Summary: You are finally getting used to living in Oakridge. Between soccer, new friendships, and one person you can't seem to stop crossing paths with, you're starting to realize that this town might not be as boring as you first thought.
Pairings: Negan Smith x F!reader
Content: Slow burn, underage smoking, alcohol mention, slightly family issues mentioned, and non apocalypse au.
Notes: Hey guys I know it's been almost a month but here's chapter 2! Let me know what you guys think and if you have any ideas you may like to add for next chapter! Also sorry I keep making this chapters long. Enjoy!
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A few weeks had passed since the first day of school. It was finally Friday afternoon, and you had practice in just a few hours. School was going well, and adjusting to your new town had been surprisingly easy. What had been going especially well, though, was your new group of friends. You'd be lying if you said they were a good influence on you, but they weren't exactly a bad influence either.
Sure, Ron had stolen a few things from the liquor store "Pine and Pour" right outside your neighborhood. It was never alcohol, though. Everyone knew he didn't want to end up like his father. Then there was Enid, who started a small dumpster fire behind the store as a joke. She didn't mean for it to become a big deal, but it ended with everyone running from Carl's dad. Sheriff Grimes, and his partner, Shane. Even though Carl's dad was the sheriff, that never stopped Carl from being friends with the group.
It's interesting how much time you spend hanging around Pine and Pour with them. Maybe that's why you're headed there right now.
You walk inside, the bell above the door ringing as you enter. The familiar worker behind the counter looks up, recognizing you right away.
"Hey, kiddo," he said, taking a drag from his cigarette.
"Hey, Daryl," you replied as you walked down the aisle.
You reached the end of the candy aisle, but you weren't really there for the candy. You were more interested in getting some cigarettes. Pretending to look over the candy, you kept glancing back toward Daryl, waiting for the right moment.
"Come on, just use the restroom," You mumbled to yourself.
"You telling yourself to use the restroom?"
You froze when you heard the familiar voice. Turning around, your eyes moved from the man's boots up to his face.
"Coach Smith!" You quickly straightened your posture. "Hey, sorry, I didn't see you there," you said, giving him your full attention.
"It's fine, Y/N," he said with a small smile. "But are you going to tell me why exactly you were whispering to the universe about using the restroom?"
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"I- uh, it's just something I say..." you mumbled, immediately realizing how stupid it sounded.
He glances over at Daryl, who was still smoking while looking out the window. His eyes then shifted behind him, where he noticed the cigarette stand behind Daryl. Putting the pieces together, he let out a quiet laugh.
"What?!" Your eyes narrowed sligtly. "Are you accusing me of smoking, Coach?" you said quickly, trying to defend yourself.
"I was once you age, Y/N," he replied. "Are you waiting for Dixon over there to use the restroom? Because if you are, good luck. I don't even think he takes breaks."
He turned toward the liquor section, as you followed behind him.
"I would just like to say that I am not a smoker-"
"Drinker, then," he interrupted, a grin forming on his face as he opened the fridge and grabbed a six-pack.
"I am neither of those!" you quickly said, glancing at the beer in his hand.
"I'm not judging you, Miss Y/L/N. I'm just simply… wondering," he said, walking past you toward the front of the store.
"Do you want cigarettes or not?" he cut you off, turning around to face you.
"Sorry?" you asked, confusion crossing your face.
"I'm not going to ask again," he said, looking you directly in the eyes.
"You're my coach. I shouldn't even be asking you, and I'm pretty sure it's very wrong for you to buy them for a student," you said, speaking up.
"Since when do you care about rules?" he teased. "Miss Y/L/N, last time I checked the newspaper, you and your friends weren't exatcly known for being the type to follow them." He turned around as he walked up to the register. "Just this, and a pack of cigarettes," he said, pulling out his wallet.
As he opened it, you caught a glimpse of a picture tucked inside, a photo of him and his wife standing together.
"$18.32 is your total," Daryl said as Negan handed him the cash. He counted the money before handing back the change.
"Thank you," Negan replied, grabbing his things and heading toward the door. Once you both made it outside he looked at you.
"Here you go." He tosses the pack toward you before continuing toward his truck.
"You're crazy! I can't have these!" you said quickly, following after him while holding them up.
"You're holding them, aren't you? Just keep them," he replied.
"You're my coach!" you argued as you watched him open the back door of his truck and place the six-pack inside.
"Look, just take them. So, stop complaining and acting like you won't have them gone by tomorrow." He closed the door and looked back at you. "Consider it a welcome gift from your coach." He smiled.
"Thanks, Coach," you said, opening the pack.
"Want one?" you asked, holding up the pack.
"I-" He looked at you. "I don't know how smoking with a student of mine would look."
"Sorry, but last time I checked, you bought these for me," you said, raising your hands. "I don't think you can make yourself look any worse than that."
You shrugged and turned around.
"Suit yourself," you added before walking away.
"Fine, just one. But hurry before we both get caught," he said, grabbing his lighter.
You handed him a cigarette, and he lit it without hesitation. The way he carried himself made it obvious this wasn't something new to him.
"You know smoking is bad for you," he said with a smirk, turning toward you. "Especially for a soccer player. But I'll admit, you're not bad on the field."
"What-" You stopped and looked at him. "You know smoking is bad, especially for a soccer coach." You smirked at him as you grabbed a cigarette.
"You've always smoked?" he asked, looking at you.
"Since i was like twelve, if i can remember correctly," You said, inhaling the cigarette as well. It doesn't burn your thorat as much as it used too.
You glanced over at him, noticing how different he looked outside of his usual coaching attire. his tattoos showed more. You were used to seeing him in his uniform, but seeing him dressed casually caught you off guard. You'd be lying if you said you didn't see what the other girls saw in him.
"How are you settling in?" he asked. "Any trouble?"
"No, everything's been good. We finally got all our stuff moved into the house." You smiled. "That was a pain in my ass."
"At least that's done with." Before he could say anything else, his cellphone rang.
He pulled it out of his pocket and flipped it open, glancing at the name on the screen. A long sigh escaped him.
"I gotta go, Y/N," he said, closing his phone and slipping it back into his pocket.
"Is it your wife?" you asked, crossing your arms as you looked at him.
"Yeah..." he said, taking a final drag of his cigarette before putting it out and stepping on it. "Are you going to be at practice today?" he asked.
"Uh, yeah... at five, right?" you said, looking up at him.
"Like always." He smiled, grabbing his keys before getting into his car. "Don't be late, Y/N. I usually give my students an extra lap for showing up late." He started the car and looked back at you.
"Bye, sweetheart. See you at practice." With that, he drove away.
"Werido," you mumbled with a smile.
Before you could walk away, a car suddenly pulled up behind you.
You turned around, already knowing who it was.
"Ron!" you said, a smile forming on your face.
"The one and only," he replied with a grin as he stepped out of the car. "I'm here to grab a few snacks. Care to join me?"
"Not at all," you said as you threw your cigarette on the floor and stepping on it.
"Nice you got cigarettes I see." He holds the door open for you, and the two of you walked into the store once again.
"What snacks are you getting?" you asked as you both made your way over to the chip aisle.
Ron looked through the shelves before putting an arm around you and looking over at you.
"You," he said, placing some money in your hand, "are gonna buy some chips while I grab some drinks for tomorrow." He smirked. "Sound fair?"
"Ron..." You smiled, looking at him. "What's tomorrow?"
"There's gonna be a party, and I wanna bring some stuff," he said casually.
"I thought you didn't drink?" You crossed your arms, holding the money and giving him a suspicious look.
"I said it's for the party. Y/N, come on," he said, giving you a small pout.
"Ron..." You looked at him, your expression changing. "Are you okay?"
"Y/N, just come on and help me," he said with a smile. "Please?"
"Fine, but only this once," you said, grabbing a bag of chips before heading to the front counter. "Just these."
"Alright. $2.55," Daryl said as you handed him the money.
You glanced up at the mirror behind the counter, watching Ron as he moved around, trying to hide what he had taken.
"Here's your change," Daryl said, handing it back to you.
Ron started making his way toward the front door. You grabbed your chips and followed behind him.
Just as the two of you were about to leave, something slipped from under his sweater and hit the floor.
"Y/N! Run!" Ron shouted as the two of you took off.
"Hey! HEY! Get back here!" Daryl yelled, sprinting out of the store after you.
"Shit, shit, shit!" Ron fumbled for his keys, unlocking the car before jumping into the driver's seat. You threw yourself into the passenger seat.
"Ron, drive!" you shouted, glancing back to see Daryl running toward the car. "RON, DRIVE!"
Ron slammed the car into reverse, backed out of the parking space, and sped away. You looked over your shoulder just in time to see Daryl stop chasing the car.
"I don't get paid enough for this shit," Daryl muttered, watching the car disappear down the road.
"Ron, what the fuck?" you exclaimed, sinking back into your seat while he laughed hysterically. "What's so funny? We literally got caught!" You let out a heavy breath.
"Because" Ron said, pulling the car over to the side of the road. He slipped off his oversized sweater and held it up.
As you looked over at him and inside his sweater were bottle after bottle he'd managed to steal from the store.
A laugh almost came out of you, but you shook your head instead.
"Ron, just take me home," you sighed, leaning back against the seat. "I need to get ready for practice."
"Alright," he replied, tossing the sweater into the backseat before pulling back onto the road.
After a few moments of silence, he glanced over at you.
"You gonna be there?" he asked.
"At the party," Ron said with a grin. "You have to come. Enid and Carl are gonna be there too."
"I'll see, Ron," you replied.
He pulled into your neighborhood and stopped in front of your house.
"Thanks for the ride, Ron," you said, grabbing your bag of chips before opening the door.
"And thanks for helping me get my drinks," he teased with a smile.
"You're unbelievable." You rolled your eyes, fighting back a laugh.
You climbed out of the car and headed toward your front door. Ron stayed parked at the curb, waiting until you got inside.
You dug through your pocket for your keys, unlocked the door, and stepped into the house. Before closing it behind you, you glanced back and gave Ron a small wave.
He waved back before pulling away and driving off down the street.
"Honey, is that you?" your mom called as you walked into the house, shutting the door behind you.
"Yeah, Mom! It's me," you replied, setting your bag of chips on the counter. You glanced at the empty stove. "Mom?"
"Y/N! Hey, I have to go, okay?" She came around the corner as she spoke, purse over her shoulder as she applied lipstick.
"Go? I just got back. Where's Dad?"
"Ugh, you know your father. Out gambling somewhere." She smacked her lips together and smiled. "Be good while we're gone."
"Mom-I have practice!" You hurried after her as she headed out the door. "Mom, are you listening?"
She climbed into the driver's seat, and you knocked on the closed window. After a second, she rolled it down just enough to hear you.
"I don't know what to tell you, honey. Take your bike. You always do."
"I know, but practice ends late. It'll be dark by the time I'm done."
"I know you'll figure it out! Love you!" she called, pulling out of the driveway with a wave.
You stood in the driveway, watching the taillights disappear down the street.
You glanced across the road toward Negan's house and spotted him leaning against his car, already looking your way. Rolling your eyes, you turned around, went back inside, and shut the door behind you.
Pulling out your silver Sidekick, you flipped the screen upward before sliding it to the side, revealing the full keyboard underneath. The bright little display lit up as your thumbs quickly typed out a message to Enid.
Y/N: Hey, Enid! Do you think you could give me a ride to practice today? And maybe a ride home?
A few moments later, the Sidekick buzzed.
Enid: Hey, girl! I can definitely give you a ride to practice! I don't think I'll be able to after, though. :(
Y/N: It's okay! A ride there is enough. Thank you, Enid. :)
Smiling, you slid your Sidekick shut and headed down the hall, stepping into your room.
Walls were covered with a few movie posters. Old concert flyers, and magazine cutouts sat in the moving boxes. A bulky CRT television sat on a wooden dresser beside a VCR, while stacks of VHS tapes filled a shelf beneath it. CDs were scattered across your desk that you had started organizing yesterday but never finished. You walked to your closet, grabbing your soccer clothes, and quickly changing.
Afterward, you sat on the edge of your bed, staring at the floor.
Your dad had said moving here would be a fresh start for all of you.
He was probably out gambling away the money that was supposed to pay the bills.
Your thoughts were interrupted by the familiar buzz of your Sidekick as it vibrated on your bed.
You grabbed your soccer bag and hurried out of your room. On your way through the kitchen, you snatched your water bottle off the counter, locked the front door behind you, and jogged toward the car waiting at the curb.
"Hey, Enid!" you said with a smile as you climbed into the passenger seat.
"Hey, Y/N! Just throw your bag in the back," she replied, shifting the car into drive.
You tossed your bag onto the back seat and pulled your hair into a ponytail.
"I'm surprised your parents let you drive their car," you said with a laugh.
"So am I," Enid chuckled as she pulled out of the neighborhood. "Hopefully I'll have my own car soon."
You stared out the passenger window as the car rolled past endless pine trees. The thick fog made it hard to see very far, giving the town its usual gray, sleepy look. At least practice wasn't too bad in weather like this. The cool air made running a lot more bearable.
"Did Ron invite you to that party tomorrow?" Enid asked as she stopped at a red light.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure if I'm going," you replied, still watching the traffic light. "Why? Were you thinking about going?"
"Maybe… but what if it's lame?"
"You mean, what if Carl doesn't go?" you teased with a laugh.
"What? No!" she protested.
"I don't even like him. Ew."
"Okay, okay! I know. I can trust you-"
"Enid, the light's green!" you suddenly shouted.
She quickly hit the gas, and the car lurched forward.
"If you like Carl, you know there's nothing wrong with that, right?" you said, glancing over at her. "I'm pretty sure he likes you back anyway."
"Yeah, I know… but what if it doesn't work out?" Enid asked as she turned into the school parking lot. "What if we end up splitting the friend group? I can't lose you, Ron… or him."
"You don't want to lose me?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.
Enid looked at you like you'd asked the dumbest question imaginable.
"Of course not, Y/N." She smiled. "You're, like… really cool or whatever."
"Well.." You shook your head. "Look, you won't lose me, okay? No matter what happens. If you like him, then go for it." You grabbed your soccer bag. "Now come on. Let's get to the field before Coach makes us run extra laps."
You pushed open the passenger door and climbed out.
Enid grabbed her bag, locked the car with her keys.
The two of you made your way across the parking lot toward the soccer field, where the rest of the team was already gathering. Coach Smith stood near the sideline with a clipboard tucked under one arm, waiting for everyone to arrive.
"You know somehting I never understood" Enid asked as the two of you made your way toward the feild.
"How half the girls seem to have a crush on our coach. I just don't see the appeal." She said as she looked away from coach, then to you. "Do you?"
"I mean he has tattoos?" You think back to earlier.
“I guess?” She says looking at you.
The two of you fianlly reached the field.
"Glad to see everyone made it," Negan said, looking over at you before turning back to the team. "I'll go over what we're doing today, but first, give me four laps around the field." He blew his whistle. "Go!"
As you started running, Enid glanced over at you.
"What was what about?" you asked, keeping your pace.
"I don't know," you replied.
"I should see more running and less chattering!" Negan shouted from across the field.
After finishing, everyone sat down to drink water.
"Y/L/N," Negan said as he looked at you.
"Stand up. You're helping me demonstrate today's lesson."
You looked at Enid, closed your bottle, and stood up. Walking towards him.
"Today we're working on passing and ball control," Negan explained, holding the ball. "Y/N here will help me demonstrate."
You nodded and stepped into position.
He demonstrated the drill, showing the proper way to control the ball and make the pass.
"Good," he said, grabbing another ball. "One more time."
He repeated the drill, and you followed along.
"Nice one, Y/N," Negan said before turning back toward the team. "Everyone, get into pairs of two. One person grabs a ball. Start practicing!"
You grabbed a ball and walked over to Enid.
The two of you spent the rest of practice working on passing and control, laughing whenever one of you missed a pass.
By the end, you were both exhausted, sitting on the grass and drinking water.
"Good job, everyone! Great practice," Negan called out. "I'll see you all on Monday."
He waved as the team started packing up their things.
"I'm really sorry I can't take you home. You sure you'll be okay?" Enid asked, placing a hand on your arm.
"I'm sure," you smiled as the two of you reached the edge of the field. "Now go before you get in trouble."
She nodded and started walking away.
You sighed, looking up at the sky as the sun began to set. The thick fog rolled between the trees, casting everything in a soft blue-gray glow.
A voice behind you made you turn around.
"Thanks, Coach, but I'll just walk," you replied. "Plus, I'm pretty sure it's against the rules for you to drive me home alone in your truck without any other students."
"Oh, please," Coach smith said with a smirk. "I bought you cigarettes today. If anything, we're far past from what's right and wrong."
He pulled out his pack of cigarettes and lit one before nodding toward his truck.
"Come on. I'll take you home."
You hesitated for a moment before following behind him toward his truck.
"Don't mind the mess," he said as he unlocked the truck and climbed in, tossing a few things from the passenger seat into the back.
"I saw you arguing with your mom earlier," he said, as he held onto his cigarette with one hand and the other starting the car.
"What is this? Fucking therapy?" you asked, getting in and pulling your seatbelt on.
"Well, sorry for trying to start a conversation," he replied as he pulled out of the parking lot.
"Well, that's a dumb way to start a conversation," you said, looking out the window. "But yeah, we got into an argument."
"Now can I ask you a question?"
"Not so quick. You still need to explain." he says.
"Last time I checked, you just asked if my mom and I got into an argument, and I answered. So now I get to ask," you replied with a small smile.
"Are you and your wife having issues?"
He glanced at you, surprised.
"Jeez, straight to the point," he said, shaking his head. "What made you think that?"
"Just the fact that the first time I ever saw you, you were arguing with her," you said, stating the obvious. "And then that same day, I saw you driving away from the house while she was chasing after you."
"And today, when she called you, you looked annoyed and bothered."
You watched as his grip tightened around the steering wheel.
"You tell Enid about this?" he asked.
"No." You shook your head. "I'm not the type of person to go around telling other people's business." You turned toward him. "But I am the type of person who wants to know. So answer."
"Fine.." he said after a moment. "Yeah, we're having issues."
He pulled into a gas station and parked.
"And?" you asked, waiting for more.
"Last I checked, you only asked if we were having issues," he said with a smirk.
"You want anything? I'm gonna buy some scratchers."
"Some Doritos... and a Snapple. Thank you." You said as you crossed your arms pretending to be mad.
"Coming right up, sweetheart." He smiled.
He stepped out of the truck, closed the door, and headed inside the store.
As you waited in the truck, you pulled out your Sidekick and flipped it open, the small screen lighting up in your hands. You started typing a message to Enid.
Y/N: You'll never guess what...
You stared at the words for a moment before shaking your head and deleting the message.
Suddenly, a car pulled into the gas station, music blasting from the speakers.
You glanced up, trying to see who it was. Your eye widen.
"Shit," you whispered. Quickly, you ducked down in your seat, hoping he wouldn't notice you.
Outside the truck, you could hear Ron getting out of his car with someone else. From the voice, it sounded like Carl.
"So how are you gonna get her to like you?" Carl asked.
"I don't know, Carl, but I just need her to come to the party tomorrow!" Ron replied.
You stayed completely still, listening.
If you were right, Ron was probably talking about Enid. She had mentioned before that Ron had liked her for a while.
"I don't know, man... she really doesn't seem interested," Carl said.
"Come on, Carl! What do you know about liking people? No offense..." Ron replied.
Their voices faded as they walked farther inside the store.
"Oh, hey Coach Smith!" Ron said..
"Hey, Ron. Carl. I hope you two are up to good," Negan replied, clearing his throat.
"We sure are! Heard you had pracite with the soccer team. How was that today?" Ron asks.
"Yeah, how did it go, Coach?" Carl asked.
"Eh, ya know. Some girls need the practice," Negan replied with a shrug. He raised an eyebrow at the two of them. "Why do you care? Got a thing for girl in there or something?"
"I do," Ron admitted. "Not sure about Carl, though."
Negan turned his attention toward Carl, looking him up and down.
"Well, I'll be damned. The sheriff's kid has a thing for one of my players." He smirked. "Well, good luck to you both."
He started walking toward his truck before stopping.
"Yes, Coach?" Carl turned back toward him.
"Say hi to your dad for me." Negan smiled. "That's all."
"Of course," Carl replied with a small smile before heading inside the mini-mart with Ron.
The driver's door swung open, and Negan climbed into the truck.
He shut the door, only to find you crouched down below the dashboard.
"The hell are you doing?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Are they gone?" you asked, slowly peeking up.
"Who? Oh, them." He glanced toward the mini-mart. "Yeah, they're inside. Now sit up before you throw your back out."
He handed you the bag of Doritos and a bottle of Snapple.
You sat back up in your seat and took them from him.
"Thank you. Once again," you said with a smile.
He started the truck, pulling out of the gas station, and heading back onto the road.
"So, your parents aren't gonna be back until later?" Negan asked.
"Probably not." You shrugged.
"No." You looked out the window as he pulls into your neighborhood. "I'm sure I'll find something around the house." You say as he parks outside your house.
"Y/N." He says as he looks at you.
"Would you.." He hesitated for a second. "Want to come over for dinner?"
"Coach" you smile. "That's nice of you, but I think I'd rather have a quiet dinner. Besides, I'm not sure your wife would be too happy if you brought one of your students home."
"Right my wife." He gave a small nod before forcing a smile. "Well..make sure you eat something, Y/N."
"Well.." He paused again. "Maybe you should have my number. We live across the street from each other, and if something ever happens, you can call me."
Is your soccer coach seriously asking for your number?
You were reading too much into it. He'd already said it was for emergencies.
"Sure." You pulled out your Sidekick and handed it to him.
He typed in his number, then sent himself a quick text before handing it back.
"There. Now you've got mine, and I've got yours."
"Thanks. Good night, Coach."
You grabbed your bag and stepped out of the truck walking to your doorstep.
"Y/N!" He called out his car window.
"Yeah?" You turned around, hiding a smile.
"Just..call me if you need anything." He gave a small wave. "That's all. Bye."
You waved back before heading inside.
After locking the door, you switched on the hallway light and made your way to your room. You dropped your soccer bag beside your bed, set your water bottle on your desk, and flopped onto the bed with a tired sigh.
For a moment, you simply stared at the ceiling, thinking about the strange ride home. Then your Sidekick vibrated beside you. Could it be him already? You picked it up and slid the screen open.
Ron: Hey, are you coming to the party tomorrow? Really need you there. :)
How would you guys feel if I were to make a Spotify playlist based on this fanfic? Should I?? Also lmk if you wanna be tagged in the next chapter!
