NEGAN

I hesitate for a moment, my hand balled into a fist and ready to knock on the screen door in front of me but my brain telling me it's a bad idea. What if, for good reasons, this was a trick, and the moment I step inside she'll attack me after all the years of restraint?

I shake my head, mumbling softly to myself about how stupid I sound. There wasn't an evil gleam in her eyes when she'd invited me, and she seemed happy when I accepted. I have nothing to fear, except maybe my own thoughts.

With a gruff 'hell', I knock twice before dropping my hand back to my side and waiting for her to answer, my eyes exploring her front porch. She has a nice setup; a porch swing dangles off to the side, and potted plants have been spread out in a nice arrangement. It's nice, and I can't help but wish mine had a little more to it.

I turn my head when the door creaks open, smiling as Maggie greets me and quietly lets me inside. I take a look around, noticing a few changes have been made since last I was in here. The door closes behind me, and I hand her the flower if picked before coming. It isn't extravagant, just a tall dandelion I found in my yard.

She seems surprised by the notion, taking it carefully with a small smile.

"Thank you. It's very sweet." she says softly, her words holding nothing but truth as she gently places it on the kitchen island.

I smile and nod, looking around with a curious frown.

"Where's the little guy?" I ask her, sliding my hands into my front pockets as I slowly move further into the kitchen, not wanting to push my luck.

"Oh, he's with Rick and Michonne. I figured tonight would be easier if it were just the two of us." she replies casually, her words making my heart skip a beat.

I take a moment to look at her, admiring the way her hair falls passed her shoulders in a cascade of waves, curling ever so slightly under her chin. The soft array of freckles over her cheeks bring out her eyes, making me melt every time she glances my way. And her body, well—

"Negan?"

I jerk back into reality, blinking once or twice before clearing my throat.

"Yes?" I reply, hoping I haven't left her waiting for something, worried that she caught me staring for too long.

"I was asking what you like in your mashed potatoes. Butter...salt?" Maggie asks, seemingly oblivious to my internal struggle.

"Oh! I like both. I'm not too picky." I say quickly, and with a nod she adds both in and hands me my plate.

"I had finished cooking just before you showed up." she explains with a smile before taking her own plate over to the dining table.

I follow her, sitting on the opposite side so as not to make her nervous. Taking a bite, I immediately have to hold back a moan as the rich flavor reaches my taste buds.

"I'm guessing I did good?" Maggie chuckles, a wide grin spreading over her cheeks.

I nod quickly, licking over my lips as I look up at her.

"I haven't had this good of a meal in a long time." I say softly, before pausing to think over my words. "Don't tell Carol I said that."

She lets out a genuine laugh, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she lets out a small snort. It's a refreshing sound, and one I plan to hear more of.

"So um...is there a specific reason you invited me over?" I ask her softly before taking another bite, using my fingers to open up my biscuit as I wait for a response.

She goes silent for a moment, and I can tell she's choosing her words carefully.

"Are you still...you know, interested in me?"

I cough loudly, the question throwing me off. But I didn't hear her wrong. She really wants to know how I feel. Looking at her, I give a small nod and rub the back of my neck.

"I thought I was making it obvious." I admit sheepishly, letting out a nervous laugh.

She nods slowly, looking down at her plate for a moment before speaking once more.

"I still find it difficult to forgive you at times, but I no longer have the urge to kill you like I did in the beginning. There's not many men left that aren't spoken for, and I've gotten pretty lonely. Something I didn't think would happen." she explains, fiddling with her hands as I listen to every word.

She meets my gaze. "I think I owe it to myself to give it a try—you a try. I can't deny that, after everything we've been through, there's something there. And I know I could be making a huge mistake, but I'm so tired of living in the past. I want to move forward."

I watch as she runs her hands through her hair, giving it that messy, early morning look I find so desirable.

Without hesitation, I reach out and place my hand on top of hers, brushing my thumb over her knuckles lightly.

"We can take things slow, how 'bout that? And if at any point you don't think it's working out we'll end it. No hard feelings." I say softly, wanting her to know I'm not the man I used to be. The man who'd give ultimatums or use my power to make her like me.

We hold each other's gaze for what seems like an eternity, neither breaking contact long enough to blink. She lets out a soft sigh before nodding, saying the one word that will change my life.

"Okay."