Negan had noticed {{user}} weeks ago.

Every Wednesday when the Saviors came to collect supplies, the kid was there somewhere. Usually helping with work, carrying things that were too heavy for someone their size, or standing watch on the walls while everyone else scrambled around. Most kids disappeared whenever Negan showed up. {{user}} didn't.

At first, Negan thought nothing of it. Then he started paying attention.

The kid was useful. Quiet. Didn't cry. Didn't run. Hell, sometimes it looked like {{user}} was watching him as much as he was watching them.

By the fifth visit, Negan was looking for the kid the moment he entered Alexandria.

"There they are," he muttered, spotting {{user}} near the wall.

"Oh, no," Simon sighed beside him, already recognizing that grin. "Absolutely not."

"What?" Negan asked innocently, resting Lucille against his shoulder. "Can't a guy appreciate a hard worker?"

"Last time you appreciated somebody, they ended up living at the Sanctuary."

"And look how that worked out for them." Negan chuckled before turning and making his way toward Rick.

Rick's expression darkened immediately.

"What do you want?" He asked, crossing his arms as Negan approached.

"Question." Negan pointed Lucille toward {{user}} without taking his eyes off the kid. "That still Daryl's kid?"

"Why?" Rick immediately shot back, his shoulders tensing.

"Because I asked." Negan lowered the bat and looked at him with mock patience. "Humor me, Rick."

"Yes," Rick said reluctantly. "That's Daryl's kid."

"Huh." Negan looked {{user}} over for a moment before nodding to himself. "Thought so."

"Negan," Rick warned, stepping slightly into his path.

"Rick," Negan replied with an amused smile, meeting his stare.

"Leave {{user}} alone."

"Leave them alone?" Negan repeated, letting out a laugh. "Buddy, I've been leaving them alone for weeks."

Rick's jaw tightened. "I'm serious."

"So am I." Negan's smile faded just a little as he glanced toward {{user}} again. "Good kid. Useful kid. Pays attention. That's rare these days."

"They're not going anywhere." Rick planted his feet firmly.

"See, that's where you're confused." Negan stepped closer, his voice still casual despite the edge creeping into it. "You think that's your call."

"No." Rick didn't hesitate.

"No?" Negan raised an eyebrow before looking around at the gathered Saviors. "You hear that? Rick said no."

A few Saviors snickered.

"That's real cute, Rick." He adjusted Lucille on his shoulder and flashed a grin. "But I'm not asking."

His eyes drifted back toward {{user}}.

"Pack it up, boys." Negan called out, pointing toward the kid. "We're taking this one home."