FALLING - by Maria Love (a Negan fanfic)

Chapter 3

Standing in the horse enclosure with Chestnut, I began admiring his coat when the sun shone down on him. He was improving a lot these past few days. Over time we had formed a little bond, behind the wall of protection he'd built from essentially being a wild animal for years, he was actually a very affectionate horse who would absolutely worship me whenever I scratched behind his ears. His personality was beginning to shine through, and it was beautiful to watch.

Grabbing a large wide-tooth metal comb, I began to gently de-tangle his long coarse mane. Before when I worked on my dads farm I'd use a special detangler spray that would work wonders, but regrettably I didn't have such products these days. So a good old fashioned comb would have to do the trick.

"Hey, Louise" said Michonne as she stood leaning on the fence. "Negans about to be taken from his cell, are you sure you're okay with this?"

"I'm sure" I reply with a sincere smile.

Before she walked back to where Negan was being held, she told me that if he began acting out of pocket to inform one of the guards immediately, and they would put him right back behind bars. It was a negotiation I could work with. My heart began to pound as I saw him being walked out of the miniature penitentiary they had built to lock him up, he was wearing a dark blue jumpsuit and his wrists were secured in cuffs. But despite all of that, he still seemed to have an ignorant smirk on his face. All too soon they had him next to the stables, as I glance at him from the side of my eye he shot a menacing wink at me which sent chills throughout my whole body.

"You listen to everything she tells you, do anything stupid and you know what will happen" I hear Michonne whisper harshly to Negan as a guard uncuffs him. She was a strong lady, and reminded me a lot of my mom.

"Yes drill sergeant" he replied in his cocky humour, tired of his arrogance she rolled her eyes and walks away. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a little funny, but I'd never admit that to the man.

"We meet again, Red" he says as he climbs over the fence with ease.

"As much as I adore that little pet name you've given me it's not what I'm called, my names Louise. Start using it" I say with confidence. He might have been the big cocksure leader that everyone worshiped once upon a time, but here he's got nothing to prove.

"Yes ma'm" he replies, obviously astonished by my assertiveness.

"So, where shall we start?" I ask as I place the comb to one side.

"It's your call warden".

"Have you had any experience in handling horses before?" I question as I start dusting the fallen grime from Chestnuts mane off of his fur.

"No, don't know a damn thing about the critters. Have you had a lot of riding experience?" he asked sarcastically, laughing at his own joke.

"If all you're going to do is make dirty jokes you can just leave" I say already getting fed up with the man.

"Alright, alright keep your panties on doll. You're the instructor, I am your student. Teach me". He says pushing himself off the fence and stepping closer, only then did I fully register his height. Avoiding eye contact, I swallowed in intimidation but continued nonetheless.

"Okay, that's more like it" I begin as I turn away. "This is Chestnut, he's the first horse I've been working on. For now you can pick up where I left off and brush out the rest of his mane, in the meantime I'm gonna start on his tail. Take the metal comb from the box and start brushing, it'll be easier if you begin at the bottom and work your way up" I suggest, and he does as instructed.

Taking off my baseball cap I wiped the sweat that had started to gather on my forehead with the back of my sleeve, looking at Negan I catch him staring at me.