GA - Woodbury - Governor's Apartment

[Ariel]

Suddenly, their intense conversation became interrupted by the loud, muffled bang of a gunshot. A sense of dread rose in Philip's stomach as it sounded like the gunshot came from upstairs...where his undead little girl resided away from the eye of society. A thought washed over the Governor's mind. Maybe, just maybe if him and this Negan guy could take Rick down together then perhaps his life would be spared and they could come to some sort of deal. He understood how careful he had to be about things around this unpredictable man. He didn't want to set him off any further, unknowing of what he was capable of.

"Huh!" "You got a roomie up there? Why don't you introduce us to each other?" 

"Speak of the devil," Philip removed his eye from Negan to peer upwards at the ceiling boards above, "That's probably the son of a bitch right now," Looking back onto Negan, Philip tilted his gaze as he gestured towards his blown kneecap, "I'd be delighted, however it appears my leg is in no condition to make it up them stairs." The Governor spoke in a matter of fact tone, hoping that Negan would simply just leave him where he lay on the ground to go take down Rick himself.

[DarkSideCookie]

"Speak of the devil,""That's probably the son of a bitch right now,"

Negan's gaze was following the Governor's only slightly. He was no idiot to devert his eyes from this man. A shot in the knee or not, he was belonging to the sort of men who meant danger as long as they were still breathing. So Negan was quick to look back at him, giving the man an amused nod even, almost as if he was looking forward to meet that so called devil. Rick. A strong name. He really was looking forward to meet him for some reason. A toneless chuckle was playing around his lips.

"I'd be delighted, however it appears my leg is in no condition to make it up them stairs."

"Ah damn. Really... a... goddamn... shame," Negan answered with a shake of his head and a face expression of one who didn't even try to pretend he was serious about his condolence. "But you know what?" He chuckled maliciously. "I'm a supportive dude. I'll help you upstairs." The devilish grin on Negan's features gave away that this support he was speaking of wouldn't be disabled-friendly. He was aware of the noises this will make, but the Governor was much more important to him than some random Rick guy who seemed to stand on the town's shitlist as well anyway. He surely wouldn't risk to find this man here having escaped him, no matter potential precautions. Negan gave him one last chance to be cooperative before he would just drag him along upstairs. With a mix of spiteful amusement and a smile as if he really was just going to help, Negan held his free hand out to the Governor. His choice.

[Ariel]

"Ah damn. Really... a... goddamn... shame," "But you know what?" "I'm a supportive dude. I'll help you upstairs."

The Governor shook his head. This man walks into his home and tells him what to do? This Negan guy might be an alpha, but so was Philip. There was no way in hell that he allowed Rick Grimes to boss him around, Negan wouldn't be any different. If Negan thought that he could scare Philip with his taunts and malicious chuckles like he could with the rest of the world's population, he was wrong. 

"You ever seen a man down before, Negan? I reckon I'll be giving a hard no to your...generous proposal," The Governor spoke defensively, before tipping his forehead to glare at Negan through the only eye he had left, "You want me to go up there? You'll have to drag me by my collar." Philip challenged Negan without any hint of fear in his voice. The worst thing that could happen would be that Philip could end up dead by this man's hands. And if The Governor were to be so frank, he'd rather die for Woodbury than to allow anyone else to knock him down from his post.

[DarkSideCookie]

"You ever seen a man down before, Negan? I reckon I'll be giving a hard no to your...generous proposal,""You want me to go up there? You'll have to drag me by my collar."

Negan spent no more time on intimidating words and jokes but instead just did as told, or rather as he seemed to be wronged not to do. Unlike most people, though, Negan was one of these dogs that would bark AND bite. Besides, he really wanted to meet that Rick guy upstairs, and no way would he do that without dickhead over here. However, Negan was not stupid, so he took, at least, his time to tear off parts of the Governor's clothes with one fast movement and used them to gag him, not listening to any of the words that came out his mouth while he did.

He knew that this man was without a gun because Negan had watched him trying to reach one before, all while the Governor had been in the believing that he wouldn't notice. So Negan was extremely relaxed while gagging and dragging Philip Blake along on his way upstairs, ignoring the man's muffled screams. They were surely making enough noises to announce their visit, but, for some reason, Negan had a feeling that this Rick guy and him would meet anyway, not even aware himself why he was so keen to. There was just something about the way the Governor here had talked of him that had awakened Negan's curiosity.

[Ariel]

Phillip never underestimated Negan. If anything, he expected this character to grab him in a violent fashion and drag him mercilessly up the stairs like a ravishingly angry alpha male assuming his new dominance. Phillip knew that Negan wouldn't simply let him get away with sitting downstairs, being capable of god knows what in the meantime to try and take him down while distracted. No, this man was a smart leader and very strategic, and Phillip was content with meeting his match before his ultimate demise. He couldn't help but to yelp and cry out of pain all the way up the stairs as he met every bump of the steps, until they reached the very top to where they would meet face to face with the man of the hour. Rick Grimes.

[Ariel]

(tempplay by Ariel)

Quivering with emotion, Rick's head whipped upwards at the door that allowed only a peek into the hall where the top of the stairs resided. Peering through the the strands of hair that melded against his sweat encased forehead from the stress and fight, he couldn't see anyone rising from the stairs as of yet, but he heard a loud booming voice followed by painful yelling. Rick was never known to back down from a fight, yet was this fight still his? Or did this newcomer simply just have a bone to pick with The Governor? He was sure that after exploding his kneecap, that The Governor was already done for. So it was this new voice he had heard stirring about that was making an entrance upstairs. But who? Clenching onto his gun, Rick moved swiftly around and behind the nearest wall as he hid around the corner. He wouldn't fight anyone else unless it was necessary, for he had the safety Carl, the baby and the rest of his family to think about still.

[DarkSideCookie]

Negan ignored the yelping and the crying coming from the man he was dragging along all the way upstairs. He was still confident that they would meet with this Rick guy upstairs, no matter how much noise they made. He just felt it in his bones; Excitement. Like when one would have gone to a blind date thing, back in the past - a bygone past for him -, only heard about the other from tellings of a friend. This here might be a completely different initial situation, but somehow the same excitement. People who had punch were rare these days, and this Rick person sounded like one of that sort.

Eventually, they reached the top of the stairs. For a moment, Negan refrained from doing any sound at all, giving Philip Blake a sign to do the same. He took a moment to listen carefully. There was hard breathing coming from behind one of the doors, and one look inside, through the crack of it, gave Negan a picture matching that sound. There he was. With a wide grin on his face and the help of Lucille in his hand, Negan opened up the door some more.

"Hi," he then said, still grinning while looking rather like a psychopath, especially with the weapon, now shouldered, and the gagged man in his grip. "You're Rick, right? I'm Negan."

[Ariel]

(Rick Grimes - Temp-played by Ariel)

"You're Rick, right? I'm Negan."

Pointing his gun by his chest in defense, Rick's frozen face peered up as it met Negan's. The tall, brutish man sporting a leather jacket towered over him with a barbed wired bloody bat slung over his shoulder. Rick showed anything but fear towards this man as his glare challenged the man who looked like he could possibly refer to himself as an alpha. Taking anything he wants, when he wants under anyone's radar.

"Hi Negan," Rick refused to remove his gaze or weapon from the newcomer who grinned down upon him like a psychopath, "So, you're the big bad man the Governor is afraid of?" Rick posed the question between them, raising his eyebrows. He slowly raised his free hand in surrender before lowering his weapon. He had no beef with this man. Perhaps they both had an issue with the same person. Regardless, Rick was a cop and his instincts were kicking in as he began to cease being defensive and tried to raise a more compromising situation that would benefit them both, "...Let's talk. Maybe somewhere more comfortable than the floor?" Rick proposed, hoping this man was willing to hear him out before bashing him over the head.

[DarkSideCookie]

Negan was impressed how much the real Rick matched with his imagination after the Governor had spoken of this man. There was no sign of fear on his face, not on the outside, at least. Negan knew these sort of men. They would do anything to protect, not primarily themselves but those they cared for. He didn't have to guess twice that there were such people behind; People he cared for, in a different way than a governor about their townsfolk. This kind of man Negan felt the greatest joy to break. Of course, Rick here hadn't given him any reason to do so, not yet, at least.

"Hi Negan,""So, you're the big bad man the Governor is afraid of?"

"I don't know. Is that so?" Negan replied with an amused grin, looking down at the gagged man to his feet for a moment, then back to Rick, still grinning. "Seems so, doesn't it?" Only in thoughts, he was adding a question on his part. And you're the tough man with the big balls the Governor has some respect for?

"...Let's talk. Maybe somewhere more comfortable than the floor?"

"Sure," an answer came right away again, the grin widening even. "Wanna throw a tea party in the child's room instead?" Sardonic laughter was following his words, not loud but pithy. Before the other one could say something more, Negan added more, unshouldering Lucille and pointing at the dead remains that looked like it once had been a young girl. "On the other hand - it seems as if we're already right there. Was that you?" Negan's question sounded rather impressed than demanding. And, of course, he couldn't help throwing another glimpse at the Governor.

[Ariel]

"On the other hand - it seems as if we're already right there. Was that you?"

Rick stared down at the dead walker girl, her rotting skull mangled from where the bullet from his gun shattered what brains and bone had been left. It was clear to Rick that she hadn't been a lively little girl for quite some time now, but the entire scenario made his stomach churn. An undead girl locked in this space for God knows how long. Holding onto what's already dead was deranged enough, but not allowing this poor girl to rest in peace was just sick.

"Why?!" Rick climbed to his feet, shaking in anger as his gaze diverted boldly from Negan and stared down at the Governor laying on the floor, struggling to keep in the conversation due to his immense pain, " Y'know how much danger you could've put your own people in if she escaped? Do you truly care 'bout nobody but yourself?!" Rick raged, periodically looking away and then back at The Governor as he let his stern inquiries fly about.

"She was all I had left, you son of a bitch!" The Governor wailed. Half of his quivering was result of the dangerous wound that was gaping right where his kneecap used to be, but mostly in mourning of his daughter who lay completely lifeless on the floor.

Grabbing his own face, Rick was filled with angst as he wiped the stubble around his mouth and chin before throwing his hand back down to his side. "You never had a chance to save her. She was already dead." Rick pointed at the dead girl. A momentary silence filled the space between the three men before Rick looked Negan cold in the face, "Let's talk outside. I need some fresh air. And you're comin' with us," Rick directed the next part of his requests at the Governor, "You're gonna pay for what you've done."

[Ariel]

***Meanwhile, outside of the Governor's apartment***

Hazel stood in the middle of the street. She tried to move a muscle in the direction which Merle was held in restraints by Javier and Enid, making obnoxious noises and slurs in her direction. Though, no matter how hard she tried, she was frozen as all eyes were kept on the front entrance of the apartment which was currently shut. Terrified to face Philip after all this time, after the way she had left him was petrifying. Yet this time, she had protection, and knew that neither Javier or Negan would allow any sort of harm to come to her. At least, she had hoped. 

She had just finished running around town, trying to find anyone she could to help at the fallen gate. Most of these townsfolk had never fought a walker before, but times were dire. Woodbury was once Hazel's home, and she was quick to realize that it still was. She didn't want to see these people die, and knew that they cared about the survival of this place as well. Hazel could have only hoped her familiarity with these people and the words she had spoken to each and every one of them was enough for them to gather at the gate and put every effort they possibly could into saving their beloved town.

From the corner of her eye, Hazel had noticed two figures walking in their very direction, and could only assume it was Nora and her long lost friend Ingrid. Finally turning her gaze in their direction, Hazel began to slowly walk in their direction as she diverted eye contact with stone cold blondie and held her focus onto Ingrid.

"Glad you made it." Hazel greeted Ingrid, sporting a sheepish half grin.

[Ariel]

*** Ingrid, Nora, Dwight and Carl enter from Woodbury - Main Street***

Ingrid didn't let Carl and the baby out of her sight for a single moment as the small group travelled to the outside of the governor's apartment, in hopes of meeting up with this 'Javier' which Nora and Dwight spoke of. To Ingrid, it felt almost as if the natural course of things were starting to fall back into place as she looked over at Nora and Dwight, exchanging glances of gratefulness with each of them. The family was back in action, and Ingrid's heart was just about full. She wasn't sure if she dreaded or longed for her reunion with Negan. They had left things off pretty rough, almost seemingly unsolvable to some. Ingrid knew she had to take a chance. According to Nora, it was Negan who had organized this entire rescue operation. That alone gave her a glimmer of hope that everything would be okay.

Walking down the street, they brought Hazel into view in the distance between the buildings of the town. Ingrid walked up to her first, as they hadn't had much of a chance to speak before.

"Glad you made it."

"I wouldn't have made it as far as I did without your help," Ingrid approached the girl, giving her a nod of gratefulness before a long pause existed between them before she suddenly jumped towards Hazel and gave her a warm hug, "Thank you. For everything." Ingrid enveloped Hazel with gratitude before taking a step away and back to Nora's side, "I'd introduce you to my sister from another mister, but it so happens you've already been acquainted." Ingrid affirmed, looking back and forth between Hazel and Nora.

[DarkSideCookie]

Negan was silently enjoying the conversation that suddenly went on without him. Wow, this Rick guy had some fire up his ass! He liked that. Unfortunately for him, Negan was still the one in charge, maybe not in Woodbury - well, not yet officially at least -, but in this situation at hand.

"Let's talk outside. I need some fresh air," suddenly Rick addressed him again. Negan couldn't - and even if he could, he wouldn't - suppress a rotten smile. "And you're comin' with us. You're gonna pay for what you've done."

"Just so that you don't get this wrong," Negan forced Rick's attention back to him, still a little smiley yet much more seriously than before. "You both are subordinate to me now. For as long as I say it. Got that, cowboy?" The smile widened into a filthy grin before Negan would just grab the surprised-looking man by his arm. "Hold this for me, will ya?" he added, handing Lucille over to Rick to have another free hand to grab the Governor as well. Negan had studied this man enough to know that he wouldn't use this weapon on him; wouldn't use any weapon at him, not at this point, at least. Still, he gave Rick to understand that he would be the one leading the way back downstairs and outside.


*** Negan, Rick, and the Governor exit outside of the apartment. ***

[Lady Lee-o]

Javier would keep his whits about him. Men like Merle reminded him of those who hurt his daughter. If not for Negna wanting this pig alive he would have been dead. "Keep talking, el cabrón. Actually," Javier had no doubt he could keep control of this scum bag, he dealt with big tough men like this all his life. However, he was sick and tired of his mouth and decided to gag him after they arrived at the meeting spot. "Much better."

Javier didn't know most of these people, he knew those who mattered. His job was to keep the kid close and make sure Merle didn't escape and he had done that so far. His goal was to get back to his daughter, he did not like being so far away from her. She had trust issues and she didn't listen to many people, he hoped she was on her best behavior.

[Kristi Lynne]

"I'd introduce you to my sister from another mister, but it so happens you've already been acquainted."

"Yeah, Hazel was our tour guide," Nora told Ingrid. "She managed to get us here safely." It was a true and objective statement. But just because she'd done a couple of things right, and seemed to have genuine affection for Ingrid, didn't change Nora's opinion of a woman that she neither liked nor trusted. Their current situation was still quite dangerous with a herd of walkers bearing down on the gate, the town's citizens in a rising panic, and Negan nowhere to be found.

Nora felt like there was time to give Ingrid some good news, though. "Oh, remember that stray we picked up? That's her," she said, pointing to the girl that was sticking close to Javier.

[Ariel]

"Yeah, Hazel was our tour guide," "She managed to get us here safely."

Hazel was rather shocked that Nora didn't nearly vomit recognizing her helpful role in the operation. That wasn't so hard, was it now, Hazel inwardly snickered yet kept her remakes to herself. Too much had happened between them to ever come close to having a respectful opinion of one another. Hazel was just relieved that they had found Ingrid alive.

"Oh, remember that stray we picked up? That's her,"

Hazel's gaze panned over to where Enid stood with Javier and couldn't help but to grin as the two sisters were about to be reunited once more. Family...must be nice to have one. Deep down, her bitterness towards Nora also pointed at seeing just how much she had and how little Hazel had. She had put herself in this position based off of the terrible life choices she had made and the people she had followed. Taking a few steps back, Hazel removed herself from the situation to allow the family reunion their moment. She didn't belong with them, anyways. She never did.

"Hazel, is that you?" A voice piped up from behind Hazel, making her pivot around to face a few familiar faces.

"Rowan, Eileen, am I ever glad to see you two!" Hazel ran up to them and greeted them both with a warm, relieved embrace, "You're both covered in blood. Did you just get back from the break in the gate?" Hazel questioned them with concern.

"Yeah we did. We've managed to clear a lot of them but they just keep pouring in," Rowan spoke with slight panic in his tone, "But something amazing has happened - more and more townsfolk just keep showing up, asking to help. That's why we retreated to get more weapons." Rowan gleamed with astonishment, "They all said you talked to them - inspired them. I don't know what you said to them, but whatever you said to these sheepish folk who've never see the outside world - it worked." Shaking his head in disbelief, Rowan and Eileen both looked upon Hazel with upmost respect. Hazel suddenly was overcome with a feeling she hadn't felt in a really long time. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had done something right.

"I love these people, and this town - I was just doing the right thing," Hazel humbled herself, not wanting to be placed on a pedestal for simply doing everything she could to help Woodbury survive. Yet, she wouldn't lie - feeling important again felt good.

"Well, it's good to have you back, Hazel," Eileen interjected with a warm grin, before looking back at Rowan, "We should grab more weapons and get back there - the numbers are growing by the minute."

"I'll come help," Hazel offered, "I'm not needed here anyways," She peered over her shoulder at Nora and the Saviors, not even noticing her absence. Rowan and Eileen both nodded and the three of them took off into town.

***Hazel, Rowan and Eileen exit***

[Ariel]

"Oh, remember that stray we picked up? That's her,"

Ingrid turned her head over to where Nora motioned her to look. She stood there as she spotted the familiar looking young girl in pure disbelief. They locked gazes almost in sync, and in that moment the feeling in Ingrid's chest felt as if her soul had been restored once more. No...it can't be...this isn't real... Tears welded up in her eyes as her entire body quivered with every slow step she managed to take towards the girl she had given up hope on ages ago. Bringing herself in front of the girl, Ingrid was afraid to speak or touch the girl. She was scared that this was another one of her dreams and that the moment she gives in, it would all disappear and she would wake up again. "E-Enid?" Ingrid whispered through her shaky bottom lip to the girl before her as overwhelming emotion began to take over.

[Ariel]

Enid felt a pair of eyes staring at her. She was so involved in watching Javier handle the bad man, that she didn't realize Nora had returned. And she had brought a familiar guest. Glancing to the side, she saw an older girl sporting a familiar side braid that she could have picked out of a sea of people. It was Ingrid. Turning her head completely, she locked eyes with her sister that she thought had died after hearing about the hospital being overrun. That was, until Negan, Nora and company had found her and told her that Ingrid might still be out there. Enid had a burning feeling that Ingrid was still alive after all this time, yet nothing could prepare her for this moment. She stood there completely frozen with the millions of emotions that entered her body at once, magnifying with every step Ingrid took in her direction until they were staring at each other face to face.

"E-Enid?"

It had been so long since she had heard the voices of the ones she loved, that she was so scared that she would forget what they sounded like. Hearing her sister's sweet voice after all this time made her give into the wave of emotions that surged through her being. Enid's face crumbled as tears streamed down her cheeks, lunging forward and embracing Ingrid with both arms.

"I knew you'd find me." Enid managed to speak through the cracking rise of emotion in her voice, sobbing into her sister's jacket.

[Ariel]

"I knew you'd find me."

Ingrid fell to her knees as her long lost sister hugged her, both girls sobbing uncontrollably. Ingrid managed to somewhat pull herself together, and still holding onto her baby sister she broke their hug to lift her fingers up to Enid's face and gently wipe away the tears and wet strands of hair from her face, "We found each other. We're Snow girls after all," Ingrid's voice was still shaky, yet she spoke with warm relief. Ingrid began to instinctually remember what it was like to be Enid's older sister, "We survive, remember what Dad used to say? J.S.S. Just survive somehow." Ingrid studied Enid's face. She was a little older, and probably a little wiser. It was noticeable in her eyes that being in this new world had shaped her, "I saw your signs. I tried to find you...but I-I-...," There was no excuse in the world that Ingrid could make to justify why she stopped looking. Though, it didn't matter anymore, "....We're together now. And that's all that matters." Ingrid hugged Enid once more, consoling her and forgetting that they were surrounded by others and a dangerous, impending circumstance that breached the walls further and further in as they knew it.

[Ariel]

*** Outside of the Apartment ***

Following behind Negan dragging the Governor onto the street, Rick emerged back out into the light of day. He wanted to negotiate with this Negan guy on who rightfully deserved to take the lead on the situation, but if the rumors that the Governor spoke of this man were true than Rick figured it would be best to keep calm and play it safe. He had his kids to think about after all, and after losing Lori, he couldn't afford any more losses. Rick almost stopped in his tracks at the sight of the small group that had formed outside of the building, spotting Carl holding his new baby sister. Though, he didn't want his kids anywhere near Negan. Not until he figured out what this man was all about - and capable of. Knowing they were safe by Ingrid's side, Rick bowed his head forward as he continued towards the Town Square.

*** Rick, Negan and the Governor exit to the Town Square ***

[Ariel]

The warm reunion between Ingrid and Enid became interrupted at the sound of the front door to the apartment swinging wide open. The sound of the door hitting the side of the building had startled Ingrid, and her attention diverted from her sister and to the man emerging from the building. Negan, Ingrid gently let go of her sister and shot upright. She wasn't sure if it had been out of force of habit due to duty and respect for her leader, or if it was because she missed her brother in law. Though, Ingrid remained frozen in place as his complexion was hardened, dealing with the Governor as he threw him forward into the Town Square. There was so much she wanted to say to Negan, and nothing pained her more than holding back her emotions that were bursting from her chest. Though, he was still her leader. So out of respect, she gathered Enid and Carl with the baby as they all began to move forward to witness the events that would unfold next.

*** Ingrid, Enid, Carl and Judith exit ***

[Lady Lee-o]

Javier made sure to have a tight hold and lifted the Pendajo up. "One foot in the front of the other." Javier had no worries about keeping this guy under control, he took down bigger guys in his day. He looked over at Nora and gave her a nod, letting her know he had him before leading him towards the others.

*exits with Merle*

[Kristi Lynne]

There was a lot happening in a short amount of time. Nora decided to hang back with Dwight, both of them on the lookout for hostiles -- alive or otherwise. She knew Ingrid would be thrilled to be reunited with the sister she'd given up on ever seeing again, Hazel had seemingly reunited with some old friends and run off elsewhere, and they'd hardly had time to think about their next move before three newcomers entered the scene from inside the building.

Negan had clearly found the Governor for that 'friendly chat' and the guy looked beaten and bloodied as he was shoved forward. But Nora wasn't sure if it was at Negan's hand or if the other slender, bearded man had beaten him to it. An exchange of glances between the stranger and Ingrid seemed to hint at a connection but there was no time for explanations right now as everyone was on the move.

"Well, this should be a helluva show," Nora remarked, knowing how theatrical Negan could be when it came to doling out justice. And on those occasions, it hadn't involved a direct threat to his family, which this Governor had apparently been foolish enough to engage in.

"We better hurry if we want front row seats then," Dwight advised. Nora nodded and followed, still keeping a wary eye in the direction of the fallen front gate.


*** Nora and Dwight exit to Woodbury - Town Square ***

[Ariel]

*** Daryl and Ingrid enter from GA - Woodbury - Town Square***

"What the fuck, Ingrid?!" Daryl exclaimed angrily, as he was thrusted into a chair in a common room and being restrained, "I thought you was one of us!" Daryl's anger was sincere, and to be frank understandable. He had just lost the only blood brother he had, and now he was being treated like a prisoner by people that Ingrid seemed to find solace in as family. When in reality, she had been their family for many months now. He could feel the tables turning on him, and to be fair, he felt somewhat betrayed.

[Ariel]

Ingrid walked in as Daryl was being bound with restraints. Her head held high, she remembered for the first time in a long time of who she was. A Savoir. One of her brother's people. And yet, her heart bled for the newfound family she had held dear to her heart for these last few months. Rick, Daryl and their people. She felt completely torn, as if she was a middle man in this complex situation. With Daryl now bounded in a chair, she crouched down to level with him, "I am one of your people," Ingrid explained, "But these people - this is my family too. I can reason with them, provide a good life for you, for Rick, and the rest of the group. We needed to remove you from the situation - for your own safety," Ingrid led on, as she shook her forehead before it rested in her palm for a moment before carrying on, "I know he just killed your brother. But my brother, he means well. I know it doesn't make sense right now, but you will see." Ingrid affirmed Daryl. Although it seemed as if her words meant nothing at this point, she spoke in a dire and genuine sense that she hoped that Daryl would one day soon understand. They all would. They had to.

[DarkSideCookie]

------------------------------

After a while, Negan entered the apartment with casual steps, as if he hadn't just given them all a show of violence and horror back at the town square. In his eyes, he had done nothing morally reprehensible or wrong even. Quite the contrary: Justice had fueled him. The only hint to what had happened outside were the spots of blood on his face and his clothes.

While stepping further into the room, he ignored the glares of death from one of his prisoners. Daryl, if he remembered right. That boy would need his time. Instead, he headed for Ingrid straight. "Do you have a minute?" Negan asked in a tone that was still commanding, but mostly because, with everyone around, he wouldn't show his soft side. The side that was glad to see his sister alive, the same as the side that felt guilty for all the horrible things they had been throwing at each other the last time they had seen before she got kidnapped.

[Ariel]

The sudden opening and closing of a door could be heard from the front of the apartment. Heads turned, and almost immediately did everyone in the room stand in attention - except for Daryl who was still bonded to the chair. The sound of the casual stroll of thick boots hitting the apartment floor with each step, Ingrid knew that Negan had finally entered the building. Which meant that the show outside had come to an end. Ingrid stood in anticipation, a mixture of emotions filled her as she was about to face Negan again. When Negan stepped into the room, Ingrid studied him carefully. He looked as if he had just quenched a thirst, a complexion that spoke of satisfaction. She watched as Negan walked right up to her and addressed her individually.

"Do you have a minute?"

"Yes, Negan," Ingrid responded with respectful submission to the public figure of authority. She knew that he had an image to upkeep, any sign of a weak spot displayed by him could be detrimental. Ingrid followed Negan down a hallway and through an opened door to what appeared to be a smaller looking office space. Ingrid walked past Negan and turned around to stand in the middle of the room as he closed the door behind him. They stood there, staring at each other for a moment. Through the momentary silence in the room, Ingrid sought out what to say, how to say it - but there were no amount of words that could compute the overwhelming feeling that was suddenly coming about her. She still remembered the horrible last encounter they had shared, but he came through for her in the end like no one had ever done before. Ingrid's eyes began to weld up with tears as she finally broke her composure, moving towards Negan and leaping into his arms, "You found me," Ingrid's voice quivered, her arms continued to envelope Negan in one of the most meaningful hugs she had ever given anyone, tears of joy streaming down her face, "But how? How did you know...?" Ingrid asked in amazement, as she felt that this entire day was nothing but a dream that she would soon wake up from. But it wasn't too good to be true, it was real. 

[DarkSideCookie]

Negan was grateful that Ingrid could tell the public from the private moments, namely his need to act differently in these two. It was nothing like the harshness he had used against her during their last conversation, but instead, it was keeping his face in the community.

As soon as they were out of the room and in some kind of office, alone, Negan closed the door behind them. He was unsure what to do or say, although he had let this situation, their reunion, run in his head so many times. So they both just stood there for a while, staring at each other in silence. Negan's features, however, now were everything but harsh. Insecurity was visibly on them. It was Ingrid then, breaking the wall between them, stepping closer and speaking up at last, tears in her eyes.

"You found me,"

And finally, she leaped into his arms, being held by Negan immediately. Tears were forming in his eyes too, some finding their way down his cheeks.

"I thought I'd lost you..." Negan whispered back, his voice quivering just the same.

"But how? How did you know...?"

"You know me. I always have my ways," was all he said, unwilling to talk about Hazel and how he had forced another woman into a fake marriage, into serving him with information right after sleeping with her, something that was all about power and not at all love or desire at that. Negan had only ever felt true love and desire towards two women in his whole life. One of them had been his deceased wife Lucille, Ingrid's sister.

Negan held her for another while until he released her from his grip to look into her face, his thumb lifting up towards it to wipe one of her tears away. "I'm sorry, Ingrid." She was smart. She would know what it was he felt sorry about.

[Ariel]

"You know me. I always have my ways,"

"Of course you do," Ingrid added, but in a beaming and proud kind of way as she gleamed from ear to ear through the streaks of happy tears that caked her face. Negan was a man who believed in resources, it was absolutely believable that through his skills that he was able to finally track Ingrid down to this very spot. She still couldn't believe that he was standing right before her in that very moment. But yet here he was, and she never felt so at home in a long time, until this very moment. 


"I'm sorry, Ingrid."

Ingrid's smiling face fell at the sight of Negan slightly breaking down. Her heart broke as she witnessed tears falling down his cheeks as he made his confession. He had a lot to be sorry for, but so did she. Her sorrowed eyes were looking for an anchor as her bodily reflex was to reach her hand outward and place it on his arm gently, "I'm sorry too. For what I did...what I said...for everything," Ingrid's gaze was fixated on her hand that was placed on Negan's arm, until she finally gathered the courage to slowly tilt her head upwards and look him in the eyes, "Lucy wouldn't have wanted this. Us fighting, I mean. We need each other...I need you, and Nora. You're my family, after all." Ingrid nasally chuckled into a grin as she raised her wrist to her face to wipe away her fresh tears.

[DarkSideCookie]

Negan was not timid about his tears and the fact that Ingrid was able to break his walls. He was actually glad that she could because, sometimes, he was afraid of the man he had become the same as he was proud of him. That man was a successful leader but also a ruthless deathsman who became more and more separated from his emotions with each passing day. It were these moments with his sister that gave him hope after all, hope that the former man was still somewhere inside of him; A man who was able to love someone.

"I'm sorry too. For what I did...what I said...for everything,""Lucy wouldn't have wanted this. Us fighting, I mean. We need each other...I need you, and Nora. You're my family, after all."

"No, she wouldn't have," Negan agreed with still a shaky but also much securer voice. "I'm- glad you were able to read her diary before... Well, before I did what I did," he added actually embarrassed now. Sometimes he wished to be not as impulsive as he tended to be. "I'm sorry..." he said again as more tears fell down his cheeks, breaking him down just some more.