ELEANOR . NEGAN

097.

Snow was falling upon the frosted ground now — winter has arrived and it was freezing. The flat windows would frost over and fog the glass as the wind howled against the old brick. There was more people in the hallways, lit bins used as warmth as people shared stories around the fires like they were fucking kids.

Days got longer, people got colder, food was running out.

Until one day, there was a package on their heavily locked doorstep — packed Army ration packs, MRE's, a crate of bottles filled with water. Funnily enough, they left it out there for a while until Ian got bored and ordered someone to bring it to him.

It was a lot of food and a lot of water and it was definitely not from Alexandria or Hilltop. That worried Eleanor.

So, she didn't stay around long. Elle went down to the weaponry (a tiny room with sparse weapons) while she her knives. Negan was waiting outside for her, whistling to the beat of his foot.

They remember how winter came, the air in their small room turning into clouds of pure white like they were getting haunted by their own ghosts. Except, it wasn't. Negan just wrapped his large arm over her stomach and pulled her closer, whispering sweet things that would warm her cheeks up because he knew that was how she operated.

Two hours later, it was like almost protocol. Annie and Frank (a man who would walk around with a sweet smile and kind words yet hold himself like a fucking unit if they had to fight walkers) knocked on their door and opened it shortly after.

"Morning, folks!" Frank chirped. Negan groaned and hid his face back into the hollow of Eleanor's neck. He really didn't like Frank. "We brought you some friendly goods."

"It's like Eugene all over again." Negan whispered.

Elle just snorted and hit him playfully on his arm, "No, Frank's better."

Even after the months spent at the Riverbend flats, Negan's distaste towards Frank did not dissipate. It was comical from how Frank would hold his machete with practical skill and swing it into the bark of trees, getting to the dry wood to use for fire. Negan would just stare at the back of his head with an expressionless look.

Eleanor let out a heavy laugh and patted Negan on his chest before jogging forward to join Frank.

"You alright, Frankie?" Eleanor asked with a small smile, walking next to him as he sheathed away his machete and chucked pieces of wood in a duffle bag.

Negan was still standing his ground behind them, rolling his eyes every time Frank moved.

"Oh, hiya, Eleanor." His smile was captivating, one of those friendly smiles you'd have to return. Like whenever Jerry smiled at you, or even Rick since it was so weird you just had to. "Got us some wood for tonight. That's if you're joining us?"

Right, tonight.

Once the sun sets, everyone would join up in a random lobby and drink around a fire. It was something Frank created. Ian would stay alone in his office per usual but everyone else would put down their weapons for once and drink old alcohol, eat roasted food and speak amongst friends. It's been happening more since Winter came but Negan never wanted to go, all he wanted to do was stay in bed with his girl.

"I'll see what Nelly thinks."

Frank nodded. "Well, hopefully I'll see you there!" Elle noted that in her little noggin', eyes narrowing slightly. It wasn't like she didn't trust these people; she was sick and tired of getting scarred up, so she wanted to take precautions. "And Negan if he's up for it. But you know what he's like, Mr. Grumps."