THE YOUNG MAN finished putting on his gray T-shirt and pants. He then put on his belt and tightened the loose-fitting jeans around his waist.

Some blabbering from nearby got his attention, and he glanced over at the crib nearby, seeing AJ sitting up and tapping the small toys he had in front of him. It was surprising that AJ had already learned to sit up at four months. He was developing quite fast.

Moments later, Mika came in. She peeked into the room and knocked on the open door, alerting Y/N. He turned to her and grinned.

"I ran out of toothpaste." She said.

"You could borrow mine." He replied as he fixed his belt. "But..."

"But what?"

"I gotta get something in return."

Mika arched a brow. Y/N snickered.

"Those cookies Glenn gave you and said was only for you...I want one."

"What?!"

"You heard me."

Mika gave a teasing glare but ultimately relented. "Fine."

Y/N chuckled as Mika walked back to the bathroom. He went over to the crib and picked up his son, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Come on, little slugger," Y/N said softly. "Let's take you to Aunt Erica. Papa's gotta work today."

It had been about a month since Alexandria survived the walker horde. The community has been rebuilding and thriving since then, which Deanna would've been pleased to see. They even expanded the walls to take in the nearby church and even got extra space for a farming plot.

There were also some new living arrangements for the group: Y/N now lived with Mika and AJ. Rick, Carl, Judith, Michonne, Carol, and Daryl still lived in the first house, while Glenn, Maggie, Beth, and Ramon moved into a recently unoccupied one. Rosita, Eugene, and Abraham lived in another home, and Tara now stayed with Denise. Sasha lived in the apartment building.

Y/N also didn't farm as much as he used to. He often went on runs or patrolled the walls of Alexandria instead. It just didn't feel right anymore, as he figured he could do more good for the town by searching for supplies and being on guard. There was also still a little bit of shame within him...as he still mourned the loss of Kate Garcia.

He went downstairs with the baby. Mika came down sometime later, dressed and ready for the day. He noticed something in her hand.

"What you got there?" He asked.

Mika glanced at it but quickly hid it behind her back. "It's a surprise."

"Well, I know you have it behind your back, so..."

She finally showed what was in her hand: a makeshift bracelet.

Mika grabbed his hand and immediately put it on him. Y/N looked down at his wrist and chuckled.

"I made it in class yesterday. Thought you might like it."

The young man was touched by the gift. It wasn't a watch like Rick's or any other form of bling he'd sport back when he was a wealthy athlete, but he would still cherish it forever.

"I love it." He replied and pulled her in for a side hug. "Thank you."

"Don't lose it..." She spoke amidst the embrace, then parted. "Or I'll beat you up."

Y/N snickered. He wasn't going to try and cross her since he knew about the Aikido lessons she was still taking with Morgan.

"Promise. I won't."

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Mika went to answer it, and on the other side was Rick. He wore his blue button-up and the same faded jeans as Y/N.

"Good morning." He greeted the three.

"Good morning, Rick." Mika replied.

Y/N nodded. "Hey."

"Just wanted to let you know I'm leaving with Daryl. Didn't want to go without doing so."

"All right. You two be safe."

Rick nodded and grinned as he rubbed the top of Mika's head. He looked back at Y/N.

"Keep the ship sailing." He said as he walked off the porch.

Y/N saluted. "Aye, aye."

Afterward, the three left the house. Y/N first wanted to walk Mika to school before dropping off AJ at the Garcia's, where Erica was.

"Hey, Y/N?" Mika asked.

"Yeah?"

"Is it okay if I stay over Mariana's tonight?"

"Like...a sleepover?"

"Pretty much."

Y/N hummed. "Is Javi okay with that? Erica?"

"I don't know...she wanted to. I figured she asked them already."

Y/N nodded as they kept walking down the street with AJ still in his arms. It was nice that Mika wanted to spend some time with her best friend, and he felt like having a normal sleepover like the days before would benefit her mentally and emotionally.

"I'll make sure after leaving AJ with them, and I'll let you know."

Mika smiled. Soon, Y/N made it to the school and dropped the girl there. He spoke with Beth, and she got to see AJ a bit.

"How are things, Beth?" He asked.

"Never better." She replied, then noticed the bracelet on his wrist. "Oh! I see Mika gave you the gift."

"Yeah." He chuckled. "You had them do so as part of an activity or something?"

"I just told them to do something for someone they care about. Could've been a card or a drawing or something. Mika decided on using the few things we had and made that."

Once again, Y/N was touched. Mika went out of her way to craft a gift for the one man she really cared about when she didn't have to. Y/N looked into the house, where Mika talked to some kids, and smiled.

"You're doing a great job here, Beth," Y/N told the young woman. "Really."

"I appreciate it." She replied with a smile.

Y/N nodded and bobbed AJ a bit after he began to fuss.

"Gotta go take the tot to Erica's. I'll see you later."

The two bid farewell, and Y/N walked off. On the next block, he arrived at the Garcia home. He took a breath as he stepped onto the porch, the feeling of regret still in his heart.

Every time he passed by the house, he felt the same feeling. Although he told Mika he would move on, there was still that thought that he could've done something to save Kate. He was going to move on from it...it just was going to take a little more time.

Blame and regret and coping with it was one of his faults. He still harbored that from his childhood and early adult years. He often blamed himself for not sticking up to his father or protecting his mother and older brother. Then there was the regret of not being there for his brother and severing ties after getting into the MLB.

He still hadn't moved on.

It felt like he was still in denial about what transpired...and the rebuilding of Alexandria was his way of coming to terms with it. Not just about Kate...but of everything else he felt he did wrong before.

The sudden appearance of Javier at the door brought him out of his deep thoughts. He grinned at the young man.

"Hey, Y/N!" He greeted, then looked at AJ. "Little man!"

Y/N feigned a smile. "Javi."

"Come in."

Y/N was let inside. He looked around and back at the door as Javier shut it. He imagined the chaos that likely happened the day of the walker attack...how Kate was taken out so brutally. He let out a breath and swallowed.

"Erica's getting ready." Javier said. "You know women. Especially Lati—"

"What was that?" The woman called out as she walked down the steps.

"Oh, nothing, babe."

Erica smirked. "Solo tienes que esperar..."

Y/N smiled at Erica, and the woman looked right at AJ.

"Hola, mi Precioso." She said in a singsong manner and took him.

"Hello to you, too." Y/N joked.

She chuckled. "I see you more than my nephew."

"Right." He snickered back.

Javier needed to go to work and bid farewell to them. He kissed Erica and patted the baby's head before leaving the house.

"Thank you for doing this." He told Erica. "Spencer should be about done with his shift, so I gotta fill in."

"No problem. You know I won't say no to being with AJ."

Y/N greatly appreciated Erica. She loved the baby as if he was her own. She did make a promise to Liliana that she would.

Before he left, Y/N wanted to ask her about Mika's request earlier.

"Uh, Mika asked if it was okay if she could sleep over tonight. She said Mariana wanted to."

"Right! Mariana told Javi, and he mentioned it. I was going to ask you."

"Well, if you're okay with it..."

"Of course," Erica interjected. "It'd be nice. Mariana loves Mika. And hey...maybe AJ can stay over too."

"Damn. You are really treating me to a night to myself." Y/N said with a chuckle.

"Cherish it."

The two laughed, and the young man nodded. Before he began to bid farewell, Erica spoke up.

"You want to take a cup of coffee with you? I got some back there."

Y/N accepted. "Sure. I'd appreciate it."

Erica took AJ with her to the kitchen. Y/N stood by the door and leaned against the wall, picking at his nails. He then heard footsteps coming from the stairs and saw Gabriel. They looked at each other.

"Hey, Gabe." He greeted the fourteen-year-old.

Gabe stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Hey."

Y/N noticed the teenager's demeanor has been somewhat somber the last few weeks. He assumed it was because of the loss of his stepmother. It must've been hard on him.

"How you holding up?" He asked.

"Fine," Gabe replied. "Just...been around."

"Nowadays, that's enough, ain't it?"

The boy simply nodded. There was a beat before Gabe spoke again.

"Uh...Y/N?" He asked. "Do you think...maybe...I can go out there with you someday?"

He arched a brow. The boy continued.

"I just thought I could learn and stuff. How to look for supplies. Get better at fighting walkers. I'd ask Javi, but he's busy with stuff, and I don't really wanna bother him."

"I—I don't know. You'd still have to ask your uncle. I'll be happy to help you, though. But, yeah, I'd have to hear from him."

Gabe just nodded. Y/N studied his expression and figured he had something on his mind. Before Gabe went back upstairs, Y/N questioned him.

"Is that why? You wanna go out and help?"

Gabe looked back and stared at him. He had a lot on his mind...and was in a state of denial. He felt like being out there would make him feel better. Make him forget about what he did. To make things right.

"Yeah. That's why."

The boy went back upstairs. Y/N watched him leave and let out a sigh.

Y/N walked down the street, finishing up his coffee. He passed by a bin, tossed the paper cup in it, and continued his stroll.

He went to the armory and grabbed his usual things for his patrol, which consisted of an M1 Carbine rifle and a machete. He still had his knife and M1911 on his belt, which was always on his person during the day.

He made his way down the street and toward the guard post. On his way, he ran into Rosita, who greeted him.

"Pujols." She called out.

Y/N chuckled at the name, which was referring to the Latino St. Louis Cardinal superstar, who was seen as the best player of the past decade.

"Tejana." He replied, garnering an eyebrow raise. "Did I get that right? Texas gal?"

Rosita snickered. He had some basic Spanish down but still struggled, which she found funny.

"It's decent." She then showed the article of clothing she had draped on her arm. "Got something for you."

The man arched a brow. Rosita held up the leather jacket, which was surprisingly clean and well-maintained.

"What?" He reached out and took it. "Where'd you get this?"

"Went on a run a couple of days ago with Sasha. Found it. Thought Abraham might like it, but..." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Then, I thought about who could really rock a jacket like that."

Y/N kept looking at the jacket as he held it up with both hands. He then started to put it on, and it did fit him perfectly. He adjusted it and put his hands in its pockets.

"How do I look?" He asked.

Rosita looked him up and down as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah...I might've been wrong."

Y/N scoffed, and the Latina snickered. She bit the tip of her thumb as she looked at him again.

"It looks all right."

Y/N nodded and looked down at the jacket again. He was grateful for it.

"I'll take your word for it." He replied, then looked back at her. "Thanks."

Rosita smirked. Y/N slung his rifle over his shoulder and started walking away.

"Now, I gotta find something to give you in return. Thanks a lot." He turned around and started walking backward. "Maybe I'll find some Selena Quintanilla records."

"You just assume I like Selena?" She asked.

"Hey, she's the Queen Tejana. Isn't it a sin if you don't?"

Rosita laughed, and so did Y/N. He turned back around and kept walking, leaving the Latina in the middle of the street.

He was right. She did really love her music.

Y/N was at his guard post, holding his rifle. He'd been there for about half an hour keeping watch.

Suddenly, something in the tree line caught his eye. He saw a figure walking around and went deeper into the woods. He arched a brow and soon decided to go check it out.

Y/N walked through the woods until he saw the man standing before an incoming walker. It was Spencer, who had his knife in hand and a shovel strapped on his back. He seemed to hesitate a bit as the walker neared.

"I got it." Y/N said, going in and dispatching the walker with his machete.

SHANK!

Spencer looked at Y/N, and there was a beat.

"You think I couldn't get it?"

"I bet you could've. But..." Y/N held up his weapon. "I got a machete that I rarely get to use."

"Mm." He nodded. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was on guard. Saw someone was in the woods. How about you?"

"I walk after my shifts. I've been doing it for a while. You're the first one to notice."

Y/N nodded. "Why the shovel?"

Spencer stayed quiet for a moment. He stepped away.

"I'm gonna keep walking now."

"I'm gonna come with you." Y/N butted.

"That's okay."

Spencer kept walking. Y/N looked down for a second and spoke up.

"Your mom told me about the people here. People like you. We're together now. You're my people. I...I'm still trying to figure it all out."

"Still trying?" Spencer asked as he looked back.

"Yeah." He replied. "But right now, I just want to figure out why her son's wandering around the woods with a shovel."

Spencer once again didn't answer and kept walking. Still, Y/N didn't take that as a no to what he wanted and decided to follow him.

They kept walking through the woods, and the two didn't share a word. Finally, Spencer asked the same question that was on his mind.

"Why are you still here?"

"I liked your mom a lot. She was a great person." Y/N answered. "And I really don't want you to die. So, come on. Let's go home."

"My family's dead. That's not home." He interjected. "It's just where I live."

"Spencer, it's more than that."

"Hey, enough." He stopped and faced him. "I'm fine. You've got a life back there, and maybe I will, too, but before I can even think about that, I need to take care of something. I have to try."

Y/N replied. "So let me help you."

Spencer looked down momentarily and swallowed. This was still a tinge of denial in him that kept from fully accepting any of the help.

"You can't."

Suddenly, they heard leaves rustling. Y/N gripped his machete and looked through the tree line. He saw a figure through the shrubbery and soon realized it was Carl. A walker was shuffling toward him, and he ran off.

"Carl?" He muttered.

The walker changed course and started stumbling through the leaves and toward them. Y/N looked at the walker and saw who it was: Deanna.

"I thought I saw her that night..." Spencer spoke, eyeing his undead mother as she neared. He unsheathed his knife and held it. "I thought I did. I did."

The undead Deanna growled as she stumbled toward them. Y/N put down his machete and moved aside while Spencer got in front of her. Y/N then moved in and grabbed her from behind while Spencer held her from the front.

Deanna growled and chomped at Spencer. The man looked on in sadness as she writhed in their grasp...before Spencer was finally able to stab her through the back of the head.

SULK!

She was put down for good. Y/N let go, and Spencer held her, getting on his knees as he looked at her face. Y/N just watched in sorrow, understanding what he was feeling.

Spencer started to tear up but didn't let himself fully cry. He looked up at Y/N.

"So that's why I was out here."

Later, they buried Deanna in the woods. Spencer finished putting the last pile dirt on the plot as Y/N used his knife to mark the tree beside it. Spencer stopped and breathed as he looked down at the grave.

"She left me a note." He began. "She said I still knew my way. I never knew my way."

"You loved your family?" Y/N asked.

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Then you know your way. It's home."

"They're gone." Spencer, the last surviving Monroe, butted.

"Hey, man, I've been out here chasing you all over the woods. I've been by your side when I didn't have to." Y/N replied, then sighed. "She thought we were all one people. A family. You've still got family, and you've still got a home."

Spencer took in his words, not sure of how to respond. Y/N didn't need one and knew that he understood what he meant. Y/N motioned his head to the side in the direction of Alexandria.

"Let's go."

It was later in the evening. Carl was on his porch with Judith, looking at the stars in the sky. He pointed them out and tried telling his sister about the constellations.

Y/N stopped by and walked onto the porch. He had a soft smile.

"Howdy, neighbor."

"Hey."

"The day went all right for ya?"

Judith babbled, and Carl cradled her.

"I guess so." He replied. "I'm gonna take her in with Michonne."

He got up from his chair, but before he could leave, the young man got serious.

"Carl." He spoke and leaned against the railing. "I saw what you did."

The boy looked back. His expression wasn't a questioning one, as he knew what he had done earlier.

"With Deanna." Y/N added.

"Yeah?" Carl asked and walked back.

"What were you doing out there?" He asked but got no immediate response. "You should've just left her or killed her."

"No, that's stupid." He butted.

"What's stupid is you being out there when you don't have to."

"You did the same thing. You didn't—you and Spencer didn't have to go out there, but you did."

Y/N sighed. "Dude, that's different."

"It's not. I wasn't gonna leave her out there like that. You wouldn't."

Y/N was about to refute, but Carl kept speaking.

"You wouldn't. I know it. I couldn't kill her."

"Why not?" He asked.

"Because—be—" Carl stopped.

"You could have." Y/N said.

"No, I couldn't. I wouldn't."

Y/N was curious about what his mindset and plan were. He did not like how Carl was out there putting himself in danger.

"Were you playing some game? With the dead outside? You can't just—"

"No!" He shot back.

"Then why?"

"Because it should be someone who loved her, someone whose family, and I—I'd do it for you."

His words took Y/N aback. Carl calmed down a bit.

"I would." He added. "J—Just like how it was with my mom. How...how it was with Lili. With Bob. Tyreese. That's how it should be."

His words hit a string in his heart. Carl cared about him and Y/N cared about him too. They've been through a lot, from what happened at the prison to their encounter with the Claimers to the events leading up to their arrival at Alexandria.

Y/N had told Michonne that he saw her, Rick, Carl, and Judith as his family and would die for them. And, if it came to it, he'd be willing to be the one to put them down for the same reasons Carl brought up.

"Come here." He said lowly and embraced him and Judith.

The teenager reciprocated. He rubbed Carl's back and lightly patted it.

"You're like the little brother I never had," Y/N added. "I'd do the same...because I love you, man."

Carl nodded amidst the embrace.

"Me, too."

Y/N was at home and was alone. Mika was at the Garcia's house for her sleepover, and AJ was there with Erica and Javier.

He had heard the news that Rick and Daryl had come back with an unconscious stranger they ran into while on their supply run. He attacked them and made them lose their supplies, so they decided to lock him up for now and wait until morning to question him. Y/N wanted to be there when it happened.

The young man was on his sofa reading The Outsiders. He suddenly heard a knock on his door. Assuming it was probably Rick or even a homesick Mika, he answered it.

Upon opening the door, he was surprised to see who was on the other side: Rosita.

"Oh, hey."

All she did was smirk and stumble inside. Y/N noticed the bottle in her hand.

"Hey." She finally greeted him and looked around. "Why is it so dark in here? Where's the—the tot? Mika?"

"Uh, they're over at Erica's for the night." He replied and closed the door, turning to her. "Rosita?"

"Mmm?"

She faced him and rubbed her hair. By her looks alone, he could tell he was intoxicated. He crossed his arms.

"You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm terrific. Why?"

"Well, you're obviously drunk." He stepped forward and took the bottle from her. "What you doing drinking this late?"

She scoffed.

"What? I can't get drunk? I can't enjoy a warm bottle of beer that is a little past its expiration date? What are you? La policia?"

"Of course not." He chuckled and held up the bottle. "Besides, this is already empty."

He went over and put it on the table. Rosita rubbed her face and paced around the room, still stumbling a bit. Y/N went over to help her keep balance but she tried pushing him away.

"Let me go."

"Something's got you all worked up."

"It's nothing."

"Come on. What's wrong?"

She shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. Rosita exhaled.

"Abraham left. Well...he left the house. He wanted to move on. Pretty much got tired of me. Sa—Said I'm not the last woman on earth anymore. I—I might be wrong...but I think he has a thing for Sasha now."

Y/N wasn't sure what to say. He stood there and let her air out her frustration.

"It—It's as if I was just...eye candy. Something warm for him to sleep beside." She let out an exasperated chuckle in her drunken state. "Someone to fuck when he felt like it. Like...come on. I can't believe it was like that this entire time."

She let out an exasperated breath.

"I—I should've realized it earlier. I mean...I was the only woman with him the whole time. He was in a tough place, and I was there for him. And I guess I sought the same thing, too. Shit, it was either him or Eugene."

Rosita turned around and crossed her arms, taking in a shuddered inhale. Y/N stood a few feet behind.

"Is that just how it is now? What am I? Something to just be thrown away?"

The Latina tried to compose herself and plopped down onto the sofa. She rubbed her face and buried it in her hands. Y/N slowly went up to her and stood beside the couch.

"It's not like that. No. You're not trash. Don't think like that." Y/N said. "Abraham's...Abraham. He decided to move on, and you can't let that bring you down."

Rosita looked up and ahead at the fireplace. She wiped away a tear that fell down her cheek.

"You gotta show him that you can," Y/N added. "That you don't rely on him and can move on too. Shit, let him know that he ain't the only man in the world."

Rosita slightly snickered. Y/N kept speaking.

"And you'll find that one man that won't brush you aside. That won't treat you like trash. That one man will realize what they have."

Rosita finally turned and looked up at him. He then sat beside her on the sofa and tried to comfort her, putting a hand on her shoulder. He continued.

"And that one man will see you and treat you...like you really are the last woman on earth."

The young woman took in his words despite her drunken state. She hoped that she could remember them when she sobered up. It really made her feel appreciated and wanted.

And with that, she wanted Y/N. Rosita immediately leaned in and captured his lips, which surprised the young man.

They embraced for a few more seconds, and Rosita grabbed the back of his head, deepening the kiss. Y/N suddenly broke away, which confused her.

"What?" She asked, eyes half-lidded.

"I—" Y/N stammered a bit. "Rosita, I can't."

"Why not?"

"You're not yourself right now."

She understood what he meant and his worry.

"I—I'm fine, really."

Y/N shook his head and was firm in his stance. He didn't want to take advantage of her in her intoxicated and heartbroken state. He wasn't raised that way and didn't want to do that to someone like her.

"You're not, Rosita. I know. And I care."

His decision honestly took her aback. Any other man, someone like Abraham, would've just taken the opportunity to sleep with her after she so willingly offered herself.

But to know that Y/N didn't prioritize his own needs and sought to comfort her well-being instead made her heart swell. It made her emotional, which, in her drunken state, immediately made her sob.

Rosita leaned into him and cried. Y/N embraced her and rubbed her back.

"I'm still here for you, though. You don't have to go back home. You can stay with me tonight. I'm here."

• • •

IT WAS EARLY in the morning. Y/N slept in the living room while Rosita had slept in his room upstairs.

The emotional Latina basically cried herself to sleep shortly after their conversation, and Y/N had to carry her to the room. Still, he didn't mind having to do that. He wanted to let her know he cared.

Later on, Y/N was called over to Rick's house. Their prisoner had broken out of his bindings earlier and went to see him, stumbling upon Rick and Michonne sleeping together in their room.

Daryl, Glenn, Abraham, and Carl all barged in and held him at gunpoint at the staircase as he waited for the new couple to change. They were pretty surprised to see the two come out of the same room with barely any clothes.

Now, they were all in the dining room. The stranger, who went by Jesus, sat with them at the table. Y/N stood by with his arms crossed and eyes trained on the man.

"So, how'd you get out?" Rick asked him.

"One guard can't cover two exits or third-floor windows. Knots untie, and locks get picked. Entropy comes from order, right?"

"Right." Daryl grumbled.

"I checked out your arsenal. I haven't seen anything like that in a long time. You're well-equipped, but your provisions are low. Very low for the amount of people you have. 54?"

"More than that." Maggie replied.

Jesus nodded. "Well, I appreciate the cookie. My compliments to the chef."

"I'll make sure to tell her that." Y/N said rather flippantly.

"Look, I get it. We got off to a bad start." Jesus said, motioning to Daryl and Rick. "But we're on the same side—the living side. You and Rick had every reason to leave me out there, but you didn't."

He continued. "I'm from a place that's a lot like this one. Part of my job is searching out other settlements to trade with. I took your truck because my community needs things, and both of you looked like trouble. I was wrong. You're good people. And this is a good place. I think our communities may be in a position to help each other."

"Do you have food?" Glenn asked.

"We've started to raise livestock. We scavenge, we grow. Everything from tomatoes to sorghum."

"Tell us why we should believe you." Rick said.

"I'll show you. If we take a car, I can take you back home in a day, and you can all see for yourselves who we are and what we have to offer."

"Wait, you're looking for more settlements," Maggie remarked. "You mean you're already trading with other groups?"

Jesus lightly chuckled and sat back against the seat. He looked at each one of them.

"Your world's about to get a whole lot bigger."

The plan was for Jesus to take them to his community so the group could have a look. They started packing as the RV was on the street, ready to go.

Y/N came out of his house with a bag in hand and his leather jacket on. Daryl, who was checking the front of the RV, got a look at him.

"Watch out. Attack of the greasers ova' here." He remarked.

"It ain't John Travolta-esque, but it'll do." Y/N replied.

Mika was there too carrying AJ. She was going to stay behind and wanted to bid farewell to them all.

"Is it far?" She asked him.

"This Jesus guy says it's about a day's trip here and back," Y/N replied and rubbed her head. "You'll be all right."

She smiled. "Be safe."

Y/N smirked and held up his wrist, showing the bracelet she made him.

"Come on. With this, I'm literally invincible."

The young man kissed AJ goodbye and made his way toward the RV. Rosita was nearby, and it was the first time he'd seen her since the night before.

"Hey, wait." She stopped him.

Y/N did and turned to her. "Hey. You wake up all right?"

"Yeah. Kinda." She replied and crossed her arms. "Listen...I want to—"

Y/N figured she would apologize for her antics and didn't want her to. He interjected.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Really."

Rosita nodded. Still, she remembered what he told her and was appreciative.

"Thank you. For what you said. You didn't have to, but you did."

Y/N smirked and slung the bag over his shoulder.

"Someone needed to tell you that. And I'm glad you heard."

Rosita smiled back, and Y/N made his way into the RV. Abraham called out to the rest.

"Let's chew up some asphalt!"

They were on the road a while now. Rick manned the vehicle and Michonne sat beside him. Abraham, Daryl, Maggie, Glenn, Jesus, and Y/N sat in the back, with the pregnant woman already asleep.

Abraham eyed the Korean who sat between Maggie and Y/N. He spoke lowly.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Glenn glanced at Y/N before looking back at Abraham.

"Sure."

Abraham sat up and leaned in closer.

"When you were, uh, pouring the Bisquick, were you trying to make pancakes?"

The Korean was taken aback by the question and was momentarily confused. Y/N overheard and snickered.

"Uh...yes?" Glenn replied, then looked back at the sleeping Maggie. He immediately understood what he meant. "Oh, okay, um...it's something that we talked about, yeah."

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"No, I just..." The ginger rubbed his face. "Well, given the precarious state of affairs on any given Sunday, I am damn near floored that you or anyone else would have the cojones to make a call like that."

"I mean, well...we're trying to build something, me and her. All of us." Glenn said. "Y/N made the same call before. I look to that."

Abraham glanced at Y/N for a moment. He was surprised the two young men were willing to shoulder that much responsibility during the times they were in.

"For the record, I see rain coming, I'm wearing galoshes." He remarked. "I double up."

Glenn wasn't sure what to say. Abraham went back to sitting on his seat and it was once again silent in the RV. Sometime later, Glenn spoke to Y/N.

"It's scary. How'd you do it?"

Y/N turned to him. "Hm?"

"With...you and Lili. Those months of waiting and not being sure what was in store. Like...how?"

Y/N nodded as he glanced over to the sleeping Maggie.

"We were both strong. We were there for each other. We talked, wondered, got excited together. Like you said...we were building something, and we looked forward to it."

Glenn smiled. With his other hand, he patted Y/N's shoulder.

"All of us are." He replied.

Y/N smiled back. He looked down at his hands and fiddled with them. He then spoke.

"When he or she comes out, I'm making sure they can bat .400. Some all-star shit like their uncle Y/N."

Glenn chuckled. Suddenly, the RV was coming to a stop, and Daryl called out.

"Yo, Rick. What's going on?"

"We got a crash ahead." He replied. "Looks like it just happened."

Jesus reacted as he looked out. "It's one of ours."

They stopped the RV and got out. Jesus ran over to check the wreck, which contained a couple of mangled walkers trapped beneath. Rick drew his Colt Python and aimed it at him.

"If this is a trick, it won't end well for you." He threatened.

"My people are in trouble. They don't—we don't have a lot of fighters." He said. "I know how it looks, but I'll play it out. Can I borrow a gun?"

"No." Daryl shot down immediately. He pointed at the marking on the road. "We got tracks right here."

They followed Daryl to a building nearby. Rick knocked on the door with his gun drawn, but no one answered.

"They gotta be in there." Jesus said.

"We moving in or what?" Abraham asked.

Daryl stepped forward. "How do we know this ain't firecrackers in a trash can?"

"You don't." Jesus breathed out and slapped his thighs.

"We'll get your people. You're staying here with one of us." Rick told him. "That's the deal."

"I got him." Y/N informed the group.

"You sure?" Maggie asked.

"Yeah." He took out his M1911. "Y'all go. Just be careful."

"Yeah." Rick started cuffing Jesus. "We're gonna be careful."

"Just hurry." Jesus said.

Rick turned to Y/N. "You hear me whistle, shoot him."

"Got it."

Everyone else went into the building, leaving Y/N outside with Jesus. He stood a few feet back and kept the gun trained at him.

"Keeping your distance?" Jesus remarked. "Smart."

"They told me how your Keanu Reeves ass got the jump on Rick and Daryl. I ain't trying to be the victim of that. You move; I just pull the trigger."

There was silence afterward. Jesus spoke again after a while.

"You should keep your doors locked."

"What?" Y/N questioned.

"Before I stopped by Rick's place, I went into yours thinking it was his. Saw you sleeping on the sofa. The missus keep you there? The chick with the cap? Saw you talking with her earlier. What'd you do wrong?"

"You're not helping your case on why I shouldn't just shoot you."

He shrugged. "Right. Sorry."

After a while, the group came back out with a few people. They had a couple of walkers on their tail, but they left them and ran back to the RV. They all then drove away and continued to their community.

Harlan, one of the survivors, was a former obstetrician and spoke with Maggie and Glenn about their unborn. Another survivor, Dan, sat in the RV and immediately recognized Y/N.

"Aren't you Y/N L/N?"

"Uh...yeah."

"Man..." Dan looked at Jesus. "You know who he is?"

"Yeah. Yankees shortstop. 2009 World Series MVP." He held up two fingers as he looked at Y/N. "Two-time All-Star."

Y/N was surprised that the man knew all about him and hadn't brought it up before.

"You knew?"

"Right when I saw you in Rick's dining room. Just wasn't sure how to bring it up. Or if you even cared."

Y/N snickered and leaned back on the seat. "Would've been three-time All-Star if the world didn't go to shit."

Suddenly, the RV came to a stop. Rick tried to keep moving, but the tires got stuck in mud going uphill.

"Damn it. A storm must've passed through. We're stuck."

"No worries," Jesus said as he got up. "We're here."

Jesus was the first to step out, and everyone followed. Y/N looked ahead and saw the large walls made of logs and various other materials.

"That's us." He spoke. "That's the Hilltop."

The young man was honestly shocked to see that it was, in fact, another community. He muttered.

"Jesus..."

Jesus glanced at him. "Huh?"

"Not you." Y/N waved him off.

"Oh."

They followed him to the front gates of the Hilltop. Suddenly, a man shouted from the platform above.

"Stop right there!"

The Alexandrians aimed their guns at him, with Y/N holding his M1 Carbine. Jesus turned around and raised his arms.

"Whoa!"

"You gonna make us?" Daryl taunted.

"Jesus, what the hell is this?" The man shouted back.

"Open the gates, Kal. Freddie's hurt." Jesus called out. "Look, sorry about these guys. They get antsy standing up there all day doing nothing."

"They give up the weapons. Then we'll open the gates."

"Be my guest, and come take 'em' from us." Y/N shot back.

"Gentlemen, look, we vouch for these people, all right?" Harlan spoke to the guards. "They saved us out there."

"Lower the spears." Jesus added.

Rick went up to Jesus. "Look, I'm not taking any chances. Tell your guy Gregory to come out here."

"No. Don't you see what just happened? I'm letting you keep your guns." He reassured Rick. "Look, we ran out of ammo months ago. I like you people. I trust you. Trust us."

Rick took a moment before motioning the rest to lower their guns. Jesus then called out to the guards to open the gates, which they ultimately did.

They all walked into the Hilltop. It was pretty small, with one large building in the middle surrounded by smaller living units and trailers. There was a stable and chicken coop nearby, along with some blacksmithing being done underneath a shack.

"There was a materials yard for a power company nearby," Jesus explained. "That's how we put up the walls. A lot of people came from a FEMA camp. Trailers came with them."

"How did people find out about this place?" Michonne asked.

He pointed at the building ahead.

"That's called Barrington House. The family that owned it gave it to the state in the '30s. The state turned it into a living history museum. Every elementary school for 50 miles used to come here for field trips. The place was running a long time before the modern world built up around it. I think people came here because they figured it'd keep running after the modern world broke down. Those windows up there let us see for miles in every direction. It's perfect for security. Come on. I'll show you inside."

They followed Jesus into the house. The mansion was well-maintained and had a classical look. Abraham was in awe.

"Good gracious, Ignatius." He breathed out.

"Most of the rooms have been converted to living spaces," Jesus spoke. "Even the ones that weren't bedrooms."

"People live here? The trailers, too?" Y/N asked.

"We plan to build. There's babies being born."

The double doors nearby opened, and out came a balding middle-aged fellow. He greeted the beanie-wearing man.

"Jesus. You're back...with guests."

"Everyone, this is Gregory." Jesus introduced. "He keeps the trains running on time around here."

"I'm the boss." He added.

"Well, I'm Rick." Rick began. "We have a community—"

"Why don't y'all go get cleaned up, hmm?' Gregory interjected.

Everyone just stared at him. Jesus cringed a bit and found his remark disrespectful.

"We're fine." Rick replied.

"Jesus will show you where you can get washed up. Then come back down here when you're ready." Gregory got really close to Rick and into his space. "It's hard to keep this place clean."

Rick bit the inside of his cheek. A part of him wanted to knock him on his ass for the invasion of space.

"Yeah. Sure." He simply replied.

Jesus called them over. "Follow me."

They followed him upstairs. Rick whispered to Maggie.

"You clean up first. You talk to him."

"Why?"

"I shouldn't." He responded. "And you gotta start doing these things."

Maggie's negotiation with Gregory didn't go kindly. He rebuffed anything she said, basically in denial that he needed any outside help. The group stood around in the main room and spoke with Jesus.

"We want to generate trade. Gregory does. But ammo isn't something we urgently need."

"Well, how's that?" Rick asked.

"The walls hold. We just brought in more medicine. Gregory wants the best deal possible."

"Yeah, well, we want things, too." Daryl said.

"We need food," Y/N added. "We didn't come all this way just to be screwed over."

"I will talk to him, and we will work this out," Jesus reassured them. "Circumstances change. We're doing well now, and you will next. I will make him understand that. Can you give me a few days?"

"We can." Michonne spoke up.

Rick glanced at the swordswoman and then looked back at Jesus. "Yeah."

Suddenly, Dan came into the house out of breath. Gregory went out of his room at the same time.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"They're back." Dan answered.

Everyone went outside. Three Hilltop members met them there.

"Ethan, what happened to everybody else?" Gregory asked. "Where's Tim and Marsha?"

"They're dead." Ethan exclaimed.

Gregory rested his hands on his waist and gave them questioning looks.

"Negan?"

Abraham and Daryl heard the name, and it piqued their interest. Then, there was Y/N...who looked like he heard a ghost speak.

"Yeah." Ethan replied.

"We had a deal." Gregory said.

"He said it wasn't enough."

"Was the drop light?" The man behind Ethan asked.

Gregory shook his head. "No."

"They still have Craig." The woman said.

"They said they'd keep him alive, return him to us, if I deliver a message to you." Ethan added as he went up to him.

"So, tell me."

Ethan put a hand on Gregory's shoulder.

"I'm sorry."

SULK!

Ethan stabbed the man in the gut. Gregory groaned as he fell back but was caught by Maggie and Jesus. Y/N and Rick ran up to subdue Ethan.

"Get off of me! I had to!"

Ethan shoved Y/N away and immediately attacked Rick. He dodged his swing before grabbing Ethan's arm and kneeing him in the stomach. He brought him to the floor and started punching him.

His friend tried pulling Rick off, but Abraham tackled him. Unfortunately, the man got the upper hand and choked the ginger. As he was being strangled, all Abraham thought about was Sasha.

Luckily, Y/N ran in and forced one of the man's hands away from Abraham's neck. He then swiftly broke his arm, and the man yelled out in pain.

"Argh!"

Nearby, Ethan got the upper hand on Rick and got on top of him. He held the knife to his neck and called out to the rest, who were about to pounce on him.

"Stay back! Anybody who tries to stop me is killing my brother!"

"Drop it." Michonne ordered with her hand on the hilt of her sword.

Ethan eyed Michonne for a moment...

SULK!

Rick took the opportunity to stab him in the neck with his own knife. Blood gushed out of Ethan's neck and spilled right onto Rick's face. He pushed his body off of him and stood up as everyone, including nearby Hilltop citizens, looked on.

Rick looked around, his face and beard coated in blood.

"What?"

Ethan's friend held his broken arm and exclaimed. "You killed him."

"He tried to kill Gregory, then me."

The woman with them ran up and landed a punch across Rick's face. Michonne immediately dropped her onto her back.

"Don't." She warned.

"Drop it now!" Kal, who held a spear, yelled at Rick.

"I don't think I will." He shot back as he held his gun.

Jesus ran over and got between them.

"Everyone, this is over! It's over." He panted. "Ethan was our friend, but let's not pretend he was anything more than a coward who attacked us. He did this. And these people stopped him."

The woman cried over Ethan's body. Y/N stood nearby with his pistol trained on the man with the broken arm. Jesus urged Rick to put down his gun, and he ultimately did.

"You need to know that things aren't as simple as they might seem," Jesus said. "Just give me some time."

Jesus went back to tend to Gregory with Harlan. Y/N holstered his gun and went over to Abraham, who was still on the ground. He had a smile on his face, which Y/N found strange.

"Hey."

"Huh?

"You good?" Y/N asked.

He laughed. "I'm better than all right."

Y/N offered a hand and helped the ginger to his feet. He then remembered the promise of one day sparring with Abraham.

"Next time you're on your ass, I'd hope it's because I won."

Jesus spoke to Rick's group in Gregory's office while the man was treated in the medical trailer. He informed them of his state.

"Dr. Carson was able to patch Gregory up. He's in pain, but he'll live."

"So, what happens now?" Rick asked.

"Things like that don't usually happen here, but, uh, it's settled."

Rick stood up. "We heard the name Negan. A while back, Daryl and Abraham had a run-in with his men. Who is he?"

Nearby, Y/N swallowed. He glanced out the window and let the rest of the talk as he eavesdropped. Michonne looked at Y/N and noticed he seemed off.

"Negan's the head of a group of people he calls the Saviors," Jesus answered. "As soon as the walls were built, the Saviors showed up. They met with Gregory on behalf of their boss. They made a lot of demands, even more threats. And he killed one of us—Rory. He was 16 years old. They beat him to death right in front of us. Said we needed to understand, right off the bat. Gregory's not exactly good at confrontation. He's not the leader I would've chosen, but he helped make this place what it is, and the people like him."

"He made the deal." Maggie cut in.

"Half of everything. Our supplies, our crops, our livestock, it goes to the Saviors. And what do you get in return? They don't attack this place. They don't kill us."

"Why not just kill them?" Daryl questioned.

"Most of the people here don't even know how to fight, even if we had ammo." Jesus replied.

"Well, how many people does Negan have?" Rick asked.

"We don't know. We've seen groups as big as 20."

"Now, hold up." Daryl stepped forward. "So, they show up, they kill a kid, and you give them half of everything? These dicks just got a good story. The bogeyman, he ain't shit."

"Well, how do you know?" Jesus asked.

"A month ago, we took his guys out PDQ," Abraham answered. "Left them in pieces and puddles."

Y/N kept his ears open and took in everything they said. He didn't want to believe it was who he thought it was. He didn't want to. He didn't want to consider this bogeyman that had the Hilltop cowering in fear was really him, especially after not seeing him in so long.

So, he enacted the first stage. The first level in his mission to rid the thought from his mind...

Denial.

It wasn't him. It was just some guy with the same name. Just another guy they needed to deal with.

"We'll do it." Y/N finally spoke and turned to them. "If we go get your man back, kill Negan, take out his posse, will you give us what we need?"

His question took Jesus aback. Y/N continued.

"We want food, medicine, one of them cows, and a few chickens."

Jesus turned to Rick. The leader was honestly okay with the young man's plan and was also impressed by his initiative.

"Confrontation's never been something we've had trouble with." Rick said.

Jesus nodded. "I'll take it to Gregory."

Maggie talked to Gregory later about their plan and what they'll get in return. Still scared for his life and grateful for their help, Gregory accepted the terms.

They were outside putting some of the Hilltop's supplies into their RV. They were going to go back to Alexandria and hatch their plan to deal with the Saviors over there.

Y/N took a moment to himself and stayed by the manor's steps. He still had the thought in his mind.

It couldn't be.

It can't.

But what if it is?

No. It can't. He's gone.

You moved on.

Michonne came by and stood beside him. She finally decided to ask about what was on his mind after seeing him distressed for the last hour.

"You okay?" She asked.

All he did was nod. Like always, she could tell when he wasn't being truthful.

"You're lying again."

Usually, Y/N would snicker and give some sort of quip back after the accusation. But Y/N wasn't so snappy this time. He just looked down and let out a breath through his nose. This let Michonne know it was something really eating him up.

"Hey, you can tell me. You know you can." She reassured him.

Y/N stayed quiet for a moment. He rubbed his mouth and looked ahead, trying to figure out how to tell her.

"The—The name." He began. "What they've been saying. Negan."

"What about it?"

"I just...I don't know. I—I'm not sure." He said and then spoke lowly. "It can't be. It has to be a coincidence. It's gotta be."

"What's on your mind, Y/N?" Michonne asked.

Y/N sighed and looked down at his hands. Michonne kept quiet and gave him time to respond. Finally, he did.

"There's only one person I know with that name...and that person is my brother."