Joe watched as Amy devoured her canned sardines like it was a five-star meal. She let out a satisfied sigh, glowing as if she'd just eaten cake. Pregnancy cravings were wild.
Glenn made a crack about it. Joe shot him a glare. Mary slapped Glenn's arm, scolding him.
Andrea finished her jar of olives with a content smile.
Joe watched them all. How they laughed, indulged, lived.
Huddled around the fire, clinging to comfort where they could find it.
---
Carl was feeling good. His gunshot wound was healing fast. After a short chat with Beth, he caught Sophia watching him from a distance.
He walked over. She didn't speak right away, just motioned for him to follow.
They wandered a bit from the house, finding some privacy.
"I was really scared," Sophia said quietly. "When Randall grabbed me…"
Carl nodded. "I'll protect you."
Her expression twisted. "How? You're just a kid."
Carl pulled up his shirt, revealing a small five-shot revolver tucked into his waistband.
Sophia gasped. "How did you get that?"
He grinned. "The group's got so many guns, one missing doesn't matter."
Her eyes sparkled. "So, you can protect me..." Then, she frowned. "Wait. Joe showed you how to use one? Not me?"
Carl shrugged. "I guess. He said getting shot was like... a rite of passage or something."
Sophia looked down. "Oh."
Then she took his hand and started dragging him away, chatting nonstop. Carl didn't catch half of it, but he let her pull him along.
---
They wandered into the woods, eventually finding a small creek. A fallen tree formed a natural bridge. The scene felt... calm. Unreal.
They crossed carefully and sat in the middle, the world quiet around them.
They stayed there for a long time...
Until their stomachs reminded them it was lunchtime.
On their way back, they stumbled on a walker stuck in the mud. Its arms clawed uselessly toward them.
Sophia clung to Carl. "Ahh!"
Carl stayed calm. "Sophia. It's stuck. Look."
She hesitated, then saw it. It was snarling, straining, but clearly trapped.
Carl studied it with a detached look. Sophia still looked uneasy.
Trembling slightly, she grabbed his hand.
"Let's go."
She didn't wait for a reply.
As they walked away, they didn't see the walker slowly wriggling free behind them.
---
Back at camp, they sat down with the group for lunch. Carol looked them over.
"Where were you two?"
The kids glanced at each other, unsure.
Daryl spoke up. "Probably just went on a little adventure, huh?"
The kids nodded and dug into their roasted chicken and bread.
Joe glanced at Carl and noticed the bulge under the kid's shirt. He said nothing.
He just turned back to Amy, who was talking about baby toys.
Joe listened, smiling at the idea of tiny shoes and soft blankets.
Dale watched from a distance, frowning.
Less than 24 hours ago, Joe had shot a 17-year-old in the head without hesitation.
Now, he sat relaxed, grinning at a conversation about pacifiers.
...
After lunch, most of the group drifted off. Chores. Patrols. Downtime.
The kind of routine you clung to when the world had fallen apart.
Carl and Sophia sat near the barn, still side by side, finishing off a shared apple.
The sun hung low, casting long shadows.
"You think it's weird?" Sophia asked suddenly.
Carl looked at her. "What?"
"How Joe can do what he did yesterday... and then just talk about strollers like it's nothing?"
Carl thought about it. "I guess he has to."
Sophia picked at the grass. "I keep thinking about Randall. He said he was gonna let me go."
"He was dangerous," Carl said, repeating what he'd heard the adults say.
But his voice was firm.
Sophia didn't reply.
From across the yard, Joe stood beside the water barrel, sleeves rolled up.
Laughing with Andrea about how Amy's newfound love for sardines.
He looked normal. Calm. Even happy.
Then he glanced over at Carl.
Just a flick of the eyes. A split second.
Carl looked away.
...
Carl and Sophia split up when Carol called her away for chores. Lori was already waiting, waving Carl toward the chicken coop.
"C'mon," she said, heading down the worn path.
Their job was simple; feed the chickens and check for eggs.
Carl kept his hands busy, scattering grain, collecting shells still warm from hens.
Lori watched him a moment before asking, "What'd you get up to with Sophia?"
He shrugged. "Nothing much."
Her gaze dipped to his side. "And your wound?"
That was all it took for him to launch into the deer story, every detail spilling out. How he'd seen it, how it went down.
Lori's expression tightened, a contemplative look on her face.
She ultimately decided something. She made an excuse, walking off to find Glenn.
Carl huffed, annoyed at how quick she'd escaped the conversation.
That's when he saw Joe coming over.
Joe stopped beside Lori's half-full feed basket, tossing handfuls of grain to the dirt.
The chickens surged forward in a frantic clucking wave.
They worked in silence at first. Carl could feel it stretching, tightening, making him fidget.
Finally, Joe said, "I saw what you got there."
Carl's eyes flicked away. "Oh…" He reached into his shirt to pass it over discreetly.
Joe shook his head. "Keep it. Respect it."
Carl straightened, nodding fast. "Yes, sir."
Joe chuckled at the awkward salute. "Good. Now finish up." He walked off, still laughing to himself.
Carl felt good. Lighter somehow, smiling at the way Joe treated him.
---
That night, the wind picked up.
The fire crackled. Most of the group huddled close against the early bite of autumn.
Stories drifted through the air, a few old songs half-sung. For a moment, it almost felt human again.
Sophia was nodding against Carol's shoulder.
Carl sat beside Rick, who rubbed his temples like the day had worn him down to the bone.
Daryl cleaned a blade. Glenn had first watch.
Glenn's patrol was quiet, too quiet, his thoughts snagged on the pills Lori had asked for.
He got it... Sort of, but couldn't shake the question of why.
Joe, Amy, Andrea… they welcomed the idea of a baby. His mind kept circling it, so much so that he didn't see the lone walker staggering at the treeline.
---
The scream tore through camp.
Joe was on his feet before thought caught up, glock in hand.
"House. Now!" he barked at the sisters, his eyes sweeping the shadows. The Greene family stood frozen on their porch.
The sound came again, raw and animal. Joe ran toward it, whipping past the tall grass until the shape came into view.
Dale on the ground, a walker hunched over him, jaws working. The wet rip of flesh carried through the night air.
Joe didn't hesitate. One step closer, muzzle to skull.
Bang!
The walker crumpled.
The others arrived, breathless, finding Joe standing over Dale. His shirt was dark and heavy with blood.
Dale's face was gray, lips slick with red blood.
Glenn's voice cracked. "What do we do?"
Nobody answered.
Amy and Andrea pushed through, falling to their knees beside Dale. Tears cut streaks down their cheeks.
He tried to comfort them, but no sound came, only a faint flicker of a smile meant to reassure.
Joe waited, letting them have those last seconds. Then knelt beside him, quietly saying, "I'm sorry this happened, old man. Hope you find better ground on the other side."
Dale's eyes flicked to him. Joe put the Glock to the side of his head.
The group turned away.
Bang!
Joe exhaled, closing Dale's eyes with a steady hand.
He lifted the body. It was heavier than it should have been.
He carried it toward the small row of wooden crosses. Maggie met him halfway with a blanket, helping wrap the body tight.
They'd bury him at first light.
Joe stood with Maggie, staring at the wrapped body.
He hadn't liked Dale much. But as the night settled in, he realized that liking didn't matter.
These people mattered to him. More than he'd let himself believe.
And part of him knew he'd failed the old man.
---
When Joe came back through camp, the blood had dried to a stiff, dark crust on his shirt.
Sobs murmured from the shadows. Maggie followed him to the house. She led him to the bathroom to wash up.
...
The steam rose in thick, swirling tendrils, filling the bathroom with a heavy, moist warmth.
The shower's glass door was fogged, obscuring the figures within, but not enough to hide the slow, sensual movements of Joe and Maggie.
The water cascaded over them, rivulets tracing the contours of their bodies as they moved together in a quiet, desperate rhythm.
Joe, tall and broad with his black hair plastered to his forehead, pressed Maggie against the slick tiles.
His blue eyes were dark with desire, his breath hitching as he slid into her with deliberate slowness.
Maggie, her brown hair darkened by the water, her brown eyes half-lidded with pleasure, clung to him. Her nails dug into his shoulders, her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper with each thrust.
They moved in silence, the only sounds the soft slap of skin against skin and the occasional muffled moan, stifled against the crook of Joe's neck.
Outside the shower, hidden in the shadows of the bathroom, stood Emma.
Her dark skin glistened with a thin sheen of sweat, her curly hair wild and untamed around her face.
She had been drawn to the sounds, the soft gasps and the hushed whispers, and now she couldn't look away.
Her hand slipped between her thighs, fingers circling her clit as she watched them.
She bit her lip, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as she pleasured herself.
Emma's fingers moved faster, her thumb pressing hard against her clit as she watched Joe's cock slide in and out of Maggie's pussy.
She could see the way Maggie's body arched, the way her breasts pressed against Joe's chest, the way her mouth opened in silent gasps.
Emma's other hand cupped her breast, her fingers pinching her nipple, twisting and pulling as the pleasure built within her.
She couldn't take it anymore. She stepped forward, her hand still between her legs, her eyes locked on the couple.
The bathroom door clicked shut behind her, the sound echoing in the tiled room. Joe and Maggie froze, their eyes snapping to her, their bodies still entwined.
Emma didn't say a word. She just stood there, her hand still moving, her eyes dark with lust.
Maggie's breath hitched, her eyes widening as she saw Emma. She didn't stop her, didn't tell her to leave.
Instead, she just watched as Emma's hands moved to the hem of her dress, pulling it over her head.
Emma's breasts spilled free, her nipples hard and dark against her dark skin.
She kicked off her panties, her fingers slipping back between her legs as she stepped into the shower.
The water cascaded over her, rivulets tracing the curves of her body as she moved closer to them.
Joe's cock was still buried inside Maggie, his body shielding her from the full force of the water.
Emma leaned her soft body into his back, her hand slipped between them, her fingers finding Maggie's clit.
Maggie gasped, her body jerking as Emma's fingers circled her, teasing her, intensifying the pleasure.
Joe watched, his breath hitching as Emma's other hand found his balls, her fingers rolling them, squeezing them gently.
He groaned, his hips jerking as he thrust into Maggie, his cock sliding in and out of her wet pussy.
Maggie's breath came in short, sharp gasps, her body arching as Emma's fingers worked her clit, her other hand cupping Maggie's breast, her fingers pinching her nipple.
Maggie's body tensed, her breath hitching as the pleasure built within her. She could feel Joe's cock sliding in and out of her, feel Emma's fingers circling her clit, teasing her, intensifying the pleasure.
She could feel the orgasm building, coiling tight within her, ready to snap. And then it did.
She came with a muffled cry, her body jerking as the pleasure washed over her, her pussy clenching around Joe's cock.
Joe groaned, his hips jerking as he came, his cock pulsing as he filled Maggie's pussy with his cum.
Maggie gasped, her body still trembling from her orgasm as she felt Joe's cum filling her. Emma's fingers slipped from Maggie's clit, her hand moving to Maggie's thigh.
Her fingers slipping between her legs, finding Joe's cum as it slipped from Maggie's pussy.
Emma's fingers gathered the cum, her eyes locked on Joe's cock as it slipped from Maggie's pussy.
She knelt, her hand still between Maggie's legs, her fingers gathering the cum as it slipped from her.
She brought her fingers to her mouth, her tongue slipping out to taste the cum, her eyes never leaving Joe's cock.
She moved closer, her mouth finding Maggie's pussy, her tongue slipping out to taste the cum as it slipped from her.
Maggie gasped, her body jerking as Emma's tongue slipped into her pussy.
She could feel Emma's tongue slipping in and out of her, gathering the cum, tasting it.
She could feel the pleasure building within her again, her body arching as Emma's tongue worked her pussy.
Joe watched, his breath hitching as Emma's mouth worked Maggie's pussy, her tongue slipping in and out of her.
Emma's mouth slipped from Maggie's pussy, her tongue slipping out to taste the cum on her lips.
She moved closer to Joe, her hand still jerking his cock, her fingers circling it, teasing it.
She could feel it hardening in her hand, feel it pulsing as she stroked it. She brought her mouth to it, her tongue slipping out to taste the cum on the tip, her eyes locked on Joe's as she took him into her mouth.
Joe groaned, his hips jerking as Emma's mouth worked his cock. He could feel the pleasure building within him again, his body arching as Emma deep-throated him.
Maggie watched, her breath hitching as Emma swallowed Joe's cock
Emma's mouth slipped from Joe's cock, she stood abruptly, her hand finding Joe's cock, her fingers circling it, teasing it.
She could feel it hard in her hand, feel it pulsing as she stroked it. She turned, pressing her back against the shower wall, her hand guiding Joe's cock to her pussy.
She gasped as she felt it slipping into her, her body arching as Joe's hips jerked, his cock sliding into her.
Joe groaned, his hands finding Emma's hips, his fingers digging into her dark skin as he thrust into her.
He could feel her pussy clenching around his cock, feel it pulsing as he slid in and out of her.
He could feel the pleasure building within him again, his body arching as he thrust into her, his cock sliding in and out of her tight pussy.
Maggie moved closer, her mouth finding Emma's nipple, her tongue slipping out to taste it, her teeth grazing it as she teased it.
Emma gasped, her body jerking as Maggie's mouth worked her nipple, her tongue swirling around it teasingly.
She could feel Joe's cock sliding in and out of her pussy, feel it pulsing as he thrust into her.
She could feel the pleasure building within her again, her body shuddering as Joe's cock slid in and out of her, as Maggie's mouth worked her nipple.
She came with a muffled cry, her body jerking as the pleasure washed over her, her pussy clenching around Joe's cock as he continued to thrust into her.
Emma's body still trembled from the waves of her orgasm, her skin flushed and slick with water and sweat.
Her breath came in ragged gasps as she leaned against the cool tiles of the shower, her eyes dark with desire.
She watched Joe and Maggie, their bodies entwined again, and felt a surge of possessiveness.
It was her turn to take control.
With a sudden push, Emma guided Joe onto the shower bench, her hands firm on his shoulders.
He sat down, his cock still hard and glistening, a testament to the pleasure he had just experienced.
Emma straddled him, her legs spreading wide as she positioned herself over his lap.
She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the anticipation coiling tight within her.
She reached down, her fingers wrapping around his shaft, guiding him to her entrance.
She sank down slowly, her pussy stretching to accommodate his girth. A moan escaped her lips as she took him inch by inch, her body adjusting to his size.
She could feel him filling her, the sensation sending sparks of pleasure through her veins.
Once fully seated, Emma began to ride him, her hips moving in a slow, sensual rhythm.
She braced her hands on his shoulders, her nails digging into his flesh as she set the pace. Each movement sent waves of pleasure coursing through her, her body still sensitive from her previous climax.
She turned her head, her gaze locking onto Maggie. Maggie stood nearby, her body still trembling from her own release, her eyes wide with curiosity and desire.
Emma beckoned her closer, her fingers crooking in a come-hither motion. Maggie hesitated for only a moment before stepping closer, her body pressing against Emma's side.
Emma's hand snaked out, her fingers finding Maggie's pussy. She could feel the heat and wetness, a testament to Maggie's arousal.
She began to circle Maggie's clit, her fingers moving in time with her own hips. Maggie gasped, her body jerking in response to Emma's touch.
"Fuck, Emma," Maggie breathed, her hands reaching out to brace herself against the shower wall.
Emma could feel Maggie's body trembling, her breath hitching as Emma's fingers worked their magic.
She leaned in, capturing Maggie's lips in a searing kiss, her tongue delving into Maggie's mouth.
Joe's hands gripped Emma's hips, his fingers digging into her flesh as he helped her ride him.
He could feel her pussy clenching around his cock, the sensation driving him wild. He thrust up into her, his movements matching her rhythm, each thrust sending sparks of pleasure through his body.
Emma broke the kiss, her lips trailing down Maggie's neck. She could feel Maggie's pulse racing beneath her lips, the taste of her skin intoxicating.
She nibbled and sucked, marking Maggie's skin as her own. Her fingers continued their assault on Maggie's clit, her movements growing more insistent, more demanding.
Maggie's moans filled the shower, her body writhing under Emma's touch. She could feel her orgasm building, the pressure coiling tight within her.
Emma's fingers were relentless, her touch expert, driving Maggie closer and closer to the edge.
Emma's hips moved faster, her body riding Joe with reckless abandon. She could feel her own orgasm building, the pressure within her growing with each thrust.
She was lost in the sensation, her body a live wire of pleasure and desire.
"Fuck, I'm close," Maggie gasped, her body trembling on the precipice. Emma could feel Maggie's body tensing, her breath hitching as she teetered on the edge.
She increased the pressure on Maggie's clit, her fingers moving faster, driving Maggie over the edge.
Maggie's orgasm crashed over her, her body convulsing as waves of pleasure coursed through her.
She cried out, her voice echoing off the tiles as she came, her body shuddering under Emma's touch.
Emma's own orgasm followed, her body clenching around Joe's cock as she came. She cried out, her voice joining Maggie's as she rode out her pleasure.
Joe's thrusts became erratic, his own release building as he felt Emma's pussy milking him.
With a final thrust, Joe came, his cock pulsing as he filled Emma with his cum. He groaned, his body shuddering as he rode out his orgasm, his hands gripping Emma's hips tightly.
The three of them collapsed together, their bodies entwined as they rode out the aftershocks of their pleasure.
The water cascaded over them, washing away the sweat and cum, leaving them clean and sated.
As they caught their breath, Emma looked at Joe and Maggie, a soft smile playing on her lips. She could see the satisfaction in their eyes, the contentment that mirrored her own.
She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Maggie's lips before turning to Joe, her lips capturing his in a tender kiss. "That was fun."
They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies pressed together, the water washing over them.
As they finally pulled apart, Emma felt a sense of completeness. Her heart swelling with affection.
"Let's get out of here," Joe said softly, his voice hoarse. Maggie and Emma nodded, their bodies still trembling from the aftershocks of their pleasure.
They stepped out of the shower, their bodies entwined, their hearts full.
As they dried off, Emma couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. She had found something special with Joe and Maggie.
It was a bond forged in passion and desire, a bond that she knew would only grow stronger with time.
They dressed slowly, their movements lazy and sated. Emma watched them, her heart swelling with love and affection.
She knew that this was just the beginning, that their journey together was far from over.
As they finally left the bathroom, Emma took their hands, her fingers intertwining with theirs.
She led them to the bedroom, their bodies pressing together as they lay down, their hearts full and their bodies sated.
As she drifted off to sleep, her body curled between Joe and Maggie, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.