Negan scrubbed a frustrated hand over his face, unsure how to stay this patience. They found Riot and Kal's place and it was a shit show. Max had a couple of bruises on his face, ignoring the touches from the RK's inspecting his torn face, knowing himself he is a tough kid. The leader, Ivar, was taken in custody in the cellar, interrogated by Bud and boy he did wan to beat the shit out of that kid for hurting Max. Max is his family, and him as an aggressive overprotective man he is, he had to retain his composure and see the true nature of Ivar. Ivar is only a shitless scaredy-cat, having the tiny balls to betray all the kids by letting the Frontiers come tonight at the latest. So, he took in charge and ordered his men to barricade the place, have little defense along the wall. What made him surprised was the kids in the community wanted to help, and why not. They deserve their little fight against the enemy, although sometimes their ideas are plain childish.

The scrawny boy, Draft- no, Drifty-Shifty, suggested Negan if he can use a bag of rocks and drop them on the Frontiers head when Baker came to brash his idea and commented on using a bag equipment of weights from the gym. Negan choked on his laughter, near in chuckles and annoyance on the ridiculous ideas these kids had. After Negan shouted them to stop bitching at each other, he agreed on Drifter's idea.

Bud came back after the negotiation and spilled on how many Frontiers will come, their armory they'll take, and he nodded as he listened. He pats his back as Bud took off half of the Saviors to hang back to the street and hide and wait for the Frontiers coming over.

Negan sighed a long groan, able to take a moment to clear his head. Looking over to see the RK's with Kal and Riot's kid, talking and complimenting themselves. It's remarkable, Negan thought. How God turn this world into a big ass of shit and there's a glimpse of hope for children and teens to act like themselves. Not like the kid he was - like anyone born before the Black Night- these kids have to grow up so fast and yet have a chance to have a moment of time to act as their own age. It's an incredible sight to see.

"Excuse me?" Said a petit voice. When Negan looked down at the small little girl with the tubes on her nostrils, his heart sunk, his voice stopped when he almost said "Ellie?". Octavia gleamed over him then went shy as she realized she is fangirling him. "You're Negan. I-I-I'm such a huge fan."

Negan chuckled, getting on his knee to be at her height. "Don't be shy. I like the girls fawning over me, makes me accomplished of my hot self." He glowed as she chuckled. "What's up?"

"Uh, I was wondering that since I'm not going to strong for this fight since of my lung cancer, I thought that I can suggest you some defense tactics that can limit your amount of resources."

Frown lines cut deep into Negan's face. "You're not weak. You are a fuckin' fighter. Yeah, I know. Cancer's a bitch. I had a wife, a very long time ago. She had ovarian cancer stage four and she fought it through but she couldn't bite through it. I believe you, Octavia, that you've fought all in your life, not just physically but internally. And you keep going kid and show those big nuts to show them who's boss."

"Okay," Octavia blushed, chest tight. Negan's words were so fiercely sincere, it was nearly startling. He gave her a high five and she did it. "What if we use all the balls from the equipment from the cellar and make it into like a Molotov bomb, in a way."

"That sounds fucking badass! Vix can help design your trickery weapon and blow some Frontiers up in the sky. Sounds like a plan." He pulled Octavia in a tight hug and she jumped into his arms. She squeezed, his hand felt the inside of her bag of the oxygen tank.

"It's been a dream to finally meet you."

"And it's good to meet you too as well. Alright, go tell Vix about your plan."

She complied and went over to Vix.

Negan's breathing quickened, noticeable tear came in the corner of his eyes. Mal moved towards Negan noticing Negan holding back his breath. Lifting a hand she placed on his scruffs cheek, she said, "You okay?"

Negan felt his breathing stop completely, caught in his lungs and unable to escape. He wiped his tears. "I'm fine. Just it reminded me of... Ellie."

"It's okay. It's okay." Mal pressed gentle kisses to his face, to his jaw. By the time Negan felt her mouthing at the tender skin of his neck, he could feel himself trembling. When Mal pulled away, her face was flushed as Negan was sure his own was. "How's Max?"

"Stubborn. Little bit of bruising, but he looks alright." She sighed, leaning her head against his coated chest. He brushes his hand over her soft hair. "You can breath Mal. I've told you, they're alright."

"Yeah," smiled Mal. "They did it."

After that, Mal, Vix, Lugh, and Lalon walked over to meet at the embarrassed and slouched kids at the stairs of the Nevada Academy for the Troubled school- what a name for a small kid-filled community, though Killeen did create the name Rotten Kids, RK's, so what can Mal judge. The kids couldn't bare themselves to look straight into their eyes, knowing what they've done is incomprehensible.

"You mad at us?" Killeen interrupts, although his voice is gentle.

Mal tsks, obviously displeased, but she didn't answer, just looked at them blankly. She sat next to Max and the RK's sat beside one of the kids.

"We wanted to tell you," insisted Rin, "we just afraid to not save the school. You taught us about survival and about how we can do the right thing."

"Yeah, and without our help for Kal we wouldn't forgive ourselves," said Johan.

Max shook his head, taking off his cap and brushing his brown hair. "It was my idea. I told them to join if they like. It's my fault I put ourselves in danger. I was scared at times, reminding myself what Vix, Lugh, Lalon, Mal would do. Yet I knew how to survive- you guys taught us over and over- however I never thought the idea of what do I do. What are my choices, my family's choices? And we did that, making our own choices. I-I'm not saying we do not need you anymore, I'm saying we are sorry for getting worried about us. I'm sorry. I'm sorry Mal. It's my fault

Mal took a hand on Max's shoulder. "It's not your fault. In fact, I'm proud of you."

"What?"

"You've impressed us, dude." Smiled Lalon. "Being proud of you guys of growing up and even ourselves of what we did to accomplish our family."

"We hate that you guys are growing up," Lugh said, and she wraps an arm around Max. "We were scared. Mostly Mal was the most scared of them all, and more scared than losing my one eye. No matter the number of kids, it's not any easier."

"It'll never be easy." Mal sighs. "You're our kids. And trust me, I don't... I hated when you left by yourselves, into the Ruins which we did taught you very well but never got the chance to let you guys on your own. I kept thinking of all the trouble you could get into! Like what if the wall breaks? Or during the storm what if-" She stops abruptly, clearing her throat. "But that's part of growing up. Negan told me it's hard to let our kids go on their own, however with what we taught you, I had to trust all of you to do your right. Nothing is gonna let anything happen to all of you because I believed it. To trust so much, and today I've seen you already grown up and can beat this world. I'm so proud of you. We all are."

"Mal's right," Vix mumbles, "Still don't like it. I can't believe it to let you go on your own. We're gonna have to let you guys go someday and that's what happened. It's such a beautiful and happy moment. You're an RK."

The kids smiled.

"So what will happen now," asked Johan.

"Like Vix said," Lalon smiles, brushing a loose fiery red hair to her ear. "You're officially an RK."

Max hugs Mal tightly. "Thank you for everything. Without you being our family, none of this would have happened. We love you. I love you." Gently Mal presses a kiss to Max's temple. The kids come around and hug behind Max and the RK's group hug, ensuring their comfort and embrace.

"I love you, guys," said Killeen.

"I love you too," said Rin with joyful tears.

"I love you too as well, and even AJ," said Johan.

The RK's kissed every forehead and cheek of the kids before the kids get up, trying to brush off the hugs and kisses. "Okay, that's good enough. We're going to help Kal and Riot on the weapons." Asked Max, putting back his cap and the others nodded. Mal sighs softly, tucks her legs up and gets up. "You don't have to ask us. Go do your thing."

The kids smiled before going over to Riot and Kal which the kids waited before interrupting their moment. The RK's smile, their eyes soft, and Mal knows in her heart she wouldn't trade this for anything.

Mal smiled.

"They're growing up huh?" Lalon asked, leaning against the wall.

Mal was silent for a moment, Vix watched her dip her head.

"Mal..." Vix said, and she put a hand on her shoulder. She could hear Mal sniffling. "It's okay."

"I know," Mal said. "It's just like yesterday they were young, that's all."

Vix leaned her head against her shoulder and pulled her into a side hug. Lugh came and hugged Mal's other side, squeezing Vix's shoulder and Lalon's arm wrapped around Vix and brushing Mal's hair through his fingers. "I'm proud of them," Mal said, her head buried in Lugh's chest.

"Me too," Lalon said, feeling tears behind his eyes.

"Are you crying Lalon?" Smiled Lugh.

Lalon sniffed, wiping the tears. "No, my eyes are just sweating."

"Aww, Lalon," smiled Vix, hugging Lalon's side. The RK's enjoyed their embrace, looking at the memories they've spent together as a family and how much everyone has grown up.

Negan smiled and joined in the group hug as Vix pulls him in.

"You guys did an amazing job." Negan asked, feeling Mal lean against his chest.

"You're gonna experience this with AJ one day." Mal said, her head buried in Negan's chest.

"Fuck Mal." Negan said, feeling tears behind his eyes.

"You're part of our family," Vix said. "And we are a part of yours."

"And families can cry Negan," smiled Lugh. "So don't hide your tears. Lalon shed some."

"No, I didn't."

Mal scoffed. "Don't lie."

"I'm a fucking man and I'm crying that's needs a lot of tissues and a big glass of wine while soaking in a bubble bath," Negan chuckled, wiping his eyes. "No judgment here."

-:-:-:-:-

Riot sat in a chair, spinning around and around, breathing calmly. Kal wanted to check on him. Kal found him in what used to be the principal's office, and now used to be Ivar's corridor. His room was not clean; bed unmade with clothes thrown in the ground and door handle, and had maps of their barriers beyond the wall behind the wooden oak desk, marking red lines on hunting grounds, traps, and uncharted territory. Only Kal and Riot can come once a while in his mini office, this mess really tells Ivar's story. "Who's boss now?" Riot mumbled.

"Can't believe Ivar betrayed us," Kal exhaled and leans against the wall.

"I always knew that prick. Just once I wanted to play the good guy, until I get a bashing on his stupid grinning face."

"But you brought the Saviors. Thank you."

"No, thank you Kal. you were the first to tell them."

Kal exhaled as he got up then leaned beside Kal against the wall. They were there for a while, enveloped by silence.

"Kal," Riot began, then shut his mouth. Why couldn't he say what he wanted to say?

"Yeah?" Kal asked.

"Shit..." Riot sighed. "Look, I'm just gonna say it; I don't know where I'd be without you. I didn't realize that all I needed was someone who understands what I've gone what I had gone through."

"...No problem." Said Kal. "I didn't realize it either."

"Can I confess something?"

Kal stopped breathing for a moment. "Sure."

Riot closed his eyes and let out a shaky breath. "Kal.... I...was suicidal, and I've only just realized that I haven't felt that way since I met you. I think you might have saved my life..."

Kal stopped leaning. "You were?"

Riot sat up straight. "Yeah." Kal couldn't tell if Riot was crying, he never seen him cry. "And it was really fucking scary. But I swear to God, you saved me. And there are other things I haven't told you yet, because I don't know what I'd do without your friendship. It's stupid."

"No, it's not. You come from the trauma and I understand to help your pain. I'll always be there for you because of that. We're like... brothers." Kal hesitated on the word, and it didn't sound convincing at all when it came out of his mouth.

"Kal," Riot snorted, finding that they had drifted closer in their conversation, "We are NOT like brothers."

Kal looked at Riot, whose hand had gotten closer to his. Kal took it, caressing Riot's hand with his thumb. Riot stepped closer so that only a few inches remained between them. Riot hadn't been this close to Kal's eyes before.

Kal's breathing was slow and rough, and he couldn't help but look at Riot's eyes too. They were a deep light brown, and they could be just as inviting as they could be sinister.

Riot lifted his other hand and placed it on Kal's face.

"Do you feel that?" Riot asked, but there wasn't a smile on his face, almost like he was too afraid to ask in the first place.

"Y-yes... Maybe we shouldn't..." Kal started.

"Oh Jesus Christ, live a little baby boy." Riot whispered, their eyes darting back and forth, smiles forming on both their faces.

"Big boy." Kal breathed.

"Mm. Yeah. That." Riot said, flashing his teeth again.

Kal didn't wait for Riot; he wanted to kiss his smile before it disappeared. Riot was taken aback, always, at Kal's boldness. He could never land a good line on him, but he didn't care. Most of the time he was excited to see what Kal could come back with. This response excited him the most.

Riot put both arms around Kal and pulled him so that those few inches were no longer there. Riot pressed Kal into his hips, kissing him gently at first, until Kal grabbed his face and started kissing him more passionately, pushing Riot towards the desk. Kal didn't know what to think when he found himself grinding on Riot, so he didn't. For once he let something happen without overanalyzing. It felt good, and it felt right, and that was enough.

Riot could hardly believe that Kal was making out with him, and grinding on his dick no less. He wanted to fuck Kal right then and there, but that would be not the right time and a half. Hell, it was already the wrong time. Kal was going at him like it was the end of the goddamn universe, and Riot wanted nothing more than to let the animal inside Riot take him for all he had, but this wasn't the place or time. He couldn't make the same mistakes again, so he pushed Kal off.

"Is something wrong?" Kal was shaking.

"Uh yeah," Riot breathed, heavily, "We need to get out of here before we go too crazy. We got a war for fuck's sake."

Kal had completely forgotten where he was. "Shit." He said.

They snuck out of the school as silently as they had snuck in. The night was warm, and a small breeze was blowing. The moon was full, and Kal thought it looked like a scene out of a dream, which, he thought, made perfect sense. Kal had no idea real life would top his dream, but it had. He couldn't help but think of cosmic fate, tugging his strings and weaving them into Riot's. Something two wives might do looking down from the stars.

Riot and Kal walked towards the playground. Riot looked at the group hug of the RK's and smiled, silently singing an electro-funk duo that's about love and relationships. It made Kal feel alive. Kal watched Riot out of the corner of his eye, lights drifting over his clean face. A series of expletives went through Kal's mind when he realized that, yes; this was the face of the teen in his dream.

Riot turned to him and they kissed again. Kal pulled back, his hands holding on to Riot's shirt. Riot smiled and looked down.

"How do you feel about this?" he asked Kal.

Kal stared into his eyes for a moment. "...Lucky like a black cat." He gave a huff out his nose like he wanted to laugh.

"I have that effect on people." Riot grinned.

"Is this a one-time thing?" Kal asked, his grip on Riot's shirt loosening.

"Jesus Kal, if our one-time thing was just us making out I want my guns back." Riot scoffed, rubbing his fingers on the back of Kal's hand as it clung to him.

"Be serious," Kal said.

"Kal... really... are you that dense you haven't noticed me eye-fucking you since we've met?" Riot joked.

"Are you ever gonna stop saying shit like that?" Kal asked.

"Probably not. But I can think of something that you can do to shut me up." Riot flashed his grin, which was all Kal needed to see to lean in and kiss him again.

"And no, hotshot," Riot whispered, "This isn't just a one-time thing. If it was, you'd be basking in some serious afterglow right now." And he kissed Kal again.

A sudden coughed broke their kiss; Max, Johan, Rin, and Killeen avoid eye contact between Kal and Riot make out session.

"Are you guys busy?" Blushed Killeen. "We can come back if you like."

Kal straighten his hair, clearing his throat. "No. We're all good. We better get to work."

-:-:-:-:-

It's a full moon, straight to midnight. Everyone went to their stations, waiting patiently. Anticipation nerved the whole crowd, fingers grazing over the gun. Mal stayed up in the roof with her rifle, scooping through the dense forest as the Nevada Academy for the Troubled kids act causally, pretending to worry about the Frontiers and keep the Saviors a secret.

Boredom consumed Mal, she was a ball of fit of getting the fight started, after all the Frontiers are only bringing a few men along the way. She's not as worried about any deaths among her family. This fight will be quick and easy and give them time to plan for the real war.

Mal look through the optics as she waits silently for the group. All she sees is the nightlight, the little snow covered forest. All silence.

Then in the far distance is a flicker of a faint yellow glow.

The yellow glow was closer, the light shines bright as if you are being pulled.

However, the glowing like isn't something to behold over. The light is a sparking fire. Red and angry, and it grew. Expanded into many specs, and they split apart. Soon, she could hear heavy footfalls, walking the same pace. Their footfalls are in anguish power and there's many of them. Through the scope, she can see them. She sees a row of an army; dark heavy coats in army vest full pocketed of ammunition and knives. All bared their faces- gruff, vicious and merciless. Across their guarded chest is a red-painted letter- F.

And this army was not a small army. It was half of hundred and no side missions to get them.

Mal knew if something goes wrong, they're pretty much doomed.