A/N: this chapter is so Don't Blame Me by Taylor Swift coded ahhhh I hope you like it!!! It's also nearly 11k words oops

Also, it's been a while but... nsfw warning ;)

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- Cass's POV -

Blinking past the sleep in my eyes, I inhale deeply, stretching to ease the persistent aches in my shoulder, back, and ankle. I'm too tired to wonder where they're from, my mind just as fatigued as my aching body.

In the gradual process of stretching, my hand brushes against a warm arm, and my eyes snap open, panic seizing me. Sitting up abruptly, a soothing wave of relief washes over me as I recognize the familiar surroundings of Rick's room.

I sigh, hanging my head for a second, a smile of amazement pulling across my face. I'm home.

My smile falters. And Georgia's dead.

The conflicting emotions are swept aside momentarily as a familiar warm hand gently touches my arm. I turn with a smile to see Rick watching me, his eyes crinkling at the edges softly. My smile broadens, happiness unfurling in my chest waking up beside the man I love, something I've been wanting for too long.

Rick's already sitting up, propped against the headboard, a hint of concern lingering in his eyes. "You okay?" he asks in the comforting sound of his husky morning voice. God, I missed hearing that.

I nod, moving closer to him, finding solace in the embrace of his arm around my back.

"I just forgot for a second," I murmur into his chest, feeling comfort seep through me at the steady rhythm of his heartbeat in my ears. A small smile tugs at my lips as I remember the days when his heart used to race when I touched him like this.

Curiosity ebbs at me, replacing my momentary bliss. "How long have you been up?" I ask, knowing his tendency to wake up early.

"Well, it's..." Rick trails off as I feel him shifting to look at his watch. "... 9:25. So I've been awake for about four and a half hours," Rick murmurs, making my brows furrow.

Gently pushing off his warm frame, I blink at his expression, my eyebrows turning up with concern. "four and half hours?" I repeat softly, my eyes searching his for an explanation.

Rick averts his gaze with a nod. "You know how I am. I haven't really been sleeping at all since..." he cuts himself off with a sigh, shaking his head, the pain on his expression sending a sharp pang through my heart. "I just needed to stay awake, to make sure you're still here," Rick admits, clearing his throat as those eyes dart back to mine, vulnerability laced in the blue.

Tilting my head to the side, I look down, trying to contain the emotions contorting my expression. The painful ache in my throat, the searing tears in my eyes, that lingering guilt twisting my gut. "I'm so sorry I left-"

My apology is cut off by an abrupt but comforting hug, Rick's soothing scent flooding my nose as he embraces me tightly. I blink against his shoulder, swallowing back the large lump constricting my throat.

"Stop apologizing. You're here. That's all that matters." Rick assures me, his voice soft beside my ear. I melt against him, my arms wrapping securely around his back, shaking my head slightly.

"You told me you didn't want me going with Daryl. I should've listened," I whimper against his shoulder, my voice trembling and weak, that morning replaying over and over in my mind.

The multiple times Rick emphasized the day before that he wanted me with him. The unsettling feeling in my chest that I ignored as Daryl and I drove off, leaving Rick behind.

Rick shakes his head, pulling me fully against him and settling me comfortably into his lap. His arms are the same haven they've always been, shielding me from everything outside them, including my inner turmoil.

Rick pauses, his hands framing my face, forcing me to look into his unfeigned gaze. "Everything went wrong that day. I don't know what would've happened to you if you came with me," he assures me, his logic carrying a weight that makes me gulp, the tendrils of guilt slowly loosening their grip "You're here." He repeats, the simple statement making me exhale with a slow nod.

As his thumb gently wipes away the tears clinging to my cheeks, the love in his eyes resonating deep within my heart. I don't know how we've been through so much and somehow, we're still here, still just as in love as before. I was gone longer than we were even a couple and apart from the trauma lingering, we're the same.

"Oh, I forgot this yesterday with everything going on," Rick murmurs thoughtfully before leaning over and reaching for his shirt from the floor. I watch, confused as he rummages through the pocket of his button-down, and then returns to me.

I blink at him curiously, my heart burning with love at the slightly nervous smile that spreads across his face. With a lovingly careful touch, his hand grabs mine and he smoothly slides my ring back onto my finger, eliciting a soft gasp from me.

Love explodes through my chest, a smile cracking across my expression at the sight of the wonderful ring I had thought I lost back on my finger. It feels so right, having its weight back on my hand, my heart tight with emotion seeing the familiar gold bald and three sparkling diamonds on the crest.

I suddenly realize that if everything goes right, those three stones will represent me and Rick's three children.

Tears well in my eyes, the thought shaken as RIck speaks up again, grabbing my attention. "Last time, I didn't have Nathan's permission, but now I do," Rick reveals, a proud grin playing on his lips. My gaze shifts up from the gold and glimmering diamonds to his face, my eyes flared with disbelief.

"What?" I stammer, shock shooting through me at what he just said, making Rick's eyes crinkle with adoration.

"On the way yesterday, Nathan said he-"

"-No." I interrupt him, blinking rapidly in disbelief, "H-He lets you call him Nathan?" I demand, my eyebrows raised in utter surprise. Rick falters, his eyes darting across my expression.

"Well, yeah," Rick mutters as if it's obvious, his brows furrowing with confusion, eliciting a light laugh of incredulity from me.

"My dad always made the other guys call him 'Mr. Adams'," I inform Rick, making his eyes widen slightly as a genuine smile tugs at my mouth. "He must really like you," I breathe softly, my heart warming at the realization that the man who rejected my previous fiancé has genuinely embraced the one I was meant to be with.

Rick's expression cracks into a proud grin, his head tilting to the side, his beautiful eyes gazing back into mine. "I guess I'm easy to like. You, of all people, should know," Rick grins shamelessly, sending a flutter of butterflies through my chest as I purse my lips, trying to hide my smile.

It's been far too long since Rick's flirted with me. God, I missed it.

"Is that right?" I muse smoothly, grinning in response before Rick pulls me forward into a deep, loving kiss, his hands on my waist. The sensations that flutter through me at the contact are overwhelming. The happiness, relief, love, adoration, it's all so much.

Feeling his lips against mine again, slow and passionate unlike the quick kisses we shared yesterday, feels incredible.

Finally, I'm home again. Not just back in Alexandria with our family, but with Rick. In this room, in this bed. It is everything I have dreamed of for four months – the familiar smells, sounds, and the comforting feeling of being here.

It's all so incredible, that I find myself wondering yet again if I'm dreaming.

Rick gently pulls away from our kiss, planting small kisses around my cheeks, as if he can't get enough, making me smile.

"I couldn't breathe when you were gone. Now I'm overwhelmed that you're here," Rick mumbles against the skin in front of my ear, making me close my eyes momentarily, distress flinching through me at what he must've gone through.

My hands trail up to his lovely clean curls, comfort running through me simply raking my fingers through them. "I couldn't breathe either," I admit honestly. Remembering that first month, staring out of that crack in the window, desperate for a moment to breathe.

I take a deep breath to dispel the tension threatening to take me over, threatening to ruin the warm happiness growing in my chest. "I'm here. I'm home," I whisper, mostly to myself, to reinforce the undeniable fact.

Rick's hands travel down from my face down and around my waist, pulling me flush against him again, his bare chest seeping heat through my t-shirt. I sigh at the wonderful sensation of him grounding me with him.

Something deep within me stirs- a feeling I haven't felt in four months. Desire. Desire to be with the man I love more than anything- to feel the familiar comfort and unbelievable pleasure of our bodies together.

I want to, desperately, but I can't. Not yet. There's still something I need to do before I feel like I can.

Rick's hand gently moves to my bump, which he gently caresses, making a smile pull across my face. Glancing down, my forehead presses against Rick's cheek as he looks down at his hand placed delicately on the slight swell of my abdomen.

"You know, he saved me," I whisper, making Rick pause, leaning away slightly so his curious eyes can pry into mine. I give him a slightly sad smile.

"After Negan found out, he thought-" I let out a huff of disbelief at his idiocy. "-he wasn't sure if sex could hurt the baby, which let me lie to him and say it would. Because of that- because of our son- for the last two months, Negan didn't touch me." I explain gingerly, watching nervously to see Rick's reaction.

Rick's eyebrows steadily draw together, creasing the skin between them. His formerly smiling mouth presses into a firm line, his jaw clenched. Just as fast as it appears, that expression is covered as he looks down.

"Thank you for protecting Mom for me," Rick says lowly, leaning down and murmuring his words against my belly, his voice deep and rumbling, making a fond smile crack across my face.

My smile is quickly shaken by the sharp gasp that pushes past my mouth at the sudden strange sensation twisting deep in my abdomen. Rick's head snaps up, his eyes wide.

"Cass?" Rick asks, his voice panicked as he leans away from my belly, searching my face, his hands grabbing my arms.

I blink in bewilderment, my hand falling down just where Rick's was, resting against my bump. "Cass." Rick repeats urgently, his voice stern, making my eyes dart to his. I immediately see how panicked he is, his eyes flying between my bump and my face.

As it happens again, my shock morphs into a grin, as I realize. I meet Rick's gaze, happiness bubbling in my chest.

"Is it the baby?" Rick asks, his chest heaving, clearly still struck with worry.

"Yes," I breathe through my smile, making Rick's expression crinkle with complete confusion, only broadening my grin. "I think he's kicking. Say something again," I encourage Rick eagerly, my cheeks aching at my wide grin.

The relief that goes through Rick's expression fills me with fondness before he ducks down again, his hand on my lower back, the other resting on my leg. "You nearly gave me a heart attack," he informs our son against the skin of my bump, and I gasp again, turning into a lilted laugh as that fluttering sensation returns.

Rick looks up at me, grinning, and I smile back at him, my heart burning with so much love that I think it might catch flame. "He likes you," I beam down at the man I adore, making his beautiful eyes crinkle as he comes up to kiss me sweetly.

"Good. He better like his damn father," Rick grins against my mouth, making my heart flutter hearing him say it again so surely.

I gently grab his hand that was on my thigh, placing it on my bump as our son continues to kick. Rick chokes out a lovely laugh, his eyes bright as they meet mine. "There he is," Rick says breathlessly, making me blink back my tears, nodding.

I practically melt, my eyebrows crinkling in the middle at his genuine and loving reaction. I'm so relieved that he wants the baby- that he truly sees him as ours.

Before I know it, Rick is kissing me again, his hand caressing my jaw before tangling in my hair. My eyes flutter closed at the wonderful sensations surging through me feeling him. "I love you so much," Rick murmurs into my mouth, twisting my heart with adoration.

"I love you more," I respond, making Rick stop, pulling away and narrowing his eyes at me.

"No." Is all he says before kissing me again, making me giggle against his mouth. Giggle. This man is the only man in the world who can make me fucking giggle.

I manage to break from the kiss, my chest light. "Well, I loved you first," I tease smugly with raised eyebrows, making Rick pull away with a sigh.

Rick tilts his head to the side, looking at me with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You're too damn stubborn," he murmurs, his fond gaze betraying his words, making me smile softly in response.

I look at him for a moment, reaching up so I can caress his cheek, my palm scraping against his stubble. Rick blinks back at me, his eyes searching mine, undoubtedly filled with emotion.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for what I'm about to do, knowing I need to do it. "Are you ready?" I ask softly, making confusion flicker through Rick's expression.

"For what?" he asks, his brows furrowing an inch more, those eyes not stopping their search of my expression.

I inhale deeply. "To hear everything that's happened in the past four months," I say, my chest tight with anxiety at the prospect of revealing everything to him.

Shock flutters across Rick's expression, his eyes widening. "Cass you don't have-"

"-I need to." I breathe, my brows crinkling, emotion trembling my bottom lip momentarily. "I'm going to marry you. 'What's mine is yours'. I don't want to keep anything from you," I explain, still breathless, as if the weight of my last four months is gripping my chest until I spill it all out.

Rick's softened gaze searches mine, before he nods, his eyes full of deep emotion. "What's yours is mine," he confirms softly, making me nod, pushing back the ocean of fear and emotion thrashing within me.

I take another bracing breath and tell him everything.

Starting from the crash, running away from Daryl, Simon surrounding me, and being brought to the Sanctuary. My first silent month and everything Negan did to me. I tell him about Louise and Georgia- how they brought me back to life.

When I found out about the lineup and my pregnancy in the same hour. Meeting Derek. When Spencer and I killed those disgusting pigs. Carl showing up and me having to send him home without me.

I tell him about contaminating the water with Louise and poisoning all the soldiers, how my heart ached when I had to hug Daryl instead of him.

The cell I was locked in and every detail of my experience when the Sanctuary fell, finally ending with the moment I saw him again.

Once I finish, after about half an hour of recalling everything, I study his expression, worry twisting my gut. He's been silent, watching me as I spoke. About halfway through, he looked down, hiding his expression as I continued.

Inhaling steadily through his nose, Rick slowly lifts his head, surprise fluttering through me at the intensity of his expression. His eyes are hardened, his jaw clenched, and his mouth pressed in a firm line, tension radiating off him. I gulp, a wave of worry coursing through me, fearing that he might never see me the same way again.

"Are you okay?" Rick asks, his voice tense and clipped, each word seeming to require an extreme effort to articulate.

I swallow hard, my gut twisting unpleasantly. "Yeah, Rick. I'm home. I'm okay now, I promise," I assure him softly, reaching out to brush one of his curls from his forehead, surprised by the heat radiating from his skin.

Rick clenches his jaw, closing his eyes for a second. "No. I mean, are you okay right now?" he persists, his tone controlled and rough, making me look at him in confusion.

"Well yeah-"

"-Are you going to be okay if I leave?" he interrupts, in that same restrained but somehow controlled manner, his words almost making me flinch.

He doesn't want to be around me anymore?

Tears inadvertently well in my eyes and I nod, looking down. Great. Now he'll never look at you the same. Understanding that he needs space, I move away from him on the bed, shifting to the cool and empty part of the mattress, giving him room to get up.

I startle as his hot hands abruptly cup my face, my eyes meeting his hard and steely gaze. "I love you. Nothing will change that. But I can't sit here, after hearing that and not go and rip that bastard to fucking pieces." Rick grits out, making my mouth part, realization fluttering through me.

It's not me he's upset with.

Hope flutters through me as I blink back at him, nodding quickly, understanding fully. Rick searches my gaze for a moment. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that," he tells me sincerely, his voice slightly hoarse.

"And I don't want to leave you if you need me, but knowing what he did to you and that he's just sitting in the cell makes me see red." Rick growls, his eyes darkening with that familiar feral rage.

The wave of relief that washes over me is staggering as I take a deep breath, my brows knitting together. "Go," I whisper, making relief mirror in Rick's eyes as he nods with determination.

He leans forward, giving me a firm, loving kiss, before pulling away. "He's going to regret ever laying a hand on you," he whispers against my skin, before pulling away from me completely.

Gulping, I tuck my hair behind my ear as I watch him yank on his clothes roughly and sling on his gun belt. As his hand rests on the doorknob, I stop him.

"Rick," I call, my voice trembling slightly with nerves, making him pause, turning to look at me. That brow is still furrowed, his eyes struggling to calm as they meet mine.

"Don't kill him. Make it painful though." I order, my jaw clenching this time, anger flashing through me.

Rick's eyes darken, and he nods once.

"I love you," he tells me securely before turning the handle and leaving, the door shutting firmly behind him.

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- Rick's POV -

My fists are clenched at my sides, the tension palpable in every step as I swiftly brush past Sasha and Rosita standing guard and descend the stairs into the townhouse's basement. My skin is burning from my boiling blood, each beat of my heart channeling pure rage through my veins, propelling me toward the cell where the coward lurks.

With a furious burst of energy, I forcefully rip open the door, my chest heaving as I enter the dimly lit room. Daryl, seated against the wall, looks up from where he's been sharpening the tips of his arrows, his eyes widening in surprise at my entrance.

Stalking past him, I wrench open the door to where the cell resides. The room itself is divided in half, one side is like the rest of the basement before it's abruptly split by the cell wall. Said wall consists of rusting metal poles and a cell door just like the one we had in my old police station.

Within the normal half, Louise is standing against the wall, her arms crossed. Seeing her clean appearance and well-fitted new clothes, a wave of relief washes over me, reassured that she has been taken care of. Her equally hardened eyes meet mine, a pang of sorrow echoing through me at her expression.

"Rick, what an honor!" Negan's irritating voice cuts through the air, interrupting my moment of concern for my sister. The tidal wife of pure rage surges over me as I slowly turn my head to face the cell. Negan stands there, arms dangling nonchalantly from the cell bars, his smug grin etched across his face as he locks eyes with me.

His voice grates on my nerves, the mere sound intensifying the surge of pure rage. Every fucking detail Cass told me floods my mind, fueling the suffocating fury that consumes me. Six times this monster violated her, and she endured it to protect our family- a sacrifice she should never have been forced to make.

But because of him, she did.

My jaw clenches with a tight ferocity as if it can somehow suppress the savage storm raging within me. My nerves aren't just angry- they resonate with a symphony of searing fire, engulfed by wrath so visceral it borders on madness.

"Shut up," Daryl grunts at Negan, entering behind me, his eyes filled with genuine concern as they shift to my tormented expression. "Rick, are you-"

"And here's the wife fucker! You know, Daryl, I never got around to getting back to you with all the shit that was going on-"

"-No one wants to hear your stupid fucking voice." Lousie snaps harshly as I take another breath, restraining myself so I don't reach for my pistol and shoot him in his big mouth.

Negan scoffs, seemingly unphased. "I'm still not used to the new you, Louise. You used to be the perfect little wife, especially with that tight ass of yours-"

"Don't talk about her like that." I interrupt coldly, my voice a low, menacing threat that surprises even me with its eerie calmness considering the war raging within me. The temptation to unleash my brutality hangs over me, a tantalizing thought threatening to shatter the fragile veneer of restraint that holds me back as I glare at Negan.

He tilts his head, his hazel eyes sliding to mine, narrowing them slightly. "Why d'you care?" he probes curiously, his irritating voice grating against me.

"Rick. It's fine." Louise breathes tiredly, drawing my gaze to hers, seeing that this is something she's used to. Her eyes, once familiar, now hold a vacant emptiness that clenches my heart. Disgust courses through me, realizing that everything Cass endured from Negan, he did to Louise too, far more times. Cass told me the many times Louise offered herself to protect the other wives.

The idea of Negan doing that to my little sister makes me clench my fist tightly, fighting against the way my muscles tremble, aching to unleash them against the asshole.

The nausea and rage intermingle into a dark, gnarled, creature that threatens to consume me, gnawing at my very being, provoking me further.

"Oh, got yourself a little girlfriend Rick?" Negan asks sweetly, making me whirl on him, disgust flaring through me at the insinuation. "I get it, she's pretty damn hot. You should see her in bed, she's-"

"What don't you understand about not talking about my fucking sister like that?" I growl roughly as my control slips, my voice dripping with venom as I stride menacingly toward him in the cell. My jaw is clenched so tight that it feels like it might crack and the searing rage blinds me momentarily, turning the edges of my vision blurry.

Negan blinks at me in sheer disbelief, before a twisted smile pulls across his face. His eyes flit past my seething expression to where Louise is, an unsettling amazement creeping into his features.

"No fuckin' way. Louise is your sister?" Negan asks slowly, the pure glee in his voice quickly breaking my last fucking straw.

And I snap.

Without a second thought, I seize his right arm hanging through the cell bars, violently wrenching it to the side until a sickening crack resonates through the room. Negan curses in agony, retreating quickly from the bars of the cell, cradling his grotesquely bent arm. His terror-filled gaze meets mine as a dark, sadistic smirk contorts my face.

The satisfaction surges within me as I revel in his pain, watching him heaving and swearing angrily at me.

"Rick," I hear Daryl grunt behind me, making me look over my shoulder. Louise has pushed off the wall now, watching Negan with a blank expression with Daryl standing beside her, his expression set with determination.

In his outstretched hand is the key to the cell. I meet his gaze again, slightly surprised by the intense anger I see behind his gaze that mirrors the seething rage coursing through me.

I take the keys, its cold metal biting into my searing hot palm. A single nod between us conveys a silent understanding, my heart clenching at his unyielding loyalty.

Negan's pained huffs and grunts form a grating melody behind me, but instead of repulsion, I find perverse pleasure in the symphony of his suffering. It fuels the fire within, the inferno of vengeance that begs to be unleashed.

"She told you," Louise guesses abruptly, her blank eyes darting to mine, an understanding behind them that makes me want to pull her in a comforting hug. Regret tugs at me for not being able to shield either of them from what they went through.

I nod in confirmation, making a slight smile of approval pull across her mouth. "Good. You're not killing him?" Lousie asks casually, as if the 'him' isn't right behind me, easily in earshot.

I glance over my shoulder, finding Negan's contorted face etched with pain, confusion clouding his eyes. Turning back to Louise, I exhale with a tinge of disappointment.

"Not today," I state, the words hanging in the air. Louise nods, her expression resolute, her mouth forming a firm line. Daryl, standing beside her but avoiding her gaze, seems to relax slightly.

Negan's arrogant voice, dripping with pain, shatters the moment. "Is that why you're so mad at me, Rick? Cause I fucked your sister?" his words are lighter fluid to the fiery anger that engulfs me, making me let out a sharp exhale of anger.

Daryl stiffens, his eyes darkening as he glares at the man behind me. Negan, seemingly unfazed, continues his vile report. "And I fucked Cassie before you got the chance, isn't that right Daryl?" Negan asks, trying to sound smooth despite his huffs of genuine pain. His commitment to being a disgusting piece of shit despite how much agony he's in is almost inspiring.

Daryl shakes his head, his anger-filled eyes darting to mine. I nod once at him before slowly turning around, fixing my death glare on the weak motherfucker now standing in the middle of his cell, pretending like his arm isn't killing him.

In a minute, his arm will be the least of his worries.

"You don't say her name. Ever. Again. You understand?" I snarl lowly, letting the full force of my rage course through my body as I step forward. The metallic click of the lock being undone resonates in the air as I slide the key, unlocking the cell.

Negan visibly gulps, his eyes darting to the lock before meeting mine again, a weak grin pulling on his face. I slowly pull open the door, the loud squeak echoing in the tense atmosphere as I stand in the doorway, glaring at him.

"What? Don't tell me- you're her brother too," Negan taunts, his gleeful grin attempting to mask the fear etched on his face as he steps backward.

The rage has completely engulfed me at this point, my vision pulsing red as I slowly stalk into the dark space, trembling slightly. Half with pure anger and half with anticipation of finally taking my anger out on this despicable excuse for a human being.

"No." I breathe, the word hanging in the charged air, a precursor to the brutality about to unfold. My axe emerges from its sheath at my belt, my knuckles clenching the wooden handle with a death grip.

"I'm her husband." I grit out through my clenched jaw, my rough voice dripping with a venomous threat. Every fiber of my being thrums with visceral rage, a cataclysm ready to be unleashed and make him feel more pain than he ever has before in his pathetic fucking life.

Negan's eyes flare, his mouth parting with complete shock as his gaze flits between me and Daryl, bewilderment etched across his face.

A sinister grin slowly carves its way onto my face, a predatory tilt to my head signaling the return of that feral madness that has consumed me many times before. Dark delight courses through my entire being.

"Pissing our pants yet?" I whisper tauntingly, my smirk wide before I launch forward, slamming Negan against the unforgiving brick wall. The sound of Negan's skull cracking against the cinder brick sends pleasure shooting through me, the burning strain in my muscles becoming a distant thought.

Negan cries in agony, turning all my focus on him. On making him fucking pay. Finally.

Negan tries to fight against me, but I grab his broken arm, twisting it mercilessly, earning a scream that fuels the sickened delight within me. Using the leverage, I yank him roughly from the wall, throwing him to the harsh dirt ground. A sadistic satisfaction courses through me as I unleash a barrage of strong kicks upon his writhing form, reveling in the rhythmic cadence of his gasps for breath.

Withdrawing my boot, I crouch down in front of him, studying his pathetic dust-covered face as he tries to breathe, his face contorted with agony. "Sucks, don't it? The moment you realize you don't know shit?" I snarl Negan's line back at him, my face twisted with rage as the monstrous mix of feral wrath pulses within me, growing stronger.

A montage of every vile thing this asshole has done flashes behind my eyes- the taunting, the taking, the torture inflicted upon my people. And above everything else, the atrocities committed against my sister. Against Cass.

Unbridled rage consumes me as Negan's ugly face looks up at me, panting. "So..." he cringes in pain, "I had both your sister and your wife? Damn. That must hurt," he pants weakly, earning a scoff from me, irritation whipping through my veins.

"You really don't know when to shut the fuck up," I bark roughly, the anger suffocating as I yank him up by the fabric of his shirt before unleashing my rage in a series of brutal punches to his irritating fucking face. Every ounce of my blinding anger is unleashed, my knuckles aching as I repeatedly crash them down on his bloodied skin.

Warm, wet blood begins to coat my hands, but in the red-tinged haze that clouds my vision, I can't distinguish between mine and Negan's.

Shaking with the aftermath of my violent outburst, I finally relent, falling back with a heaving chest, examining my right hand. The stinging pain suggests split knuckles, but with the blood covering them, I can't be sure.

Before I can catch my breath, a sudden force jerks me to the side as Negan grabs me, tumbling so he's above me. His now disfigured and bleeding face leers down at me, dripping blood on my face.

"Don't!" I yell roughly to the nearing figures in my periphery- Daryl and Louise- rushing toward us, making them stop. Gritting my teeth, I retaliate by kneeing Negan repeatedly, each blow met with stubborn resistance.

He manages to deliver a heavy, sluggish punch to my face, the metallic taste of blood flooding into my mouth, undoubtedly from a split lip. "She's pregnant with my baby, d'you know that?" Negan groggily taunts, invoking a growl of outrage from deep within me that he thinks he has any claim over my son.

Without hesitation, I reach for the axe I had tossed on the ground earlier and slam it against his exposed side, burying the blade deep into his muscle.

Negan chokes on the pain, immediately falling limply on top of me, only fueling my overwhelming rage. Grunting through the effort, I throw him off me, so he's on his back on the floor, choking and gasping, his monstrous face contorted with agony.

I rise to my feet, my chest heaving, a twisted delight searing through me looking at my enemy on the floor, bleeding, my axe in his side. With a surge of unrestrained rage, I kick the head of the axe, burying it deeper into him, eliciting agonized cries from Negan as he writhes on the unforgiving ground.

Pleasure seeps through me at the sight, and I deliver a final punishing kick to his groin, earning a guttural sound of pain that resonates like gold in my ears.

"He never was and never will be- yours," I growl protectively, spitting out the blood from my split lip onto his battered figure.

My chest heaving, I glance over to see Daryl and Louise watching us. Louise is glaring down at Negan, disgust written across her features, but Daryl is looking at me, his eyes wide with shock.

Guess Cass didn't get a chance to mention the pregnancy to him before either.

I look away, the searing anger still thrashing within me only slightly satisfied with the state of Negan's agony. He hasn't suffered enough yet. Not even close.

"Someone get Cass," I order roughly through my heaving breaths, cracking my neck and rolling my shoulders to prepare.

"Why?" Louise asks, her voice traced with confusion as I crouch down in front of Negan, watching him writhe in pain. His eyes are clenched shut, his skin paled, sweat and blood mixing on his mess of a face.

Ripping the axe from Negan's side, earning a cry of pain I ignore, I glance up at my sister. My gaze meet hers, her blue-green eyes shadowed by the harsh lighting.

"Because if he's not dying today, I'm going to need her to be here to save his ass," I explain shortly, wasting no time drawing the axe back and slamming it down, partially separating Negan's unbroken arm from the rest of his body, sending blood spraying from the wound.

Negan roars in agony as I hack my slightly dulled blade repeatedly into his arm until he's knocked out by the pain and bit by bit, his arm is detached.

___

- Cass's POV -

The relentless sun beats down on me, casting long shadows on the grass as I stand with my arms crossed. My gaze is fixed upward, my stomach churning with a mix of emotions. There, above me, on the unforgiving slab of metal, 'In Loving Memory' is painted across it.

And underneath several names, mine is with them.

A lump forms in my throat as I take in the strikethrough that obliterates the original 'Adams' next to my name and scrawled callously by it, the 'Grimes.'

The weight of grief tightens my chest, and I struggle to blink away the burning tears that threaten to spill.

"Rick did that," An unexpectedly familiar voice says to the right of me, making me jump, whipping around to see Michonne standing beside me. A sharp gasp escapes me, replaced by a rush of relief as I lurch forward, enveloping her in a tight hug.

"Michonne!" I breathe against her shoulder, pulling my good friend tight into me, relief flooding through my veins.

Michonne hugs me back securely, her arms wrapping around my back. "I missed you," she whispers softly, making my heart ache as I hold on to her even tighter.

As we pull away, I maintain my grip on her arms, a genuine grin breaking through the clouds of sorrow. "I missed you too," I admit, my voice betraying the vulnerability beneath. My bottom lip trembles slightly as I add, "Thank you for the clothes yesterday." I blink past the persistent burning in my eyes, grateful for the small gesture that brought me comfort during a day of so much pain and loss.

Michonne tilts her head to the side, making her dreads shift over her bare shoulder, her smile kind. "I heard about the dress. Figured you'd want to change," she explains simply, making my brows crinkle together, gratitude burning in my chest.

"I don't deserve you," I tell her through a teary smile, making her shake her head, her smile slightly falling as her gaze darts back to the wall.

Following her line of sight, my heart tightens at the sight of all the other names on the memorial, including Abraham's and Spencer's. On the second column, in fresh paint, is Georgia's name.

But Michonne is looking at mine.

"You were gone for months. We searched and searched and it got us nowhere. I'm sorry... I gave up on you," Michonne apologizes quietly, her hoarse voice vulnerable, making me turn to her, my heart heavy.

"Don't. You had no idea. None of you did. If you kept searching it would've been a waste of time." I assure her softly, my brows knitted together, heart aching at the way she blinks the tears from her eyes.

Pushing forward a smile, she nods somewhat reluctantly. "Just, don't do that again. Rick was a nightmare without you," she breathes, widening her eyes in feigned fear, making me grin, shaking my head.

"Daryl and Carl may have mentioned that," I chuckle, enjoying the tension loosening in my chest as Michonne grins knowingly.

Before she can respond, someone calling my name distantly makes me pause, looking over my shoulder with curiosity. Then I hear it again, desperate and urgent, and... Louise?

Michonne and I look at each other for a moment before we both take off, headed in that direction, our feet flying over the grass.

We quickly find Louise on the street, her chest heaving as she searches for me, shouting my name.

"Louise!" I call, panting and heart racing as I stumble to stop in front of her, making her turn to me before sagging with relief. Her eyes dart to Michonne momentarily before finding mine, full of urgency.

"Rick needs you." Louise pants, her chest heaving, making me blink at her in bewilderment, panic gripping my chest.

"Is he okay?" I start hastily, my breathing increasing with panic, eyes wide, but Louise shakes her head quickly, dismissing my worry.

"It's not for him," she breathes, the look in her eyes sending relief shooting through me, despite the dread gripping my stomach.

I nod, determination and grim realization flitting through me.

"Let's go."

Louise and I finally reach the townhouse, my chest heaving and lungs burning with exertion from running the whole way. As we rush down the stairs, past the first room, and into the room with the cell, shock crashes over me as I reach the doorway.

I stagger to a stunned stop, my eyebrows shooting to my forehead at the sight in front of me, the metallic stench of blood mixed with exposed earth unpleasantly filling my nose.

Negan, his skin unnaturally pale, is lying on the cold floor of the cell, blood pooled around him. My heart stutters at the sight of his left arm gruesomely hacked off and Rick applying pressure to his remaining stump, blood coating his hands.

Daryl turns to me, his eyes immediately darting to my lower abdomen, making me wager a guess our unborn son happened to be brought up during the fight. Rick, busy with the unexpected task of trying to save Negan's life, looks up with a mixture of exhaustion and relief seeing me in the doorway.

"I... may have gotten carried away," Rick confesses, a cringe accompanying his words, blood splattered across his face. As my wide eyes survey the carnage before me, from Negan's beaten and battered face to the bleeding gash on his side, I don't find myself surprised.

The harsh brutality of the scene is shocking, but knowing that Rick did it- after what I told him- isn't. I know if it was me in his shoes, the bitch that did it to him wouldn't be breathing.

"Yeah." I manage to say through my shock, my eyes still wide. This is a side of Rick I haven't seen in a while- his visceral and ruthless brutality when it comes to protecting those he loves. But as usual, it doesn't scare me, instead a dark pleasure pulls deep in my chest at the sight.

The man who tormented me for months now lies bleeding and broken, an undeniable satisfaction twisting through me seeing his downfall.

"If you want him to live, I think you might want to come and help," Rick suggests with exhaustion, his words snapping me out of my daze. Shaking off the fog of surprise, I nod and quickly move to Rick's side.

Daryl goes and gets Tyreese and between the five of us, we manage to get Negan's full dead weight to the infirmary.

Once within the confines of the infirmary, I promptly take charge of stemming the bleeding from Negan's severed stump as the others quickly leave, their skin tinged green. Only Rick stays back, as ordered, so I can fix him up.

The metallic tang of blood lingered in the air as I cleaned Negan's wounds, ensuring that any immediate risk of infection was mitigated. I ended up having to do surgery to fully stitch up the large and deep gash on his side, which Rick informed me was because of his axe. It was hard to hide my smirk as he told me that, not an ounce of regret in his voice.

Eventually, Negan's fixed up, yet still out cold, no doubt from the excruciating pain. Deciding it was too much work to move him back to the cell, we opted to secure him in one of the patient rooms. Utilizing spare seatbelts salvaged from one of the abandoned cars outside, we improvised restraints to ensure he stays put.

Locking the door to the patient room he's in behind me, I return to Denise and Rick in the main room as she cleans his bloodied knuckles. She seems to have already cleaned the rest of the blood from his face at this point.

Smiling, I tell Denise I'll take over his sutures and visible relief crosses her features as she hands over the responsibility. Her goodbye trails behind her as she exits, leaving Rick and me alone.

I position myself between Rick's knees in the dimly lit room and one glance through the window tells me that Negan's surgery took much longer than I thought. The sky is an unmistakable deep indigo in the window past Rick's head, telling me the sun ahs already set, to my surprise.

The antiseptic scent hangs in the air as my hands deftly work on suturing a couple of Rick's knuckles that have deep enough cuts. "You know, I'm getting this odd sense of deja vu," I murmur sarcastically as I work on Rick's hand- again.

Rick chuckles in response, a warm and comforting sound that reverberates through me as I delicately slide the needle into his skin. His hand, marked by the wear and tear of his brutal past, rests solidly in mine.

"I think I'll have you fixing up this hand for the rest of our lives," Rick grunts, making a stubborn smile tug at my mouth before I can suppress it.

Sparing him a faked exasperated look, I feel my heart clench at the soft way he gazes back at me. "How romantic," I reply smoothly, unable to conceal the genuine affection in my words. Turning my attention back to the sutures, my gloved hand maintains a steady hold on his, providing support through the subtle flinches he can't quite suppress with each needle pierce.

"I can be very romantic," Rick states, sounding almost defensive, the hint of a frown laced in his voice. I can't help but huff out a light laugh in response as I secure the last suture, the familiar banter making my heart warm with adoration.

"I know," I muse softly, allowing the tenderness in my chest to seep into my words before I lean up and kiss his cheek quickly. With a sense of familiarity, I reach for the nearby gauze, my hands moving with practiced ease to wrap his injured hand carefully. The fabric winds around his knuckles, securing two protective layers, before enveloping his palm to keep it secure.

As I tend to him, memories resurface of the time I stitched up his palm back at the prison. The nervousness that consumed me at the touch has now given way to a soothing, familiar sensation.

Now done, I rip off my bloody gloves and go to the kitchen to wash my hands. Concentrating on scrubbing my hands in the hot water and completely disinfecting them, I don't realize Rick has disappeared from the patient bed until I look up as I'm drying my hands.

My brows furrow with confusion but before I can call for him, his arms surround me from behind. Rick's comforting warmth and familiar scent envelop me, and I instinctively lean against him with a sigh of contentment. My arms find their place resting ontop of his, feeling the cool metal of his watch against my palm.

"I missed feeling you," I breathe, the warmth of his breath brushing against the sensitive skin of the nape of my neck, sending wonderful chills through me. His gentle stubble adds to the comforting sensation, and for a moment, the world outside fades away.

"You have no idea," Rick rumbles, the timbre of his voice sending vibrations against my skin, a sensation that makes my eyes flutter closed. He presses a kiss against my neck, so softly that it's hard to remember that this is the same man who ruthlessly beat and maimed Negan just hours ago.

That familiar desire resurfaces again, burning and coiling desperately between my legs. Blinking in surprise at its severity, I realize I forgot the insanely strong effect Rick has on me. The sheer pleasure of feeling him overwhelms my senses, and my body responds instinctively, arching and moving back against him.

A low groan escapes Rick's lips as he presses against me in response, the sound setting my blood on fire as it courses through me with a quickened pace. Raw excitement builds within me, and my heart races in response to the palpable tension between us.

"Cass," Rick breathes, his voice coming out a croak that teeters between warning and wanting- it's hard to tell. But his hands tighten on my waist, making me bite my lip with delight.

"Rick," I pant in response, desperation evident in the fervent rise and fall of my chest. After so long apart, my body is aching to feel him, to feel the pleasure he's given me so many times.

"Fuck," Rick grunts before swiftly spinning me around so he can kiss me, his hands settled on my waist, pulling me flush against him. Our mouths collide in a hungry and desperate kiss, leaving my lungs clenched with burning anticipation.

My hands run up his t-shirt, settling around his neck, one of them instinctively fisting his short curls at his nape, tugging slightly. Rick breaks away from the kiss, his dilated eyes searching mine with concern. "Are you sure?" he asks, his breathless tone soft, making my heart clench.

"I'm sure," I assure him confidently, the certainty in my voice punctuated by me pulling his face down to mine. I kiss him eagerly, reveling in the taste of him as I run my tongue along his bottom lip. Rick moans into the kiss, his tight grip on my t-shirt bunching the fabric.

Rick, sensing our need for privacy, grabs my thighs and hoists them around his hips. "Down the hall, last door on the right," I mutter against RIck's cheek as I press kisses against his stubble.

Nodding to my words, Rick walks to the room- Pete's old office. I had cleaned it out a while ago, getting rid of all his outdated junk. Now, all that remains in the small room is the same desk and a couple of chairs, a dark wooden bookshelf, and a filing cabinet.

As Rick kicks the door closed behind him, he sets me down on the desk, a surge of excitement fluttering through me. With a swift motion, he sweeps his arm, sending useless papers and unimportant documents flying to the floor.

Luckily, the curtains are drawn, casting a dim, intimate glow in the room and giving us privacy. The atmosphere is charged with Rick's palpable urgency as he attaches his mouth to my neck, a deliberate move that ignites a heat that courses through every fiber of my being. The familiar tingling coils between my legs, effortlessly drenching my underwear.

A desperate sigh escapes me as my head lolls back, surrendering to the intoxicating sensation. One hand finds its place on Rick's shoulder, the other gripping the edge of the desk for support. The room becomes a haven of shared desire, the outside world fading away in the consuming heat of the moment.

Rick's hands, guided by an unspoken knowledge of what I want, grab the hem of my t-shirt. I raise my arms, granting him permission to swiftly pull it off and toss it to the side. Goosebumps pepper across my skin as Rick groans in appreciation at the sight of me in my bra, desire flashing through his face.

I reciprocate, hastily reaching forward to grab Rick's shirt. With his assistance, it's quickly discarded, joining mine in the same general area on the floor. My hands immediately seek the expanse of his toned abdomen, fingers lightly scratching along the defined muscles, a visceral reaction flooding through me, my mouth watering.

"How did I forget how hot you are?" I ask, my words coming out as strained breaths, showing just how much desire is coursing through my veins. My words make Rick grin, letting out a huff of laughter as he pushes between the legs he knows I'll spread eagerly for him. His hand cups my jaw, tilting my face up to look up at him before his lips slam down onto mine, his breath just as hot and fast as mine as our moths meet in a hungry, fevered kiss.

His hands trail a line of fire across my torso, caressing my skin with possessiveness that leaves me dizzy with desire. "Says you," Rick groans against my mouth as I instinctively wrap my knees around his hips, pulling him even closer.

I gasp for air as Rick's lips travel down my neck, a familiar and electrifying sensation that never fails to send shivers down my spine. His teeth scrape gently along my sensitive skin, each deliberate move eliciting a sharp gasp from me. The intensity of the pleasure courses through me, and I find myself gripping the table so tight that my knuckles turn white, a physical anchor amidst the rising tide of desire. Simultaneously, one of my arms wraps securely around Rick's back, savoring the warmth and firmness beneath my palm.

I've never felt so content in his arms, relishing every touch, every sound, every feeling. It's almost like the first time, but instead of the thrill of discovering him, I'm relearning every familiar edge and curve.

Driven by an overwhelming desire to feel him even more, I snake my hand down, encountering the obstacle of his belt buckle. Impatience courses through me, and my hands shake with urgency as I undo the buckle, the leather yielding to my determined efforts. Rick's hands respond to my desperation, tightening around my breasts through the thin fabric of my bra, his fingers skillfully rubbing against my sensitive peaks.

After a moment of struggle, I finally manage to unbuckle his jeans, shoving them down and out of the way. My mouth dries at the sight of his tented boxers, a visual confirmation of the desire I've stirred within him, my soaked core throbbing with desire in response.

Fuck, he's so hot.

Meanwhile, Rick expertly unbuckles my bra, forcing my hands away from him so he can fully take it off. I hiss at the sensation of his hot hands immediately palming my sensitive skin, the gauze of his right hand adding just enough friction.

Gripping onto his biceps tightly, I groan, throwing my head back in ecstasy at the pleasure sparking through my nerves. Rick moves one hand to my back to support me as he leans down, his tongue gliding over my left breast. I bite down on my lip roughly to stifle any cries that threaten to escape, trembling at the overwhelming satisfaction that courses through me.

Rick's tongue swirls before sucking the skin, definitely leaving a mark. "Fucking h-hell," I curse, my words choked with a mix of pleasure and surprise. My brows crinkle together as the delicious sensations wash over me, every touch and movement fueling the escalating heat between us.

Eager to reciprocate the pleasure, I shove my hands past the waistband of Rick's underwear, wrapping my fingers around his length. A shudder immediately runs through him, and he gasps against my skin, intensifying my desire, savoring the way I make him feel just as good as he does me.

Using the natural slickness of his precum, I gently stroke him, my fingers ghosting over his skin, eliciting groans of pleasure. The vibrations resonate through my chest, heightening the delightful ache within me, a desperate longing to feel all of him.

When my thumb caresses his sensitive head, Rick jerks forward with a groan. And this time, he fully removes his mouth from my breast, capturing me in a deep, savoring kiss. It's messy and devouring, his free hand tangling in my hair and pulling slightly. I moan into the kiss, continuing to stroke his shaft, relishing in the shared intensity of our connection.

Eventually, Rick stops me with a whisper against my skin and his hand grabbing my arm. "I need you," he murmurs, and I nod eagerly, wanting nothing more. My hands move from touching him to removing his boxers as Rick unbuttons and yanks my jeans and underwear off my legs in one go, leaving me bare.

Stepping out of his, Rick swiftly meets me back at the desk, embracing me tightly as he kisses me. His arms wrap fully around my waist, pulling me against him, so fast, so desperate that my heart clenches.

My fingers scratch down his back, earning a shiver that has me grinning into our kiss. Rick's uninjured hand moves from my back, gently trailing its way down to my throbbing sex. A cry escapes me into our ongoing kiss as his fingers spread me open, slipping into my soaked entrance.

His touch is electric, pleasure seeping from his fingertips.

Rick's pointer finger goes knuckle-deep as his thumb rubs delicious circles on my begging bundle of nerves. Pleasure surges in waves through my lower abdomen, the tingling sensations threatening to consume me entirely. I find myself breaking from the kiss, gripping his forearm as he did to me earlier – a silent plea for more.

Rick's darkened eyes meet mine, a wordless understanding passing between us before pulling me forward roughly. My hips rest on the edge of the desk, creating the perfect angle for what's to come. His lips find mine in a soft, comforting kiss as he positions himself before sinking into my warmth, to my overwhelming relief.

We both moan into the kiss as he slides fully into me, the pleasure of gripping around him undeniably intense and so fucking good. My brows crinkle together as the feeling builds, needing to break from the kiss to draw a full breath of air into my searing lungs. My forehead presses to Rick's, a moment of shared vulnerability and ecstasy as our connection deepens.

Hooking my legs securely around his hips draws him deeper into me and releasing a whimper, my grip on his back tightens. Feeling him around me isn't just insanely pleasurable and gratifying, it's also comforting. After so long of not feeling him, having him inside me is so familiar and damn perfect.

Rick, attuned to my needs, slowly rolls his hips, massaging my inner walls. My deep breaths evolve into a desperate panting, each exhale traced with a raw whimper. Rick curses in response, pulling me closer to him, his pace quickening slightly.

His hips move against mine with a rhythmic precision, setting a steady, loving, and deep pace. Whether it's the influence of pregnancy hormones or the overwhelming pleasure, tears begin to well up in my eyes uncontrollably. My throat constricts as I try to choke back my breaths, blinking rapidly in an attempt to dispel the tears, but they persist.

Rick immediately notices, and he stops, his chest heaving as he searches my face in a panic.

"No, keep going," I pant desperately despite the tears dropping down my cheeks, looking back into his beautiful eyes. Deep concern crinkles his brow as he shakes his head slightly.

"Cass," Rick breathes, his eyebrows furrowed together tightly, his chest sinking as he lets out a sharp, heartbroken exhale.

I immediately shake my head. "No, it's not that," I dismiss quickly, my heart twisting. "It's just- I missed you, I missed this. So much," I breathe honestly, my voice trembling. Rick removes his hand from my back to gently brush my tears away, so tender and loving that it just makes me want to cry more.

"You're sure?" he checks, his voice filled with concern, and I know if I needed him to stop, he would no question. But I don't.

I grab his face with determination. "I'm serious Rick," I sigh, before capturing him in a deep kiss that I hope will convey the depth of my sincerity.

Rick eases into the kiss and as I roll my hips slowly against his, he groans hoarsely in response. His hips resume their pace, making relief and pleasure surge through me. I gasp into his mouth as the satisfaction intensifies, the building sensations once again reaching new heights.

My hands that were on his face settle around his neck, pulling him closer until our bodies merge into one warm amalgamation of skin, rippling muscles, and love moving together in perfect tandem. Moving my mouth from his, I press kisses on and around his jaw, our shared breath quickly becoming thick and hot in the intimate space between us.

"I never want to be away from you, ever again," I whimper against Rick's face, emotion constricting my throat again before I can help it. I feel Rick's expression crumple before he buries himself deep inside me, love exploding through me at the sensation.

"Never," Rick pants, moving his face so his eyes can meet mine, so much intense love and determination in the blue that I just melt. Tears are fully streaming down my face as I kiss him again, desperate to be as close as possible.

"Never," I repeat against his mouth as our hips grind together, gasping at the sharp pleasure shooting through me. Savoring every second of our lovemaking, I pant desperately as the pleasure builds, the familiar tingling of my encroaching orgasm turning my pants into sharp whimpers.

Rick's hips quicken their pace as I arch against him, inching closer to the precipice of pleasure. With one last final thrust, shockwaves grip my body, prompting me to pull away from Rick's mouth and release a choked sob- a manifestation of the overwhelming love and pleasure that suddenly engulfs me. Each pulse of blinding ecstasy shoots through my nerves, causing my eyes to roll back as my body finally experiences the release it's been craving.

Rick groans my name against my skin before his hips stutter to a stop, spilling into me. I continue holding onto him, still connected as he shudders and sighs deeply against me.

Panting, Rick pulls away, his hands cradling my face to ensure I meet his gaze. I'm sure that my face must be red, hot, and sticky with sweat, but I can't find myself to care. His brows furrow with a touch of pain as he notices my tears, brushing them away with a tenderness that makes my heart swell.

"Cass," he breathes, his voice laden with sadness as he searches my gaze. The intensity of his gaze only exacerbates the sharp emotion in my throat.

Sensing the turmoil reflected in my expression, Rick pulls me against him for a sweaty embrace, prompting me to close my eyes. Comfort floods through me as our warm bodies press together, finding solace in the intimacy I've been lacking for so long.

"I promise, I'm okay, Rick. It's just... a lot. I'm just overwhelmed," I explain breathlessly, my hand rubbing soothing circles on his back.

"They're tears of happiness, I swear," I reassure him honestly through a fond smile, feeling the tension melt from his muscles under my palm. "I just feel so safe with you," I whisper, prompting him to tighten his embrace around me.

"You worried me," Rick murmurs against me, partially pulling away to brush the hair from my face fondly. I nod sympathetically, emotion tightening my expression. "I thought-" he starts, his breath short and strained, making me shake my head, empathy clenching my chest.

Smiling, I caress his damp cheek, stopping his sentence as his blue eyes search mine. "I trust you. Always. I know I can say something if I need to." I assure him softly, feeling him relax as he exhales slowly with a reluctant nod.

Suddenly, a crashing and banging noise emanates from what sounds like a few doors down, making me jump out of my skin, Rick's hands protectively tightening around me.

Quickly realizing where it's coming from, I turn to Rick, raising my eyebrows, a smirk curling at my lips. "Sounds like someone's awake."

___

Leaning against the doorway, I cross my arms over my t-shirt, staring at Negan as he thrashes against his restraints. It's interesting, seeing him like this. I'm so used to him being calm and collected- always in control.

And now he's like a cockroach getting caught on its back, struggling to flip back over pathetically.

Pushing off the doorway, I near his thrashing figure until his hazel eyes find mine, flaring wide. I just look back at him expectantly.

"Cass! Thank God, we need to get the fuck out of here," Negan pants quickly, his deformed expression contorted with panic. Maybe. It's hard to tell through the purple bruises and significant swelling.

I tilt my head, confusion crinkling my eyebrows as I look back into those cold hazel eyes. Remembering all the disgusting things he did and said, raw rage flares through me.

Negan's expression shifts to complete bewilderment as he thrashes again, gritting his teeth through what must be horrible agony. "What are you doing? You need to help me out of these before-"

Negan cuts himself off as Rick walks in through the doorway behind me, his hand reaching out to my lower back as he comes up beside me. I turn to him with a smile as he hands me the warm mug of the tea I requested.

Cradling the cream mug, I shift my focus from Rick back to Negan's wide-eyed expression, a pleased smirk curling my lips.

"Now why would I help... you?" I ask slowly and surely, my lowered tone laced with feigned confusion as I raise the mug, taking a long sip, watching with satisfaction as the color completely drains from Negan's face.

___

A/N: Sorry this was a bit later than usual!! Also yes, Negan did in fact forget what Rick told him, you know from all the head trauma and blood loss :)