MAGGIE

I hold Hershel a bit tighter as we cuddle on the couch, my chin resting against the top of his head as an old cartoon plays on the TV. He's content...happy, as if the incident never happened. But it did, and it had been one of the worst moments of my life.

I keep replaying the scenario over and over again in my head, reminding myself just how lucky I am. I had been so distracted with food prep and enjoying the rest of the party that, had Negan not spotted Hershel in need of help, I could have lost the one thing I hold close to my heart.

Something had happened yesterday, apart from nearly losing Hershel. I saw him, Negan, in a different light. He wasn't the brutal killer I had known him to be. No, he had saved my son without hesitation, when everything I've done and said to him would've been enough to make him turn away.

Whether he saved him out of guilt or simple kindness, it still shows that he's no longer the monster I despised and wanted dead for so long.

"You okay mommy?"

Looking down at my son, I can see the concern in his eyes and quickly smile.

"Yes, baby. I'm okay. I'm actually going to step out for a minute, so I need you to promise me you'll stay right here until I get back." I say as I unravel my limbs, freeing him from my tight embrace before standing and looking down at him as he nods his little head.

    Stepping out onto the front porch, I take a deep breath and think over how I'm going to do this. He needs to know just how grateful I am for what he did, and another quick 'thank you' won't cut it. Walking down the street I repeat the words I plan to say, the anxiety I'm feeling getting worse with each step forward. But I can't turn back, this needs to be done. 'Don't be a coward Maggie,' my conscience echoes when my steps falter outside his home, and with a defeated sigh I step up onto the porch and rap my knuckles against the screen door.

    He seems surprised when he opens the door, and I give him a small smile before clearing my throat.

    "Maggie, hey," he greets softly as he leans against the doorframe, giving me a bright but nervous smile in return.

    "Hello, Negan." I start to say, already off to an awkward start. "I—I wanted to thank you, again, for what you did yesterday. I should've been watching him myself but I wasn't, so I'm really grateful that you were there to save him."

    Negan listens to my words, brow scrunching together as I speak, as if not quite sure I'm being genuine, or if there's some underlying meaning. I can understand his weary reaction, I haven't been the most civil person to deal with.

    "I'm being serious. I'm here to...to try and make peace between us. Because whether I'm comfortable with or approve of the fact, you are very much a part of this community now, so I just need to accept." I explain quickly, hoping my words aren't so jumbled together that he won't understand. I tend to talk fast when anxious, it is a known trait amongst the rest of the group. Even Glenn had to calm me down and make me repeat a few things at times.

    He blinks, and I let out a soft sigh as I look at him, really look at him for the first time. I can't deny he's attractive, a bit older and scraggly yes, but the look suits him. It's been so long since I looked at a man this way, the last being Glenn. No one had ever sparked my interest like he did. But yet, as I stand here ogling his appearance, I can't help but wonder what'd it'd be like to have his arms wrapped around me. 'No Maggie, you can't think about that...he killed your husband!' my conscience screams.

    I quickly shake the thoughts away and clear my throat. "S—so, truce?" I ask, holding my hand out to shake his for good measure. A wide grin spreads over his cheeks as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

"Truce."

A/N so yaaaaay! Maggie is warming up to him!

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