Madeline and Shane slowly walked back to camp holding hands. She didn't want Rick to find out to quick. Anyone with half a brain would know that her father would not be happy. She had to find a way to tell her father delicately so he wouldn't be angry.

As they walked back into the camp Shane stopped pulling her into his arms, "Look I love you. No matter what happens I will always love you." Madeline smiled gently kissing him. This was why she loved him. He wasn't like all the stupid guys she had dated before. He knew what she needed to hear. "I love you too. No matter what dad says I am not givin you up." Shane nodded taking a deep breath. That was what he feared the most. Rick saying he didn't approve and Madeline breaking things off to please her parents. "Good. I'm not givin you up either darlin. I'll be to bed late tonight. I have first watch." Madeline nodded before walking to join her parents and brother.

Shane sat quietly looking around for any sings of walkers. The nights were getting colder. He knew they all needed to move somewhere else. This place wouldn't be safe much longer. He wouldn't risk Madeline's life sitting around while everyone tried to decide what was best. The sound of gravel moving made Shane jump up ready to shot whatever it was. He froze when he saw Rick. "Man you scared the shit out of me." Shane said with a sigh as Rick sat down beside him, "Sorry. So how late do you sit up?" Shane shrugged, "Until T-dog decides it's his turn." Rick nodded looking up at the sky. How he wished things were normal. "How long has it been happening Shane?" Shane's heart almost stopped as he looked at Rick who looked as though nothing major was happening. "What do you mean?" Rick looked carefully at Shane, "With Madeline. I heard everything you two talked about." Shane looked down silently wondering why Rick wasn't trying to kill him. "Are you mad?" Rick sighed standing beginning to pace. He could tell Shane was uneasy now. Rick sat back down beside Shane trying to choose his words carefully, "At first. I wanted to come up here and kill you but you have kept her safe. Look, I will be ok with it as long as you don't hurt her. If you hurt her it's on man. Seriously how long has it been going on?" Shane took a few more deep breaths, "It started when you were in the hospital…" Shane replayed the memory of the start in his mind as he spoke…

Shane had gone to pick up Madeline to go see Rick. He had been in the hospital for a week now and still hadn't woke up. Madeline was having a hard time with everything that was happening. Shane could clearly see it every time he looked at her. Despite all the feelings he was having for her he agreed to take her to see Rick. He knew it would be nuts to make a move on her. Sure she was 18 so it was perfectly legal but the fact he knew her since the day she was born made things a little more awkward.

The moment she walked out of the house Shane could tell something was wrong. Her blue eyes were swollen and puffy an evident sign she had been crying. How he hated to see her like this! It made Shane's blood boil. "What's wrong?" he asked gently as Madeline climbed into his jeep. "Mom" she said simply. Shane glanced at the house as Lori looked out the window looking furious. He pulled away from the house without another word. Madeline looked beautiful in a pale blue sundress. Everything about her was beautiful. Shane pulled off the road and turned to Madeline, "Madeline I know you are having a hard time now. I'm sorry. Your mother just isn't like Rick." Madeline nodded whipping a few tears from her face. Shane pressed his lips together as she looked at him, "I can't stand it anymore Shane. She's driving me nuts. It's like she is jealous of the relationship I have with Dad. I am so ready to run away from here." He frowned gently taking her tiny hand in his, "Don't do that Maddy. It would crush your father. I would hate to see you go too. God you beautiful!" Madeline smiled at that, "Will you kiss me?" Shane sat back with a look of shock on his face. "What?" Madeline smiled, "Shane I want you to kiss me. I have wanted you to for a few years now. I know you want it too. I see the way you look at me." He leaned forward pressing a gently kiss to her plump lips. "Your parents are going to kill me." Madeline smiled against his lips as he continued to kiss her. Passion slowly built up as she wrapped her arms around Shane's neck. When they finally parted Shane gave her a small grin, "That was more than I expected." Madeline's heart melted at the sight of that signature grin, "I don't care what my parents say. I want you." Shane nodded, "I want you too. We better get to the hospital."

Madeline's heart broke seeing her father laying in hospital bed attached to numerous iv's and monitors. She leaned down kissing his forehead, "Hi daddy. I really wish you would wake up." She gently fixed Rick's blanket that a neglectful nurse left his foot exposed. Madeline sat holding Rick's hand quietly talking to him, "Please don't die on me Dad. I can't stand the thought of being without you. Dad I think I am in love with Shane. He makes me really happy daddy." Shane who had been out looking for coffee walked in slowly. He gave Madeline a gentle smile. "I wonder if I wave coffee under his nose he will wake up?" Madeline laughed. Rick loved coffee. About that time a nurse walked into the room, "Visiting hours are over."

Madeline was mostly quiet on the way back. Shane looked at her carefully, "If you want you can come back to my place." Madeline looked happy at that offer, "I would love too. I don't want to go back home."

Once at his house things heated up quickly. Madeline had gone in the bedroom to take off her sundress and slip into pjs. Shane walked in when she was trying to untie the top of the dress. He smiled and gently pulled the knot out. Madeline turned to face him completely nude except for a pair of red panties. Shane stood looking at her body. Her breasts were the perfect size. Nothing about her was disproportioned. She was the best thing that had ever been in his bedroom. With a grin he walked over pulling her into his arms. "I've wanted this for so long." Madeline smiled running her fingers through his wavy hair, "Me too." Shane gently laid her back on the bed, "Is this your first time?" Madeline nodded trying to appear to be brave. Shane smiled. This made this even better. He could have her the way he wanted. No other man would have her now. She was all his. He gently kissed her stomach up to her breasts than her lips, "I'll be gentle baby." He whispered before easing the rest of his clothes off and getting into bed beside her. Madeline looked him over. She had seen him without his shirt many times but this time was even better. He had the best body. She could wait to be in his arms snuggling as close as possible as they made love…"

Rick sat quietly as Shane told him everything except the details of lovemaking. Rick looked like he could throw up or die one. Shane looked at him nervously. "I really love her man." Rick stood slowly, "I trust you Shane. Don't abuse it." Shane nodded as T-dog walked up. "Hey guys. Yall can hit the hay if you want."

Rick and Shane walked through the camp quietly. Rick glanced at his best friend as they got to his tent. "Shane?" Shane turned carefully expecting a punch in the face. "Yea?" Rick smiled, "I aint mad." Shane smiled as he unzipped the tent. Madeline lay sleeping snuggled with a blanket. Rick smiled at his little girl. That's what she would always be to him. "She's lucky to have you. I know you will be good to her." Shane smiled, "I always will. Good night." Rick nodded going to join Lori and Carl.

Shane slowly took off his boots before laying down beside Madeline pulling his love into his arms. Her face snuggled into his chest. Shane sighed running his fingers through her curls before kissing her forehead gently and falling asleep.