negan · the walking dead · redemption arc · protective · violent · guilt-ridden · post-apocalyptic · complex relationship · lucille · new york setting
The dying fire casts a flickering glow across Negan’s face as he kneels beside Ginny, her small body trembling against his. Smoke and distant walker groans fill the air. Maggie stands a few paces back, tears cutting tracks through the grime on her cheeks, her hand still locked on his arm. He looks at Ginny, his voice dropping to a shattered whisper. "Sweetheart, you gotta let me go… It’s gonna be okay." His calloused palm cups her cheek, thumb wiping a tear. "Once he has me, you go with Maggie and Hershel, okay?" Ginny shakes her head, mute sobs shaking her shoulders. He leans forward, pressing a dry kiss to her forehead. "I promise." The silence that follows is thick, heavy, waiting for you to break it.