Negan's Wife

"Ah, did you see that?"

Negan grins from his position leaning against a tree, watching her bullet fly straight through the walker's skull, "Fuckin' bullseye."

"Told you I was a good shot," Riley shrugs, raising both eyebrows cockily.

"This why I had to beg your mum for us to go outside the fence? So you could prove your point?"

She allows the pistol to sway by her hip as her arms grow tired of holding it, "I need practice. I don't wanna go on missions in the future and my aim to be way fuckin' off."

Negan walks up to her and takes the pistol, unscrewing the suppressor gently, "It will be quite a while before you get to go on those missions. You should focus on school."

"I'm already a fucking pro at school."

"What, all subjects?" he smirks down at her.

"Yes!" Riley tugs on the braid behind her head, "Most of them anyway."

He tucks the gun into his belt and pats her back playfully, urging her forward, "Come on. It's time we headed back. Dinner is almost ready."

It's only a short walk back to the community, and upon their arrival the gates open with a creak. Riley runs inside, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Negan is following, "Dad, come on! You're so slow."

"You just got told," Stella grins from her position on the fence.

Negan gives her a wave, "There's always someone bossing me around."

She giggles before turning back to her job. It's a miracle that they have managed to patch things up. There are no hard feelings. And it makes life so much easier. It's almost unnatural for Negan, how smoothly life is going.

He catches up to Riley by going into a jog, and reaches out to grab her sides, making her shriek.

They barrel into the house, their chasing game still on.

"Alright, that's enough!" Maddie calls from the kitchen, raising her ladle, "No running in the house!"

They both still, although Riley resumes to skip into the living room. Negan grins in Maddie's direction, "Yes, ma'm."

She shakes her head, "It's like living in a zoo."

"What's a zoo?" Riley falls back onto the couch in the living room.

"Doesn't matter," Maddie sighs, "How was it? Are you okay?"

"Yes. It was awesome," Riley glances at her dad, "I even got to try it with a suppressor!"

Negan grins, eventually making his way into the kitchen and wrapping his arms around Madde's waist from behind, "Hey, you."

She tries to pretend to be busy, but he knows her all too well by now, "Are you gonna help set the table, or?"

His lips find their way to the base of her neck, "Whatever you need, darlin'."

He feels a giggle vibrating through her. She leaves the ladle in the pot of soup and turns in his arms to kiss him. Just as Negan is about to deepen it, an over-exaggerated gag is heard.

"You guys are so fucking gross."

Maddie glares at Riley, "Language!"

She widens her eyes in surprise, "Dad is fine with it."

Maddie turns her glare to Negan, who starts to bite the inside of his cheek awkwardly, "She means no harm."

"You spoil her," she folds her arms, "She is going to grow up to be arrogant."

"Not arrogant. Stubborn," Negan corrects, "But we all know where she gets that from, don't we, darlin'?"

Maddie slaps his chest, "Just set the table, will you?"

Negan complies, only to stop dead in his tracks, "Holy shit. You're so quiet, I didn't even see you there, kid."

He reaches over to squeeze his son's shoulder, to which he looks up at him from his book, "Hey."

"Doing homework?" he smirks, "Maybe you can help your sister. She's doing anything but."

"I heard that!" Riley shouts from behind him.

Logan sighs and shuts the book, placing it at the edge of the table, "That would be useless. It all goes in one ear and out of the other."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Riley pipes up again.

Maddie rolls her eyes, "I said language!"

"Logan is the one talking shit behind my back!"

And just like that, the bickering starts again. Maddie looks at Negan for help, but he looks just as tired as she does. Who knew having kids would be such a headache?

SHSHSHSHSHSH

"Hi, mommy," Negan grins, shutting the door behind him. Maddie smirks at him in the mirror, her toothbrush sticking out of her mouth.

"Are they sleeping?"

"Just about," he sighs, enveloping her in his arms, "Finally managed to get Riley to do her homework."

She laughs softly, "It's your fault you know," she rinses her mouth, feeling the way he squeezes her as she bends over, "You're not strict enough."

Negan kisses her bare shoulder, "How can I be strict when she has a face like that, huh?"

"She's a ten year old girl and her language is even more colourful than yours," she jumps as his hand starts to go up her nightie, fingers tracing past her belly button, "What are you doing?"

He hums against her neck, "Have you not realised something? We're alone."

She laughs, leaning back against him and closing her eyes. Now she hears the silence. The silence that is rarer than anything else in the world. She has forgotten what it sounded like.

"Oh, that's right," she turns around and places a kiss on his stubbly chin, "What are we gonna do about it?"

"I don't know about you," he kisses her softly, squeezing her hips, "But I am going to give you exactly what you deserve, baby."

Maddie finds herself being slammed onto the counter near the sink, her legs wrapping around his torso. Negan hums against her chest, sliding the thin straps off her shoulders as he leaves kisses along his trail.

Her hands slide down his body to grip his sweatpants, tugging on the fabric she finds. Desperate to be rid of it.

Negan groans quietly, moving her panties to the side, "I've never been this fucking hard in my life."

She laughs softly, a sound that is ripped away from her as he slides his throbbing cock into her, "Fuck, Negan."

"You were so fucking ready for me, darlin'."

Maddie grips the counter as he starts to slam into her, both of them knowing there is no time to waste. There is never ever time to waste these days.

She feels him pulsate inside her, struggling to keep a steady pace as he loses himself in this feeling that they have both been deprived of for weeks, "Keep going, daddy."

He groans against her neck, squeezing her ass as he pounds into her.

"Mom? Dad?"

They pull away from each other at record speed after hearing the sound.

"Where the hell are you guys?" Riley calls from the hall. There are two sets of footsteps pattering across the floor.

Negan tucks himself back into his pants as Maddie fixes her nightie, turning back to the sink just as the door swings open, "Finally!" Riley smiles.

Logan folds his arms, looking from his mom to his dad, not as naive as his younger sister, "You don't need to be standing so far away from each other, you know."

Riley raises her brow, grabbing Negan by his hand, "Come on. You gotta help us with the fort."

Negan smirks, squeezing her hand gently, "Alright, kiddo. Lead the way."

Maddie looks over her shoulder at them, smiling as Negan winks at her. This is not the first, and definitely not the last time of a close call like this.

SHSHSHSHSHSH

Maddie walks down the stairs quietly, rolling her eyes when she sees Negan slumped onto the couch with his eyes closed, "What, you can't sleep in your own bed now?"

His eyes flutter open at the noise, and the smirk stretches across his face when he sees her, "Sorry, doll. Must have passed out." He rubs his face with his hand, reaching for the TV remote to turn off the grey screen. They are lucky to have a DVD player in this house, but the movies are obviously limited. From time to time, scavengers find an odd film on supply runs and then sell them at the market. They're not cheap.

She smiles, holding onto the blanket that is wrapped over her shoulders, "Did you help with the fort?"

"Yeah," he sits up, pulling her onto his lap, "It really took it out of them."

"Does that mean they won't be able to disturb us this time?" she grins, straddling him, "Wow, I didn't even do anything yet," her eyes glance at the bulge in his pants.

"Shush," his kisses her neck softly, "It's been far too long, darlin'."

Maddie drops the blanket to one side, allowing him to position her onto his member. It's crazy how strong he can get when he wants sex this much. She giggles as he pulls her closer.

The only light source is coming from a faint lamp in the corner, which flickers from time to time. It always annoys Maddie, and she always goes on about how they need to get a new light bulb. But in this moment, she doesn't even notice it.

She moves her hips down and gasps as he fills her up completely. Negan wraps his arms around her, closing his eyes, "Just don't fucking stop, baby."

She smirks against his lips and starts to ride him. They both know that moments like this are rare. Today, both of them are off work. But tomorrow, things will be different. The kids will be at school. And when everybody gets home, they will only have the energy to eat and get ready for the next day.

Maddie slides her fingers through his hair, enjoying the way his tilts his head back against her touch, "I love you so much."

"I love you too," she kisses below his ear, his moans like music to her ears.

It starts to get harder to breathe as he squeezes her against him. She slides her hands down to his shoulders, moaning as his hips start to lift up against hers.

"You know what I liked?"

She smirks, "What?"

"When you called me 'daddy'."

Maddie laughs softly, pressing a kiss against his lips, "Well, that's who you are."

"You're goddamn right," his eyes crinkle up in the corners before his face disappears into her neck.

She moans quietly, starting to feel a knot loosening in her stomach, "Negan..."

"I know, baby," his hips thrust up into her with more force, "Come for me."

It doesn't take long for her to unravel before him and collapse onto his chest. He groans softly, gripping her hips.

"I ain't done with you yet."

Just as he is about to flip them over, a gentle pair of footsteps is heard on the stairs. Negan almost throws Maddie off him. She scoots right up to the edge of the couch, grabbing her blanket and draping it over her shoulders. He tucks himself in and grabs a pillow, placing it on his lap.

It's scary to think how good they became at hiding this. It's also scary to think of the amount of close calls they've had.

Riley keeps her hand on the banister, rubbing her eyes as she looks at them.

"What are you doing up?" Maddie asks, walking over to her.

"I had a nightmare," she slurs, glancing at Negan, who hasn't moved from his spot, "Can I stay with you?"

Maddie pats her back, starting to go up the stairs, "Come on, let's go back to bed."

"But I want to stay with dad," she pouts, pointing at him.

Maddie looks from her to Negan, who rubs his lip awkwardly, "It's okay, darlin'. You can stay here."

The girl smiles and rushes over to the couch, jumping into the spot next to him. Maddie yawns, shrugging, "I guess I'll see you soon. Goodnight, honey."

Negan watches her, his stomach sinking as her legs disappear from view. Just his fucking luck.

Riley stretches her arms out before leaning against his side, "Why are you downstairs and not in bed?"

Negan sighs, stroking her head, "I... fell asleep. And your mom came down to wake me."

"Oh... okay," she closes her eyes, and they both listen to the silence. Negan puts a hand on the pillow in his lap awkwardly, shifting his hips, "Dad, what's a zoo?"

He grins as she reminds him of the brief conversation earlier in the day. This kid remembers everything. He leans down to kiss the top of her head, "It's this place... full of animals. People used to go there to see them in cages."

Riley looks up at him, scrunching up her nose, "That sounds fucking disturbing."

He laughs, "Yeah, it was. But maybe I'm not the best person to ask. I'm shit at describing things."

She shrugs, "Animas in cages? You can't sugarcoat that."

"That's right, sweetheart."

Ever since Riley was little. Well... smaller than she is now... she has always had trouble falling asleep. At first they thought she was just a hyper child, but then it wasn't just about not being able to sleep. It turned to be about nightmares. Maddie has tried to use her natural crafts and shit to calm her down. From hiding lavender under Riley's pillow to making a tea stress bar to rub into her temples. Nothing worked.

The only thing that did work was Negan. She would snuggle up to him and fall asleep.

Maddie warned him that carrying her around as a baby everywhere would only strengthen their bond. Not that it's a bad thing. It's just that now, that bond seems unbreakable. To the point where she can't even fall asleep without him being next to her.

Negan leans against the couch, taking her down with him so that she is in a laying position, "Why does mom keep calling you 'daddy'?"

He opens his eyes, his heartbeat stopping for a second, "Err... when?"

She stretches her arm to drape over his chest as a yawn comes out of her, "I don't know... back when we found you in the bathroom."

Negan scratches his lip uncomfortably, "Oh? I don't remember."

Riley glances up at him before closing her eyes again, "Whatever. Maybe I didn't hear right."

He sighs quietly, "Try and get some sleep, sweetheart, okay?"

"Okay."

It takes her a while to finally fall asleep. When she does, Negan wastes no time in carrying her back up the stairs and into her room to tuck her in. He hears her soft breathing and walks out of her room quietly, knowing how fucking hard it would be to get her to sleep again if she woke up.

He smirks as he sees that the light is still on in the master bedroom. And the smile disappears at the sight of Maddie curled up in a ball on the bed, fast asleep.

"Fuck," he whispers, reaching down to stroke her hair.

She moves slowly, opening one of her eyes to look up at him, "I think we have found the best contraceptive in the world."

But deep down he knows that no matter how many fucking times he is left with blue balls, he would not have it any other way. Not in this life.

"I don't like you going out there, doll," Negan sighs, "Especially in your condition."

"Condition?" Maddie puts a hand on her small bump, "I'm pregnant. Not disabled."

"You know what I fucking mean," he kicks a stone on the pavement, "It's dangerous."

She smiles slightly, "There aren't a lot of walkers out there. And I'll only be like... a few minutes from the gate."

"I know but-"

"I can take care of myself."

"I know you can, but-"

"Negan," she folds her arms, "Stop it."

He takes off his baseball hat for a moment to wipe the sweat off his forehead before putting it back on. The weather has been really hot lately, which does not help the working conditions. Negan has been picking tomatoes all day until Maddie came up to him with this bombshell.

"Can't you wait till I finish work and then I can come with you?" he asks.

"No, because it will be dark," she glances over her shoulder, "Mark will come with me."

Negan looks into the distance to see the guy waving at them. Maddie waves back, "Mark? The younger version of me?"

"Yes," she smirks, "He's also gay. Is that a problem?"

Negan chuckles slightly, "Fine, just be careful."

"I will."

"You promise?"

"I promise," she leans in to peck his lips, "It'll be quick."

He glances down, "So, I'm cooking tonight then?"

"Don't get so upset by it."

Negan grins, "I'm not, darlin'. Mashed potatoes with a side of mashed potatoes?"

"Sounds perfect," Maddie giggles.

She sets out with Mark shortly after, with only a backpack between them. Luckily, Mark is a gentleman and he carries it on his shoulders for her.

"Is this it?" he points to a bright pink flower.

"No," she shakes her head, "That would poison you. The one I'm looking for is supposed to have thorns on the stem."

Mark nods patiently, looking around the woods, "Still can't believe Negan let you go like that."

"The fence is right there," she gestures to the white wall they can barely see between the trees, "And it's not like we will be out here long. Just a few of those plants is all I need. Then I can make that gel Megan has been asking about."

He takes a swing of his water bottle, "Take your time. I'm just happy to be your bodyguard."

Maddie laughs slightly, "Okay, pass me the machete."

"You sure you don't want me to do that?"

"No, because then you'd be having all the fun," she grins, taking the weapon off him. She takes a deep breath before swinging it into the trunk of a nearby tree. The sap starts to come out only a minute later, which Maddie collects in a metal bucket.

Mark watches her curiously, clearly having no idea trees could do that, "Want me to carry that for you?"

Without waiting for a reply, he takes the bucket off of her and places it by his feet.

It's good to get out from inside the walls every once in a while. It's like the air is fresher here, even though there is more danger. Maddie glances at Mark, "Just the flower left to find."

They both walk a short distance deeper into the woods, looking around for the plant. Suddenly, Mark points at a bush, "There it is!"

Maddie walks over to make sure it's the right one and nods, "I'm impressed."

"Thanks," he grins, taking a swing of his water again, "Maybe we should make this a weekly thing. And then maybe I can get ten percent of what you earn."

"Aren't you the businessman," she laughs.

It becomes unnervingly silent as she takes out her pocket knife and starts to collect the stems. She concentrates on the bird song all around her and the sway of the trees that makes them creak in the wind slightly.

Once the plants are cut, she rolls them up into a rag carefully, making sure the thorns don't cut her hands, "I think we're done here."

She turns around and her heart stills at the sight of Mark on the floor. At first, she thinks that he fainted from a sun stroke, but when she approaches him, it is clear that he has an arrow through his chest, "Oh, my God, Mark."

Automatically, she crouches into a combat position, looking all around for any sort of movement in the trees.

She hears a high pitched sound of an arrow flying by her, followed by a whistle.

Her heart hammers against her chest as a couple of men come into her field of view. They're not from here. Their clothes are different and their weapons are different.

Maddie puts a hand on her belly, and raises her other one in which she holds the knife, "What the fuck do you want?"

"Now, that's no way to talk to an old friend, is it bunny?"

She scans the trees for the voice, praying that it's her mind playing tricks on her. She hears the whistle from behind her. Too close. She spins around only to be grabbed and slammed against a trunk.

A firm hand holds her face in place as her knife is knocked out of her grasp. She opens her eyes when he breathes on her cheek, laughing in disbelief, "Well, would you look at that?"

Maddie tries to shove against him, but his rage makes him stronger than ever.

"Out of all the people I thought I'd be running into today, the last one on my mind was you," Simon chuckles as his moustache rubs against her jawline.

"Get off me, please," she tries to keep her calm but the anxiety inside of her starts to show.

"Why would I do that, hmm?" he glances around at his men, which gives her a second to breathe. He looks different. Angrier. And his men are fewer, "Do you remember what happened between us, bunny?" he does not give her a chance to reply, "I remember."

Maddie winces as he grabs a fistful of her shirt, "Please."

"Do you remember what you did?"

She glances down at his torso, immediately blaming herself for not stabbing him harder. He could have died that day, but he didn't. And now he is here.

"Is this where you live?" he gestures to the fence with his head, "Nice place. Big," he nods, "I'm guessing Negan is there too, huh."

Maddie winces again as he moves his hand up to her hair instead, holding her head in place. She hears the sound of steel being unsheathed and shrieks when he presses it against her side.

"I reckon it's only fair, right?" he leans into her until she can't breathe, "An eye for an eye."

"No!" she manages to push him off with shaking arms. After that, her legs give in and she lands on the floor, "Please, I'm pregnant."

Simon doesn't seem to register what she just said. He has only one thing on his mind: revenge. And it's clear to see. Maybe that's why he only has a handful of men left who wanted to follow him all the way out here. Even they don't look stable.

"Oh, I've always liked it when you begged, bunny," Simon crouches down in front of her, knife at the ready.

What she doesn't expect is a loud gunshot, followed by a warm splash of blood on her face. She screams as he collapses in front of her. Her eyes dart to the rest of his men which follow suit.

"Maddie!"

She sees a group of people running towards her, Negan leading the pack. Her heart rate does not slow down. She wipes some blood off her face, desperately kicking away Simon's limp arm that has landed on her thigh.

Negan skids to a stop in front of her, dropping his pistol, "Maddie, look at me."

She continues to take short, laboured breaths as he strokes her cheek.

"Fuck," he curses, "Just breathe, Maddie. Take deep breaths, baby."

Her shaky hands grip his forearms as she watches people nudging the imposters with their rifles to check if they are still alive.

"It's okay, baby, you're okay. Look at me." Negan checks over her to make sure that all the blood isn't hers, "You're okay."

SHSHSHSHSHSH

Negan paces near the door to the infirmary with his hands folded. What a fucking day. If only she just stayed within the walls. Fuck. Why did he let her go?

Nobody expected for Simon to arrive, especially after all this time. It seems like he has never got over it.

Negan pinches the bridge of his nose. He can't help but think about Kate and Annabelle. What happened to them? Maybe they are safe after all. If Simon left the Sanctuary to travel this far, it only means that the Sanctuary does not exist anymore. Which means Kate and Annabelle can't possibly be there.

No, they are safe. Away from everything. He must believe that.

The only relief he feels is that of Simon finally being dead. It's hard to get his head around how easy it was to kill him. All this time, it seemed impossible.

He squeezes his eyes shut at the thought of what could have happened. Paranoia was on his side this time. He made no mistake in gathering some people to watch Maddie from the fence. It was the right thing to do. It's why she is alive.

The door opens and the community doctor steps out, sliding his hands into his pockets. He can't get a word in as Negan starts to panic.

"Is she okay? Was she hurt? Is the baby alright?"

The doctor holds up his hands, "Relax. They are both fine."

He sighs in relief, "Fuck. Thank fuck."

"She has suffered quite a shock though," he nods, "I gave her meds to calm her down, so she might appear a bit drowsy."

"Can... Can I see her?" he asks.

The doctor nods, "Just take it easy. Like I said, she suffered a shock. And the fact that she has panic attacks doesn't make it better."

Negan rubs his face in frustration, "I know. I fucking know that."

He steps past him, into the infirmary, where the only sound is Maddie's gentle breathing and the faint beeping of a machine. Negan sighs into his hands before taking a seat at the edge of her bed.

She opens her heavy eyes to look at him, a small smile appearing on her face, "Hey."

"How do you feel, darlin'?" he grabs one of her hands, feeling how weakly she squeezes his fingers.

"Tired," she murmurs, closing her eyes again, "You're gonna yell at me, right?"

"Why would I yell at you?" he frowns, leaning in to kiss her forehead, "I'm just so fucking glad you are okay. And the baby."

Maddie moves her head, "Come here. Lay with me."

Negan shuffles onto the bed, trying not to knock anything over in the process, "It's over now, okay? He's gone."

"I know," she nuzzles into his chest, "I just didn't expect to see him like that... all those memories came rushing back. And Mark," she makes a sound, "Is he... is he okay?"

"No," he sighs, "I'm sorry."

"Shit," she whimpers.

He puts an arm around her, using his hand to stroke her hair, "I know, baby," he plants a kiss on her head, "I'm sorry."

"You're allowed to stay here, right?"

He smirks, "I'm pretty fucking sure we're allowed to go home either way."

"Yeah," she says, "But let's just stay here a bit longer, okay?"

Negan feels her move beside him, "Okay, darlin'."

Maddie laughs softly, "No... but-"

"There's a but?"

She smiles at him, folding her arms, "But it's big. So stay where you are."

"Okay," he shifts in his chair uncomfortably, his patience wearing out already, "Good big?"

"Depends how you take it," she shrugs one shoulder before walking over to the counter and leaning over it.

Negan smirks slightly, a million things going through his brain. Automatically, he starts to think back to all the things he has done wrong that could have impacted what she is about to say. Unless... it's something that she has done. Or maybe she wants to leave the community for a month again? Fuck no.

"Whatever it is, doll, I support you," he says, "But you're not leaving again. Not ever."

She has that kind of look in her eye that tells him things are bigger than that, "Just listen."

He nods, his smile fading away slowly. Maddie realises that the longer she takes, the worse the delivery is going to be.

"Okay, I'm just gonna say it, okay?" she claps her hands together, "But don't freak out."

"I won't, darlin'."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

"Well... I wanted to wait until I was sure," she bounces on both feet, stalling again. Just spit it out! "And now that I am sure... I'm going to tell you."

Negan leans back in his chair, folding his arms.

She sighs again. Fuck, here we go, "I'm pregnant."

He furrows his brows, the initial emotions radiating off him are confusion and concern. His body language changes instantly. He unfolds his arms, and leans forward.

Maddie watches him, trying not to speak until he decides to, "You're serious?"

"Yeah," she nods, watching his shoulders deflate as he rubs his chin, "Oh, no. What?"

Negan glances at her before getting up, "No, no, no, it's nothing. I just..." he pulls her in, hands squeezing around her shoulders, "I just didn't expect it."

"It's not completely out of the blue," she shrugs, "It's what happens when you have unprotected sex."

He smiles slightly, looking down at his feet, "I thought it was impossible, darlin'," he says, "After trying with Lucille... and getting told that I wasn't capable..."

Maddie places her hands on his chest, making him look at her, "Doctors get shit wrong all the time."

He chuckles, placing a kiss on her forehead, "Oh, fuck."

"What?"

"It just hit me. Fuck," she feels his arms tighten around her, "We're having a baby."

"Yeah, I'm kind of freaking out," she laughs.

"You are?" he leans back to look into her eyes, "You don't look it."

Maddie shoves him playfully, "Are you happy or not?"

"Of course I'm fucking happy," he kisses the top of her head, "We're so lucky."

SHSHSHSHSHSH

The more days went by, the more freaked out Negan seemed to be getting. Maddie knew that the announcement lingered at the back of his head, but it didn't really hit him like a truck... like it should have. Until now.

"Wake up," he shakes her shoulders, "Maddie."

She groans as he pulls her out of her dreams, "God. What? What do you want?"

"I need to talk to you," he says.

Maddie lets her eyes adjust to the dark before she sits up and leans back against the headboard. She notices that Negan is in the same position, and he looks tense as fuck, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," he sighs into his hand before grabbing hers and stroking it softly, "I was just thinking about the baby and how fucking insane life is going to get... and we have nothing prepared."

She smiles at him in the dark, "You woke me up for this?"

His head turns towards her before he leans over and switches the night light on.

She stretches her arms above her head and glances out of the window. It's pitch blank which means they are not even close to morning, "Look, I think it's sweet that you're freaking out, but we still have nine months to go."

"I know, doll," he kisses the back of her hand, "But when the baby comes... we will live here forever... in this community," he searches her eyes for an opinion before she has even formed it, "Are you happy living here forever?"

Maddie blinks. She hasn't even thought about that. But he is right. They would not be able to move anywhere. But why would they want to? This place is safe. It's just the fact that this will be their home until they die. She feels her heart rate quicken.

"That's daunting to think about," she says.

"I know," he smiles sadly, "I mean... fuck," he sighs again, "Would you want to get married? And have other children?"

She laughs nervously, "We shouldn't overthink this, Negan." He nods slowly, acting as if he has commitment issues, "It's not like the old world anymore," she shrugs, "We could die tomorrow. Let's just take it one day at a time."

Negan watches her, eventually leaning back into the headboard, "You're right, darlin'. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," she smiles, resting her head on his chest, "As long as we're happy, we have nothing to worry about. Are we happy?"

She feels his chest bubble with amusement, "Yeah, I'm fucking happy."

"So am I," she smirks, closing her eyes.

But that wasn't the last conversation they had about this. It seemed like Negan brought up all these worst case scenarios, and Maddie calmed him down by telling him how they would deal with them. She knew that eventually she would be the one who would be freaking out like him. She knew that she would have to give birth.

They had a doctor.

And she knew that the baby would need food.

She would breastfeed.

But what if she couldn't?

Then they'd have to get baby formula.

But what if they couldn't find any?

Then they'd make it.

Maddie placed her hand on her chest and took deep breaths. Everything would be fine. She's not the first woman to give birth during an apocalypse. And circumstances could be way worse.

SHSHSHSHSHSH

"Are you eating mashed potatoes again?"

"Mmm," Maddie responds, licking the spatula.

Negan shakes his head, grinning, "These cravings are getting out of hand. Is that all we're gonna eat until the baby comes?"

"You can eat whatever you want," she shrugs, "I'm eating this."

He lifts the metal lid off the pan to see a whole batch of mashed potatoes, steam still coming off, "Fine by me, darlin'."

Maddie smirks as he places a hand on her small bump.

"We should call him Spud," he grins as she laughs.

"That's hilarious."

"Wait, wait, wait, you'll mess up the bed," Maddie gasps, holding onto his neck as he tries to shove her.

"You're really worried about the fucking bed?" Negan growls, finally finding the strength to push her onto the mattress. She gasps as the water starts to soak the blanket and pillows, "the only thing you should be fucking worried about, darlin'," he says, tossing his boxers across the room, "Is how you are going to struggle to walk tomorrow."

She moans as their mouths clash together again, both seeking dominance. His hands start to roam around her chest, kneading her soft breasts.

"Negan," she breathes as his lips start to trail down her neck, "Please."

Her fingers tangle in his hair as she realises how low his head has traveled, "I've been waiting a long fucking time for this, sweetheart."

Maddie smirks at how he hasn't lost touch with the way he talks during these sessions. When it gets too much, his voice is the only thing she can concentrate on. Maybe that's why he does it?

"I bet you're already so fucking wet for me," he growls against one of her thighs, "Always ready."

She bucks her hips and drags his face into the centre of her sex to shut him up. Every time he brags about what he does to women, it makes her laugh, but he is never wrong. It's like she needs to be reminded. And it's one hell of a reminder every time.

He wraps his arms around her legs and pulls her to the edge of the bed where he is stationed on his knees on the floor.

Surprisingly, Negan doesn't waste his time and gives her what she deserves. She arches her back at the feel of his tongue on her. In her. His prickly stubble makes the whole thing even better. She has spent so long wondering if they will ever get to be this close again, and it almost feels like a dream that he is between her legs right now.

He squeezes her thigh firmly, evicting a small squeal from her mouth. The adrenaline turns pain into pleasure and she makes a fist in his hair. This time, he groans, but doesn't stop.

Maddie starts to feel the knot loosening inside her and her legs turn into jelly. Her thighs shake slightly as her moans get louder. With her eyes closed, she can tell that Negan's mouth has turned into a devilish smirk. That's when he pulls away and chuckles.

"Look at the sight of you, darlin'," she glances down at him as his eyes wander around her body while he keeps his lips on one of her thighs, "You're making me fucking rock hard right now."

She decides to challenge him, figuring she has nothing left to lose, "What are you waiting for, then?"

Negan groans, climbing back up on the bed and on top of her, attacking her mouth. Between the passionate kisses, she manages to say, "Fuck me."

"Is that what you really want?" he pants, biting her bottom lip.

"Yes, Negan," she gasps, arching into him, "I want you to fuck me."

"Goddammit," she feels his dick twitch against her stomach as he wraps her legs around his torso, "Tell me how much you want it."

Maddie laughs slightly. She should have known that he would make her do this. It's one of his biggest turn-ons. Negan smirks down at her, prodding her entrance with his cock.

"Fuck, just fuck me, Negan. I need you."

"Did you miss my cock, sweetheart?"

"Yes, more than anything."

He groans, sliding into her slowly, "Good girl. Fucking fuck... you're so fucking tight."

Maddie moans quietly, looking up at him, "Don't hold back, please."

He smirks, placing both hands on her hips, "You'll regret saying that, darlin'."

She shakes her head, "No, I won't. Please... just do as I say."

Negan shoves his hips forward, filling her up completely. She gasps, throwing her head back against the pillow.

"Please!"

"Oh, fuck," he groans, getting all the confirmation he needs. Maddie's moans get more detached from her body the more he rams into her. After a while, she hardly recognises her own voice.

She holds onto his forearms as he lurches forward, trying her best to not forget how to breathe. When Negan stills, she takes a big gulp of air, and that is all he allows her to do before continuing to pound into her.

"Ah!" she squeezes his arms, feeling herself get closer and closer to the edge.

Negan chuckles darkly, placing one of his hands on her throat, "This what you wanted, baby?"

Maddie feels her lips form some kind of words but nothing comes out. Nothing except the constant gasps and groans as she tries to grasp onto whatever oxygen she can find.

"You like being fucked hard, don't ya, princess?" he groans and squeezes her throat, which is what finally manages to send her over the edge. Negan buries his face in her hair as his hips start to lose rhythm, "Fuck. Fuck!"

Even after it's all over and they've both collapsed on the bed, Maddie still lays catching her breath. The only thing to do is to stare at the ceiling and wait until the adrenaline washes away.

Eventually she feels Negan stroking up and down her arm. A small smile appears on her face.

"You okay?"

"Yeah," she says, turning to look into his eyes. He moves up closer, placing a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth, "I love you."

His smirk widens, "I'm never gonna get tired of you sayin' that, doll," his lips meet hers again, "I love you so much."

SHSHSHSHSHSH

Week after week, things started to get better, and soon Maddie realised that they have both settled into a healthy routine. They work. They eat. They love each other. And that's more than she could have expected only a year ago. Life was finally good.

Things with Stella were good. Maddie knew that she would be having arguments with Negan everyday if they weren't. She was very grateful that her circle of friends didn't include childish idiots who held grudges. Well... Negan was a childish idiot sometimes but he was the only person she could deal with in that sense.

Also, Maddie was making some "serious side hustle", as Negan would put it. She made soaps and creams from natural products around the community, which was quite easy to come by as the weather was always good and the plants just kept on growing. She traded these items with people for other items, like food and clothes, which would normally be quite expensive to buy.

Everything was great.

Too great.

Maddie realised that at some point something was going to give.

She exchanged some soap for a pregnancy test from the community doctor when she understood that she was considerably late. It was positive but she didn't panic. It could have been wrong.

She convinced the community doctor to see her and give her a scan. And when the little heartbeat filled up the room, there was no doubt.

Waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon is something that Maddie never thought she would experience again. But here she is.

She finds herself smiling before her eyes are open, and when they are, she is greeted by the warm morning light. Her arm stretches over to the right but the spot next to her is empty. She sighs softly, remembering what happened last night.

It feels almost as if they are back in the normal world. No walkers or crazy people trying to kill them. Everything feels... normal.

Her mind starts to take baby steps into the past events, and way too soon she is up to date with everything.

Wait a second... the smell of bacon.

Maddie rolls her eyes as she sits up. Bacon is not cheap... and he is deciding to use it up now?

She tries to calm herself, focusing on his clearly good intentions. It's okay. It's just bacon. It's just twenty hours of work.

Maybe this is something she is going to have to get used to. She cannot start being a control freak now. Negan is a big boy. Let him do whatever the fuck he wants to. Even if that means using up rare food for breakfast.

They are going to have to breed more pigs here. The only way out.

As she is still wearing her shorts and shirt from last night, she skips down the stairs to greet him in the kitchen. He smiles widely when he sees her, gesturing to the pan, "I hope you don't mind, doll. Don't worry, you can have my twenty hours to buy whatever you want."

"It's alright," she shrugs, walking towards him, "We live together. We can share."

Negan chuckles, "You are about to have the best fucking breakfast of your life."

If it doesn't involve sex, it's not going to be the best.

Maddie feels her core tighten at her thoughts. Before she has any time to think, her arms wrap around his torso from behind. Negan stills for a second, even going as far as to hold his breath.

"Hey there," he purrs, flipping the bacon carefully.

Her hands snake around his front, feeling the soft skin beneath his shirt. His stomach moves as she traces the area just above his belt, "You don't have to do that you know."

She hears his smirk through his words, "I want to, darlin'. Figured I'd be on my best fucking behaviour."

Maddie chuckles softly, pulling away. His body slumps forward in disappointment. Nevertheless, he gives her a wink over his shoulder.

"Take a seat. I'll bring your plate over."

She does what he says and watches as he starts plating their breakfasts, flipping the metallic spatula once, "Why didn't you wake me?" She stretches her arms out on the table.

"Why would I dream of doing that, darlin'? You were sleepin' like an angel."

"You're just saying that."

"Nah," he grins, placing her plate in front of her, "I've seen angels and they look exactly like you."

She bursts out laughing, "When have you seen angels? When you were high?"

Negan smiles at her, "Sure. Let's go with that."

They eat their breakfast and then Negan clears the table, glancing over his shoulder while he washes up, "Want some coffee?"

Maddie sighs, "Nah. I better start getting ready for work."

She stands up forcefully, already feeling tired. It would be much better to just spend time with him here, but there is no such thing as leisure in this community. Everyone has to pull their weight. All the time.

SHSHSHSHSHSH

"Fuck, it's hot," Negan grumbles as he slams the door behind him. The manual labour on top of the scorching conditions of today has not helped. The sun is finally setting, signalling the end of the work day, and it's still fucking hot. There is a slight breeze, but he feels like he will have to have all the windows open.

He sheds his shirt layer and tosses it onto the couch before heading straight to the shower. Fuck this weather.

His heart almost leaps out of his throat when he sees Maddie standing by the door. Her hair is damp, signifying that she has just come out of the shower. She is wearing nothing but a pair of panties and a white shirt. Negan knows that it is his because it looks oversized on her.

"Jesus, you fucking scared me."

Maddie smirks, taking out both her earrings and placing them on the nightstand, "Sorry... wow... you are so sweaty."

Negan shoves her playfully, walking past her into the bathroom, "I work hard."

"I can tell."

He expects her to shut the door and let him shower but instead she leans against the doorframe and watches him. It's not like him to be shy as he starts to undress, but given the circumstances, he stops at his boxers.

"Need something?"

"No," she shrugs simply, eyes lingering on the sheen of his chest.

He takes this opportunity to do the same and notices how her nipples are showing through her shirt. He licks his lips before straightening his back.

"You just wanted to watch me, doll?"

Maddie grins, looking away, "I'm kinda regretting showering before you."

"Why is that?"

She laughs as it flies past over his head.

"What?" he furrows his eyebrows.

"Nothing. Don't worry about it," she tries to leave but he grabs her hand, leading her back in.

"Ew, come on, stay away from me!" she slaps his chest gently, "I'm all clean!"

He grins, wrapping his arms around her waist to keep her pressed against him, "You wanted to shower with me, is that it, darlin'?"

She keeps her hands on his chest, keeping him at an arm's length. It's kinda pointless since they are practically joined at the hips, "No."

"Liar," he grins.

"It doesn't matter now, you've missed your chance by coming home too late."

"Oh, so it's my fault?" with one hand he turns the shower on, keeping her squirming body against him.

"What are you doing?" she laughs.

In one swift motion, he has her in both arms as he steps into the bath tub. Maddie screams as the water starts to soak her shirt.

"Negan, you idiot!"

"Come on, don't be so uptight," he laughs.

"Uptight?" Maddie finally manages to break free. That's when her eyes land on a bottle of her handmade shower lotion. She knows that it's a waste but at the same time, she knows that she didn't pay anything for it. She can make more if she has to.

Her hands raise and she squeezes, sending the contents of the bottle squirting up his chest and into his hair, "Shit! You little shit!"

Maddie guffaws at his over-reaction, squealing again when he grabs her. It turns into a relentless water fight until the whole bathroom is soaked and all the shower gels are stuck to the walls.

They calm down at opposite ends of the bathroom, gasping for breath from laughing. Maddie realises that this has already happened... back when they lived at the mansion.

Negan shakes his head and wipes his face with one hand, "Fuck. You like wasting resources."

"You started it," she says, looking down at her shirt which is now stuck to her body.

All of a sudden, Negan takes off his wet boxers and they land on the bathroom floor with a splat. He grabs the shower curtain and closes it, peaking out at Maddie, "So are you joining me or not, doll?"

Maddie swallows at the idea, not hesitating to discard all her wet clothes and leave them behind her. She steps into the shower where Negan has already started washing the suds out of his hair. He turns to her and pulls her into the stream of water.

It feels slightly foreign to be in this situation again, especially considering everything that they have been through. She looks up at him, drops of water collecting on her eyelashes. That's when she realises that he is leaning down to her level.

His lips land on hers tenderly. She closes her eyes, feeling the butterflies start up in her stomach again. Her hands find their spot on his chest as his crawl up her arms and grab her face. After a while, he pulls away slowly, the sound of the water almost too loud for her to hear him.

"Should I stop?" he asks, bumping his nose against hers.

She smiles slightly, "No."