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Jo

I sat up on the catwalk, my legs swinging back and forth as I leaned against the railing. I crossed my arms over the railing and rested my chin on them. I didn't know what to think, what I was feeling. All I knew was that I was exhausted. I couldn't keep doing this.

Below me people were moving around the courtyard. I watched impassively as they came and went. I sat up a little straighter when a group on motorcycles return. Even from this distance I recognized Merle on the lead. Below, a door opened and Negan stepped out. He gestured dramatically and was yelling. People not directly in his path backed away slowly, one by one disappearing. Merle stood in the storm of Negan's rage looking unimpressed. I was surprised Negan was able to anticipate their return. Looking out at the surrounding forests in the growing dusk I realized he must have lookouts who radioed ahead.

I shifted, suddenly feeling trapped. My eyes dropped to the men lining the fence. There was no leaving this place without Negan knowing it, and in all reality no leaving unless Negan wanted you to leave.

He was still yelling and with an angry stab of his hand the soldiers in front of him left. As though he knew I was thinking about him Negan turned and lifted his chin. His eyes found me effortlessly. I wondered if Dwight had told him where I went. I hadn't seen Dwight when I came out here, but it wasn't exactly hard to find me. I was being predictable.

I dropped my arms and my fists gripped the cold metal bars of the railing. I drew in a shuddering breath. It didn't feel safe here. Not any more. My chest felt tight, like I couldn't breath, like the fences were closing in around me.

We had to get out of here.

I shoved myself up on shaky legs and practically ran back to my dorm. I dug through the room until I found the backpack Regina had first given me with my clothes. I stowed everything useful I could find in the apartment from matches to the first aid kit below the bathroom sink.

For me to be sufficiently satisfied with the bugout bag I wanted to get my hands on at least a weeks worth of non-perishable food. I was just zipping it up when my door opened. I gritted my teeth, berating myself for forgetting to lock it. If it was Negan I would have no way of justifying the packed bag sitting in front of me. My mind flew. I could tell him I was moving in with Merle and Kate.

"Barbie!" Merle's voice barked.

I exhaled, feeling nearly dizzy with relief. "Over here!" I called and I snapped back into motion. I was almost shaky with relief for it to not have been Negan coming through my door.

Merle appeared beside me moments later. He looked down at the bag I was zipping up and he lifted a brow. "When are we leaving?" He asked.

I stilled, my hands shaking. "Just like that?" I gasped in disbelief as I stared up at the gruff man beside me in wonder.

Merle snorted and shook his head. "Ya think I been staying here for my health? Needed an army to get ya outta there Barbie. They had an army and now here ya stand. Right as rain. Ya say it's time to move along...we move along," he said shrugging as though it didn't matter to him one way or another. And maybe it didn't. Merle was strong enough he certainly didn't need The Saviors for protection. He was still here because of Kate and I.

I let out a shaky exhale and hung my head. I somehow managed to contain the strangled sob that threatened to tear it's way up my throat. I was so used to fighting, so used to being fought it was so foreign to me to have someone on my side so absolutely. Even Kate wouldn't be so easy to convince.

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