**WARNING: Negan bashing present. I abhor Negan, and all he stands for, with a passion. I'm a Rick and Survivor loyalist through and through. Don't like? Don't read. No hard feelings here. Thanks. **

** DISCLAIMER: I do not own TWD. I own the OC and the extra plot **

Die For You

Chapter One

Negan returned with Rick and deposited him in front of our makeshift lineup. I could tell Rick was shaken, but there was still light in his eyes. I caught his eye and gave him a reassuring nod. As much as I didn't want to die, I also didn't like the idea of bowing down to this prick. What the hell did this guy have over these people that they would just stand by and watch this shit? Maggie was practically miscarrying right on the ground next to her now dead husband and no one even batted an apathetic eyelash. What the fuck had these people so scared? It couldn't be his punk ass weapon. Lucille, as menacing as she was, was just a baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire. There was definitely more to this whack job than just a leather jacket and a maniacal grin.

I'm sure some people wondered what made Rick our leader. What kept us on our knees with him instead of on our feet beside them? I'm sure Negan would welcome us among his ranks, he seemed eager for approval and submission. I'd been watching him leer at me while taunting my leader. Was he actually trying to impress me? He's just bludgeoned two of my family members to death and he wanted to make eyes at me? As if it further prove my point, he winked at me as he shoved Rick down in the dirt. What a sick fuck.

Then the prick decided to break Rick, right in front of us all. He gave him an ultimatum. Either all his people were shot, or he could hack off his son's left arm. Negan strolled over to where I was kneeling and knelt beside me, facing Rick. He leaned into me, brushing my hair away from my ear. "Oh, don't worry that pretty little head of yours." He murmured loud enough for those around us to hear, "He'll choose the hatchet." He chuckled darkly, "They always do." He smirked, sniffing my hair like a total creep. "Three!" He boomed, straightening away from me.

Rick looked lost, hyperventilating like a scared little school girl. Jesus, this is what we'd come to? After everything we'd survived, It'd come down to a douchebag with supreme swagger and a baseball bat? "Two!" Negan counted, "C'mon Rick, your choice. What'll it be?"

I bit my lip, glancing sideways at Daryl. He was looking at Rick, his mouth set in a grim line. I could see tears streaming down his face. My mind screamed that this wasn't fair. These strong, courageously resilient men were being broken right before my eyes and there was nothing I could do to stop it. "This is it," Negan exclaimed, "One!"

Rick reached for the hatchett and my heart lurched. Oh god. This was it. After Rick did this, there was no coming bac-wait a second. I locked eyes with Negan and he was gleeful, like he'd set this all up on a whim, and was pleasantly surprised to watch it all fall into place. He knelt down and stopped Rick from going through with it, making him agree that he now belonged to him. I had to be dreaming. I must have fallen off the guard post back home and hit my head.

"It's been a productive damn day." Negan spouted off, "Now, I hope you all understand how this all works." He smirked. "Dwight!" He cried, pointing his bat at Daryl. My hands balled into fists, nails biting into my palms. "Load him up."

"He's got guts." Negan mused, leaning into Rick a little, "Not a little bitch like someone I know." His gaze found mine. "I like him, he's mine now."

A feral growl ripped from my throat, causing Negan to smirk. I could tell he was putting the pieces together. Fuck.

"You still want to try something, 'not, today, not tomorrow,'" He mocked, "Not today, not tomorrow! I will cut pieces off, uh." He paused, taping Lucille on the ground, scanning the crowd for Simon. "Hell's his name?"

"Daryl." I murmured without thinking.

"What was that?" Negan asked, hand to his ear as he straightened up away from Rick to stride over to me.

I didn't answer, keeping my gaze at the earth, my breathing heavy. "Awww. C'mon sweet cheeks," he crouched in front of me, "I'm gonna need you to repeat yourself one more time." I bit my lip. "Now." He lifted my chin with his finger.

My chest lurched at our eye contact. "Daryl," I choked. "His name is Daryl."

"Wow." Negan smirked, smoothing his thumb along my jawline. "That actually sounds right, thank you sweetheart." He returned to Rick, threatening to chop Daryl up into little pieces, even make him do it himself, if Rick didn't do as he said.

When Negan gave a rousing speech about this being a new world order and how it had been such a productive damn day, I had a hard time swallowing it. More like the worst day of my life to date, and there had been some pretty shitty days up to this point. He left the group a truck for all the shit they were going to find him. I had to do something. I couldn't just return to Alexandria and work for this creep. Negan tossed Rick's ax over his shoulder as he strode away. It was now or never.

"I'll go." I said out loud. I hadn't meant to, all I could think about was Daryl being taken away and never seeing him again. Never being able to be close to him, feel his silent laugh travel from his belly to his cheeks. Never see the want I felt be reflected back with such fire again. No, there had to be another way. I had to make sure he was safe. Maybe if I went with him willingly he'd set Daryl free.

Negan stopped at the sound of my voice, turning around, swinging Lucille up to rest on his shoulder. Shakily I rose to my feet, my chin rising in the air a little so I could lock eyes with him. "I'll go, I repeated, "Take me instead." My voice sounded harsh, insistent, a little too childish for my liking. I flicked my eyes to the van where they'd shoved Daryl. He was at the window, his eyes silently pleading with me to kneel the fuck back down. I chanced a glance at Rick to get a shot of courage; wrong move. His face was a mixture of shock, anger and grief. I almost lost my resolve, then I caught Michonne's eyes and she nodded to me, a soft smile playing on her lips. She understood. I couldn't be left behind, not after what we'd just witnessed.

"Well, well." Negan sighed, running a hand over his mouth. "I had my suspicions, but I thought maybe he was a tad old for you, sweet cheeks." He laughed. He clicked his tongue. "Hmmm." He seemed to actually be debating the trade. "You know what?" He chuckled, shaking his head, "I think I'll take you up on the offer, minus letting Daryl go, of course." He grinned, "I just like him too damn much."

So this was Negan; charismatic, extremely discerning and manipulative with a touch of impulse. If he wasn't such an asshole, I might have found him attractive. Instead I found the man this monster had just taken prisoner, dangerously captivating. Apparently I was willing to risk my life for him too, that was new. But was it really? Probably been that way for a while now. We'd all become like family, this little rag tag bunch.

Negan nodded to his right hand man, whom I'd learned was Simon from overhearing chatter behind us while Negan was away with Rick. "This way, miss." Simon said as Negan turned away and made his way towards an armored truck. He motioned for me to follow. My heart lurched. Fuck. This wasn't part of my plan. I was supposed to be thrown in and locked away like a prisoner with Daryl, not escorted away like a prize.

Simon pulled open the rear passenger door and nodded at me. I gave him a small smile, carefully sizing him up. He was tall, but lanky. I could totally take him. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath before sliding inside. The door was shut for me, and I was suddenly very aware of the man next to me.

Negan looked relaxed and carefree, confident even. His tall frame folded into this vehicle was a little comical, but he seemed to be use to the cramped quarters. Maybe he found it comforting. I didn't have much time to think about it further before Simon climbed into the driver's seat and we were moving. The lurching of the vehicle caused me to gasp and grab the handle on the ceiling. Negan chuckled, he'd mirrored my posture with practiced ease, regarding me with an amused smirk.

"Something funny?" I murmured, my chin lifting a little as I settled down into the seat, getting used to the jerky ride.

Negan's eyes twinkled. He took a breath, "You must be Rosalind." He paused to gauge my reaction. No dice there buddy. I didn't scare easy, something that the archer and I had in common, among other things. He frowned good naturedly, lifting his eyebrows, expecting a reply.

"You've been watching us." I murmured through clenched teeth. All he needed to know was I would do absolutely anything to protect Daryl. Daryl was too stubborn, too honorable to break. I didn't have his code. I didn't have that honor. Not without him.

Negan scoffed. "You caught me." He smiled warmly, although it didn't quite reach his eyes. "So," He sighed, "Rosalind-"

"Roz." I corrected him. No sense in keeping formalities. I didn't want him to think I was here as an ambassador or something. I wanted him to welcome me in with open arms so I could get close enough to slit his throat.

"Roz," He nodded, "You and biker boy been together long?" His eyes were steady, lips parted, as if he was waiting to hear the juiciest gossip he'd heard in a long time. Huh. Maybe ruling a cult was boring. I imagined it was hella lonely. Maybe that was where I came in.

"We're not together." I answered, the words catching in my throat. We were close, even kissed a few times, but we'd never talked about our relationship or anything. Daryl Dixon wasn't traditional boyfriend material, even without the apocalypse to contend with. Honestly, I wasn't really sure how I felt until Negan ordered his capture and they carted him away.

Negan chuckled darkly, "Really?" He smirked. "Your surrender tells me otherwise, sweet cheeks." He winked. He took a breath, "Or, you have feelings that he doesn't-"

I made an amused sound in my throat. "Unrequited love." I gushed mockingly, "You wish." So did I. I hoped the moments we'd shared weren't just in the heat of the moment. If I knew Daryl Dixon at all, he cared for me. How much? Well, that remained to be seen.

Negan laughed aloud this time, "You are a spitfire, aren't you?" He smirked. "I guess he won't mind if you and I take a tumble…" He trailed off suggestively, eyes raking down my body.

Ew. Gross. Did he think because he ordered people around that he could just have anyone or anything he wanted? Being a psychotic assbutt didn't make him irresistible. "You can't break him." I knew what Negan was getting at. He wanted to use my well being as a bargaining chip. Little did he know, Daryl knew I could take care of myself.

"He's got spunk." Negan agreed, "I'll give you that." He studied me for a moment. "I gotta say, planning our first supply grab, I was very tempted to take you back with me as a cherry on top." He sighed, "Guess you made that decision for me, sweet cheeks." He grinned.

The vehicle rolled to a stop. I glanced up to see that the van they'd placed Daryl in was ahead of us. At least we were going to the same place. "Welcome to The Sanctuary." He motioned to the structure in front of us. If I'd been paying attention well enough, we traveled west then turned south towards Atlanta. We'd steered clear of the city since we all knew it was overrun. Maybe that was why this massive army had flown under our radar so far. When I made it back to Alexandria and the Saviors were eliminated, I'd take a group and scout for other settlements. We weren't as alone out here as we thought.

I bit my lip to hold back my gasp of disgust. The fence line was surrounded by incapacitated walkers. Most of them were impaled in some way or another so they were no longer a threat to those inside the compound. They instead served as security for any outside threat. The Sanctuary looked like a former factory, repurposed as headquarters for Negan and his army. We rolled inside and parked. Simon got out first and opened Negan's door, then jogged around and opened mine. I stepped out and Simon motioned for me to join Negan on the other side.

"We have returned victorious!" Negan roared to the crowd that had gathered around the returned vehicles. Looking out over the group my breath caught. They were all kneeling, as if the presence of a King. I felt the bile rising in my throat and swallowed hard against it. Daryl was unloaded and led away towards what looked like the main building. Before they passed, I could feel his eyes focus on me. I carefully kept my head forward but let my eyes catch his. He looked stricken, like he was losing hope, or had lost it already. I had to get to him. I gave him a sly smile and a playful wink, trying to communicate I was fine, everything was under control. Negan didn't consider me a prisoner for some reason, maybe he wanted to show off his home to someone and have them appreciate it. Maybe he wanted to show someone from his newly acquired grunt force the light at the end of the tunnel. I could do that.

Negan continued giving orders on how and where supplies were supposed to be stashed and used. He also took a few minutes to talk security with a few of his men. It gave me a chance to look around. The compound was simple, but very secure. The walkers set up along the fence was a nice touch that definitely upped the intimidation factor.

"Come with me." Negan murmured in my ear, gripping my bicep gently to get me to walk with him. He let go as soon as I fell into step beside him. He led us inside and upstairs to what I presumed to be his private quarters. The first thing that struck me was the beautiful women. They all looked up when Negan entered the room, but immediately switched their gazes to the floor when he raised his hand. He must really get off on a Dom/Sub relationship. "Ladies," He addressed the room, "This is Rosalind." He ghosted his palms over my shoulders, "She is a guest from our newest acquire, Alexandria." The women all gave me tight lipped smiles. "Sherry," Negan called to the woman who just entered the room. "Please see that she gets settled."

The petite, very pretty brunette nodded. "Sure thing." She gave me another tight smile, "This way." She motioned for us to exit the room.

"See you soon, Roz." Negan purred as he poured what looked like scotch from a glass bottle. He lifted the glass to me before downing the contents.

I gave a minute nod and spun on my heel to follow Sherry to wherever I was supposed to go. The interior of the factory was safety lit, a wise use of electricity, but also a bonus for stalking around unnoticed. It was clean, which told me there were people that cleaned the common areas, that meant that like every good little cult compound, everyone had their job to do. I wondered if I'd be given a job or if I'd just be given a tour and sent home. I followed Sherry down the long hallway, unable to untie the knot forming in the pit of my stomach.

"Home sweet, home." She murmured, pushing open the door at the end of the hall. The room was light, airy even. Everything furnished in lush fabric from the curtains to the bed linens. A queen size bed, dresser, couch and a small set of cabinets that seemed to function as a tiny kitchen were a welcome sight. "You can change clothes, I can have what you're wearing washed for you." Sherry offered. I looked down at my bloodstained clothes. Maybe freshening up was a good idea.

"Sure," I unzipped and shrugged off my black leather vest. I was surprised they let me keep my weapons. I wasn't big on guns, but I did have throwing knives that were a literal life saver. Daryl had his crossbow, I had my knives. Rick use to tease me that we a couple of odd ducks. He'd always follow up it up with saying, 'I'm glad you're my couple of odd ducks.' Always made me roll my eyes. Now, well, now all I could do was swallow the lump in my throat the memory created.

I stepped behind the screen behind the couch that I had a feeling had clothing stashed with it. Jackpot. I rifled through the stash and found a pair of jeans that would work with a belt, a bra that didn't give me obscene cleavage, a black tank top and a pair of black boots that looked just worn in. Perfect. I tossed my long, red curls and wondered if there was a place to shower here. Life was almost divine in Alexandria because we had creature comforts.

"Dwight's prisoner, he's from the same place you are, right?" Sherry asked breaking our silence.

I stooped to tie my boots. "Yes." I took a breath, wondering what her connection to Dwight was. Time to find out if our bond as women was stronger than the fear Negan paraded around like a prize. "I surrendered after they took him." I buckled my weapons belt back in place, settling the knives in their sheaths.

I emerged to find Sherry picking up my discarded clothes. She motioned to the wash stand by the door. I took a deep breath and steeled myself against the sight I was about to see. I peered into the mirror, my green eyes wide and searching. Blood spattered my left cheek, probably Abraham's. I made quick work of washing my face, neck and arms of blood and dirt. Everyone and everything in the Sanctuary seemed so clean. I wanted to fit in as much as possible.

"Why?" Sherry asked after I dried my face.

I locked eyes with her in the mirror. I debated whether to clarify the question, instead I decided to answer her, see where that got me. "I wouldn't leave him behind."

Sherry nodded almost knowingly. She bit her lip and glanced at the clock. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes. Be ready to move."

"Okay…" I answered as she moved to leave. "Wait." I put up my hand. "One question."

She bit her lip and nodded. "Who is Dwight to you?" I asked.

Her eyes widened and she cleared her throat, "My ex husband." She yanked open the door, "Fifteen minutes." She murmured as a reminder over her shoulder just before it shut behind her.

Oh. So Negan was into stealing women from their men. Interesting. Explained his fixation on mine and Daryl's non existent relationship. I padded over to the bank of windows, gazing out over the main entrance. The groan from the walkers was barely audible from this height, maybe I would actually get a decent night sleep here. Fat chance, knowing Daryl was locked away like a prisoner would have me tossing and turning for sure.

Like clockwork, the door opened again fifteen minutes after Sherry departed.

"Follow me." She instructed, grabbing my clothes as she swept from the room. I grabbed a bottle of water off the countertop and followed her out, giving it a twist. She tossed my clothes down what looked like a laundry chute, then continued to the stairwell. She led us down three sets of stairs to what I presumed was the ground level. "Quickly," She murmured to me, pulling me into the darkness with her. We rushed down a dark hallway to another set of stairs. Now I was sure we were on ground level. We rounded a corner and she stopped in front of a large metal door. "Hurry." She motioned for me to join her at the door.

Suddenly, I knew what was on the other side. "Daryl?" I squeaked, my face crumpling. She nodded, producing a key from her pocket. My hands shook as I inserted the key into the door.

"We only have ten minutes until they return. We need to be gone by then." Sherry spoke low, her words absolute.

I bit my lip. Ten minutes, less than ten minutes if we were supposed to disappear and somehow magically return the key. "Okay." I breathed pulling open the door. My stomach dropped, and I fell to my knees.

Daryl sat huddled in the corner in complete darkness, stark naked. "Daryl." I whispered, "I'm here." my voice broke and tears threatened to spill over. I crawled towards him, watching his eyes register that this wasn't a trick that I was really here. I reached up to cup his face, smoothing his sweat drenched hair out of his eyes. He looked tired, hungry, probably thirsty, too. Water. I had water. I crawled back to the door and grabbed the water bottle I had snatched from my room. "Here, drink." I offered the bottled to him and he drank quickly polishing it off in a few moments. I took the bottle back, tossing it to Sherry at the door. "Can't we get him a blanket or something?" I whispered to her. She just shook her head. I knew the answer, getting him any kind of comfort would be too suspicious. Leaving him in the state was intentionally cruel.

"He treatin' ya good?" Daryl spoke for the first time. Jesus, was he really concerned about Negan? Here he was cold, naked and at the mercy of these psychos and all he could ask was if I was being treated right?

I wanted to get angry with him, but realized I probably only had a few moments left with him until who knew when. So I took a deep breath, willing my anger to subside and replied, "Yes, he said publicly that I'm a guest from their new acquisition, Alexandria."

"Good." Daryl sighed, his head falling back against the cinderblock. He seemed relieved.

"Daryl, I-" I started to say, but Sherry cut me off.

"Two minutes." She said flatly, turning away from the doorway.

Suddenly, Daryl palmed the back of my head and brought my face close to his. "I'm not going anywhere, Roz." He murmured, he looked less unsure of himself up close. "Don't be stupid." Then he kissed me hotly, his mouth engulfing mine, making my toes curl. This always seemed to happen; we found ourselves in hot water and things between us heated up with it.

"Let's go!" Sherry exclaimed in a whisper, pulling back on my shoulder, her fingers gripping my vest.

Daryl released my mouth. "Don't be stupid." He repeated, releasing his grip on my head, falling back against the wall. Maybe he did care about me after all. Knew me pretty well too. I wasn't stupid, but I did let my emotions get the best of me on the regular, hence his warning. Sherry yanked one more time and I was out of the room and she shut the door turning the key in the lock. She pocketed it and gripped my upper arm to get me moving with her down the hall. I barely swallowed the sob that welled up in my chest as we rounded the corner. Up ahead was a small guardstation. It was thankfully empty. Must have been shift change, or she paid someone off. I was willing to believe the latter. She seemed capable of devious shit like that.

She slipped the key back in the box on the wall that was conveniently left unlocked. After relocking it, she led the way all the way back up to my room. My heart pounded fiercely in my chest. At least I knew Daryl was whole. In horrible conditions, but still here, still breathing. That had to count for something "You need to convince him to comply." Sherry said matter of factly, crossing her arms across her chest. "Either join up or become a slave, that's how Negan operates-"

"Loyalty is like currency." I cut in with a smirk. "I get it."

She studied me for a moment, eyes wide and searching. "I hope you do." Then she left, the door clicking shut softly shut behind her.

I flopped down on the bed, the air leaving my lungs with a whoosh. I rolled over to stare at the ceiling, trying to keep it together. How could I do this? I had to somehow make it out of here alive with Daryl by my side. How could I convince Negan to let Daryl go? I could tell he was pretty enamored with him. How far was I willing to go? Was I willing to trade my freedom for his? Was I willing to become one of Negan's wives just so Daryl could be free? Don't be stupid. Yeah, he was right. No need to get desperate. I sighed, turning on my side away from the windows. I hadn't realized how exhausted I was until we returned to this room. I shut my eyes for a few moments, trying to recharge my batteries before Negan came knocking.

I must have fallen asleep because it was dark when I opened my eyes. The hair on the back of neck stood up at attention. I wasn't alone. In one swift motion, I sat up and threw one of my knives towards the figure sitting in the armchair by the door. I purposely embedded the blade in the wall, just above the person's head.

"Hot damn." a deep voice chuckled. My breath caught. Negan.

Dearest Readers,

Die For You - by Starset

Here's the product of my latest addiction: The Walking Dead. I'm late the the party, but I did manage to go to Walker Stalker Atlanta in October. Even managed to snag a photo op with Andy! So much fun. I've worked my way through season 1-7 from Mid August till January. I'm working through season 8 right now, trying to catch up for the premier on the 25th.

I'm not usually a first person writer, but this sort of just came out after watching the end of season 7. There will be plenty of flash backs over the next few chapters to give Roz context with the group so far.

I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think!

xoxo

Lumora The White