he lazily tossed over the dresser the night before. He slid into them, barely staying upright as his morning fog temporarily overpowered him. "They think he had a heart attack this morning. Gonna go and check on him."

Riley sat up, the blankets falling to her waist as Negan scurried around his room, tripping over his own feet in his haste to hurry and dress. She gazed at the alarm clock with bleary eyes. It was just after nine o'clock. Riley was scheduled for a midday shift at eleven. "By yourself?" She croaked.

"Seger is on his way there. Nothin' to worry your pretty little head about," Negan said, attempting to keep the mood light despite the gnawing feeling in his chest. He disappeared into the bathroom.

Riley felt antsy as she lay down, nestled into Negan's pillow, as she heard him brush his teeth and do whatever else. She imagined Clementine at Charlie's bedside, perhaps with their children or grandchildren... Riley's chest ached thinking about it. She had never known her grandparents on either side of her family. She imagined the fear of losing a grandparent was nearly as awful as losing a parent.

Negan returned a few minutes later, yanking a shirt out of his closet and sliding it on. He didn't bother combing his messy hair, running his fingers through it enough to get it out of his eyes. Negan half-crawled on the bed, leaning down and kissing Riley's jawline before pecking her warm cheek. "Don't worry about it. I'll call you when I know something," Negan murmured before pecking her lips, the deep rumble of appreciation in his chest enough to make Riley flush. He walked out with a smirk.

Throughout Riley's shift, Charles lingered in her mind. The rainy day kept most people away, even for a Friday during the Summer. She served customers, scrubbed surfaces, and even deep-cleaned a row of booths during the lull that followed the lunch rush. By the time Riley had counted her tips and closed her drawer at six-thirty, she hadn't heard a word from anyone. Riley grabbed her clutch and her raincoat, bidding Catherine and Blaine goodnight as she exited the diner. The only thing she could think to do was drive to the hospital. Laura was likely on duty, whether she knew anything about Charlie or not. Riley idled a moment in the parking lot, eyeing the phone booth on the far corner of the sidewalk. She decided against it. Riley put the car into reverse and drove off.

When Riley entered the hospital lobby, she nearly collided with another person leaving, as she saw Negan and Lucille standing near the elevators, obviously engaged in a rather heated discussion. The person that Riley almost bumped into dodged out of the way just in time, though they didn't comment as they hurried out of the building. Riley quickly hid before Negan or Lucille could notice her.

"–Contrary to your belief, Negan, we have the right to be here!" Lucille hissed, her expression stern as she glared at him.

"Charlie's family doesn't want to see you. Let alone Howdy Doody," Negan seethed, his glare icy enough that Lucille could likely feel the daggers in her face. "Especially not right now. Not after what Simon did."

"Simon left your group. So what? You think that matters in the grand scheme of things?" Lucille rolled her eyes in exasperation, fighting the urge to cross her arms like a petulant child. "Whether you like it or not, Simon is still his nephew. And even if I thought this was a bad idea, you know Simon won't listen! You're barking up the wrong tree."

"Really? I thought he listened to everything his Luscious said," Negan mocked her lowly. Lucille glared at him, though not before her expression wavered slightly. Riley ducked back around the corner just as Negan glanced her way. While he paused, causing Lucille to look, he hadn't been exactly sure if he had seen Riley. Lucille quickly lost interest and observed Negan again with raised eyebrows.

"Are you done?" Lucille asked, regarding Negan as if he were a foul, loathsome cockroach. "Every time I try to level with you and be as kind as possible, you remind me why it's damn near impossible for us to get along. I came here to support my husband–"

"Husband?" Negan snorted, unable to hide his smirk. "He put a ring on it, sweetheart? Not sure who to feel sorry for," he said.

Lucille smiled bitterly. "Soon," she clarified, making a note to flex the finger now supporting a rock. Negan was grateful when he didn't feel nauseous looking at it – only relieved. Lucille sighed with saccharine sweetness. "But I stand by what I said. I'm here for Si, and Si only... Which is funny, considering I don't see your sweet Valentina anywhere."

Riley was temporarily taken aback before remembering that she had given Lucille and Simon her middle name. She peeked around the corner just enough to see Negan wearing a similar expression before the realization slowly hit him, too.

"She's working," Negan spat lowly, though not as venomously as a moment before. He sighed deeply, taking a few steps back to put space between him and Lucille.

"Oh? She found work after that first diner burned down?" Lucille's interest sounded artificial in Negan's ears. "I read about that in the paper... Saw the owner had been falsifying tax records. But there was no evidence his wife had any knowledge of it. I wouldn't be surprised if she burned it down with him in it."

Negan's smirk was subtle, but Riley still caught it from a mile away. "Guess we'll never know, huh?" He asked, the slight change in his body language telling Riley that Negan had officially checked out of the conversation. Riley kept watching from her corner. "As much as I'd love to stay and chat, I've got some better things to do. If you'll excuse me." Negan finally dismissed himself. Lucille stayed in place as Negan walked away, his footsteps easy, though his eyes were calculated as he scanned every nook and cranny he passed until he inevitably caught Riley as she spied on him.

Riley smiled shyly in embarrassment as Negan smirked at her in amusement. "Hi," she greeted sweetly.

"You wanna be in the Secret Service, baby? I would've hooked up a microphone to me so you could hear better," Negan teased, his grin reaching his eyes for the first time all day. Not that Riley would know that. "I'm sorry. Time kinda got away from me. Was hopin' to visit you at work," Negan admitted sheepishly.

"It's all right," Riley shrugged, watching Negan as if she had been worried about him all day. He could see it all over her face. "How is Charlie?" She asked.

Negan visibly relaxed when Riley didn't immediately inquire about Lucille – though he knew she likely heard enough to gather how it had gone. Lucille had since disappeared, riding up to the ninth floor by elevator. The smell of floor cleaner was strong as a custodian mopped the empty part of the lobby, whistling a tune along the way. Negan sighed. "He's stable... Had to get some stents in. They're sure he'll make it, but... He'll need some physical therapy," Negan said dejectedly. Riley fiddled with his shirt. "Clementine found him on the bathroom floor at five this morning. Might not have made it if she had been any later in findin' him."

"I'm sure he'll be okay," Riley agreed, moving closer to hug him. Negan didn't hesitate, though he resisted the urge to grab a handful of ass as she comforted him. He smelled her hair, squeezing Riley until her pained giggles for air were enough to make him laugh.

"We'll come by tomorrow," Negan murmured in her ear, his hands wandering along her hips as they embraced in the semi-privacy they had. The custodian was too busy moving chairs to notice them, though a few curious eyes from people entering the hospital were unavoidable. Negan nodded briefly to Charlie's son and his children as they left, all of them red-eyed yet hopeful for their grandfather's recovery. Riley melted into Negan's embrace.