#Mutual Of Omaha

[textless]

One morning we came across a group of lions gnawing away at a cape buffalo who was already past caring.

A couple of female lions and some cubs enjoyed breakfast while the male, who had already eaten, lazed in the grass. Over an hour or so, a whole parade of scavengers arrived to wait, sneak in for a nibble, and hold one another at bay, all while the lions remained focused on their meal.

It was gruesomely fascinating, and the photos are below so you can skip them if the whole thing is too red in tooth and claw.

In the last photo above, the lion is scratching dirt over the bloody ground where the buffalo met its demise. Our guide said that diminishes the scent of the kill and its siren call to every hungry creature, but it's safe to say plenty of creatures were already on the case.

Jackals had been close by since we arrived, but they got steadily bolder as the lions dawdled. Then an assortment of vultures arrived. Of course they flew in, but then they edged closer on foot. They were remarkably stealthy for such enormous birds.

The vultures pictured above include lappet-faced vultures and white-backed vultures.

Finally, the little jackals couldn't wait another minute. The lions had pushed the buffalo stomach off to one side, intact, and that is where the jackals made their move.

The big male lion had returned to the buffet by this time, and lost patience with the company.

Annoyed, the lion moved the buffalo a little. This left some bits and pieces behind, including the stomach, and the jackals and vultures went to town.

Just when it seemed the jackals would finally have a chance to dig in, the hyenas that had been creeping around the edges decided they had waited long enough.

It was interesting to see the one unfortunate buffalo provide a meal for the whole wild kingdom.

When we moved on to have our own breakfast, the male lion was still standing guard.

Masai Mara, Kenya, July 2023.

[loveboatinsanity]

[teachersource]

Marlin Perkins was born on March 28, 1905. An American zoologist. He was best known as a host of the television program Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom from 1963 to 1985. The fame he gained in his television career allowed him to become an advocate for the protection of endangered species, and through Wild Kingdom he gave many Americans their first exposure to the conservation movement. Perkins also helped establish the Wild Canid Survival and Research Center (WCSRC) near St. Louis in 1971. This wolf sanctuary has been instrumental in breeding wolves for eventual re-placement into their natural habitats.

[hardtickettohomevideo]

Schlocktoberfest XIV - Day 15: The Legend Of Boggy Creek

The Legend Of Boggy Creek (1972) Trailer: *Spoilers Throughout* What’s This About: Part one of a Bigfoot series that didn’t really need to progress past this entry. Here are some of my observations as I watched the film: Black screen and croaking frogs, strap in for excitement! As if trying to bullshit everyone by saying this is a true story wasn’t enough, Pierce has the audacity to add: “Some…

[scottguy]

Invariably at some point in the show, there was a come on for life insurance ... that, of course, was tied into the show's theme.

Marlin Perkins, the host above, would saysomething like this:

"Animals die in the wild. People die too. That's why you need Mutual of Omaha's comprehensive life insurance!"

It was a pretty interesting nature show.

[tributary]

no shade to my mutuals who are still mutuals with the pathological liar who hates my guts, but you’d think that following one of us would mutually exclude following the other

[atomic-chronoscaph]

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom (1968)

[chernobog13]

"And here we observe the gorilla, in its natural habitat, emerging from the cave it calls home."

It's a little known fact that Eiji Tsuburaya hosted the Japanese version of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.

[redfurrycat]

[At IceMav's]

Bob, Jake, Javy, Mickey and Reuben telling Mav about their favourite medical TV-show while Bradley and Nat handle the dessert.

Reuben: I got hooked up with Grey's Anatomy since the beginning. Can't get enough of the staff sleeping with each other.

Mickey: No way, man! The Good Doctor is the best show. I love Dr. Murphy! He's the best!!!

Javy: Not bad, dude, but I freaking love House M.D. There's no better one-liners than House's.

[Javy and Mickey high-fiving.]

Bob: I used to watch every Dr Quinn Medicine Woman rerun with my mum.

Mav: Good one, Bob. It's Ice's favourite too! You should come here on Wednesday, he loves to watch his favourite episodes.

Reuben: What about you, Jake?

[Javy snorts because HE KNOWS.]

Jake, dreamily distracted: ER. For one character only... Greene.

Mav, spitting out his beer through his nose: ARE YOU KIDDIN' ME?!

Jake: Nope. There's no sexiest doctor than good ol' Dr. Mark Greene.

The other men but Javy: What? What's going on? Show us Mav!

[On Mav's phone:]

Mickey: DUUUUUUDE. YOU'RE SO PREDICTABLE SOMETIMES.

[They all tease Jake who's as cool as a cucumber. He's not ashamed! The guy IS good-looking and reminds him a little of...]

Bradley: Why you guys laughing? What did we miss?

Jake: Bradshaw! As I live and breathe. Did you bring me back my cheesecake?

[arcane-vagabond]

I didn’t have the booping ability until 20 minutes ago but now I can’t stop!

The boops get us all, yes, yes

[tvthemesongs]

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom intro

[musikdesmittelalters]

Protect Your Health with Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare Plans

As healthcare costs continue to rise, finding a dependable supplement plan is crucial for protecting your health and finances. The Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare plans offer a comprehensive solution to cover the gaps in Original Medicare, helping you manage medical expenses effectively. Original Medicare provides essential coverage, but it doesn’t pay for everything. You may still face out-of-pocket costs for services like hospital stays, skilled nursing, and outpatient care. This is where Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare comes in, offering a range of Medigap plans to cover these additional expenses. One of the standout features of Mutual of Omaha is its wide network of healthcare providers. You can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, giving you the freedom to choose the healthcare professionals and facilities that best meet your needs. This flexibility is especially valuable if you travel frequently or live in multiple locations throughout the year. Another advantage is the company’s reputation for excellent customer support and financial stability. With over a century of experience in the insurance industry, Mutual of Omaha has built a legacy of trust and reliability. Their supplement plans are designed to provide you with the financial security you need to manage your healthcare costs confidently.

What Is Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare?

Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare is a suite of Medigap plans designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare. While Medicare Part A and Part B cover essential healthcare services, they don’t pay for everything, leaving beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Mutual of Omaha’s supplement plans address these gaps, providing financial relief and comprehensive coverage. With options tailored to different needs, you can choose a plan that best aligns with your healthcare requirements. From hospital stays to foreign travel emergencies, these plans ensure you are protected from unexpected costs.

How Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare Reduces Out-of-Pocket Costs?

One of the primary benefits of Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare is its ability to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare alone may not cover all healthcare costs, leading to significant financial strain for many seniors. These supplement plans provide additional coverage for expenses such as coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments. Whether you're managing chronic conditions or facing unexpected medical emergencies, the reduced financial burden allows you to focus on your health rather than worrying about expenses. With various plan options available, you can select the level of coverage that fits your budget.

The Importance of Nationwide Coverage with Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare

Flexibility in healthcare access is crucial, especially for retirees who travel frequently. Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare offers nationwide coverage, allowing you to visit any healthcare provider or hospital that accepts Medicare. This feature ensures that you receive consistent care wherever you are in the United States. Whether you're at home or traveling across the country, you can have peace of mind knowing your medical needs are covered. This nationwide network eliminates the hassle of switching providers and ensures seamless healthcare access.

Tailored Coverage Options with Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare

No two individuals have the same healthcare needs, and Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare recognizes this by offering a variety of tailored plans. Whether you're looking for basic coverage or comprehensive protection, there’s a plan for you. Each plan is designed to address specific gaps in Medicare coverage, such as hospital costs, skilled nursing care, or foreign travel emergencies. This customization ensures you only pay for the coverage you need, making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Hospital Stays Made Affordable with Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare

Hospital stays can quickly become expensive, even with Medicare. Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare helps cover the costs associated with inpatient care, including deductibles and coinsurance. This means you can receive the necessary treatment without worrying about the financial burden. Whether it’s a planned surgery or an unexpected emergency, these supplement plans provide financial protection, ensuring you receive quality care without depleting your savings.

Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage with Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare

Recovery often requires time in a skilled nursing facility, but Medicare coverage is limited. Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare fills this gap by covering extended stays in these facilities. This benefit is especially valuable for those recovering from surgery or managing chronic illnesses. By reducing out-of-pocket costs, these supplement plans allow you to focus on rehabilitation and recovery rather than finances.

Emergency Coverage for International Travel

Frequent travelers need peace of mind when abroad. Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare includes emergency coverage for foreign travel, ensuring you’re protected even outside the U.S. This feature is particularly beneficial for retirees who enjoy international travel. In case of a medical emergency, you can access quality care without worrying about exorbitant costs, making travel safer and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Choosing the right healthcare coverage is essential for maintaining your health and financial well-being, especially as healthcare costs continue to rise. Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare offers a comprehensive solution to fill the gaps in Original Medicare, providing peace of mind and financial security. With a wide range of plans tailored to different needs, you can select the coverage that best aligns with your healthcare requirements and budget. From reducing out-of-pocket expenses to offering nationwide and international coverage, Mutual of Omaha ensures you receive quality care wherever life takes you.

[languagenerd24601]

https://gofund.me/f45af5ac

[medicaresharks]

The Advantages of Mutual of Omaha Supplement Medicare Plans

Introduction

Navigating healthcare coverage as a senior can be complex, especially when considering the gaps in Medicare coverage. Supplemental Medicare plans, also known as Medigap plans, are designed to fill these gaps and provide additional coverage for healthcare expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Mutual of Omaha supplement Medicare plans designed to meet the diverse needs of seniors. This guide explores the advantages of these plans, helping you understand why they might be beneficial for securing comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Understanding Supplemental Medicare Plans

Supplemental Medicare plans, or Medigap plans, are offered by private insurance companies to supplement Original Medicare coverage. They cover expenses such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare beneficiaries would otherwise have to pay out of pocket. These plans are standardized across most states, offering the same benefits for each plan type regardless of the insurance company providing them.

Key Advantages of Supplemental Medicare Plans

Supplemental Medicare plans offer several advantages that can make them a valuable addition to your healthcare coverage:

Comprehensive Coverage

One of the primary advantages of supplemental Medicare plans is their comprehensive coverage. These plans typically cover most, if not all, of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare-covered services. This includes copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, providing financial protection against unexpected medical expenses.

Freedom to Choose Providers

Unlike some managed care plans, supplemental Medicare plans do not restrict you to a network of providers. You can choose any doctor, specialist, or hospital that accepts Medicare patients, giving you the freedom to maintain relationships with your preferred healthcare providers.

Predictable Healthcare Costs

By covering most out-of-pocket expenses, supplemental Medicare plans help make your healthcare costs more predictable. This predictability is essential for budgeting and financial planning, ensuring that you can manage your healthcare expenses without unexpected financial burdens.

Coverage for Travel

Many supplemental Medicare plans include coverage for healthcare services received outside of the United States. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who travel frequently or spend extended periods abroad, providing peace of mind knowing that emergency medical care is covered.

Guaranteed Renewable

Supplemental Medicare plans are guaranteed renewable as long as you continue to pay your premiums. This means your coverage cannot be canceled by the insurance company, regardless of changes in your health status or claims history. This long-term stability is crucial for maintaining continuous healthcare coverage.

Types of Supplemental Medicare Plans

Supplemental Medicare plans are standardized into different plan types labeled with letters (such as Plan A, Plan B, etc.). Each plan type offers a different combination of benefits to meet varying healthcare needs and budget considerations. Understanding the differences between these plans can help you choose the one that best suits your situation.

Basic Benefits

Basic supplemental Medicare plans typically cover essential benefits such as Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, and the first three pints of blood each year. These plans provide foundational coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.

Enhanced Benefits

Enhanced supplemental Medicare plans offer additional benefits beyond the basic coverage, such as coverage for Medicare Part A deductible, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergency care. These plans provide more comprehensive protection against high out-of-pocket costs.

Cost-Sharing Options

Some supplemental Medicare plans include cost-sharing options, such as copayments or coinsurance for certain services. These plans may have lower premiums but require you to share in the cost of your healthcare expenses.

Considerations When Choosing a Plan

When selecting a supplemental Medicare plan, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your healthcare needs and financial situation:

Healthcare Needs

Evaluate your current health status, medical history, and anticipated healthcare needs. Choose a plan that covers the services and treatments you are likely to use, considering any chronic conditions or ongoing medical treatments.

Budget

Review the premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs associated with each plan type. Balance the level of coverage you need with what you can afford to pay in monthly premiums and other healthcare expenses.

Coverage Options

Compare the benefits offered by each plan type, including coverage for out-of-pocket costs, additional benefits, and provider network flexibility. Look for a plan that aligns with your preferences for healthcare providers and treatment options.

Enrollment Periods

Understand the enrollment periods for supplemental Medicare plans, including the initial enrollment period when you first become eligible for Medicare and any special enrollment periods that may apply. Missing these periods could result in higher premiums or coverage limitations.

Enrollment Process

Enrolling in a supplemental Medicare plan is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the steps to ensure you get the coverage you need:

Eligibility

To be eligible for a supplemental Medicare plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Most people become eligible for Medicare at age 65, but those with certain disabilities may qualify earlier.

Comparison Shopping

Compare supplemental Medicare plans offered by different insurance companies to find the best coverage and value for your needs. Use online tools, consult with insurance agents, or seek guidance from Medicare counselors to make an informed decision.

Applying for Coverage

Complete the application process for your chosen supplemental Medicare plan. Provide accurate information about yourself, your Medicare coverage, and any other relevant details requested by the insurance company.

Conclusion

Supplemental Medicare plans offer significant advantages for seniors seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage beyond Original Medicare. By filling the gaps in Medicare coverage and providing additional benefits, these plans can enhance your healthcare experience and provide financial security against unexpected medical expenses. Whether you choose a basic plan to cover essential costs or opt for a more comprehensive plan with additional benefits, supplemental Medicare plans offer flexibility, predictability, and peace of mind. By understanding your healthcare needs, comparing plan options, and enrolling during the appropriate periods, you can select a supplemental Medicare plan that meets your individual needs and ensures you receive the care you deserve without undue financial burden.

[gameraboy2]

How to Survive an Atomic Bomb, 1951 Mutual of Omaha ad

[punkshort]

Chapter warnings: explicit smut (MDNI), perhaps some slight dubcon, language

Chapter Fifteen

Pairing: Joel x F!Reader, pre-outbreak and post outbreak

AU (the only thing I kept was the outbreak, Joel, and Tommy's characters. Joel's backstory is different, and the way he finds Jackson is different. I may include Ellie one day, I just haven't planned that far)

Fic Summary: You worked for Joel and Tommy a few months before the outbreak. The outbreak happens, and you and Joel get stuck traveling the country and keeping each other safe. Neither of you spoke about the feelings you had for one another pre-outbreak, and in a post-apocalyptic world, it seems like survival should be your only focus. But feelings can't be ignored forever.

Fic tags: Explicit Smut (18+ MDNI), Smut, Language, Canon-Typical Violence, Alcohol Use, Age Difference (Reader is 10 years younger than Joel), slow burn, mutual pining, angst, trauma, SA referencing later but I will put a big warning on those chapters

May 2004

You jumped and snapped your eyes open when you felt his fingers brush against your cheek. The moon was completely covered by clouds, making it difficult to see your own hand in front of your face. You looked around in the darkness, hearing the crickets and bullfrogs sing from a nearby pond. You sat up in your sleeping bag, rubbing your eyes and yawning.

"Hey," Joel whispered to you, stroking your cheek again. "Your turn." You nodded, even though you were fairly certain he couldn't see you, and unzipped your sleeping bag so you could stand. He put his hand inside yours to help pull you off the forest floor, his eyes more adjusted to the darkness than your own. He handed you the rifle as you rolled your shoulders, trying to wake your body up.

"You good?" he asked, whispering again.

"Yeah," you replied softly, "just more tired than I thought. Go get some sleep." You turned to head a few feet away to the edge of the trees, finding a broken stump to perch on and observe your surroundings as your eyes became more focused. You heard Joel rustling in his sleeping bag as he got comfortable, and then it was silent, except for the soft hum of wildlife around you.

You've been walking for a few weeks, making camp only in the density of the woods, not yet having found any place suitable enough to spend a few nights and recuperate. You were both exhausted from only getting a few hours of sleep each night, not nearly enough for either of you considering how many miles you walked in any given day. The forests were hilly, the was terrain soft and uneven, requiring more effort than usual from your bodies, slowing you down quite a bit. Joel figured you were headed in the direction of Omaha, but he wanted to steer clear of the city proper, so you were trying to keep a path that was further south, closer to the Missouri border.

After the cruel invasion of your little paradise, Joel had speculated that the men who came that day were part of a larger group, likely connected to the men you killed in the parking ramp. He told you at the time he found it odd that all of the sudden some people stumbled upon your little neighborhood when you had been there for several weeks, completely untouched. That the only thing that made sense was they tracked you back to your home, looking for revenge. It scared you to think someone out there had a vendetta against you, that it could cost your lives, but Joel assured you being so far removed from civilization now kept you safe. However, he still insisted on taking turns keeping watch at night, so you wondered just how truthful he was being.

You sighed as you listened to the crickets chirp in the darkness. Joel had left behind the two car batteries he wanted to use for the CB radio, and he mentioned once you found another small town or highway that he wanted to go looking for another one. You knew he was right, that you couldn't continue to live off the land forever, just the two of you. That the chances of finding Tommy were slim to none. And Joel was adamant about staying far away from any QZ. So, the only option left was to find another group of people who you could trust, and he was hoping to find that with his radio.

You patrolled the tree line every 10 minutes or so, not because it was necessary, but because it helped keep you awake You always glanced down at Joel's sleeping face when you passed by him. You were so close to having everything you wanted: the safety of a secluded home with the man you loved. You weren't sure when you realized it, but once you did, it was like you always knew. You kept it to yourself for now. It was the wrong time to bring it up. Maybe once you found someplace safe, someplace semi-permanent, you would tell him how you felt. He didn’t need the distraction right now.

You sat back down on the stump and watched as the sky slowly brightened through the lush tree trunks, then over the tops of the trees before the sun finally peeked through and birds began to sing, making you squint and readjust yourself so you weren't facing the light head-on. You looked back at Joel, still asleep based on the slow rise and fall of his shoulder. Knowing that the extra rest would do him good, you quietly got to work taking out the small kettle and can of coffee, gently removing two mugs from your backpack so they didn't clatter and make noise. There was a small stream nearby where you filled the kettle, as well as your canteens. Resting them next to you on the ground, you got to work starting a fire. It wasn't until Joel smelled the scent of coffee in your mugs that he stirred and turned over, glancing up at the sun in the sky before looking at you, his brows furrowed.

"Shoulda woke me sooner," he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. You reached a mug out in his direction, and he took it from you gratefully, cradling it in both his hands before bringing it to his lips. You took a sip from your own mug before leaning back against a tree.

"You needed the sleep," you told him as he took another sip. "We've been hiking so much, you need to take care of yourself." He met your eyes over the rim of his mug, giving you a smirk before taking a big swig of coffee.

"What?" you asked him, raising an eyebrow. You put your mug on the ground to fish out some granola and a can of fruit. You tossed the items to Joel and leaned back to rest against your tree. He shook his head at you before ripping into the granola package.

"Nothin'," he said, keeping his eyes down on the food, "I was just thinkin', I prefer the way you take care of me..." you smiled, thinking it was such a sweet thing to say before he added, "in more ways than one."

Joel's eyes shot up to yours now, the surprise apparent on your face. The past few weeks have shifted you both into survival mode. Neither of you had attempted to be physical with one another, except for a quick kiss here or a squeeze of a hand there, an unspoken agreement that being out in the woods was dangerous and you needed to be alert. You blushed and looked down at your mug, feeling shy and taken off guard.

When he saw your reaction, he got up from his sleeping bag to come sit next to you, then tilted your chin up with his finger.

"You havin' second thoughts about us?" he asked, wanting it to come off as a joke, but as soon as he said the words, he realized he needed to know the answer.

You gave him a confused frown. Instead of answering, you put your mug down and flipped your leg over his so you were straddling him. Putting your hands on his shoulders, you leaned down and pressed your lips against his mouth, wrapping one hand around his neck to pull him in deeper. He groaned and you took advantage, sliding your tongue alongside his while his hands gripped your waist. He let his head fall back gently against the tree trunk, running his hands up and down your back before resting them on your hips, pushing you down to grind against his cock, still hard from waking up.

You moaned, flipping your head in the other direction and swirling your tongue around his, tasting the crystallized black coffee in his mouth, and tightening the grip you had on his shoulder. Joel began lightly lifting his hips from the ground to rub against you while his kisses became messier. You had to force yourself back to break the contact before things escalated. He whined, trying to chase your mouth with his, but you dodged him, gently pushing his chest so he rested against the tree trunk again.

He looked up at you, his gaze dark and needy, panting softly as he tried to catch his breath.

“Why would you ask me that?” you said, refusing to respond to his hips still grinding into you.

“I don’t know, sweetheart. Guess it’s been a while and it got me wonderin’ if you came to your senses.” He said, his eyes raking down your body and watching the slow roll of his hips against yours.

“What do you mean?” you asked, trying your hardest to stay focused and not let him distract you.

“Y’know,” he shrugged, still looking down at your hips, “that you realized you deserve better.”

He said it so casually, so matter-of-factly, like anyone in the world would understand, that it made your chest ache. You pushed your hips down firmly, pinning him to the ground so he couldn’t continue rubbing himself against your core, and gripped his chin firmly in your fingers, pulling his surprised gaze up to yours.

“Do you really believe that?” you asked, and all he could do was nod, still staring deep into your eyes. You let go of his chin and placed your hands on his shoulders.

“Listen to me,” you began, making sure he was paying attention. “You are all that I want. You are all that I ever wanted. You’ve consumed my every waking thought for the past year, and you think I ‘deserve better’?” You leaned down to press a firm kiss on his lips before murmuring against his mouth. “There is no better than you. You’re perfect.” He shook his head, averting his gaze.

“I’m far from perfect. I fuck everything up, I piss everyone off, and –“ you cut him off, refusing to hear any more.

“I love you, Joel.”

His eyes shot up to yours. All you could hear was the buzzing of insects surrounding you in the woods and the occasional squirrel bouncing in the treetops. You held your breath, waiting for a reaction as he stared at you, his face giving nothing away. You shifted on his lap a little, beginning to feel exposed.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to tell you that now, I don’t want to distract you, but –“ Suddenly, Joel sprung forward and pushed you back into the sharp bed of pine needles on the forest floor and covered you with his body as he plunged his tongue into your mouth with a greater sense of urgency than before, his hand tangling in your hair. You were having trouble keeping pace with the unexpected response, so you resigned yourself to laying there with your hands on his jaw and waist while he feasted on your mouth in a frenzy. He broke the kiss, leaning back and swiped mindlessly at your shirt, trying to unbutton it but his fingers wouldn’t cooperate. You moved his hands away so he wouldn’t tear the buttons off and ruin the flannel, undoing them quickly and leaving the shirt open but still covering your breasts while he yanked at the zipper on your jeans, pulling them over your hips desperately.

“Joel,” you gasped, looking around the forest as he pulled your jeans all the way off. “We should wait, we should find a safe place, we can’t – oh!” your back arched off the ground when you felt his tongue lick a stripe all the way from your folds to your clit. He focused his mouth on your bundle of nerves, sucking it into his mouth before traveling back down to your center and darting his tongue inside you, moaning when you clenched around him. The vibrations made your jaw hang open, a silent scream on your lips as you rocked yourself up and down to the rhythm he set, the scruff of his beard making the sensation on your cunt so intense it was making you see stars. He brought his mouth back up as he inserted one finger inside you, then two, while his tongue swirled around your clit. He must have noticed your reaction to the vibrations from his voice because he moaned against you over and over until you grabbed at his hair and pulled, stifling a scream as you came, still hyper aware you were exposed in the middle of the woods.

Joel slowed his pace as you came down, removing his fingers from your pussy and popping them in his glistening mouth with a smirk. You gasped for air as you watched him, still unsure how he managed to get you in this position so quickly. You glanced at the trees around you again, making sure no infected or people were nearby, before your gaze landed back on Joel right as he was pushing his jeans down past his knees, freeing his cock and fisting himself as he looked at you.

“This is too risky,” you whispered to him, but he shook his head.

“Don’t care,” he replied, bending down to push his lips against your mouth, tasting yourself as he ran his tongue alongside yours. You whined as he pulled back so he could line himself up with your entrance, applying the slightest bit of pressure before he let go and fell back on his arms to hover above you. He flicked your flannel open, revealing your breasts to him, and he brought a hand up to gently caress one in his palm, rolling a nipple between his fingers. You squirmed below him, desperate now to feel him inside.

“Say it again,” he commanded, giving you a look you had only seen given to colleagues in meetings, a look that meant he was not fucking around.

“I-I love you,” you stammered, unable to look away from his heated gaze. His eyes fluttered shut and he groaned, then in one swift motion, pushed his throbbing cock into you, making you squeeze your eyes shut and bite back a cry as your cunt fluttered around him, trying to adjust to his size. He hardly gave you any time to acclimate before his hips were thrusting into you steadily. Not too fast, but not the slow, languid thrusts he gifted you the first time you slept together. You gripped his back, your nails digging into his muscle as his pace increased, his gasps and groans absorbed by your throat where his mouth rested. He brought his hand down to grab your knee and pulled it up to your chest like before, causing a small cry to escape your lips as the angle changed to where he could hit that spot deep inside.

“J-Joel,” you stuttered, tears forming in your eyes. “I’m close, I’m gonna – oh, god, fuck -  I’m gonna,” you shut your eyes, unable to finish your sentence as you felt the wave of euphoria begin to rise.

“Say it one more time,” he grunted, his jaw clenched as he slammed into you, watching your face closely. “Say it again when you come on my cock.”

“I love you,” you whimpered softly as you felt that familiar wave wash over you and you stilled under him, tilting your head back with your eyes squeezed shut and mouth agape as you tried your best to be quiet. Joel’s movements became unsteady as he watched you come undone. The sight, combined with your admission, made him so lost in the moment that he almost forgot to pull out, spilling himself with a harsh grunt all over your thighs and the pine needles underneath you at the last second.

“Fuck,” he whispered, gasping for breath as he looked down at his seed painting your legs before tipping his head backwards towards the sky, trying to get ahold of himself.

You gripped at the edges of your flannel, pulling it shut as he kneeled between your legs, head still tilted back. You took another cursory glance around you before settling back on him, his eyes closed, and his head now slumped forward. You didn’t mean for the words to slip out, but you sensed in that moment of insecurity he needed the confirmation. You knew it was too soon, that you shouldn’t expect a response, but you were still embarrassed. You closed your eyes, regret invading your mind, as you waited for him to get up so you could clean yourself. Then you felt a cloth gently sweeping across your thighs, and you looked down to see he had fished a rag out of his jeans. He tossed it to the side and then looked at you, your eyes finally meeting once again. You grew uncomfortable under his gaze and began shifting your eyes around, hoping he would stand so you could pull your pants back up, feeling way too open.

“I love you, too,” he said softly, like he was reading your mind, and your eyes darted back to his immediately. You bit your lip to hold back a smile, but he saw it, and a grin spread over his face. He reached down to pull your underwear and jeans back up, and you lifted your hips so you could zip your pants before getting to work on buttoning your flannel.

You sat up and reached for your coffee, now cold in your mug, but you didn't care. You both sat in a comfortable silence sipping from your mugs, his arm draped around your shoulders. If you closed your eyes and focused, you could pretend you were sitting on the front porch of the white house with blue shutters, enjoying your morning coffee together in peace.

You were standing watch on a small highway that curved through the forest while Joel rummaged through a cluster of abandoned cars, checking under the hoods for a useable battery. You looked up and down the road, seeing nothing but a few squirrels and birds swooping down to peck at the ground. You turned back to check on him, smiling as Joel's face scrunched in concentration, twisting the knobs on the transceiver before holding the microphone up to his ear. He smirked, his features relaxing, before looking up at you.

"I got static," he told you, twisting the knobs again before cupping the receiver around his ear. He looked at the terrain around you before shutting the radio off and shoving both items in his pack, handing you a few of his things so he could make room. He zipped his backpack up and slung it around his shoulders, squinting at the trees again.

"We gotta get out of these hills, won't get much of a signal up here, too much blocking it," he explained, spreading his arm out to indicate the thick forest around you. He looked back down at you now, your brows furrowed with worry. He bent down to capture his lips over yours, massaging them gently before pulling away and using his thumb to smooth the frown from your forehead.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm gonna find us somewhere safe. Maybe even find us a house one day," he murmured, running his thumb over your lower lip before letting his hand fall to his side, dropping his head down to give you a reassuring look. You smiled back at him as you followed him down the road, leading you out of the hills and through the trees. You knew he was trying his best, but you were still worried about being around other people. So far, your interactions have not been very positive, and your trust in strangers was quickly waning. But you trusted Joel, and you knew he wouldn't lead you anywhere that was unsafe, so you carried on and followed him down the road. After a few hours, you found yourselves overlooking the edge of a huge cliff, leaning up against the guardrail to admire the tall pine trees below.

"Wow," you muttered, glancing down before taking a tentative step backwards. "We're higher up than I thought."

Joel was digging in his pack to pull the battery and radio out, tuning the dials to see if he could pick anything up. All you heard was static. You turned around to face the road, kicking a small stone and watching it skip across the pavement. You noticed the shadow of a bird fly over the road, and you glanced up to see a big hawk circling overhead, no doubt hunting for some lunch. You shrugged your pack from your shoulders and rummaged around for some beef jerky and dried fruit, listening to Joel mutter to himself as he turned the dials. Perching on a big rock, you took a bite of food and swiveled your head around, making sure the coast was still clear. You nearly choked on your dried peach when you heard a broken voice come through on the radio, your eyes shooting up to meet each other in shock.

You jumped down from the rock, your meal forgotten, as you jogged over to where he was crouched and bent down to try to make out the message. After a few minutes with no success, only able to make out a word or two, Joel turned the radio off and repacked it, sliding the backpack over his shoulders.

"We gotta keep moving, maybe the further down we go, we can pick up a better signal. C'mon," he said excitedly, turning to walk down the road as you ran back to snatch up your bow, pack and your bag of food, pushing the anxiety from your mind.

He kept pulling the radio back out every half hour or so, trying to see if the signal was clearer before continuing forward. It was getting late, you could see the sun glowing orange as it dipped below the trees. You were tired. Your feet and back hurt, and you weren't far enough into the forest to make a safe campsite.

"Joel?" You called out to him, ten feet ahead, mind still focused on the radio call. "Joel?" You tried again, louder this time. He swiveled around to you, his forehead creased.

"We gotta stop soon, find a place to set up camp," you said, peering through the forest which was quickly becoming dark.

"Just a little further, I think if we make it past this next bend in the road, I might be able to hear it," he said, turning back around before you stopped him, saying his name more firmly now, becoming frustrated.

"We can try tomorrow, c'mon, I'm tired," you said, your eyes pleading. He sighed and looked around for the first time, realizing how quickly it was becoming dark.

"Ok, let's go," he huffed, leading you into the woods. It was worrying you how fixated he was becoming on this radio call, like it was the answer to his prayers. Joel was quiet and lost in thought as he set up camp, hardly sparing a glance your way until he volunteered to take first watch. He picked up his rifle and headed a few yards out, clutching his flashlight in his hand and anxiously tapping his foot on the ground.

"Joel?" you said quietly, walking up behind him. He turned briefly to look at you before turning his attention back to the trees. "Can we talk about this?" you questioned hesitantly.

"What about it?" he replied gruffly, still turned away.

"I just want to manage your expectations; it might not be what you think it is. It could be a trap, or it could be the military. We don't know -" Joel cut you off, turning around to face you, his gaze dark.

"You don't wanna do this." He meant it to sound like a question, but it was more of a statement, like he already knew the answer. "I get it. We've had some bad run-ins, but we gotta try. We can't keep wanderin' around forever, and I ain't gettin' stuck in a QZ." His jaw ticked in frustration, wishing you would get on board with this plan.

"Remind me again why we don't want to go to a QZ," you retorted, narrowing your eyes at him. He sighed and rolled his eyes, your point proven. People are capable of terrible things.

"Yeah, I know, but we gotta believe there's some good out there. We need a community, people to help build a life again," he pleaded, reaching an arm out to you. You paused before reluctantly placing your hand in his palm, but you still refused to step towards him. He gave your hand a gentle tug and brought you forward to wrap his arms around you, kissing the crown of your head.

"Do you trust me?" he asked you, his lips pressed against the top of your head. You nodded before pushing away from him to head back to your sleeping bag, but not before calling over your shoulder, "You better be right, Miller."

He smirked and turned back towards the dense forest as you buried yourself inside your sleeping bag, the sounds of crickets lulling you to sleep.

The next day was rainy as you made your way further down the hill. Joel took mercy on you and waited until he had found a spot that was covered with some trees so you weren't standing in the pouring rain while he tested the radio. He knew you were concerned about what this next phase could bring, that you missed the little neighborhood you were forced to leave so suddenly. He didn't share with you his real reason for his obsession with finding a safe haven. Ever since you had to leave the house in a rush a few weeks ago, his anxiety has been borderline unmanageable. All he could focus on was what would have happened if it wasn't storming, if he didn't come back to the house exactly when he did. There had been too many close calls in the past few months, and he was realizing his ability to keep you safe would only get worse with age. The thought of putting you in harm’s way was eating him alive and keeping him up at night. Sometimes, he could feel his anxiety creeping up so badly that his chest began to ache, and his breathing became irregular. He didn't want to worry you and he knew you would just argue that you could defend yourself, so he kept these thoughts to himself and just focused on finding someplace permanent to live.

He got the radio to the right frequency when he finally heard the message clearer than he had the day before. You turned your head to stare at the radio as you heard the recording of a woman's voice say there was safety to be found at the Kansas City University dormitories, that there was a small group of survivors there welcoming all others. It gave directions on which dorm they were residing in before the recording stopped, then the message started over after about 20 seconds of silence.

He listened to it twice before turning it off, avoiding your stare as he packed the radio back in his bag. You remained silent. You expressed your concerns yesterday, there wasn't much point in repeating it. Joel took his map out to double check the route before continuing down the road to hook up with I-29. You walked in silence in the heavy rain for hours until you found an overpass to hide under and eat.

You kept your gaze focused on your food, fuming silently to yourself. Of course the message said exactly what he wanted to hear. You felt like you were the only one thinking logically, that maybe these people were already dead, or they were trying to lure you into a trap to steal your weapons and food. It was unlike Joel to be so willing to walk into a potentially dangerous situation like this, and you were starting to get angry.

"Alright, out with it," he said, feeling the tension and clearly annoyed.

"I don't know what you're talking about," you replied flatly, your eyes still fixed on your food.

"Don't play games with me," he said, his voice raising a bit. Why couldn't you see this was the best option? Why couldn't you just understand?

Pissed, you flicked your empty bag of food on the ground and stood up to glare at him, nostrils flaring.

"I already told you, Joel. I'm scared this isn't what you think it is. Why would they broadcast their location like that? Anybody could run up on them and steal their shit, kill them all. That doesn't cross your mind as strange?" you said through clenched teeth. He stood up now, his anger setting in. "What the hell's going on with you? Weren't you the one who told me not to be naive? Not everyone's telling the truth?"

"'What the hell's goin' on with me?'" He repeated, his fist clenched at his side. "I'll tell you what's goin' on with me. I'm fuckin' scared! I hardly know what I'm doin' out here, and I'm scared to death I'm gonna get you killed. Is that what you want to hear?" he yelled. He could feel his chest begin to tighten again but he ignored it. "And don't go tellin' me you can take care of yourself, I know you can, but there's too much at stake. If I lose you, it'll fuckin' kill me, do you get that?!" He grabbed your arms and gave you a shake, his outburst surprising you.

You stared at each other as his words settled over you. You could see in his eyes that he really was scared, that he was desperate, pleading with you to go through with this. You sighed as you felt the anger begin to dissipate. Maybe there was a compromise. You wriggled out from his grasp and took a step back, his arms falling to his sides.

Joel continued to stare at you, his eyes wide and panicky, determined to convince you. Over his shoulder you picked up some sluggish movement. Your eyes flicked from him to the runner lumbering towards you, his back still turned. You whipped the bow from behind you and grabbed an arrow sticking out of your backpack.

"Move," you muttered as you drew the arrow back. He shifted to the side and turned to see the infected ambling towards him, picking up speed. You lodged an arrow right between its eyes, your arms falling heavy to your side. You hung your head before bringing your chin up to look at him.

"Fine," you succumbed. "On one condition."

"Name it," he said eagerly, his chest relaxing.

"We watch them for a few days, or however long it takes for me to be good with this. We don't just go walking up and knocking on their door." You slung the bow across your back and walked a few feet to pull your arrow from the runner's skull.

"Done," he said, unable to hide the relief in his voice. "If anything feels off, we keep goin'. I promise."

You rolled your eyes, mostly teasing, but still annoyed with him.

"Come on, let's get going. We have to find somewhere to set up camp soon." You turned on your heel and left the cover of the overpass, Joel following shortly behind after a quick glance at his map. The thruway led you both through a massive nature preserve until you had found a small shelter that appeared to be a welcome center for the park. If it weren't for the thruway narrowly carving its way through the dense forest, you would be in the middle of nowhere. You were soaked to the bone and thrilled to find a place with a roof for the night. Joel didn't want to start a fire til the morning, so you had to make do with draping your wet clothes over the counters, hoping they would dry, and putting on layers before tucking yourself into your sleeping bag. Since you weren't as exposed now, Joel didn't think it was necessary to take watch. It would be the first time either of you got to sleep through the night in weeks. You buried your face and turned on your side, but right before you fell asleep, you felt Joel's arm snake around your waist and pull you closer to him across the floor, spooning you through your sleeping bags.

Kansas City, MO

You looked through the rifle scope at the Oak Street dormitory from your perch in a park across Brush Creek. The trees kept you mostly hidden, but you couldn’t get very high to get a good look at the place. Joel was hesitant to venture closer into the city, and you agreed that you felt safer in the confines of a park, surrounded by nature like you had become accustomed. It was your fourth day observing the dorms. You could see some movement through the windows from time to time, but they were smart: they kept their movements to a minimum and kept as many windows as possible covered. You had seen a couple men come outside with assault rifles doing what looked like regular perimeter checks, but aside from that, you hardly saw anyone. You had a pit in your stomach about this. You really hoped that when you got here, something would have convinced you that it was a good decision, that these people were trustworthy, but so far all you could tell was they were very good at staying quiet.

You sighed and leaned back, giving Joel the rifle and rolling your shoulder, tense from hovering over the gun all morning. He peered through the scope but saw the same thing as you, which wasn’t much. He had been patient and didn’t push you, he wanted this to work out so desperately, but he knew you had to come around on your own. You picked at your fingernails as you stared straight ahead past the creek to the building, trying to rationalize why this would be a good idea.

“I don’t know about this, Joel,” you admitted, chewing your lip and still staring at the building. “On one hand, they keep a low profile, but on the other, I can’t get an idea of what we would be dealing with.”

He nodded, his gaze falling to the ground, and he rubbed his chest. He wasn’t sure if you would find another community for a long time, and he was terrified of what could happen by then. You studied his face as he stared at the ground, feeling guilty for being doubtful. You understood his concerns, and you trusted him, but your gut was telling you something was off. You reached your hand out to take his, and he lifted his eyes to look at you questioningly.

“If you think it’s a good idea, I’ll do it,” you told him, stifling the nagging feeling in the back of your mind. His eyes crinkled as his face broke out into a smile, grabbing you and pulling you into a deep kiss, trying to express his gratitude.  You pulled away and held his hand again.

“You can’t leave me alone, though. Not until I feel comfortable. It’s still us or them, right?” you told him, gazing urgently into his eyes, your grip on his hand tightening. He nodded aggressively.

“I won’t leave you, sweetheart. We’re in this together.” He leaned forward and planted another kiss before pulling back and gripping your face in his hands. “This’ll be good, I know it.”

You walked up to the building, unarmed with your hands raised. The area was quiet, you didn’t hear any sounds of infected, gunshots, or people, which put your mind at ease a bit. The door swung open and three men came out, aiming their rifles in your direction.

“Freeze!” one with dark black hair and thick eyebrows shouted. You did as you were told, raising your hands even higher as they approached you. When they got closer, the dark-haired man spoke up.

“What’s your business here?” he asked, eyeing your weapons but not making a move to take them.

“We heard your call over the radio, we’re lookin' for a community, just a couple of survivors.” Joel told them. You continued to stare straight ahead into the dark-haired man’s eyes. He turned his mouth to his shoulder where a walkie talkie was fastened, and he let whoever was on the other end know they had two survivors looking for asylum. He listened to his earpiece and nodded, lowering his weapons.

“You need to hand over your guns, then you can come with us. Meet the leadership. When they deem it acceptable, they’ll give you rooms.” He told you both, reaching his hand out expectantly for your weapons. You glanced at Joel nervously but did as the man said and tossed your knives, bow and handgun on the ground in between you as the two other men scooped them up. You lowered your hands as they ushered you into the building, one skinny man with reddish hair in front of you, leading the way, and the other two behind you, keeping a close eye on your movements.

The man knocked on a door on the second floor, only entering when he heard the acknowledgement from within. The door pushed open and you followed Joel into the room, standing beside him as the two men remained stationed at the door, their eyes still trained on the both of you. The redhead spoke up to a small group of people who were huddled around a desk examining a map.

“These are the two we saw approaching the doors,” he said, stepping aside so the leaders could survey you. You felt Joel stiffen beside you, but you weren’t sure why. There were four older men and one younger blonde woman, who immediately fixed her gaze onto Joel and the corner of her mouth pulled into a smirk. You turned your head to look at Joel, his jaw locked and he was frowning, staring daggers into the blonde woman.

“Joel!” she exclaimed softly, looking back in her direction as you heard him swallow roughly next to you.

“Amy,” he replied coldly, and you felt your stomach drop.

Chapter Sixteen

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