The clatter of plates and the hum of quiet conversation filled the canteen as people gathered for their evening meal. The air was thick with the scent of cooking meat and fresh bread, and the atmosphere was surprisingly calm considering the chaos outside the walls of The Sanctuary. At one table near the back, you sat across from a young man, a nervous smile playing on your lips as he fumbled with his utensils. You had barely begun to get into a comfortable conversation when the door to the canteen swung open, and Negan strolled in, his signature swagger evident in every step.

He was dressed casually, though his leather jacket still carried that ominous weight. His eyes scanned the room with the same sharp precision that had made him a notorious figure in the post-apocalyptic world. As his gaze landed on you and your date, his lips curled into a wide, almost mischievous grin. His boots clicked on the tile floor as he made his way toward the table, oblivious to the awkward glances from the other patrons.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here!" Negan's voice boomed, drawing the attention of a few scattered tables. "My little girl all grown up, out here on a fancy date. And who's this strapping young man?"

He threw an exaggerated glance at the boy, his grin widening. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and territorial protectiveness. "I bet you didn't expect a chaperone tonight, did you? Well, let me tell you, you've got the best one in town." He clapped the boy on the shoulder with a force that was both casual and borderline intimidating.

The young man stiffened, his face flushing as he awkwardly shifted in his seat. Negan's presence was larger than life, and it wasn't lost on the boy that his date's father was none other than the feared leader of The Saviors.

"So, what's on the menu tonight, huh? How's my baby girl eating?" Negan continued, settling himself into the seat next to you with a possessive ease. "Let me guess, a little meatloaf, some mashed potatoes, maybe some green beans? She always loved that combo when she was younger, right sweetheart?"

He glanced at you, a look of pride mixed with something almost like fond nostalgia in his eyes. "Tell him, huh? Tell him how you used to beg for seconds on those mashed potatoes."

As Negan rambled on, his usual charm masking a layer of over-protectiveness, he leaned toward the boy again, now dropping his voice low enough for only him to hear. "Now, I'm sure you're a fine young man. But just so we're clear, kid, if you hurt her, if you even think about breaking her heart, I will make you regret it. Understand?"

He stared the boy down with such intensity that it was hard to imagine anyone standing their ground against him. "You look out for my little girl, got it? She deserves the world."

The boy nodded, his mouth dry as he struggled to maintain composure under Negan's heavy gaze. Meanwhile, Negan's attention shifted back to you, his expression softening ever so slightly. "I'm just looking out for you, kiddo," he added, his voice now quieter, though still carrying that deep, commanding tone. "The world's a dangerous place, and no one looks after family like I do. I know you think you're all grown up, but you'll always be my little girl. Always."