Here We Are Now

42

Ann
"I...uh...where to start? And why is it my drama always pulling you guys in." She chuckled a nervous grin. "I don't expect anyone to be happy about this. But...I want to raise this baby with Negan." Ann bit down on her chapped lip, tearing her gaze from the eyes of her family. They have every right to hate her.

"Are you going to live together?" Maggie's tone was much calmer than she had been when she had caught sight of Negan coming out of Ann's house that same morning. "I'm going to find a house. Set up shop and live there by myself." Negan spoke from behind Ann. Everyone's stare passed Ann when Negan rose.

"When i first saw Ann again, she told me you people were her family. I didn't understand that and for awhile I couldn't believe she'd ever be able to put me on the same level as all of you. I can never thank you all enough." He paused and looked down at the ground. Negan chuckled a half grin and turned to look back at Ann. "This baby she's carrying, it's going to be the most important thing in the world to me. I want what's best for it. And all of you, are the best. All I will ever ask of you is that from however far, I am able to protect this baby for as long as I can. I don't care how that's done." Ann went to him. Grabbing his hand, she gave him a sweet smile.

"Rosita, Sasha." Glenn had began to speak the obvious and Ann would never blame them. "I cannot fix what I've done. I'm not asking they forgive me." Negan affirmed.

"Then what are you asking? You came into our lives bringing nothing but pain and murder. You nearly got Ann killed. And now you expect us to what? Invite you to the Sunday barbecue? Have a round of drinks with you when you stop over?" Maggie stood from her spot and walked over to face Negan. He towered Maggie and yet in this moment he seemed to shrink with her stare. "No." He answered in a simple tone. "No. You just want us to forget everything you've done for your own sake."

"I don't expect any of you to accept me into the group that you've built. You can all hate me for the rest of your lives. I'll never ask you to forget. I'm asking that you allow me to have that opportunity." There was silence for a moment so Ann took the chance to speak. "I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for at one point or another, all of you in this room right now. The pressure of their eyes all on her sent Ann licking her dry lips. She just had to keep talking.

"This morning I woke up thinking I had to choose. I don't. I can make this work." Her shoulders dropped and she sighed deeply, standing next to Negan who had slipped his hand behind her lower back. He sensed her wobbling knees. "One big happy fucked up family!" Negan smiled with a tone that sounded a tad too mockingly. "It's a work in progress. We still have to find a place where i can stay." Negan cleared his throat.

"The Sanctuary? Are you not going back?" Rick had spoken up. He was somewhat quiet during the meeting. "Oh, they'll miss me. but I'm sure they'll figure it out." Ann wondered how the place was holding up without Negan's rule. "You know there's going to be some people asking for your head. Hilltop? And I'm sure quite a few people from the Sanctuary. Is that going to be something you bring back to our walls? I have no problem giving you up if a mob forms." So that's why Rick had been quieter, he was making up for it now. But Ann hadn't thought of it. All that pain and suffering Negan caused. Wars have been caused for less. "I've already said if I have to find something further out I will. I know a great realtor." He smiled again at a stone cold Rick. "We'll talk about it." Rick had unofficially officially ended the meeting like he had done so many times before.

Ann and Negan had made their exit from the house soon after. How had she never even thought of any communal repercussions besides her own? Hell, that police station could very well come looking for the pair for revenge for murdering Jaime. It felt unlikely but how much had she overlooked. "Hey." Negan helped her down the steps from the porch and took her hand. "Wanna go house hunting today?" He sounded as if they were off to see a modern kitchen with 2 car garage and an open concept. His excitement made her smile. "Let's find you that bachelor pad you always wanted." She snorted and they walked back to her house.

So, uh, I'm back?