eleven

Sherry perched on the edge of Ariana's bed, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. The late afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. Her fingers tapped restlessly on her knee, the quiet ticking of the clock filling the silence.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Sherry's heart raced with anticipation. The door swung open, revealing Ariana, who looked as weary as ever. Her dark hair was slightly tousled, and there were shadows under her eyes that hinted at another sleepless night spent wrestling with her thoughts. Her shoulders sagged under the weight of unseen burdens.

"Hey, there you are!" Sherry said, forcing a bright smile onto her face, trying to inject some energy into the room. "I feel like I haven't seen you in days!"

Ariana leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms defensively. Her eyes flickered with exhaustion and something deeper, something Sherry couldn't quite place.

"I was working, battling with my mind, trying to survive. You know how it is." Ariana replied, her voice lacking its usual sharpness.

Sherry rolled her eyes playfully, though concern flickered in her gaze.

"Yeah, yeah. But enough of that! We're going to the social tonight." She hopped off the bed, hands on her hips, determination radiating from her like a second skin. "It's going to be fun, and you need to unwind a little."

"I don't know, Sherry..." Ariana hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I really shouldn't. I have work to do, and... I'm not really in the mood to be around all the Saviours."

The mere thought of being in the same room with some of Negan's men, let alone socializing, made her skin crawl.

"Come on!" Sherry insisted, stepping closer, her expression softening with sympathy.  "You can't keep hiding away. You might actually enjoy it once you're there. We always have a good drink, dancing, play some cards, some darts... it's the only time in the week I can get away with being anywhere near Dwight."

Ariana arched an eyebrow, a hint of a smile escaping despite her best efforts. The mention of Dwight made her smirk; she knew about Sherry's now complicated relationship with him, the man who should still be her husband.

"Dancing? I don't do that. I can't even remember the last time I did."

Sherry laughed, waving a dismissive hand. "No one cares if you're good or bad; it's about having fun and letting loose. Think of it as a chance to blow off some steam. You've been so serious lately. This is your chance to be a regular person again, if only for a few hours."

Ariana bit her lip, considering Sherry's words. The prospect of stepping into the lively atmosphere of the sanctuary was both enticing and daunting. She'd been so on edge lately, the stress of everything gnawing at her nerves.

"What if it gets weird? What if Negan shows up?"

"Then we'll make sure to steer clear of him." Sherry assured her, waving her hand dismissively. "And if he bothers you, I'll be right by your side. I won't let him or anyone else ruin your night."

Ariana chuckled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. Sherry was right; perhaps a little distraction wouldn't be so bad.

"Okay, okay. You win. I'll go."

"Yes!" Sherry exclaimed, throwing her arms around Ariana in a quick hug. "I promise you won't regret it. Now, let's get you ready! A little bit of makeup, maybe a nice dress?"

As Sherry flitted around the room, pulling clothes from Ariana's wardrobe and tossing them onto the bed, Ariana couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement. It had been so long since she'd felt anything but dread and anxiety. Maybe it was time to embrace a night of laughter and camaraderie, even if just for a little while. Maybe, in the midst of all the darkness, she could find a moment of light.

Sherry finally settled on a simple black dress with a subtle sparkle that caught the light.

"This one!" She declared triumphantly, holding it up for Ariana to see. "You'll look stunning in it. Plus, it's comfortable enough for dancing and moving around."

Ariana rolled her eyes but took the dress. "Fine, but I'm not going overboard. Just a little makeup, okay?"

Sherry grinned, nodding eagerly. "Deal! Just enough to make you feel better." She pulled Ariana toward the small mirror on the dresser, reaching for a modest collection of makeup items. "Now, sit down and let me work my magic."

As Sherry applied a light layer of makeup, Ariana couldn't help but feel a little better, as she said that she would.

There was something comforting about the normalcy of it, something almost reminiscent of the world before everything went to hell. For a few minutes, she could almost forget about the Saviours, about Negan, about the constant looming threat that hung over her every waking moment.

The two women made their way to the social, which was held in a large common area within the Sanctuary. The space was already buzzing with activity, Saviours mingling, laughing, and drinking. The sound of music and chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was almost festive. Despite the bleakness of their reality, people still found ways to find joy.

As they entered, a few heads turned, and Ariana could feel the eyes on her. She stiffened instinctively, but Sherry nudged her with a reassuring smile.

"Come on, let's get a drink." She said, guiding Ariana toward a makeshift bar where bottles of liquor were lined up.

They grabbed a couple of drinks, and Sherry led them to a quieter corner where they could observe the room without being in the center of attention. Ariana sipped her drink, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through her veins, loosening some of the tension she had been holding.

"See, this isn't so bad." Sherry said, taking a swig from her own glass. "Just a bunch of people trying to forget about the shitty world for a little while."

Ariana nodded, her eyes scanning the room. She spotted familiar faces among the crowd, people she had seen around the Sanctuary, people who had become part of her daily life, whether she liked it or not. It was strange, but in a way, this place had become a twisted version of home.

Her gaze landed on a group of Saviours playing cards at a table nearby. They were laughing, the kind of loud, boisterous laughter that often came with alcohol and winning hands. One of the men glanced over, catching Ariana's eye, and his smile widened into something more predatory.

"Hey there, pretty lady!" He called out, raising his glass to her. "Why don't you come over here and join us? We could use a little extra luck."

Sherry's grip on her arm tightened, and Ariana could feel her friend tense beside her. She forced a polite smile and shook her head. "Thanks, but I'm good here."

The man's smile didn't falter, but there was a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. "Come on, don't be shy. We're just having a little fun. I'm sure Negan won't mind if his new girl plays a hand or two."

At the mention of Negan, Ariana's expression hardened.

"I said no, thanks. And I'm not Negan's new girl." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

The man shrugged, turning back to his game, but not before casting a lingering look in her direction. Sherry sighed in relief, leaning closer to Ariana.

"Good call. Some of those guys can be real assholes when they drink."

Ariana nodded, her eyes still on the group. She knew all too well the dangers of letting her guard down around the Saviours. But as the night went on and the alcohol flowed, she found herself relaxing, laughing with Sherry, Atlas and a few others who joined their corner. It was nice, for a change, to feel a little normal.

•••

As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the common area grew increasingly raucous. The Saviours, usually so tightly wound, were letting loose with abandon. Laughter echoed off the concrete walls, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional roar of triumph from the makeshift poker table in the corner.

Ariana found herself swept up in the revelry, her earlier reservations fading with each sip of her drink. She was in the middle of a heated game of darts with Atlas when she felt a shift in the room's energy. The laughter died down, replaced by a tense silence that spread like wildfire.

She turned, already knowing what she'd see. Negan stood in the doorway, Lucille propped casually on his shoulder. His eyes scanned the room, a predatory grin spreading across his face as he took in the scene before him.

"Well, well, well." Negan began, his voice cutting through the silence like a knife. "Looks like you folks are having yourselves a real good time." His gaze swept the room, lingering on Ariana for a moment longer than necessary. "Don't let me interrupt the fun."

The tension in the room was palpable as Negan sauntered in, Lucille swinging lazily at his side. Saviours scrambled to make way, their earlier bravado evaporating in an instant. Ariana felt Atlas tense beside her, his hand instinctively moving to shield her.

Negan made his way to the bar, helping himself to a generous pour of whiskey. The Saviours all returned to their previous activities, quieter and more reserved, all keeping an eye on Negan.

Negan turned to Ariana and Atlas, leaning against the counter with an air of casual menace.

"So, who's winning?" He asked, gesturing to the dartboard with his glass.

Atlas cleared his throat, his voice slightly strained as he responded. "Just a friendly game, sir. Nothing serious."

Negan's eyes glinted dangerously as he pushed off from the bar, sauntering towards them.

"Nothing serious? Now that's no fun at all." He stopped in front of Ariana, his gaze raking over her with unconcealed appreciation. "And you, darlin'. Don't you clean up nice?"

Ariana felt her heart hammering in her chest, but she forced herself to meet Negan's gaze steadily.

"Glad that I impress." She said, her voice surprisingly calm.

Negan's grin widened. "That you do. How about we make this game a little more interesting?" He plucked a dart from Atlas's hand, weighing it in his palm. "Winner gets a prize. Loser..." He paused, his eyes glinting maliciously, "Well, let's just say they won't enjoy it much."

The room held its collective breath as Negan's challenge hung in the air. Ariana felt a bead of sweat trickle down her spine, her earlier confidence wavering under Negan's intense scrutiny. She glanced at Atlas, seeing the conflict in his eyes, the desire to protect her warring with the knowledge that defying Negan could have dire consequences.

"I'll play." Ariana heard herself say, her voice steady despite the fear churning in her stomach. A hush fell over the room, all eyes now fixed on her.

Negan's eyebrows shot up, a mixture of surprise and intrigue dancing across his features. "Looks like we've got ourselves a brave girl here."

The air between them crackled with tension as Negan's eyes locked onto Ariana's. Despite her fear, she found herself unable to look away, drawn in by the dangerous charisma that radiated from him.

"Ladies first." Negan said, gesturing towards the dartboard with a flourish. His voice dropped to a low purr that only Ariana could hear. "Show me what you've got, darlin'."

Ariana took a deep breath, steadying her nerves as she stepped up to the line. She could feel Negan's eyes on her, watching her every move. As she raised her arm to throw, she felt Negan's presence behind her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body. His breath tickled her ear as he leaned in, his voice a low rumble.

"Relax your shoulder, sweetheart. Let it flow."

Ariana suppressed a shiver, acutely aware of his proximity. She adjusted her stance slightly, taking his advice despite herself. The dart flew from her fingers, cutting through the air and landing with a satisfying thud just outside the bullseye.

Negan let out a low whistle of appreciation. "Not bad at all. You've got a steady hand there."

Ariana turned to face him, a small smirk playing on her lips. "I've had practice."

Negan's eyes glinted with amusement and something darker, more primal.

"Oh, I bet you have." Negan chuckled, his voice low and gravelly. He stepped up to the line, twirling a dart between his fingers. "Let's see if I can match that impressive throw of yours."

Ariana watched as Negan took his stance, his muscular frame coiled with tension. She couldn't help but admire the fluid grace of his movements as he released the dart. It sailed through the air, landing just a hair closer to the bullseye than hers.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a real competition." Negan said, turning to face her with a wolfish grin. "Care to raise the stakes?"

Ariana smiled, a challenging glint in her eye. "Go on."

Negan stepped closer, invading her personal space. The scent of leather and whiskey enveloped her.

"How about this, if you win, you get a day off from the infirmary. Do whatever you want, go wherever you please within the Sanctuary." His eyes glinted dangerously. "And if I win... you spend that day with me instead."

Ariana's breath caught in her throat, a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins. She knew she should refuse, that getting any closer to Negan was playing with fire. But something in his gaze, a flicker of genuine intrigue beneath the bravado, made her hesitate.

"Afraid you can't handle a whole day in my charming company?" Negan teased, a hint of challenge in his tone.

Ariana lifted her chin, meeting his gaze steadily. "I think I can handle whatever you throw at me, Negan. I'm not afraid of you. I'm just worried I'll get bored."

A slow smile spread across Negan's face, equal parts admiration and hunger. LThat's what I like to hear. Game on, goregous."

The next few throws were a blur of tension and precision. Ariana felt hyper-aware of every movement, every breath. Negan's presence loomed large, his eyes never leaving her as she took her turns. When it was his turn to throw, she found herself studying the lines of his body, the way his muscles tensed beneath his leather jacket.

"Like what you see? Course you fuckin' do." Negan murmured, catching her gaze.

Ariana felt a blush creep up her neck, but she didn't look away.

"I've seen better." She replied.

Negan laughed. "Careful darlin', you keep teasing and I might think that you're enjoying this."

As the game progressed, the tension between Negan and Ariana grew thick enough to cut with a knife. Their eyes locked between throws, silent challenges passing between them. Ariana found herself hyper-aware of Negan's every movement - the flex of his arm as he released a dart, the way his tongue darted out to wet his lips in concentration.

"Not bad, sweetheart." Negan drawled after one of Ariana's particularly good throws. "You've got quite the aim. Makes a man wonder what other hidden talents you're hiding."

"Wouldn't you like to know." She replied, her voice low and teasing.

Negan's eyes glinted with amusement and something darker. "Oh, I intend to find out, one way or another."

Atlas watched the exchange with growing concern. His jaw clenched as he saw Negan's hand rest on the small of Ariana's back.

As Ariana raised her arm to throw, she felt Negan's presence behind her, his breath warm on her neck. The distraction caused her to hesitate for just a fraction of a second, and her dart veered slightly off course, landing just outside the bullseye.

"Fuck." She muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her tone.

Negan chuckled low in his throat, the sound sending an involuntary shiver down Ariana's spine.

"Pressure getting to you, darlin'?" He teased, his lips dangerously close to her ear.

Ariana turned to face him, their bodies mere inches apart.

"Your turn." She said, her voice steady despite the rapid beating of her heart.

Negan's eyes locked onto hers as he stepped up to the line, a predatory grin spreading across his face. With a fluid motion, his dart sailed through the air with deadly precision, landing squarely in the bullseye with a satisfying thud. The room collectively held its breath as Negan turned back to Ariana, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

"Looks like I win, sweetheart." He purred, closing the distance between them in two long strides.

Ariana felt her heart hammering in her chest, a mixture of disappointment and anticipation coursing through her veins. She had come so close, but in the end, Negan's skill and her own momentary distraction had cost her the game.

"Fair and square." She conceded, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. "I guess you've earnt your prize."

Negan's grin widened, his eyes raking over her form appreciatively. "Oh, I intend to collect." Negan's eyes gleamed with triumph as he leaned in close, his breath hot against Ariana's ear. "I'll be seeing you bright and early tomorrow, darlin'. Wear something pretty." With that, he stepped back, his gaze sweeping over the stunned crowd. "As for the rest of you sorry shits, party's over. Get back to your posts."

The room erupted into a flurry of movement as Saviours scrambled to obey, the earlier festive atmosphere evaporating like mist in the morning sun. Negan sauntered towards the exit, Lucille swinging lazily at his side. He paused at the threshold, turning back to give Ariana one last grin before disappearing into the dimly lit corridor.