The horses thundered down the dirt road, hooves kicking up dust as Joe and Maggie rode side by side.
The land stretched quiet around them. The fields brown and empty, trees standing like silent sentinels. Not a walker in sight.
The silence was peaceful for Joe. He welcomed it.
For Maggie, it was unnerving.
Every shadow, every rustle of wind in the grass made her stomach tighten. The memory of Joe's ambush played on loop in her head.
Finally, just to break the tension, she spoke.
"I used to hate this road," she said, voice low.
"Had to drive it to school every morning. Always got dusty. Always felt like it took forever to get anywhere."
Joe glanced over but didn't say anything.
"Now it feels like the safest place on earth," she added with a bitter little laugh.
Joe nodded, eyes scanning the treeline. Still nothing.
"Before all this," Maggie continued, "I worked at a veterinary clinic. Not for long, but long enough to realize I didn't want to do it forever... I thought about moving to Atlanta. Trying something different. Maybe teaching..."
She paused. "Guess that plan's gone."
Joe stayed quiet a moment, then said, "Not all plans die. Some just... change shape."
Maggie looked over at him.
"What about you? Before all this?"
Joe hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly at the horizon.
Then, quietly.
"Claire, my wife. John, our son."
Maggie's smile faded.
"What happened?"
Joe's eyes turned glassy.
"Car crash. I was overseas when it happened. Military deployment. Got an official letter, two death certificates enclosed as well."
The rhythm of the horses' hooves filled the silence.
"I was injured soon after," he said.
"I woke up in King County Hospital and met Rick."
Maggie didn't push for more. She just rode beside him, letting the weight of what he'd said settle between them.
Eventually, she reached over and touched his arm. Just for a moment.
"I'm sorry."
Joe gave the faintest nod, eyes still forward.
"Me too."
And they kept riding.
Together, but not speaking. There was nothing to say.
...
The town was still. Too still.
No walkers. No birds. Not even wind.
Joe and Maggie rode in slow, eyes scanning the empty streets. The buildings looked like cardboard cutouts, silent and hollow.
They reached the pharmacy, its windows dust-coated but intact.
Joe tied up the horses while Maggie slipped off hers and stepped toward the entrance.
"Let's make it quick," he muttered, glancing up and down the street.
She nodded, already hopping the counter.
Joe stayed near the door, eyes sharp as he scanned the surrounding area. His fingers hovered near the hilt of his machete.
Behind him, glass clinked softly as Maggie searched the shelves.
Suddenly...
"JOE!" Agh!
A scream.
Joe spun, heart surging.
He vaulted over the counter just in time to see a walker pinning Maggie to the floor, its teeth snapping inches from her face.
He didn't hesitate.
Joe tackled the walker, driving it backward and off her. He straddled its chest and drove his machete straight into its skull.
The body spasmed once, then went still.
Joe didn't even stop to breathe.
He left the blade in the walker's skull and turned to Maggie, who was sitting up against the shelf, trembling.
She looked at him for half a second
Then collapsed into his chest, sobbing hard.
He held her without a word, arms around her. One hand rubbing the back of her head as she shook against him.
Everything she'd been holding in came pouring out.
After a while, her breathing slowed. Her grip loosened. She sat up, wiping her face and looking anywhere but at him.
"Don't tell Daddy this happened," she muttered, coughing awkwardly.
Joe gave a faint smirk, nodding.
"You're the boss."
He stood, offered her a hand. She took it.
Once she was steady, Joe vaulted back over the counter. He dug through the shelves behind it, coming up with pregnancy tests, vitamins, and a few other essentials. All went into his pack.
Then, he remembered something.
Glenn's request.
He checked under a pile of different things scattered on the floor and found exactly what he was looking for.
A box of condoms, still sealed.
Joe chuckled to himself. Drawing Maggie's attention.
"You owe me, Glenn." He muttered.
...
He saw Maggie's eyes widen as she caught him holding the pack of Trojans.
"Glenn asked for them," Joe said, nonchalantly.
She raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "I saw you with Amy and Andrea last night," she retorted, her gaze never leaving mine.
He shrugged, unperturbed. "I saw you. And for your information, we fuck raw."
Her face flushed red. Her surprise was palpable, but it only lasted a moment before a devilish grin spread across her face.
"Fuck me?"
Joe didn't need any more invitation. He dropped the condoms on the floor
Their plastic wrappers glinting under the light beeming through the hazy windows.
...
Joe, his black hair falling over his forehead, his blue eyes intense, hurrying amidst the chaos of overturned shelves and scattered pill bottles.
Maggie, her auberry lips curved in a mischievous smile. She leaned against the counter, her slender figure accentuating the curve of her hips.
The air crackled with unspoken tension, a desire that had simmered between them. He reached her, his gaze unwavering.
She met his stare, her emerald eyes sparkling with anticipation. He reached out, his hand closing around her waist, pulling her towards him.
Her body felt warm against his, her breath hot on his neck. She tilted her head back, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "I've been wanting this for a while."
Her words sent a jolt of electricity through him. He cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheekbone, and kissed her hard.
His tongue delved into her mouth, tasting the sweetness of cherry lip balm. She moaned, her hands tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.
Their kisses deepened, hungry and desperate, as if they were trying to consume each other.
His hands roamed her body, tracing the curve of her hips, the softness of her breasts beneath her thin shirt.
She shivered at his touch, her nails digging into his shoulders. He could feel her heart pounding against his chest, mirroring the rhythm of his own.
With a growl, he lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist, her heat pressing against his crotch.
He could feel her wetness through the thin fabric of her jeans, a testament to her desire. He carried her to the abandoned pharmacy counter, its surface dusty but sturdy.
He set her down gently, his eyes never leaving hers.
He knelt before her, his hands sliding down to the waistband of her tight jeans. He hesitated for a moment, wanting to savor the anticipation.
She arched her back, her breath hitching as he slowly pulled the denim down her slender legs, revealing lace panties that barely contained her.
He stood, his eyes raking over her exposed body. She was breathtaking, her skin flushed, her breasts heaving with anticipation.
He reached down, his fingers brushing the lace aside, revealing her glistening folds. He traced her lips with his thumb, feeling her shudder against him.
"Fuck, Joe," she moaned, her head falling back, exposing the delicate curve of her neck.
He leaned down, sucking on the sensitive skin, leaving a bruise that would serve as a reminder of this moment.
His fingers found her clit, rubbing it softly, watching her body react to his touch. She bucked her hips against his hand, her moans growing louder, her breath coming in short gasps.
He positioned himself at her entrance, his throbbing cock aching with anticipation.
He pushed inside her slowly, savoring the tightness of her body, the wet heat enveloping him.
She gasped, her nails digging into his back, leaving red marks that would fade too soon.
He began to thrust, each movement sending waves of pleasure crashing through them. She matched his rhythm, her hips bucking against his, her moans harmonizing with his grunts.
The pace quickened, their bodies moving in a primal dance, driven by a hunger that demanded satisfaction.
He increased his pace, his control slipping as desire consumed him. Maggie, breathless and overwhelmed, couldn't keep up.
Her grip on him weakened, her body surrendering to the onslaught of pleasure.
She slipped, her back hitting the cold counter, her legs still wrapped around him, holding him close.
He thrust harder, his abs pressing against her stomach, his breath hot on her neck.
She tried to slow him down, her hands pressing against his chest, but he was relentless, driven by a need that bordered on desperation.
He felt the pressure building, his balls tightening, a warning sign of the impending release.
Maggie's moans grew louder, her body tensing, her inner muscles clenching around him.
He reached down, his fingers finding her clit, rubbing it in rhythm with his thrusts.
She cried out, her body arching off the counter, her pussy clenching around him in a vice-like grip.
He felt her cum, her juices coating his cock, sending him over the edge. He exploded inside her, his cum filling her, a groan escaping his lips.
They stayed locked together, their bodies slick with sweat, their hearts pounding in unison.
He pulled out slowly, his cock still throbbing, unwilling to let go of the connection just yet.
Maggie, breathless and dazed, looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mixture of satisfaction and desire.
"Again," she demanded, her voice husky.
A wicked smile curved his lips. He turned her around, bending her over the counter, her ass presented to him like an offering.
He slapped her cheek, the sound echoing in the empty pharmacy, a sharp contrast to the silence that had preceded their encounter.
She moaned, pushing her ass back towards him, her hands spreading her pussy, inviting him in.
He didn't need to be told twice. He entered her from behind, his cock sliding into her wet heat, feeling her tight folds surround him once more.
He fucked her harder this time, each thrust sending her body jolting forward, her moans echoing off the shelves.
He grabbed her ass, his thumb teasing her tiny asshole, pushing it in slowly, feeling her pussy clench around him in response.
"That's my ass!" she cried out, her voice a mixture of pleasure and surprise. He chuckled, a dark, primal sound, as he continued to stimulate her, pushing her to the brink.
He felt her pussy clench around him, her body trembling on the edge of another orgasm.
He thrust harder, his own release building, and then he exploded inside her again, his cum spurting out, mixing with hers.
They collapsed on the floor, their bodies spent, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Maggie turned to him, her eyes soft, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
"That was amazing," she whispered, her hand tracing the contours of his face.
He pulled her closer, his hand resting on the curve of her ass, a possessive gesture that spoke volumes.
"We should do this more often," he murmured, his lips brushing her ear.
In the aftermath of their passion, surrounded by the remnants of a forgotten pharmacy.
They formed a connection that went beyond the physical.
It was a bond forged in desire, a secret shared between two people who had given in to their desire.
They lay still, Joe's hand tracing the curve of her ass.
Maggie laughed, her eyes sparkling.
"I think Glenn will be disappointed if we don't bring back the condoms," she said.
He grinned, looking at the abandoned condoms on the floor.
"I think we can manage without them," he said, his hand sliding down to her pussy.
She moaned, her body arching towards him.
It looked like their supply run was going to take a little longer than expected.
...
Joe and Maggie stood at the counter, giving the store one last scan. Their bags were full of medicine, bandages etc.
Glenn's "special request." Secured as well.
They exchanged a look.
"Ready?" Joe asked.
Maggie nodded.
They stepped out into the still-silent street, mounted their horses, and turned back toward the open road.
Headed back to the farm.
...
Daryl emerged from the trees, looking beat. His clothes were streaked with dirt, sweat staining the back of his shirt.
No signs of Sophia. No signs of the other kids.
He walked up to the camp in silence, a slight limp in his step. He was scanning faces... nothing new.
He dropped his crossbow against a tree and sat heavily on a log.
Carol approached from the firepit, carrying a tin plate and a bottle of water. She handed them to him without a word.
Daryl took it, barely glancing up.
"Thanks."
Carol sat nearby, hands in her lap, watching as he dug into the food.
A beat.
"Need something?" Daryl asked, mouth half full.
Carol shook her head lightly.
"No… I just wondered if you had any luck? Did you find anything?"
Daryl sighed, setting down the empty plate.
"Nah. I checked the creek bed and the south ridge. Nothin'. I'll head back out after this."
Carol nodded slowly, eyes soft.
"Be careful out there."
Daryl looked over at her for a long moment... then nodded once.
He grabbed his crossbow and walked back toward the trees, alone once more.
Disappearing into the shadows without another word.
Carol watching his departure.
...
Joe and Maggie arrived back at the farm, dust trailing behind their horses. As they rode through the front gate, they exchanged a short nod and split off.
Maggie headed toward the stables, reins in hand.
Joe barely took a few steps when Glenn jogged up to him.
Joe reached into his pack and handed him a small paper bag.
"Your request."
Glenn grinned like a kid getting away with something.
"You're a legend." He darted off, calling over his shoulder, "Thanks, man!"
Joe just shook his head and continued toward his tent.
---
Inside, Amy and Andrea were curled up beneath a blanket, despite the lingering summer heat. They looked pale, quiet.
Joe knelt beside them and kissed their foreheads.
Both girls stirred, smiling softly. Andrea tugged at his hand, Amy pulled at his shirt.
"Lie down," Amy murmured.
He did without hesitation. The sisters curled around him, it was peaceful.
---
The stillness had given way to unease. It was time to know for sure.
The sisters rose quietly, exchanging a look, then slipped out of the tent and headed toward the house.
Joe sat outside the tent flap, elbows on knees, nervous for the first time in a long while.
Minutes passed.
Finally, the girls returned, their faces unreadable.
No words were spoken as they all ducked back into the tent.
Amy sat down first. Hands shaking slightly, she pulled out the test and stared.
A plus sign.
She burst into tears, covering her mouth, then threw her arms around Joe. Kissing him hard, full of emotion. He held her, steadying her.
Andrea pulled her test next.
Another plus.
She let out a breathless laugh, grabbed Joe by the shirt, and hugged his head into her chest.
"Well… shit," she whispered, amused and stunned all at once.
They sat together for a long while. No panic. No plan. Just processing.
Eventually, the girls started talking.
"If it's a girl, I want to name her Clara," Amy said, eyes lighting up.
"I want a boy," Andrea added.
"Someone strong. Maybe name him after our dad."
They both turned to Joe.
"What about you?" Amy asked.
"Boy or girl?"
Joe looked at them both, the weight of the moment settling in. His voice was soft and honest.
"Either."
"I just want them healthy."
...
Maggie was brushing down her horse near the stable, dust clinging to her sleeves. Hershel approached, arms crossed, watching her quietly.
"You went into town," he said.
Maggie kept brushing, not looking up.
"We needed medical supplies. Joe came with me."
"Just the two of you?"
She stopped. Met his gaze.
"Yes."
Hershel's jaw tightened slightly.
"And?"
Maggie rolled her eyes, exasperated.
"Nothing happened, Daddy."
His disapproving look deepened... he saw the bruise on her neck.
The unease of a man watching his daughter drift into a world he doesn't understand or control.
"I just worry about the kind of man he is."
"He saved Carl. He risked his life to get those supplies. That's the kind of man he is."
Hershel didn't reply.
Maggie huffed and set the brush down hard.
"I'm too old to be having this conversation with you."
She turned and marched toward the house.
"And you're too old to still think I'm some preacher's daughter playing dress-up."
Hershel stood alone, watching her go. The past slipping further away with every step.
...
A long wooden table had been set up beneath the trees, lanterns strung along branches casting a soft golden glow.
The women from Joe's group; Amy, Andrea, Carol, and even Mary had spent hours cooking with limited supplies.
The meal wasn't fancy, but it was warm, full of effort and intention.
The Greene Family... Hershel, Maggie, Beth, and the others gathered, clearly surprised by the gesture.
Joe stood off to the side, watching with his usual quiet detachment, but even he couldn't ignore the peace in the air.
Laughter. Cups clinking. For the first time since the CDC, people sat without weapons.
As dishes were passed around and the mood lightened, Amy stood up, clearing her throat.
"Before we eat… Andrea and I have something to say."
Everyone turned to them.
Andrea stood beside her sister, arms crossed but smiling.
"We're pregnant," Amy said softly, almost breathless.
The table went dead silent.
Maggie's eyes widened, her fork pausing halfway to her mouth.
She turned sharply to Joe, face caught somewhere between surprise, confusion, and something deeper.
She held his gaze for half a second… then looked away.
Beth gasped, whispering something to Patricia, who covered her mouth.
Rick blinked. Lori stared. Glenn dropped his roll.
Even Daryl looked up from his plate.
Hershel sat stiffly, expression unreadable. His jaw was clenched, but he said nothing.
He just took a slow drink from his glass and stared down the table.
Then, finally...
Carol smiled warmly. "Congratulations. Both of you."
Others followed. Quiet congratulations passed around.
Some smiles felt genuine. Others strained.
Joe remained sitting, eating his meal, unreadable as ever.
Andrea and Amy each took a seat beside him, one on either side. The subtext wasn't lost on anyone.
Hershel glanced at Joe. Slightly hostile. His expression was disapproving.
A farmer raised on structure, tradition.
This... wasn't that.
But he didn't say a word and the meal carried on.
Tension still lingered in the air but so did something else.
Change.