CHAPTER THREE: THE FARM

"can we just...pretend this didn't happen?"

—

SLEEP DID NOT INDULGE INDIANA THAT NIGHT.

Sophia's head rested against her chest, her stuffed doll tugged into her arms. Indiana kept her eyes peeled, searching constantly, always alert. Every sound made her squeeze her knife tighter and she did math problems in her head to pass the time.

Her eyes bloodshot, palms sweaty, and back aching; Indiana gently woke Sophia as the morning sun rose.

"Come on, Soph," she shook her softly. "We gotta get back today."

Sophia rubbed her eyes as she stirred, sitting up with a yawn. "Do you even remember how to get back?"

Indiana was silent, busying herself with tying her shoes and standing.

"I miss my mom," Sophia admitted quietly. "Do you think they're okay?"

"I know they are," Indiana responded immediately. "They've got my dad, and Daryl, and Rick, and Glenn, and T-Dog and Andrea. They're okay. Your mom's safe. Let's worry about us for now, okay?"

Sophia nodded and Indiana dug in her back, finding a granola bar, handing it to the younger girl. "Eat as we walk," she told her. "I'm sorry I got us lost."

"It's okay," Sophia shrugged. "It's like you said yesterday. More adventures."

Indiana smiled at Sophia's words, her heart warming, and she ruffled Sophia's hair playfully.

"More adventures indeed."

—

Indiana and Sophia walked for most of the day, chatting about any subject that came to mind. They talked about their parents, about Carl, about their favorite princesses and what they missed most about the old world.

Indiana had never had a sister, never been close to any female, really, but Sophia felt like what she imagined it would be like.

A paternal, protective, impenetrable love surged from Indiana to Sophie, in the same sense it did to Carl.

They came across a small cottage and Sophia asked quietly if she could rest for a bit. Indiana knew the heat was getting to them both, not to mention the dehydration, so Indiana had Sophia wait outside while she cleared the house.

Thankfully, there weren't any walkers, but they scored with three cans of spaghetti and a gallon of water.

Passing the food back and forth, the pair chatted more. Sophia always wanted a horse and was excited to learn that Indiana used to ride them.

Ed never liked when Sophia wore dresses, but Indiana promised she'd get one for her when they went on another run.

Carol loved Sophia's hair braided, but never managed to learn the skill herself, and so Indiana braided Sophia's hair in preparation of seeing her mom again.

The girls found nail polish in the back of the bathroom closet and Sophia confessed this was like her first real sleepover. Indiana told her it was her first real sleepover, too.

The girls fell asleep curled up together under a pillow fort Indiana had forged for them.

—

Indiana woke up first, brushing her teeth with a toothbrush she'd found tucked between two shelves. She examined her nails and smiled softly at the reminder.

Indiana's thoughts drifted to her father and her smile fell, worry smothering the bit of happiness. Nostalgia tugged at her mind as she recalled the first time Shane had painted her nails.

She asked for them to be pretty, every one a different color. He'd taken her to the store and let her pick out as many colors as she wanted, and then when she tried to paint her hand herself and then nearly cried because her hands shook so much, he offered to do it.

Placing her hand on his knee, he calmed her with his favorite action movie, and then put it on when her eyes lit up. He painted each one a different color and then as the months passed, he learned to add stars and flowers and other shapes to make her smile.

Tears filled her eyes and she closed them.

He would be fine. She'd see him again. They'd all be okay. It would be okay.

Indiana took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Wiping her face with the back of her hand, she walked into the living room, tucking the toothbrush into her back and packing up the toothpaste.

"Ready, peach?" Indiana asked Sophia, who was munching on crackers, eyes glued on a comic book.

Sophia nodded, standing up and offering the crackers to Indiana, who shook her head, pushing aside her hunger. She'd eat later that night; Sophia needed the food now.

The girls triple-checked the cottage before leaving, walking out together and heading into the blistering sun.

The girls trekked in silence for a while, judging by the sun maybe an hour or two, before coming across a long stretch of dirt road with acres of farm lands.

"Think they have horses?" Indiana asked Sophia, whose face brightened at the thought. "Let's go see."

—

It was the pretty girl with a cowgirl hat on that really made Indiana feel safe.

"I'm Indie," she introduced to the young woman on a horse. "Th-this is Sophia. We lost our group, we were just hoping to get our bearings."

"Sure," the young woman nodded. "Head straight down, take a left. Mailbox says 'Greene.' Tell my dad Maggie sent you. I'll be back."

She kicked the horse and went off running. Sophia and Indiana exchanged a wide-eyed look.

"She was so pretty," Indiana muttered to Sophia, shaking her head. "Am I that pretty?"

Sophia nodded immediately. "I like your hair," she pointed to Indiana's wild curls. "They're cool."

Indiana's chest moved forward a bit. "Thanks, Soph." She ruffled Sophia's hair. "I think your hair's cool."

—

Indiana gripped Sophia's hand as they approached the large white farmhouse. There was a barn a bit further to the left, and a strong oak tree with an old swing hanging from it.

Indiana smiled softly, remembering her days as a child running around parks with Shane. Her favorite thing as a teenager would be the late night walks to the only McDonald's in town, stopping and swinging on the swingset at the park.

An older man opened the door, with greying hair and a clean-shaven, curious expression. He looked the classical Christian man, a slightly suspicious glare on his face seeing Indiana — ah, her favorite thing in the south was the subconscious racism against anyone who looked remotely not white — and then it softened when he spotted Sophia.

"Evening, sir," Indiana greeted, her southern accent coming out to place extra charm. She didn't use it often, having grown out of it, but it came out during precarious situations or when she needed to calm a white man. "At least, I think it's evenin'. My name's Indiana, this is my sister, Sophia," Sophia glanced up at her in surprise, then straightened, a smile blossoming on her face. "And we just ran into Maggie, who said we could rest here for the night?"

At the man's slightly more understanding look, Indiana pressed. "Listen, sir, I'm not lookin' to cause any trouble. We're tired and alone and just need a place to lay our heads in safety. We'll be outta your hair in the mornin', scout's honor."

Indiana was a Girl Scout. For about a year. Then she cried when the other girls didn't like her and left, taking up soccer as a secondary sport instead.

The man sighed, closing the space between them. He walked down the front porch steps and offered his hand.

"Hershel Greene," he greeted. "Pleasure's all mine. Let's get you girls some food."

—

Hershel was a nice man, aside from the original racism, and Sophia liked them all well enough. He had two daughters; Maggie, who'd they'd met previously, and Beth, who was soft-spoken and had a stuffed animal collection in her wardrobe that made Indiana jealous.

Otis was the ranch hand, and Patricia his wife. They were kind to Indiana and Sophia, making up the sofas for the girls. Otis played guitar and Beth sung, and Sophia smiled wider than Indiana had ever seen her.

Sophia stuck to Indiana's side like glue, though. It nearly broke Indiana's heart. There were a lot of men — and Otis couldn't help that he looked like Ed — and it was making Sophia more and more anxious by the minute.

Indiana was fairly sure she was in love with Maggie.

Witty, kind-hearted and with a killer smile, Indiana was pretty sure if she'd met her under normal circumstances, she'd have wifed her up.

That wasn't to say that Hershel would have been cool with it.

If the Bible verse and prayer before dinner were anything to go by, they were a very religious family.

Indiana had had enough religious trauma to last her a lifetime.

"So what your story, then?" Maggie asked Indiana as they sat on the swinging porch outside.

Everyone had retreated for bed, but the two girls were up late talking. Sophia's sleeping figure was in view inside, sprawled out on the couch. Perhaps it was foolish, but Indiana trusted the family and felt safe leaving her alone for a few hours.

"Not much," Indiana shrugged. "I'm from King County — small town outside Atlanta. Adopted by a Deputy, he's the best dad a girl could ask for," she met Maggie's eyes. "And we were in a pretty good sized group, it's how I met Sophia."

Maggie frowned. "She's not really your sister?" She asked curiously.

"No," Indiana admitted sheepishly. "Her dad was awfully mean to her but he died about a week ago. We've been everywhere, feels like."

Maggie listened intently, her knee innocently resting against Indiana's.

"Think you'll find your group soon?" Maggie inquired, turning her head to look at Indiana.

"I hope so," Indiana confessed. "I miss my dad. It's strange being without him. And my little brother. Well, he's my uncle Rick's kid, but he's pretty much my brother."

Maggie smiled softly. "What's his name?"

"Carl," Indiana informed her. "He likes comics and chocolate pudding."

Maggie laughed a little. "Sounds like a good kid," she bit her lip. "I like your hair," she added quietly. "Never met a girl with pink hair before."

Indiana blushed at the compliment, moving her hand to her hair subconsciously. "Thanks," she breathed out. "I-I like your face." She winced. "I mean, I-I—"

"—Can I try something?" Maggie asked hopefully, a tinge of nervousness to her voice.

Indiana nodded, heartbeat loud in her chest. She was sure Maggie could hear it. It was all Indiana could focus on. It was going to burst out of her, fall on the floor.

Gosh, Indiana wished she could fall into the floor. Her cheeks were so warm and Maggie was so pretty.

And then Maggie was cupping her chin softly, pulling Indiana's face to hers. And her lips were soft and sweet and gentle.

Indiana had never been kissed before.

But, if this is what it felt like, she definitely understood the appeal.

Maggie tasted like strawberry chapstick. (Which just so happened to be Indiana's favorite flavor.) Her lips were soft and gentle, gliding against Indiana's.

She was timid and slow, unsure, and Indiana suspected this wasn't her first time kissing — but probably her first time kissing a girl.

Indiana pulled her closer at the thought. They were giving something to the other that night.

The air was hot and sticky, but the pesky cicadas had stopped making noise the second Maggie kissed her.

Everything stopped, really.

Indiana couldn't focus on anything except how pretty Maggie was. Pretty and soft and sweet and tasting like candy on her tongue. Oh, she'd never kissed with tongue before.

Maggie's tentatively touched hers, pulling her closer, hand moving to grip her head. Indiana obliged happily, but unsure of herself, let Maggie take control of it all.

She didn't mind Maggie being in control. Maggie seemed to know what she was doing and Indiana was more than happy to please her.

Maggie let her tongue wander around Indiana's mouth; wet, and hot, and tasting of apple juice, but Indiana was loving it.

Her breath sank into Indiana's and she wanted to keep breathing it in. Keep breathing Maggie in.

Loving the way her skin tingled from Maggie's gentle fingers. The way her mouth seemed to be made for Maggie's.

The way—

Maggie pulled back and laughed softly, leaning her forehead against Indiana's.

"I'm sorry," Maggie apologized, cheeks dark under the porch light. "I shouldn't have done that. You're just...so pretty. And you smell so good. And I've never — I mean, I've never kissed a girl before so I—"

"—I liked it," Indiana cut her off shyly. "You can do that anytime you'd like."

Maggie pulled back, a smile tugging at the lips Indiana wanted to press to hers again.

"I shouldn't," Maggie shook her head. "My daddy would kill me if he knew. Can we just...pretend this didn't happen?" She looked to Indiana hopefully, biting her lip again.

Indiana's eyes flickered to her mouth and she nodded, meeting her eyes again. A sadness filled her at the loss of Maggie's touch and the knowledge it wouldn't find her again.

"Of course," Indiana agreed, smiling kindly. "Yeah, of course. I get it."

Maggie hesitated. "Do you think your dad would be okay with this?" She asked softly.

Indiana hesitated. She and Shane had never really spoken about preferences or relationships. Indiana had never really been asked out on a date or had the inclination to go. She'd never been to a party or even had a crush, really.

(Unless she counted Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones or Harrison Ford as Han Solo. Or Hugh Jackman as Wolverine or Brendan Fraser as Rick O'Connell. Or — okay, maybe she had a type.)

But the question remained of whether or not Shane would be alright with her kissing a girl?

She tried to picture the conversation, but couldn't see anything past maybe a confused look and then a laugh. Shane would probably say he understood why she went after women.

(Shane loved women.)

"I think he'd be okay," Indiana settled on eventually. "He's pretty supportive. I think it would be weird at first, but he'd be okay."

Maggie sighed. "Good for you, then," she leaned forward and kissed Indiana again.

Chaste, hastier, less soft, and over far too soon.

Indiana watched her longingly as she pulled away.

"This never happened. Goodnight, Indie."

—

Hershel let Indiana and Sophia stay for three nights, even asking if they wanted to permanently settle in.

The girls were overjoyed but knew they had to find their group eventually. Otis had left to go hunting when Hershel sat the girls down to ask.

Hershel was understanding and directed them to the highway, offering them their best horse and a map.

He was pleased that Indiana knew how to properly handle a horse and offered her a cowgirl hat with a fond smile.

Indiana's heart swelled at the notion and rested the hat atop her messy curls, but it fell off a few minutes later. Laughing, she placed it on Sophia's head.

"Cowgirls are strong," she told Sophia. "Men don't bother them. And they look amazing on a horse. Be a cowgirl, Soph."

Sophia just laughed at Indiana and brushed off her hands. The girls were set to eat breakfast and head out when there was a loud shout from the lawn.

Everyone exchanged a worried look and followed Hershel to the door.

Relief flooded Indiana when she spotted a man in a Sherrif's hat rushing towards them, but it sank when she realized who he was holding.

"Carl!" Indiana shouted, feet thinking before her mind.

She rushed outside, past Hershel and Maggie, tripping on the bottom step but kept herself running.

"C-Carl!" Indiana's panicked breathing caught up with her as tears flooded her gaze.

Rick met her halfway, looking around pleadingly, clutching Carl whose abdomen was bleeding.

"Was he bit?" Hershel asked loudly.

"Shot," Rick confirmed, eyes fearful and filled with tears. "By your man."

"Otis?" Patricia asked.

Indiana pushed away the anger — these people had been kind to her, it wasn't their fault — and looked to Hershel pleadingly.

He'd mentioned he'd been a vet when she cut up her hand cooking with Maggie the night before.

"You've gotta help him," Indiana pleaded, looking at Hershel desperately. "It's my little brother, p-please Hershel."

Hershel nodded, cupping her cheek briefly before looking to Carl and Rick.

"Inside, inside," he gestured for Rick to follow and Indiana trailed behind, trembling in fear.

She felt someone grab her hand and looked down, seeing a tearful Sophia. Pushing her own worries away, she kneeled down in front of the younger girl.

"He'll be okay," Indiana promised. "Hershel's gonna fix him up and we-we're gonna be fine, Soph. And, look, we got our group, okay?"

Sophia nodded, sniffling and hugging Indiana tightly. Indiana looked over her shoulder to the door Rick and Carl had gone through, praying that they would be okay.

Carl would be okay.

He had to be.

Indiana could hear Maggie and Hershel asking Rick his name and to leave, and she let go of Sophia, walking into the room.

"Rick Grimes," Indiana supplied. "This is Carl." She grabbed his arm gently. "Rick, let's go, it's okay, let them-let them work."

Rick nodded, shock written over his face. He followed Indiana out, looking around with shell-shocked eyes.

"Rick," Indiana put her hands on his shoulders. "It's okay."

Rick nodded, eyes looking through her until he blinked, realization dawning his face.

"Indie?" He asked in choked sob. "You're okay?"

"Yes," Indiana hugged him, uncaring about the blood getting over her clothes. "I'm fine, Rick, I'm okay. Sophia too."

Rick wrapped his arms around her, sobbing into her shoulder. "We've been — been looking for you."

"You found us."

"Carl..."

"Shh, Rick," she ran her hand up and down his back. "He'll be okay."

Noise outside drew Indiana's attention and she turned her head, tears gathering in her eyes at the sight of her father running across the yard, Otis close behind.

Indiana left Rick, bolting out the door and meeting her father just over the fence, collapsing into his arms.

"Indie?" He gasped, pulling her close, his gun sliding from his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Dad," she cried out, sobbing into his shoulder.

"I'm here, baby," he held her close, running his hand through her hair. "You're okay, I'm here. Where's Carl, you see him?"

Indiana nodded, pulling back and sniffling. "He's with Hershel. He'll fix him up."

Confusion flashed across Shane's face. "Who's Hershel?"

"He's the one who's helped me and Sophia—"

"—Goddammit, Indie, I knew you were with Sophia!" He pressed a kiss to her forehead, pulling back with a grin. "I'm so fucking proud of you. Taking care of her."

"She's okay. We're both okay." Indiana nodded, standing and helping her dad up. "Rick's inside, Carl too. I gotta tell you, dad, whatever happened with Carl, Otis is a nice man. He's helped us a lot."

"Yeah, well," Shane scoffed, ruffling her hair. "Whatever food he cooked you don't make up for what he did to Carl."

Shane pressed another kiss to her head, slinging his arm around her as they walked to the house. "But I'll try and go easy on him, for your sake."

—

slow start ikkkk I'm sorry promise it'll pick up and be more dialogue driven as we continue. also don't expect Joel or Negan until after the farm because I want to establish indie as a character first.
thank you guys smmmm for readdinngg