We're The Ones Who Live | The Walking Dead (2)

Part 23 - Visiting Carl

"We can't deny the fact that for a long while now, Negan has done nothing but try to prove that he's changed," CJ started the conversation. "What happened tonight was an accident, I do believe that."

"Well, no offence, but not all of us agree with you. I get why people think Negan's been redeemed," Aaron responded with a sigh. "I've... I've wondered it myself. Hell, maybe he has changed. But... a man like that, who's done the things he's done, killed the people he's killed; something inside him is broken. We need to face that fact."

"Yes, but killing him him now over this, undermines the civilisation that we have built," Siddiq shook his head. 

"And what about the people who never got to witness that civilisation because of him?" Aaron argued.

"Look, let's not start arguing," CJ cut in. "I think we can all agree that there are bigger issues these days than Negan. What happened needs to be dealt with, yes. But this decision is not worth a divide in leadership."

"She's right," Gabriel nodded. "This council wasn't made for this. Deciding the fate of a man's life in the dead of night because people are carrying pitchforks and torches-"

"Look," Daryl interrupted, standing by the door of the hall. "If you can't make a decision, the people out there are gon' make one for ya."

"Did you get to talk to Michonne?" CJ asked.

"Yeah."

"And what does she think?" 

"She wants me to be her vote," Daryl replied. "Lydia said Negan saved her, so he saved her. I'm a 'No'."

"So, we're tied," Aaron mumbled. "Gabriel, where do you stand?"

Gabriel seemed to think for a moment before he stood up. "I'm going to take the night to clear my head and consider my vote. I suggest you all do the same."

The meeting came to an end with that, and the council all headed back to their own homes. Daryl waited by the door for CJ, who felt like she could sleep for a year and still be tired when she woke up. 

"You alright?" she asked as they walked down the road.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Just feels like it's eight years ago, and no times has passed. Everyone's talking about Negan again."

"I know," CJ sighed. "Only difference is that back then, I never would have imagined we'd be voting to keep him alive."

They made it back to their house, and quietly made their way up the stairs to their room to avoid waking anyone up. Daryl went to check RJ was still in bed whilst CJ went to their room to change before heading back out to the porch and sitting on the steps, leaning sideways against the railing. Daryl joined her shortly after, sitting beside her and grabbing her legs, resting them across his lap.

CJ smiled softly and watched Daryl's hands as he drew soft lines on her shins over her black sweatpants. She shuffled forwards until she could reach to wrap her arms around his neck and kissed his nose, making him smile.

"You feelin' okay?" Daryl asked after a while. 

"Yeah," CJ replied quietly. "Better that earlier anyway."

"You know, I hate seein' you that upset," he mumbled. "But I'd rather that, then find out you've been tryna hide it."

CJ blinked a few times as she sighed, and Daryl put his arms around her. His hand rested on her hip, and she reached out to brush his hair out of his face, her knuckles grazing over his cheek. 

"I'm sorry," she whispered. 

"Told ya to stop apologisin'." He turned his head to press a kiss to her palm.