ORDER (sequel to Trouble) [TWD]

deprecation

Sakiko holds her knees up into the seat in front of her, Ryan's arms lounged across her knees as he watches how she stares out the window.

"Have I ever told you how pretty you are?" he attempts.

"Gross."

Ryan huffs a laugh, sitting upright to lean against the seat and move closer to her.

"Usually people compliment their partner back, you know?" he points out.

Sakiko looks at him, eyes scanning up and down his face.

"Your breath stinks less than normal."

"And your hair is less oily than a week ago. Glad we had this conversation."

The teasing pulls a genuine smile out of Sakiko, though a small one. But, it was a win in Ryan's eyes regardless of the details.

"What do you want to do when we get to D.C.? Other than, you know.. Save the world," Ryan scrunches his nose.

"Set the capitol building on fire because politicians failed our society."

"Ah.." Ryan nods, "Before or after?"

Sakiko hesitates, "Both?"

Ryan grins, giving Sakiko a quick kiss on the temple before resting his forehead there. One of his hands lays on her leg, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"I am really happy you came. I know I already said it.. But, thank you."

"You like hearing my plans of becoming an arsonist?" Sakiko clarifies.

Ryan chuckles, "I like hearing your voice. I don't think I could've gone without it for a few hours, let alone however long this trip would've been."

"Last month you said I talked too much."

"And I love you for it."

Sakiko begins to make a comeback, words somehow falling short at Ryan's confession.

Ryan lifts his head, enough so they were eye level again.

"Really?" Sakiko treads carefully, afraid he'd take it back.

With that smile still in place, Ryan's hand moves from her leg to her face, brushing the hair from her cheek so he could see her better.

"Really," he nods.

As the brakes squeal on the van, Sakiko momentarily questions if that saved her or killed her.

--

Nanami throws the rope of squirrel around his shoulder, emerging from the treeline.

"All right, Daryl Junior," Michonne comments from her place at the stairs, "Got dinner?"

Nanami just needed to clear his head. The poor squirrels caught the brunt of that.

"Not in the mood," he denies.

As he begins to step past her, Michonne lifts her sword to block the walkway, "Sit."

"No."

Slowly, the sword travels until the tip is at his chin, "Sit."

Rolling his eyes, Nanami plops down onto the stair below Michonne.

"Speak," she orders.

"I'm not a dog."

"No, but you are acting like a bitch."

"Excuse me?" he asks, turning to look at her better.

"You heard me."

That anger that he'd felt for weeks bubbles up again.