LOYAL [TWD] (third book to TROUBLE)

prepare

All tension left Sakiko as Nabila hands Kitsune over to her.

"Oh, love," Sakiko breathes, nuzzling her nose against the baby's temple, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

"I should have came with you," Nabila sighs, "I'm sorry, baby."

"It's no biggie," Sakiko assures, "I just.. I wasn't expecting it. Plus, I wasn't anticipating him acting that way."

"We were getting somewhere with the anger management," Nabila attempts to joke, "Violence is the final choice."

"Not that time. He deserved it. I just wish I hit him more."

"Still," Nabila frowns.

"If it helps, I stalled for another hit or two," Jerry offers.

"My hero," Sakiko smiles as Nabila pops the back of Jerry's head.

"He had it coming," Jerry defends, rubbing his head.

"God, you two fight like an old married couple. When are you just gonna do the dirty tango already?"

"Sakiko!" Jerry blushes.

Sakiko giggles, sitting down at the table and situating Kitsune in her arms. Her nerves lessened significantly and she finally relaxed.

"You gonna help out on the bridge?" Sakiko asks Jerry.

"If that's what the King decides. Whatever Maggie has to say, too."

Sakiko nods before pausing in thought.

"Oh no," Jerry comments.

"What?"

"That face. It means something big is going on up there."

Sakiko scoffs. But, she doesn't deny it, either.

"Hey, moms, could you watch Kitsu for a day or so?"

"Sure thing, honey. You going somewhere?"

Sakiko nods slowly.

"I think it's time the Dixons and Rhees put an end to that asshole."

--

"You knew Sakiko had the baby?" Nanami blames, walking into the camp area that was being set up.

"What?" Daryl asks, glancing to him and handing Nanami part of a tarp.

"Sakiko had her baby."

"Yeah.. And?"

"You didn't tell me."

Daryl huffs, nailing the rod into the ground, "That's cause she told me not to tell you."

"Aren't we past you picking favorites?"

"It ain't picking favorites. She asked me to do something for her and Kit's privacy and I did what she asked."

Nanami sighs, watching Daryl work as he held the tent up.

"I saw her at Kingdom."

"You see Kit, too?"

"No. But, she let it slide."

"Did she let it slide or did you annoy it out of her?"

"She was being bitchy."

"Don't call her that."

"She called me worse when Carl and I were there."

Daryl huffs for the second time.

"You agree with her? About Negan?"

"I think that she was affected by Negan more than most and has the right to voice her opinion on if the dick should die or not."