The Only One | Negan

16. Responsibility

The week rolled on with everyday tasks. Me, Christian, and a couple of our men went to the Kingdom to get the weekly supplies and I spent about an hour chatting with Ezekiel about dogs, horses, animals in general. He told me he was a zookeeper before the apocalypse and that explained the huge tiger he kept as a pet. Told me the whole story about how he saved said tiger, Shiva, which was one of the most heroic acts of humanity, I had to admit. I liked Ezekiel a lot, he was a very nice guy, albeit extravagant.

Then we went scavenging, found some nice things and I was able to finally see what Justin was capable of in a real situation. He did great - he was quick and strong, followed orders, and looked out for the other people.

During that run, I found a very nice leather bracelet which reminded me of Daryl and I took it with the intention to make him a small gift. Then I stumbled upon a black wristwatch. My first thought, shamefully, was to take it for Negan, because he didn't have one and I gathered he needed it. I pushed that thought to the side but shoved it in my backpack anyway. The only event during that run was that the floor in one of the houses we went in was completely decayed so when I stepped inside it crashed right under my feet. Justin was quick to pull me aside so that I didn't fall. But that was the highlight of my week basically.

I busied myself with inventory and other stuff, spent an evening drinking with Laura and Justin. He wasn't scared of Negan's wrath, which I liked.

The latter was literally ignoring me completely, not even greeting me when we occasionally passed ways.
He could be very very cold when he wanted to be, but I didn't fall back. Instead, I also became stone-cold, talking only to Simon about important matters and telling him to pass them on to Negan. It was easier this way. Although I felt something similar to...loss? I couldn't quite pinpoint what that feeling was. It was like I was almost missing him and his flirtatious smile. But, of course, that was a hard pill to swallow.

I tried to force myself to fall for Justin instead, given he hadn't done all the things Negan had done and was more appropriate as a love interest for me. He was very good-looking and had a pure heart. Made me laugh. It was an easy option.

But that plan went to shit on a Sunday morning when banging sounded from the door of my room. I looked at my watch. 5:30 AM. What the hell?

I got up and unlocked the door, opening it just a slither to see who it was. Fucking hell, I thought, seeing no other than the man himself. Negan. He was looking at me with a stern expression, leather jacket on, and baseball bat swinging by his feet casually.

"What did I do this time?" I asked groggily but he pushed the door open and let himself in. "Sure, come in. No need to ask if it's appropriate or anything."

Why was this man always just barging in without an invitation? I sighed and covered myself with my blanket.

"Are you ready?" He asked, leaning against the windowsill.

"For what? My execution? Yeah, I think I am." I said sarcastically.

Negan huffed a laugh.
"Famous last words. Now, I know you preferred Justin to come knocking, but unfortunately, it's me. And it's time to go."

"Go? Go where? Oh." I rubbed my eyes, trying to wake up. "But I'm not ready, I haven't packed."

"Well, Blackburn." He sat on the sofa and rested back, intertwining his fingers behind his head. "Pack now. And hurry, because I want us to leave before people wake up."

"You're not telling anyone?" I asked and started shoving necessities in my backpack.

"I'll leave a cute little note for Simon, saying I have work to do and nothing more." Negan shrugged. "Don't forget to pack a torch."