"You didn't think to mention this t' me!?" you snarl, offended, clutching your chest. Shane shushes you, locking the trailer door behind him, and moves forward, grabbing your shoulders. A sort of panic in his eyes like that of a dog caught stealing from a butcher shop.

".. listen darlin', I know, I know, I shoulda told ya, but I didn't know how the hell how to; dammit, I still don't know how to." he explains, holding his tone back from yelling.

"Oh really? Couldn't bring it up so that I don't- I don't have find out like this..?" you accuse, in disbelief, in shock and disgust. The man you so adored hid a secret from you that almost everybody except you and Rick knew.

"Shhh. Calm down, look a' me." he shushes, looking over his shoulder to the window in case anyone was coming.

"I don't wanna look at your face, how can you expe—"

"Look at me." he demands, a little colder now. He sighs, holding your hands far too tightly in his, pulling together words in his head.

".. 'm sorry. Damnit, it wasn't.. wasn't anything wrong, but I'm sorry for not tellin' ya. It's a.. long story, dollface." he breathes slowly, gathering himself.

"I got time. Spill." you demand, brows furrowed. Afraid.

He nods, his gaze glued to your shoes, too guilty to make eye contact.

".. a'ight. So. Atlanta was gunned down, right? Totally evacuated. I thought Rick was dead, I hadn't even met you yet— Lori was alone. Carl needed someone to act as a father, just for a li'l while, I swear-"

You turn away, the truth you're hearing too bitter. He holds your chin, making you face him.

"Listen t' me. I'm fuckin' ashamed of it, but yeah. Me 'nd Lori, we went steady. Then Rick came along and took her right back, that was fine. Then you came along.. and I got to be the lucky bastard that snagged you up."

"Don't give me that bullshit, Shane—"

" 'S true. I mean 't, doll. Me and Lori are done, we each got our own now." he coos, gentler now. Actually apologetic.

".. I'm sorry I ain't tell ya. That's m' fault, mm?"