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After the traumatizing events of the whole ordeal they were ready to call it in but not before answering a load of questions of course. So back to the police station it is. By the time everyone was free to leave the word exhaustion was an understatement. To make things worse any leftover pie residue had already began to stick.
Since Mike has his car back giving a ride to the Terenzi brothers was the least he could do after everything they’ve done for him tonight. He found it rather difficult to depart with them while he, Debbie and Dave decided to stick together. It just felt safer plus they found comfort in each others company especially throughout the night.
“We’ll see them again .” Debbie reassures gently squeezing Mike’s arm and rests her head on his shoulder.
”I know...” He whispers softly.
“You were right about those two they really can handle their own.” Dave reminds gently patting him on the back. “Who would’ve thought.” Dave offers to drive the rest of the way back.
Mike tries to shake off any ounce of worry he had and nods. “Thanks.” Then they set out to Debbie’s place.
Despite Dave and Mike’s efforts of suggesting elsewhere, she insisted. Deb was feeling anxious going back but at least she wouldn’t be there alone this time. Dave took note of her discomfort shifting in her seat and calmly placed his hand over hers.
It wasn’t much of a surprise to Mike if Debbie decided to take back Dave ultimately. He wouldn’t blame her. There was no denying their chemistry, no doubt they definitely still cared deeply for each other. Putting his own feelings aside as long as Debbie was alive and happy that’s all that really mattered to Mike. He didn’t want her to stay with him only out of pity when there was someone else she truly desired.
How could things even possibly go back to normal after all this they wondered, it still felt unreal. The police had no idea where to even begin. If it weren’t for half the town being missing, all the destroyed buildings and the distraught remaining survivors there was no way in hell they’d buy into the story but there was just too much evidence to disregard everything, as crazy as it sounded.
The drive there was quiet but their minds were racing trying to process everything. It was all too much to think about so Mike reaches over to turn on the radio hoping the music will ease and lighten the mood a little. He shoots a smile at Debbie then Dave who were already returning the gesture. Right now Deb couldn’t be more relieved that they all made it. The thought of losing either one of them would've been a lot to bear.
Once they arrive to the scene and see the wreck all Mike and Dave can think about is how scared she must’ve felt moments before she got captured.
Both of them couldn’t help but feel guilty for what happened to Debbie tonight. Would she have been safer if she’d had stuck with them instead?
”Are you sur-“
“If you want we can g-“
Deb cuts them off. “Want I want is to get this crap out of my hair then try to get some sleep, alright?”
She was set on staying. Besides she’d be damned if she let her fears get the best of her, this was her home after all.
Dave and Mike try to tidy up a bit at least while she was showering.
“Look I’m going to head out, I just wanted to make sure she got home safe.” Mike admits “Take care of her okay? Don't let her slip away this ti-”
”Wait a minute, I don't think that’s a good idea.” Dave interrupts .
“Come on, she doesn’t need me anymore, she’s got you. Mike hesitates. What you said earlier…you're right I don’t have much to offer her.”
“No that’s not true Mike, forget what I said it was out of spite.” Dave confesses. “I-I was wrong about you. Debbie deserves to be with someone that she’s genuinely content with which wasn't me so I got to respect that and learn to move on…she’s made her choice. Just try not to mess it up like I did.” He advised
“But..”
“Are you two done discussing what’s best for me?” Deb chimed in with a slightly annoyed tone in her voice. “Because the last time that didn’t end so well. I know you guys were just looking out for me but I’m capable of making my own decisions.” She stated sternly.
“Sorry.” The both say sheepishly in unison.
She turns to face Mike.
“Obviously I wished you’d stay but if you want to leave I can’t stop you and before you say anything just hear me out.” She pleads.
Deb walks over to Mike and presses a fingertip against his lips hushing him.
“I just need you to know that I don’t regret a single moment we’ve spent together. You’re the reason why I gave love another shot and I’m so glad I did. When I’m with you I feel so carefree our love really feels effortless.”
There’s a spark in her eyes and a tender look on her face. One that Dave recognizes all too well. He always wondered if he’d ever get to see that loving gaze again. God did he miss her..
Mike pulls her into a kiss and suddenly Dave feels that perhaps being here was a mistake.
This really is a predicament. The last thing he wanted was to cause anymore problems. Why was it so difficult to let her go? He already knew the answer but ponders.
Deb adverts her eyes towards Dave and now they were both acknowledging him.
”Here’s where things get a little complicated.” Debbie revealed.
“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” He tried to conceal any hint of dismay.
He didn’t want to upset the two. But it wasn’t fooling them one bit.
“Truth be told, I thought I was over you.” She trails off. But after nearly losing you tonight it made me realize how I never want that to happen.
Dave is shocked by the revelation.
”It wasn’t you, it was me. We were just at two very different places in life, there was so much I wanted to accomplish and still do before settling down. The thought of marriage scared the hell out of me.” She pauses. “It wouldn’t have been right to make you wait around for me anyways and you shouldn’t have to. So I decided to let you go because I knew someone out there would’ve been really lucky to have you, I just wasn’t sure that person was me at the time.”
Now it was Mike’s turn to be shocked. MARRIAGE!?! He thought to himself. He had no idea the state of their relationship was that serious.
”I would’ve hated to see you unhappy for my sake. I should’ve been more understanding.” Dave stressed. “I’m sorry.” He was reluctant to reach out to her unsure if it would be reciprocated. “I know I have a more traditional way of thinking that’s a bit outdated but I’ve been working on it. I didn’t mean to hold you back.”
Deb presses her forehead against his. “And I never meant to hurt you.”
”We both had our own issues, don’t be to hard on yourself.” He plants a kiss.
They’re both glad they reconciled.
“I’ve never been so torn.” Debbie sighed. “There are different qualities I like about both of you. I know I probably just sound selfish but this is honestly how I feel… I care about you two a lot I can’t pick a side. Which isn’t fair to either of you. I don’t even know where the hell I’m going with all of this..”
“Hey, we’ll figure something out. Mike places a comforting hand on her shoulder. After tonight I think anything is possible.” He jokes.