I dwell in possibility...

Cayden had sensed others when he first took over the cabin, but they never appeared. He’d guessed they were with the original occupant, but if they wanted revenge they’d have taken it by now. This new sensation of being watched, this new hidden eye, was both greatly intriguing and unwelcome. By the time the sun went down he was done waiting.

“You can come out now, maybe survive, or wait to try to rob me and end up in the swamp with the rest of ‘em.” Cayden stated, glancing back where he felt the eyes. “Choose quick, I’m running out of patience.”

Jesus pulled the bandeau down, but stayed in the shadows. “I’m just scavenging, lookin' for trades...communities...people.”

“There’s nothing to scavenge,” because it was his, “or trade and I’m not part of a community.”

“You’re a person.”

"How astute.”

“Maybe we could talk.” Maybe he could talk him into joining this new world, into joining Hilltop. “How long have you been out here?”

“Does it matter?”

“It’s not good to be out here alone.”

Cay smirked into the darkness. “I can handle myself.”

“I meant...” Jesus sighed, stepped close enough they could just make out each other’s faces. “In general. Bein’ alone isn’t healthy.” The other stared back, unmoved. “You’re wary, I get it, this world is...full of dangers, threats, but we’re all on the same side in the end.”

“What side’s that?”

“The side of the living.”

There was an earnestness Cay found both admirable and pathetic...it took a lot of balls to press the idea of hanging out with a man you didn’t know, but who except the dumbest, most naive, would do it? “What’s your name?”

Jesus smiled at the flicker of hope. “Paul Rovia...but my friends used to call me Jesus. You?”

“Cayden, but Cay’s fine.”

“How ‘bout I make you a deal, Cayden? I won’t try to rob you, you won’t try to kill me, and we can just talk.”

Cay leaned against the doorway, ran through options in his head - what did he want, what was the best way to get it - before settling on his next move. “Come back in two days with a case of water.”

“Food?”

“I have food.”

“Case of water it is.”

“And come alone, I’m not hosting a party.”

Jesus chuckled until he realized the other was straight-faced, then gave a nod. “Agreed. See you in two days.”

“Two days.” Cay confirmed with a nod, then turned away keeping his smile to himself.

So I decided I wanted to go back to the beginning with Jesus and Cayden, do a deeper dive between them and explore/explain their unusual connection...also, I’m sure, write more smut, haha! I had a number of different first-meet options location wise, but this one worked out the best - not in the least because it kept them from immediately killing one another, hahaha!!

I guess, by now, you could maybe consider this an off-shoot of Beyond the Classroom...I might give this its own masterlist too.

Tagging: @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash, @strangersangel9, @dusty-cookie, @dwaynii @kthnxbyeeeee @cemmia @crzcorgi  @ericuhlorain @imfuckin-gcrazy @angelfuzzy2 @thewalkingdeadfanatic @vizhi0n @smuttwd @superwholoki @stone-met @trashforwinchesters @scarygoodfanfics @negansfavoritegirl @toxic-ink @sillywiseone @wadeyourebarelyalive @jane-alca @despoinak27 @zoesmama2024 @cass-xxo @purplejellybean @deez666  @manic-mamma @magpiegirl80 @andherlifeis @nracha @lynnliciousadnan  @xomissivon @suileidead @idonthavehusbandsihavelovers @backseat-negan  @reneeisnotsane  @ugh-yuck-gross @jeffrcy  @collette04

…If anyone else wants on the tag list  (even if just for these two) just lemme know.  Not tagging Negan’s Thirst Squad (or Negan’s Network) this time for reasons - like it’s more an aside than something I can slip into the main, established, storyline…yet, lol!  Also why I’m not adding all other Beyond the Classroom chapters, but here’s the Masterlist.

(Gifs found via Google, the second I edited myself though, haha!)

First, just found this video and I love it...also the song’s awesome. 

Second, I miss this Jesus - you know, the one that was actually on the show for more than two minutes, a total ninja badass, and had the potential to be a real guide to Rick, Maggie, & Co like in the comics.  Yeah...I miss that guy...I hope he comes back.

“You should come to Hilltop,” Jesus called out as he examined what provisions Cay had left. “Check it out, maybe grab some more food for yourself.”

“What’s the matter, afraid to walk home alone?” Cay teased as he exited the bedroom mid-dress. 


“There’s safety in numbers, especially these days.”


“Maybe I’ll get there and decide to stay, that it?” The push-pull of Jesus trying to get him to come stay, live, at Hilltop was a constant since they first met. Cay understood - he looked like a real asset to a community and Jesus wasn’t one to miss out on the chance to save someone - it didn’t change his mind though.

“Stranger things have happened.”

He watched Jesus rummage from his vantage point atop the stairs. “You tryin’ to domesticate me, Paul?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Jesus countered cheekily. He sighed at the breakfast options. “Did you plunder a health store or something? All you have are protein bars.”

“I have vitamins and ramen packs too.” Cayden’s feet thudded down the stairs as he threw his shirt on.


“Shudder to think where the water comes from for that.”

“You.” Cayden could make Jesus’ gifts of water last an almost ungodly amount of time when he needed to. He smirked when Jesus stood and turned to him. “Where’d you think it came from? The swamp?”

“Never know with you,” Jesus smirked back. “You’re kinda crazy.”

“Crazy, not stupid.” He smiled, leaned in. “Why do you want me to go to Hilltop, Jesus? Even if I stay, you honestly think that’ll be the best thing?” Cay knew himself enough to know it could go badly and while it hardly mattered to him, he preferred not to get Jesus in trouble with his own community.

Jesus pondered the question in silence, truly exploring himself for the answer. “In this world, we need to come together. We don’t always need to get along, we won’t, but we’re better as a group than individuals. The only way to live, grow, move forward, is together. Maybe you don’t want to admit it, but that holds true for you as much as any other livin’ person these days.”

The other calculated the words, how much was bullshit, how much was genuine, then decided. “Fine, I’ll go look at it, but under three conditions.”

“Which are?”

“First, I want a real shower when I get there. With runnin’ water and soap, even shampoo. Second, liquor. I want a bottle, somethin’ good, not shitty year-old beer or some bathtub-made piss.”

Those weren’t exactly simple, but they weren’t impossible either. “And third?”

“A gun, loaded. Doesn’t need to be fancy, just needs to work.” He had knives, he could make spears, but long-range weapons were mainly out of his grasp.

“I...think I can manage that.” But something troubled him. “Why do you need the gun though?”

Cay chuckled. “Because I’m a man alone in a cabin in the woods during the apocalypse.” He smirked, tapped his lips to Jesus’ cheek. “Don’t worry, I’d die before I killed myself.” He wanted to turn rather than die, he wanted to see if anything came after.

Second part of my At the Cabin piece with Jesus and Cayden...once they’re out on the road and/or at Hilltop you’ll kinda see how they’ll tie in Beyond the Classroom somewhat, I hope, lol!  In the meantime, just enjoy

Tagging: @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash, @strangersangel9, @dusty-cookie, @dwaynii @kthnxbyeeeee @cemmia @crzcorgi  @ericuhlorain @imfuckin-gcrazy @angelfuzzy2 @thewalkingdeadfanatic @vizhi0n @smuttwd @superwholoki @stone-met @trashforwinchesters @scarygoodfanfics @negansfavoritegirl @toxic-ink @sillywiseone @wadeyourebarelyalive @jane-alca @despoinak27 @zoesmama2024 @cass-xxo @purplejellybean @deez666  @manic-mamma @magpiegirl80 @andherlifeis @nracha @lynnliciousadnan  @xomissivon @suileidead @idonthavehusbandsihavelovers @backseat-negan  @reneeisnotsane  @ugh-yuck-gross @jeffrcy  @collette04

…If anyone else wants on the tag list  (even if just for these two) just lemme know.  Not tagging Negan’s Thirst Squad (or Negan’s Network) this time for reasons - like it’s more an aside than something I can slip into the main, established, storyline…yet, lol!  Also why I’m not adding all other Beyond the Classroom chapters, but here’s the Masterlist.

(Gifs found via Google)

Title: At the Cabin Author: @wickednerdery​ Fandom: The Walking Dead Pairing/character: Paul “Jesus” Rovia(Monroe)/OMC Rating: FRM Summary: “Why do you think I came?” Notes: This started as a “I wanna write some Jesus” thing and bloomed into a smut piece and tie-in to Beyond the Classroom, go figure, lol!  …Anyway gets a “Read More” cut because it’s NSFW and long, lol!

“Hey there, Big Man,” Cass smirks.  She can’t tell who’s more stunned, Simon or Gregory, but it’s a delight to see.  Even Jesus can’t hide his surprise, try as he might.  She threw everyone and their whole world on its head and it causes the tiniest bit of excitement to pool between her thighs.  “Miss me?”

“Fuck ya doin’ here?” Simon asks bluntly, forgetting himself and his job.

“Satellite got jacked, I got shot.”

“Yeah...”  His lips flicker in effort to hold back a burgeoning smile as it sinks in: She’s alive.

“Then Jesus found me and brought me here.”  Her smile widens, briefly causes his to crack.  “Wasn’t that nice of him?”

“And, naturally, I insisted she stay while on the mend,” Gregory jumps in with a saccharine tone.  “Of course, if I’d known, if she’d told me, that she was one of...of, uh...your people, I, uh...I’d have told you immediately.  But...” he gives a wary laugh, takes a chance. “She’s a quiet one, your Casey.”

Simon finally pulls his eyes from her to the sniveling man beside him.  “It’s Cassidy, dumbfuck.”  He grins.  “But that was a hellofa effort.”  He slaps Gregory’s back so that the man loses his balance.

Cass grabs a bottle of Scotch on her way over.  “Greg’s been very kind in letting in strays lately.”

“That so?” Simon’s brows arch back to her as she opens the bottle to swig.

“Oh yes...” She smiles to a fast-blanching Gregory, then over to Jesus.  For all he knows, for all he knows she knows, he’s impressively calm.  She has to admire that.  Then she’s back to Simon.  “I could show you.”

Simon grins back at her.  “Please do.”

First...Woohoo, I actually got something new out!!  Second, I’m not giving away the surprise of Cass’s next move, but there’s obviously reason for Gregory and Jesus to be deeply worried, haha!  (Because, yes, this is this fanfic’s version of the time Simon went to Hilltop to tell Gregory he was now in charge of them...and then Gregory tried to turn in Maggie and Sasha.)

Masterlist Here.

Simon gif from @nukacherrycolas, other gif from Google!

Tagged: @vizhi0n @stone-met @magpiegirl80 @absentguile @strangersangel9 @purplejellybean @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash @zoesmama2024 @manic-mamma @idonthavehusbandsihavelovers @let-cookies-live @bulletscrossbowpie @lynnliciousadnan @ambroselunatic @starbabysparkle …If anyone else wants in on this, just let me know and I’ll tag you.

Noir AU Chapter 4:

From the moment she walks in with the two fellas my eyes lock.  I watch her talk to customers, to staff, to my girls.  She’s got that perfect mix of sweet and tough; approachable, but not naive.  I let a soft smile bloom as she approaches.  “Hey there, gorgeous.”

“Hi, you’re Tara, right?”

“That I am.”

“Good.  Sherry said you were the woman to talk to.”

“Did she now?”  I lean into her, let my smile spread.  “And who might you be?”

“Maggie...Maggie Greene.”  Her brows arch, expecting a reaction, but I give none.  “My sister, Beth, works here and she’s missin’.”

“She hasn’t been here in a few days.”

“Know anythin’ ‘bout it?”

“I’m afraid not.”  I pull my collar up protectively under the fierceness of her gaze.  “She wasn’t one of my girls.”

Her face softens, but who knows if its for me or my information.  “I know, but your girls work here, side-by-side, with ‘er.  They know the customers and maybe they know who’d be makin’ trouble for my sister…for any woman.”

“Ms Greene, this is Negan’s club,” I scoff.  “Nobody here’s makin’ trouble for any woman.”  It’s the reason I encourage my girls to work his clubs…it’s safer.

“Negan’s club or not, some men make trouble nevertheless.”

"Far enough.”

“So you know of some?  Can you remember their names?”

A hot brunette, a gay thief, and a biker walk into a club…not a fucking joke, it’s what they fucking did.  Beth’s big sis is flagged by Jesus and one of the Dixon brothers.  Younger I think, but who the fuck knows or cares.  My eyes follow the best view as Maggie heads to the bar.  I can’t determine what the fuck she’s saying, but curves of hips and tops of stockings are more than enough to hold my fucking interest.

“Hey.  You’re Negan, right?”  It’s more grunt than question, but it’s amusing enough to turn towards.

Little Dixon stands over my table, cigarette between his lips, as Jesus stares somewhere between stunned and horrified.  I grin.  “Dick-son, right?”

“Daryl.”

“Mmm...”

Guy sits, blows smoke at me.  “Lookin’ for Beth Greene.  Where is she?”

“The fuck should I fuckin’ know?”

“Ya date ‘er.”

“I fuck her.”

“She’s missin’.  Where is she?”

Truth is, I got no fucking clue; I came here in hopes of finding her my-fucking-self.  The first day I figured she was pissed at me for some fucking reason, but when she didn’t show up for a date on the second my gut said something was wrong.  No matter how pissed, Beth had the decency to at least show up and throw a fucking drink in my face.  But am I gonna tell the fucking redneck all this fucking shit?  Fuck no.  "She might fuckin’ call me ‘Daddy’, but I ain’t her fuckin’ father,” I chuckle.

“Whatta’bout your wife?  Think she’d know?”

My brows go up, then my eyes as I look to Jesus.  “This fuck for real?”

“Hey!” Daryl snaps.  “I’m talkin’ to ya.”

“He’s got some major balls on ‘im,” I grin to Jesus, then Daryl.  “I love that about you.”  Then I grow serious.  “But you say another motherfuckin’ word ‘bout my fuckin’ wife and I’ll fuckin’ bash your fuckin’ brains all the fuck over this fuckin’ place.  Then I’ll do the fuckin’ same with your little fuckin’ boyfriend here.  Understand?”

“He ain’t my fuckin’ boyfriend,” Daryl counters fussily.

That that’s what he focuses on gives me a laugh...then gunfire breaks outside.

I pull Maggie down as windows shatter, but she shrugs me off.

“GLENN!!” 

She takes off, keeping low, pulling a gun as she heads towards her friends crouching by Negan’s table.  I follow after, pistol out, ready to defend my girls as I call for them to stay down.  This place rarely gets hit, so few are stupid or crazy enough to try such a thing, but rarely isn’t never so I’m always prepared.

So’s Negan with a weapon in hand and string of curses on his lips.

FINALLY finished Chapter 4, WOOHOO!!!  So this was in Tara and Negan’s POV, switching off.  Yes, Tara’s a madame (with Sherry as one of her employees), and, yes, Glenn’s been waiting outside in the car.  ....I’m not telling what’s happened out there, but it’ll be clear next chapter, don’t worry!  😉

Chapter 1 Here!

Chapter 2 Here!

Chapter 3 Here!

Tagged (because they asked/seemed interested): @strangersangel9 @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash @kinkozan @vizhi0n @dusty-cookie @dwaynii @despoinak27 …Anyone else interested, just lemme know!

Noir AU Chapter 3:

I smile across the table.  “How’s the sweater?”

“Shut up,” he grunts, scratching the wool.  “Asshole.”

I chuckle, turn to Maggie.  “I picked your sister’s place because I knew it’d be empty, but I didn’t have any part of whatever’s happened to her.”

“How do I know that?”

“You don’t, but I think you know I’m notta bad guy.”

“Guy who calls himself Jesus,” Daryl snorts, his nails digging into the fabric.

“You know, if you’re allergic, I can get you something else.”

“Just shut up.”

Glenn leans in, eyes plead.  “Can we please just...focus on Beth?”

I nod.  “I saw someone come out of her place yesterday.  They threw luggage in a car and took off...figured she was going on vacation and it was the perfect time to hit the apartment.”

Maggie scrutinizes, looks for lies.  “Someone?  But not Beth?”

“No, not Beth, but I don’t know that until I was in the house.”

Glenn shifts.  “What’d she look like?”

“Older than Beth, dark hair, stern face.”

The couple exchange a mind-meld of a look.  “Lucille?”  Maggie finally offers.  Glenn shrugs as Daryl mutters a curse, hand switching to the back of his neck.

“It wasn’t Lucille.”

Daryl breaks from his scratching.  “How ya know?”

“I’ve seen her, this wasn’t her.”

“Wait...” Glenn cuts in.  “Do you...work for Negan?”

“No more than anyone else.”  All three look at me, un-amused.  “I use his fence, Dwight.  I know what Lucille looks like because I do my research, which is why I also know that Negan wouldn’t allow anything to happen to any woman he’s with.”

“Coulda done somethin’ without ‘im knowin’,” Daryl counters.  “Had someone grab ‘er or somethin’.”

I can’t find an argument for that; Negan is dangerous, Lucille exponentially so.  I look at Maggie and Glenn’s faces, the worry building, before taking a breath.  “I don’t think it’s wise to jump to any conclusions just yet.  For all we know this woman was picking things up for Beth.”

“Beth would call me,” Maggie insists.

“If she’s in hiding, and smart, then she won’t.”

“If she’s hidin’ I still need to find her.”

“Preferably before shit hits the fan,” Daryl grumbles out, then sighs.  "Think we oughta go to her job?  See if anyone there knows anythin’?”

“You’re the private eye, shouldn’t you know?” Glenn question comes out somewhere between suspicious and annoyed.

That’s when it clicks: Daryl Dixon doesn’t have a clue what he’s doing.  Whoever he’s claimed to be isn’t who he is.  I glance to the couple, see the desperation in their eyes, and realize I can’t do it. I can’t call Daryl out on whatever bullshit he’s running.  All I can do is help him fake it until he makes it...or, at least, until we find the girl.

“Bet it’ll be easier if we go together, split up inside, cover everyone as best and quickly as we can,” I smile to Maggie.  “You know where she works, right?”

“Course.”  She goes to exit the booth; the rest of us follow.

“Someone’s gotta get the check.”  Daryl goes back to scratching.

I toss money on the table for the check.

“Thanks.”  Then Daryl’s eyes narrow, he snatches the wallet.  “That’s my wallet!”

I laugh it off.

Not a ton of action, I know, but there is relevant information in there as to what may have happened to Beth!  (Also you know where Dwight fits in the Noir, ha.)  This was all in Jesus’s POV.  The next chapter will likely have some new characters in it - whether they join this little crime-solving group or not, I don’t know - and given Beth works at Negan’s club it’s not impossible he’ll show too, but in what capacity I’m not sure.  ...Not sure, but does this story need a proper name?  Any thoughts/suggestions are welcome!

Chapter 1 Here! 

Chapter 2 Here!

Tagged (because they asked/seemed interested): @strangersangel9 @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash @kinkozan @vizhi0n @dusty-cookie @dwaynii @despoinak27 …Anyone else interested, just lemme know!

Noir AU Chapter 2:

Felt strange being in Beth’s without the invite; felt like when I was a kid, sneaking in her room to make sure it was clean.  Never was and it’s the same now.  Without the invite I get a true sense of Beth: bright, cheerful, full of love with pictures hanging all over, but scattered.  ...Negan’s imprint comes in all the things we could never afford filling up the rooms.

Glenn wraps arms around me, rests his head on my shoulder, to examine a family portrait.  “We’ll find her, babe, don’t worry.”

I think to argue, to tell him we don’t, can’t, know that, when there’s rustling from the bedroom.  We look at each other, at Mr Dixon rifling through papers sprawled over the counter, before all three of us go to investigate.

He’s not overly tall, but lean and muscular with facial hair and lengthy locks...Jesus, if Jesus was a thief.

“What're ya doin’ in my sister’s place?” My voice shakes in worry and rage.

“...Just leaving.”  He goes to dash for the window; Mr Dixon gives chase.

Asshole’s faster, slipperier, than I suspected.  He zigs, I zag, and he’s out the window faster than I could’ve opened it.  We race balconies, then jump them, as he tosses plastic furniture in my way.

“Git back ‘ere ya sonofabitch!!”  I holler as his skinny ass slides down a banister to the parking lot before he skids towards the rec area.  Wherever the fuck he thinks he’s going, he ain’t, as I charge after him.

I lunge, he ducks, and I go flying into the murky chill of an unkempt pool.

Goddamn son of a bitch...

We come out the other side as Mr Dixon hits the water.  Thieving Jesus starts his turn to keep running, but he’s not getting away this time.  Not until he answers for himself, tells me everything he knows.

“Don’t move!” I command, pulling the pistol that was once my dad’s.  “I don’t wanna shoot you, but I will.”

The man stops, sighs, turns, smiles.  “You even know how?”

I fire a single shot through the second O in POOL on the life ring behind him, then redirect at him.  “Why’re ya in sister’s bedroom?”

“Is he coming back up?” Glenn breaks in as he examines Dixon still in the pool.

“My sister’s! Why?!” I order, unwilling to forgo my attention on Thieving Jesus.

Glenn shrugs off his jacket, steps out of his shoes.  “Yeah...I don’t think he’s coming up...”  He dives in.

My eyes flick down for the briefest moment before I sense Thieving Jesus moving.  “Don’t.  Don’t move.“

His hands raise with his lips smiles.  “Your friend’s a big guy, might need two to get him outta the water.  Keep the gun on me if ya want, we can talk after.”

Glenn’s taking too long, I know he is, and I can’t even think of risking another loved one.  “Do anythin’ that makes me question you, I’ll kill ya.”

“Fair enough!”  Jesus declares, ridding himself of coat and shoes before diving in.

Think I’ll call the chapter completed here - keep it manageable, haha!  Obviously, the POV switched from Maggie to Daryl to Maggie again and, honestly, that’s likely what will happen a lot...hopefully the POV will be clear in the writing, but if not I’ll clarify at the end like with this one.  And, apparently, Daryl will never not chase after Jesus during their first meeting, hahaha!!

Chapter 1 Here!

Tagged (because they asked/seemed interested): @strangersangel9 @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash @kinkozan @vizhi0n @dusty-cookie @dwaynii @despoinak27 …Anyone else interested, just lemme know!

I skitter around corners, charge down allies, and scurry over fences knowing he’s close behind.  Close enough we collide at a dead end.  “Hey there,” I smile.

“Asshole,” he grumbles, straightens himself out, before taking a swing.

I duck, shove, and turn to scramble from concrete to dumpster to fire-escape.  I know he’ll follow; he’s got nowhere else to go.

Funny us meeting like this, two thieves with the same target.  Maybe we’ll crack jokes about it later, but right now I’m just hoping to keep us from prison or the morgue.  I need us both alive, both free, because that’s the only way this can go down successfully.

I hit the third landing and smile.  “Maybe we can talk about this?”

“Gonna kick your fuckin’ ass!”

“Maybe not.”  I continue up to the rooftop; sirens fade, but the pfft-pfft-pfft of a copter hits my ears.  Fuck.  "Come on!”

“Fuck you!”

I run rooftops and vault ledges.  At the end of the block I look down, smile, and turn back to my pursuer.  “Name’s Paul.”

“Daryl,” he blurts on instinct.

My smile grows.  “Trust me, Daryl?”

“No.”

“Shame.”  I reach out, grab him, and throw us both over the edge.

Even with a dump-truck of padding the land knocks the wind out.  It takes a full mile for me to gather myself enough hit the cab and get the driver to stop.  I hear the doors open, two climb their way to look inside the bed.

“Jesus,” Glenn’s smile is unsure.  “You okay?”

“I’m good,” I groan.

“Get what we needed?”

“Think so...” I pat my vest.

Maggie smirks.  “Looks like you picked up a friend.”

“That’s Daryl.”  The man groaned, grimaced, beside me.  “Might need him to get checked out.”  Unlike me, Daryl never prepared for the hit.

Maggie hauled herself into the bed with us.  “Let’s head to Denise, I’ll see what I can do in the meantime.”

I confess, ever since I thought of the Noir AU, I was looking forward to writing Jesus and Daryl in it.  Still not sure what, exactly, the bigger story is, but fuck it, it’s still a blast to write, haha!

Tagged (because they asked/seemed interested): @strangersangel9 @flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash @kinkozan @vizhi0n @dusty-cookie @dwaynii @despoinak27 ...Anyone else interested, just lemme know!

Not feeling great today, but this made me laugh...