Here We Are Now

29

Negan
Shifting images. Ann. A crying baby. All the people he had ever hurt. All the blood he had own his hands. The bat dripping and flowed down to cover his hands. He began to drown in it. Blood. A screaming Ann. The bat. It came down on him. Negan's eyes shot open, taking in the darkness. A pain shot through the back of his head, causing him to groan at the stabbing like sensation. Instinctively, he rose his hand, putting a finger to the now swollen bump.

"Negan?" Ann's voice came from nowhere.

"Where...am I fucking dead?" He slowly got up. He felt a hand on his lower back, helping him to sit. "You were knocked out. After that we were taken to some abandoned police station." He looked around, eyes adjusting to the darkness around him. He could now make out the figure of Ann. "Are you ok?" He felt her hands grab his head, bringing him towards her. She ran her fingers through his hair, coming upon the tender spot. "Ow." He winced. "Sorry." She let go.

"So, how are we going to get the hell out of here?" Negan scooted closer to Ann. "I don't think we are, for right now. We don't know where we are, we don't know have any weapons. We'll die if we try a thing." He sighed. "I guess that's what we get for fighting in public." She scoffed, linking her arm with his, the way she always did when she was afraid. Her hand lay under his. And he grabbed it, interlocking fingers.

"I'm sorry." She suddenly spoke. "It's my fault we are here. I shouldn't have ran out like an idiot." She squeezed tighter. Negan running a thumb over her hand. "No, it's mine. I should have left when you wanted to. Maybe we could have found a car by now."

He heard a laugh, making out a somewhat smiling Ann. "Let's agree we are both idiots." She turned to him. "Agreed on that." He smiled.

"Morning, sunshines." The door opened, bright light spilling in the room and nearly blinding both Ann and Negan.

"Hope you slept well." The man Negan had known to be Jaime appeared within the door frame. The same people he was with now stood behind him. Negan had nearly jumped when he saw his bat hanging loosely behind Jaime's shoulders.

"Oh?" Jaime caught the stare of Negan. He bent down, coming at eye level. "This is a great toy. Very creative. I uh, well, hope you don't mind if I keep it." He held the bat right towards Negan's face. The jagged wire inches from his skin. This is what it's like? This is what I did to people?

Negan knew what he was doing. The stare Jaime used to try an intimidate him. "Keep it. I'm sure I can find something else." He gave a small smirk. Jaime only returning one with amusement in his mocking green eyes.

"That's very kind of you. Both of you have been far kinder than most of our guests." He smiled, turning his attention to Ann. "And far better looking to." She shifted uncomfortably, but kept her eyes on him.

"This may seem a little fast but, I've been meaning to ask. Are you involved with anyone?" Negan's body tensed when Jaime turned his attention to Ann. "Currently, it's complicated." Jaime smiled at Ann's answer, glancing over towards Negan.

"How about you?" Jaime raised his brows. "I'll have to pass. I'm not exactly, interested." Jaime chuckled. "Too bad. But, if you ever change your mind." He winked at Negan, giving him a sickening laugh. "Well, time to get down to business." He stood, extending his hand towards Ann, she took it and pulled herself up. Then he turned to Negan, but Negan refused to take it.

"Let's talk in my office." Jaime stepped aside. Allowing Negan and Ann to walk out of the room. When there was enough space, the man and woman stood behind Negan and Ann.

They walked the distance to his office. A few dozen people scattered around. Sharpening knifes, reading old magazines, or just staring. Negan noticed the rooms, all were clean. Nothing seemed out of place. Whoever these people were, they were meticulous
Assessing the situation, it was made clear to Negan the risks were too big. At least, right now.

"Welcome." Negan was halted from his thoughts by being shoved into the room. A small office with a wide wooden desk, three big black leather chairs, and a dozen stack of papers neatly laid on the desk next to a single black pen.

"Take a seat, please." Jaime walked over to the head chair, plopping down on it. Next Ann, then Negan. Jaime grabbed the bat, lifting it off of his shoulder and slamming it on the table. It disturbed Negan. Watching this man, someone so much like himself.

"So, I would like to offer the both of you residents here." Jaime leaned over, placing his hands together to interlock.

How can someone be this delusional? He's acting like we are fucking applying for an apartment. "I think you'd find the accommodations very pleasing...over time of course." Negan didn't answer. Instead, glancing over at the bat. It was right there. But then again, so were the two assholes with their guns and trigger happy eyes.

"Why?" He turned to Ann. Her legs were crossed and hands placed neatly over her knee. "Well, the world before was built upon people working. Together. They needed each other to make something of themselves. They needed structure. They needed someone to lead them to a better future." He stopped, standing from his chair. He walked around the table, leaning against it.

"I want that future. To create the new world's order. With help, that is very possible for everyone...who wants to help be the solution. And not the problem." He looked over towards Negan.

"Now, before I get your answers, I'd like to give you two the tour." He turned, grabbing the bat and faced them again. "If you will." They both stood, following him out of the room.

What do you guys think? I'm trying hard to execute this plot the way I had it planned in my head. Hopefully these chapters will be better then the slower ones. Anyways, thanks for reading and have a lovely day :)