I am a huge Bethyl and Brick fan but love reading the odd pairings too. I wanted to try my hand at a Shane/Beth fic where Shane does not go completely psycho and is not controlling or abusive to Beth. Hopefully some of you will stick with me on this ride. There will be many other unusual pairings in my story as well. I am not the most consistent at updating, but I will do my best.

For background on my story Daryl, Rick and Shane have been friends since elementary school. In Junior High they became friends with Shawn and Glenn, who were a year behind them. Maggie is two years younger than Shawn and Glenn. Beth is ten years younger than Maggie, making Shane a little more than thirteen years older than Beth.

The title is a play on lyrics from a Taylor Swift song and Shane's break with reality on the show. As always, I do not own The Walking Dead, the characters, the actors or Taylor Swift. This is my first TWD fic. I can't write the cadence of a Southern accent, so I am not even going to try. Please read and review, constructive criticism is always welcome.

Our story begins halfway through Beth's last semester of college at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia...

...

Shane Walsh stared at the amber liquid in his shot glass. Waiting was not his forte and as usual, Martinez was late. He had not seen his friend since he had moved to Nashville six years before to leave the King County Sheriff's department for the Nashville PD. Recently promoted to Chief of Police, Martinez was in Athens visiting his in-laws while Shane was in Athens testifying at a trial of some riff raff he had arrested in King County. The trial was dragging out due to the statewide crime spree Len had engaged in before crossing Shane's path. For once Shane was growing weary of staying in a hotel on the state's dime.

"You know, the whiskey can't bite ya if you don't drink it," Martinez smirked as he slid onto the bar stool next to Shane.

A genuine smile spread across his face as Shane greeted his friend.

"I had to wait for you. I have to rub it in that I can go home reeking of whiskey without any one making me sleep on the couch," he retorted.

"You'd give up being King County's most eligible bachelor in a heartbeat to have a ball and chain and a few rug rats of your own, Walsh," Martinez teased back.

For a reply Shane just sipped his whiskey. Martinez didn't realize how close to the truth his statement was for Shane. All his friends were married, and other than Glenn, they all had children. Even Daryl had two of his own. Hell, Rick was on his second marriage and had a two year old with Michonne.

"Speaking of rug rats, how many do you have now, six or seven?" Shane deflected.

Martinez grinned ear to ear, "Five. All girls. My mom says it is the revenge of Saint Agnes, payback for all the prayers she had to hear because of me."

They spent a good hour catching up before Martinez glanced at his watch in surprise.

"I gotta head out. Joan wants me to change the battery in her dad's car tonight. It was good seeing you though man! You get lonely out here, I could really use a good officer like you. Open invitation, man."

Standing with a laugh, Shane gave Martinez a manly half hug half pat on the back.

"I'll keep it in mind- if I ever get bored of the selection here," he said as he eyed a petite blonde in a red tank top behind Martinez.

After glancing over his shoulder, Martinez mouthed a good luck before leaving.

Taking advantage of the blonde being turned to talk to her friend, Shane appraised her long legs in tight blacks jeans and the toned arms. She was thin, but in a healthy toned way. Her long platinum hair was in a ponytail with a small braid weaving through the tendrils. Clearing his throat, Shane closed the space between them.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" he drawled. He put on his best half smile as she started to turn. "Do you believe in love at first sight or do I need to walk by again?"

Blue eyes widened as they met his chocolate ones.

"Deputy Walsh? Are you trying to hit on me?" the youngest Greene asked, one hand on her hip and the other holding a beer.

"O, Lord! I am so sorry, Beth! I didn't realize...Are you even old enough to be in a bar? Please don't tell Maggie I said that, " he sputtered.

Beth laughed, her laugh like music.

"I've been twenty-one for at least six months," she tried not to smile at his discomfort. She was secretly flattered that he had not recognized her.

"How about we start again? I'll go first," she cleared her throat before exaggerating surprise. "Why, Shane, it is so nice to run into you! What brings you to Athens?"

Shane smiled a self-deprecating smile.

"Beth Greene! So nice to see you, too. I'm in town testifying at Len's trial, I might have to sublet an apartment if it goes on much longer. How is college going?"

"Just trying to survive my last midterms. Jimmy's roommate is dropping out, so you could take his place if you need to," she teased.

Jimmy. Crap, thought Shane. He hoped Jimmy did not see him hit on Beth. The only thing more embarrassing than hitting on your friend's baby sister was having her boyfriend witness it. Her boyfriend that had dated her since she was thirteen.

"You still dating Jimmy?" he asked tentatively. "Is he here tonight?"

The smile on Beth's face fell as she nodded her head to the corner. A clearly wasted Jimmy was trying to play a game of darts. He turned to see Shane and Beth watching him. Shane turned his attention back to Beth, ignoring Jimmy walking towards him.

"You, Ok?" he whispered peering into her eyes.

Beth looked at the floor. Jimmy threw an arm around Beth's shoulder's. He tried to kiss her cheek but Beth dodged.

"You're drunk, Jimmy," she reprimanded softly.

Jimmy narrowed his eyes before turning to Shane.

"A little out of your jurisdiction, aren't you, Deputy Walsh?" he said snidely.

"I'm in Athens on business, James. Just responsibly enjoying a drink when I ran into a family friend," Shane answered icily. Damn, he thought. Jimmy did not change for the better.

Jimmy just glared. Shane held his glare until Jimmy looked away.

"Come on, Beth. Let's get outta here," he mumbled as he tightened his grip on Beth's shoulders.

Beth shook off his arm.

"I am not letting you drive me home like this. I am just going to walk," she hissed.

Shane signaled the bartender to settle his tab and Beth's.

"I have an early day at the courthouse tomorrow. I can give you a ride," he offered.

"Thanks, Shane," she smiled softly. "Call me when you are sober, Jimmy."

The silence as they left the bar to walk to his truck was deafening.

"I really appreciate this, Shane," she said quietly.

"Oh, I'm not doing this for you. It's for my protection. If Maggie ever found out I let you get in a car with a drunk driver, she would cut off my balls with a butter knife, just to make it more painful," he said solemnly.

Laughter erupted from Beth's lips.

"She definitely would. Let's keep your boys intact a little longer."

"Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate it," he bowed to more laughter from Beth.

When they reached his truck, he opened the door for Beth and helped her in before climbing in his side. She quickly commandeered the radio.

"Oh, I love this song!" Beth said as she excitedly began to sing along to Taylor Swift's 'Blank Space' while she directed him where to go.

Shane rolled his eyes.

"She sounds crazy."

"That's the whole point. It is her making fun of and exaggerating the rumors about her. You can't let rumors get in your way-you just have to live your life and love how you want to," Beth defended her song.

Laughing, Shane shrugged his shoulders.

"If you says so, ma'am."

"Stop at the red house. My roommates are on the front porch," Beth pointed out.

As soon as the truck stopped, Beth jumped out.

"Thank you, again", she said. She bit her lip then looked up at him hesitantly. "If you're stuck here another night, tomorrow I am going to go laser tagging with some friends, if you're looking for something to do. We're meeting here at eight," she said in a rush.

"Sounds like a plan," he grinned.