Running From You I Negan x Maggie (ENGLISH VERSION)

Chapter 2 - Don't Push It

Negan's lungs filled with the freshness of the autumn morning. The day started gray, but he wasn't complaining; he liked dark, rainy days. They reminded him of the afternoons spent with Lucille on the couch under the covers, happy days.

He mentally thanked himself for putting on warmer clothes that morning. He wore gloves to handle the food, as he had returned to helping Gabe in Alexandria's pantry, portioning out just what was needed for each person in the community. Maggie's group hadn't returned from their search yet, and as much as the lack of food was a problem, Negan was relieved to be spared Maggie's accusing glares for a while.

Not far away, he noticed the presence of a little girl coming his way, with a sheriff's hat and all. He gave her a welcoming smile.

- Hi. - She sheathed the sword she was carrying in her hand.

- Isn't it too early for you to be training already? - Negan separated the remaining fruits into portions, removing some rotten pieces in the process. Gabe was doing the same on the counter beside him, listening to the conversation between the two in silence.

- I couldn't sleep much. - Judith confessed with a sigh, getting closer to Negan.

- What's the matter? - He asked, interested, with a raised eyebrow.

- It's been three days since they left, Daryl, Carol... Aunt Maggie. - The last name the girl spoke with uncertainty. Judith was a smart girl and knew about their problem, but she thought it best not to meddle. - What will happen if they don't come back?

- They'll come back, your uncles are no pushovers. - Negan joked, and in the next moment, Gabriel cleared his throat at the language, causing Negan to widen his smile. - Don't worry about that, they'll be back soon with pockets full. - He winked at the girl, who smiled.

- Hey, I have an idea. What if when I'm done here, we go hunting nearby? - He suggested. Negan knew the lands around Alexandria would be empty, but he wanted to entertain the girl. - That is, of course, if Father Gabe here doesn't object. - Negan and Judith looked at Gabe with the same pleading puppy eyes.

- Alright... but don't go too far. - Gabe agreed with a sigh. Negan lowered his hand for Judith to high-five with a knowing smile.

- U-hm, can I come too? - The boy's voice revealed his presence there, which had gone unnoticed by any of the three present.

Negan looked at Hershel, who had the same worried expression as Judith. His mother would probably kill him for talking to the boy again. What could he do? Can't ignore the brat.

- To be honest with you, kid, I'm not sure it's a good idea. - Negan explained patiently, pausing from cutting the rotten parts of the fruits. - I don't know if your mom would allow you to go out. - Especially with me.

- Why? - Hershel's eyebrows raised with the question. Judith looked between Negan and Hershel apprehensively. Gabe also stopped working, tense.

- Hmm... I believe your mom doesn't trust me much for that. - Negan always believed honesty was the key to relationships. He didn't want to lie to the boy, but he also didn't want to tell the whole truth. Hershel would have to settle for his half-truths.

- She doesn't like you very much, does she? - Hershel said with a wry smile, and everyone seemed to breathe a little easier. Negan agreed, laughing without humor. - Why? - The man's smile soon faded, the brat was almost as curious as his mother. But unlike Maggie, in his eyes, he could focus.

- I did a lot of bad things in the past. - Negan cleared his throat before speaking. He sought some help from Gabe, but he too listened attentively to Negan's explanation. - Adults don't forget that so easily... and they shouldn't. - The man hoped the boy would be satisfied with that, as he didn't intend to say more anyway.