ELEANOR . NEGAN

017.

The stakes were getting bigger and higher with each passing hour. People were rattled, scared - worried. The walkers were reaching the windows and the sound of their non-stop scratching echoed throughout the halls. No one could sleep - too worried that they'll break through and attack at their most peaceful time.

Negan was still out to find the one who betrayed them, Gabriel stuck in a humid room with Dr. Carson. Negan actually allowed Eleanor to visit whenever she wants - and she took advantage to that. There was an infection growing in his body, something that was most likely affecting his eye. With Eugene's help, they'd been trying to make some organic health booster but it's hard to do that with no materials.

She stayed with Gabriel for as long as she could and only left we he got some rest. They talked, and she comforted him. But it all felt very one sided - like he didn't trust her anymore. She hated that feeling... but she began to think he was right.

She found out about everything happening in Alexandria, or at least what was happening to her family. She didn't know the plans, the executions, the overall ending - she just knew Maya was okay and was getting looked after by Charlie. And that Daryl was back, and doing much better. Rick was going through a lot to protect the people he loved, and it broke Eleanor's heart when Gabriel told her that Maya was staying with Daryl whenever he was back home.

Whenever Eleanor was not with Gabriel, she spent her free time supporting the worried workers. Negan didn't agree with it - if anything hated it. But he was the one who said she needed a 'job' and this was the... well, the was the only thing she could possibly do.

But besides all that, when it turned to night and the only sound you could hear was the walkers, she'd distract herself with her own mind and punished herself over and over again. If Gabriel didn't trust her, then a lot of others wouldn't either.

But for now, she was down with all the workers and was currently talking to a small child. He was about maybe four-years-old, and was frowning about his grazed knee. "You're taking this like a champ, kid." Elle mumbled, slowly dabbing a wet towel against his sore skin.

The kid smiled, but tears were sitting on his waterline. "My mummy said I'm.. ow.. that I'm strong."

Eleanor looked up at the kid and grinned. "Well, she ain't bloody wrong. Look at you! You're so brave."

"Mhm."

Her hands were delicate when it came to the kids knee. Once she cleaned the dirt from his wound, she pulled his trouser leg and smiled. "All done."

-

"You do realise the storm of shit I'm gonna dump on Rick as soon as I am clear of the shit storm he dumped on me?"

Eugene was stood in front of Negan with his hands down to his side with a new will to survive across his face. "I do, indeed."

Negan smirked. "Goddamn, Eugene. How does it feel to be the second-most," Negan shook his head. "Scratch that, third-most important person here? How does it feel to save these good people?"

"It feels great." Eugene then straightened his back. This was the time to tell Negan about the betrayer - the guy who got this shit to happen. Dwight. "Got something else of urgency for you. Another item solved."

Negan raised his brows, impressed. He can't believe he was thinking this, but Negan was impressed with Eugene. "More than a way out and a promise of bullets in the way? Jesus, Eugene, you are magnificent."

"I am."

"So... what is it?" He wiggled his hand. "Tell me."

Just as Eugene went to speak, the meeting room door swung open and inside came the top Saviours, including Regina and Dwight. "We have the stairs, but the dead ones have the lower level, the whole thing."