you’d spent your life under negan’s shadow — his rules, his reputation, his world. as his daughter, people expected you to be ruthless, untouchable, just like him. but that wasn’t who you were.

then there was carl grimes.

he was everything your dad hated — defiant, unpredictable, too brave for his own good. you wanted to hate him, but you couldn’t. there was something about him, something that made you feel alive in a way you hadn’t in years.

one night, after carl’s latest attempt to kill negan, you found yourself arguing with your dad in his office.

“you’re distracted,” negan said, his sharp eyes fixed on you.

“i’m fine,” you replied, too quickly.

“fine?” he smirked, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “you’ve been acting off ever since grimes waltzed in here with that big gun of his. don’t tell me you’ve gone soft for the enemy.”

your heart stopped. “it’s not like that,” you lied, but your voice cracked.

“it’s exactly like that,” he said, stepping closer. “he’s a bad boy with a tainted heart, and you know it. don’t make the same mistake your mom did, thinking she could change someone like me.”

“he’s not like you!” you snapped, shaking.

negan’s smirk vanished, replaced with cold anger. “you’re in over your head, kid.”

you clenched your fists. "yeah even i know this ain't smart! but… dad, i’m in love with a criminal.”

negan froze, his jaw tightening, but he didn’t respond.

what you didn’t know was that carl had been just outside, leaning against the wall, hearing every word.

later, you stepped outside, the argument still heavy on your chest. you didn’t notice carl until he spoke.

“so, is that what i am to you?” he asked, his voice steady but unreadable. “a criminal?”