Here We Are Now

25

Ann
Ann opened her eyes, as she did, Negan's resting face was the first thing she saw. He was on his back and Ann was curled into his side. Her hands rested on his chest like they always had. The birds were chirping a sweet tune, mixing with the soft thumps of Negan's heart, his steady breath. The sunlight poured into the room, filling it with warmth. It was strangely peaceful.

It seemed as if they had gone back in time. No Walkers, no murder, no pain. Only Ann and Negan. It left her forgetful, for just a sweet moment.
She relaxed into Negan's chest. Relishing what it felt like to be in his arms again. It's only for a little awhile. She told herself, everyone needs memories to hold onto.

She hugged tighter, listening to his heartbeat. She always used to wake before him, staying awake to steal a few minutes of time before the day started.
A few minutes where nothing else mattered, where Negan was all hers. But when she opened her eyes, she saw the bat, propped up against the bedside. It's barbed wire seemed to drip with Abraham's blood all over again.

She felt her body tense. Slowly, Ann pulled back from Negan. Being careful as to not wake him. She had practice, keeping his arm around her, she lifted her legs from the bed, slowly slipping as she placed his hand on his chest.

She arose. The room was chilly for a summer morning. Perhaps it had been the loss of Negan's arms that made her feel so cold. Ann stretched herself, cracking her back as she slipped on her dirty shoes.

Ann skimmed the shelves off the raided racks. Little was left, but plenty if you weren't picky. It was strange, all this time the world had gone to shit, and she still couldn't help but feel bad anytime she looted. "Please have it." She bent down, rummaging through the spilled pills and trampled bottles. "Thank God." Ann picked up the bottle of vitamin B6, stuffing it into her bag.

She began to grab random items. Anything that might come into use on the road. She walked the aisles, finding small bags of food for Negan and herself. A brand of chocolate Negan would always get on road trips. This was like a road trip, Ann thought. Plus the flesh eating monsters limping around. Passing through, Ann walked slowly down the toy aisle. Stopping, she noticed a stuffed bear. It wore a blue PJ hat and matching onesie. You'd like this. She thought to herself, placing a hand to her stomach. She pressed the button with the red sticker on its foot. A drowsy tune began to play from the bear.

Ann sighed and stuffed the bear in her bag when two Walkers snarled into the aisle. One on each side. Ann grabbed the first Walker by its shirt, pushing it into the other creature. They fell to the floor on top of one another. Ann stood above them and withdrew her knife, stabbing it inside both skulls.

With everything done, Ann grabbed a bright lipstick from the make up section, a notebook from the magazine aisle. She scribbled a "thank you" note. Leaving it on the counter of the store. No one will see it. Ann knew. But you will.

Negan awoke to the sound of gagging and spitting. Fearing the worst, he called for Ann, running straight towards the sound. "Ann?" He rushed to her kneeled figure, head in the toilet.

"What's wrong?" He held her hair, making small circles around her back. "Just morning sickness." Ann closed the lid, wiping her mouth. "Getting pretty bad lately." She grabbed the bottle from the counter, popping a pill into her mouth and swallowing. "Morning." She stood, Negan helping her up. "I stopped at this market across the street. There wasn't much, but enough to hold us for the rest of the night." He nodded, keeping his hand on Ann's back, leading her out of the bathroom.

"We really should get going, though. We have the daylight and we need take advantage of it." She sat on the bed. Looking up at him. His face was slopped and his hair in a messy tangle.

"Ann," Negan began, but she stopped him. "You said we could leave today. I want to leave today. Please, Negan." He wanted to say no, but how could he? That look. That look always made him crumble to submission. "Fine. But at least let me take a damn piss before you bolt out the door." He walked past her, catching the small smile of what looked like relief.

"Ready?" Ann had her bag slugged over her shoulder, a somewhat hopeful expression on her face. "Yeah, just give me a second." Negan grabbed his jacket. Throwing it over his shoulders. He went to grab his bat, but when he noticed Ann watching the wood. Staring at it. He didn't perch it on his shoulders. Instead, keeping it low to his hip.

"I can't believe it." Negan looked back at the room. Ann looking back as if to catch what Negan seemed to notice. "What?" Her hand was on the door, holding it open. "First time in a hotel room we didn't bump uglies." He smiled, a throaty chuckle came after but she walked away. Glad to be leaving the building.