Title: Darkly Dreaming Debster

Author: Sita Moonlight

Rating: M

Summary: A series of one-shots set during various Debster-centric situations in canon and AU universes.

A/N: Back with another one for you, and only took me about a month this time. Hope you enjoy!

Dexter Discovers Something Unexpected (Jungle)

Summary: Set a few days post 7x08 - Dexter goes over to Debra's to talk to her about her confession of being in love with him and finds something unexpected.

I'm speaking soft

To the pain in your eyes

I've been feelin' feelin' for you

My love

And our bodies are tired

Our shadows will dance

I've been achin' achin' for you

My love

My head is a jungle, jungle - Jungle by Emma Louise

It's early for Debra, although not admittedly for Dexter, yet it's probably too early to be doing this, but what better way to get their relationship back on track and back to normal - whatever that is for them - after her unsettling confession of being in love with him as they sat on the back porch of her house a little over 48 hours ago? With a sigh he unlocks her front door, coffee and donuts clutched in his hand as he lets himself in her house.

They hadn't spoken much since. It's not that Dexter was avoiding her, he wasn't - he was just confused. And the way he dealt with precarious situations like this was by taking time by himself to think about them.

He'd spent the night at Hannah's the night of Debra's confession, after the conversation he'd had with Isaak, thinking that would give him clarity. Hannah was what he wanted. He might even be falling in love with her, right? So why had the night spent with Hannah only left him even more unsettled?

The next day he'd gone to work but he'd had little interaction with Debra, mainly due to the fact that every time their eyes met her cheeks would quickly turn a light shade of crimson and she'd rush away, busying herself with something that wasn't him.

So this fine Saturday morning at 9 am, which isn't early by Dexter's standards - but knowing Debra - she's probably still asleep, Dexter is letting himself into her house, planning to clear the air between them.

They had to get past this. They had to. Debra is and always has been the most important person in his life, misguided feelings on her end or not, so he was intending to talk to her, something he has never been very good at.

The first thing Dexter notices when he steps into Debra's house that morning is how messy it is, the second thing is the silence. He kicks what looks to be a discarded pair of sweatpants out of his way as he makes his way into the kitchen, setting the newly purchased food and beverages on her counter. He can't help but make a face when he notices the pile of dishes accumulated in her sink. It looks like she hasn't done them since before Astor and Cody came to visit. Typical.

The quiet lets him know Debra is indeed probably still asleep, and he contemplates for a moment whether or not to wake her up before figuring he should considering he had driven all the way there with an apology offering for leaving her the night of her confession.

He makes his way closer to her bedroom, intending to rap on the door when he hears a noise from the other side. At first he's not sure what he's hearing - and then her voice floats from the other side of the bedroom door, and clear as day his name escapes her lips.

He furrows his brows. Did she hear him come in? Does she know he's standing on the other side of the door somehow?

Shrugging, he reaches for the knob and turns it, watching as the door flies open.

He's about to say her name when his eyes catch sight of what's in front of him and all words die on his lips. He freezes - an action he's not accustomed to - as he usually is more of a fight kind of guy.

Debra's on her bed, stark naked, legs spread and head tossed back, oblivious to the world around her as she uses what looks to be an egg shaped vibrator on herself. One hand is on her left breast and the other is in her hair, as little mewls of pleasure escape her lips.

He knows he should turn around, shut the door and walk away - at least that's what his rational mind is saying - but instead he finds himself still unable to move as he takes in the sight before him.

He knows Debra is beautiful. It's hard to miss, with her tanned skin and long legs and silky brunette hair, but he's always seen her as his sister. And yes, he's seen her with men before - he's even walked in on it - but something about his sight is different. He's never seen her giving pleasure to herself.

Inside him confusing emotions swirl. He should be feeling disgust, he should be feeling ashamed for watching this but instead he feels… excited?

She still hasn't noticed him and another moan escapes her lips. Her legs are starting to shake, signaling she's close to release and a "Fuck!" Leaves her lips before another familiar word follows it, "Dex!"

So she's… doing this to herself and thinking about him. He had heard his name earlier. A stirring in his groin alerts him that he's turned on and his eyes widen at the confusing feelings running through his head. He shouldn't be turned on by this. She's his sister. His sister. His fucking sister.

And just as he finds he can suddenly move again and he makes the decision to leave, everything goes to hell. She starts moaning louder, tumbling into orgasm just as she moves her head, and their eyes meet. A look of horror settles on her face even as she's coming undone, and Dexter quickly turns and shuts the door behind him, stumbling into the living room.

Fuck fuck fuck.

Raggedly, he runs his hand over his face. Debra had seen him staring at her while she masturbated while thinking about him.

If this weren't his own life he'd laugh, as his life sometimes feels like the plot for a deranged comedy more than reality.

And he doesn't have time to collect his thoughts more before the sound of a door being ripped open assaults him and he spins around to a red faced and angry looking Debra, now covered in a long night shirt as she glares ar him.

"What the fuck, Dexter?!"

"I - uh…" He knows he sounds pathetic but words escape him as he stares at the angry woman in front of him.

"What the fuck did you see?!" She looks equal parts mortified and mad as her face examines his.

"Nothing… I didn't -"

"You are a fucking liar!" And suddenly she's approaching him, hands fisting the material of his baby blue button down as she shoves him, hard.

He stumbles, trying to catch his balance but it's to no avail. He lands on his ass in the middle of her living room, looking up at her pathetically.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" She hisses in a low voice.

"I came… I came to talk about the other night." He tries to motion toward the kitchen from his current spot on the floor. "I brought coffee and donuts."

"So you decided to just let yourself into my fucking a house and bedroom while I - while I -" She can't seem to finish her sentence and instead, asks in an embarrassed whisper, "How much did you see?"

"Nothing Deb, I -" He tries to lie again and she lets out a frustrated scream, effectively shutting him up.

"Jesus fucking Christ, you heard what I said, didn't you? Fuck fuck fuck." Suddenly she's pacing in front of him, and Dexter finds himself fearing she's about to have a panic attack so he quickly gets to his feet, approaching her even though that might not be the smartest thing to do in his case.

"Hey." He says, grabbing her arm, trying to stop her frantic pacing. "Hey, it's okay."

She turns toward him angrily, trying to pull her arm out of his grip and Dexter can see her eyes shiny with unshed tears, "Okay?" She hisses bitterly. "How the fuck is anything okay? My fucking brother is a fucking serial killer, in love with another fucking serial killer, and two nights ago I told him I was fucking in love with him - and now - he - you just heard and saw - oh my fucking God."

"Deb, breathe." He pleads, trying to force her toward him, hand around her arm. She tries to yank her arm out of his grasp but he's too strong and instead he pulls her in the rest of the way, wrapping her in a hug. She struggles at first before finally relenting, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face in his shoulder. Dexter feels a warm wet sensation and realizes she's started to cry. Not knowing what else to do, he hugs her tighter. "It's going to be okay. I promise."

"Fuck you." She mumbles tearfully, and Dexter can't help but smile slightly. At least she still has her spark, and she's not fighting to get away anymore.

As he holds her, almost of its own accord, he finds his mind traveling back to only minutes ago, the sight he'd seen laid before him. Debra, pleasuring herself with a vibrator while thinking of him. He involuntarily shivers and tries to take a step back from her when he feels his erection returning.

What the fuck is wrong with him? Her feelings are wrong, what she'd been doing - at least while thinking of him - is wrong, right? And he could never reciprocate those feelings, never be sexually attracted to her. He'd grown up with her as his adoptive sister for Christ sakes.

So why is he excited, enticed - instead of disgusted? And why is he currently sporting a boner while in such close proximity to her that if he doesn't get away she will likely notice?

He clears his throat and takes a step back from her, which is of course when she holds onto him tighter, forcing him closer. His arousal brushes against her and he feels her whole body freeze. He quickly takes a step back, which although hides her from feeling it, doesn't necessarily hide her from seeing it. Her eyes travel immediately to his crotch and her brows furrow, before her eyes meet his - a confused expression marring her features.

And before he has the chance to get away from her stare she's speaking. Debra has no filter and never has, so he shouldn't be surprised when she states the obvious.

"Why the fuck do you have wood, Dexter?"

He opens and closes his mouth a few times, and can't help but have the idle thought that he must look like a fish out of water. He can't think of an excuse or a reason as to why he has an erection. The truth is, he doesn't even understand it himself. The situation between them is getting more out of hand as the minutes tick by and Deb tilts her head suddenly.

"Did I - Are you - Jesus fucking Christ," She shakes her head, and again with no filter, just spits out the words she's thinking, "Did it fucking turn you on seeing me like that?"

"No - I -"

"When I told you I was in love with you I thought you were fucking disgusted." She takes a hesitant step towards him and suddenly panicked, Dexter takes one back. She's looking at him differently now. There's a change in her demeanor. A change he's seen many times over the years, but it's never been aimed at him. It's always been aimed at a male though. A male she's attracted to.

Suddenly Dexter feels like prey. And he's never the prey, in any situation. He knows he needs to get the upper hand before things spiral even more out of control but he finds himself unable to do anything but watch her as she once again enters his personal space.

"Deb what are you - what are you doing?" Finding his voice he manages to finally get words out but it's too late and she's too close and Dexter fears for the future of what's to come as her hands are suddenly on his shoulders.

"I don't fucking know." She whispers, before leaning in and before he can make another move her lips are on his. He knows he should be stopping this. He knows. It's wrong and her feelings are misguided and this is very very stupid. But Dexter finds himself suddenly curious. What if he allows this to happen? What would it be like to be with the one person who has meant more to him than anyone his whole entire life? The one person who is willing to keep his secret? The one person who has loved him in spite of his flaws? What would it be like to be inside of her? To hold her? To watch her face as he makes her come?

He's never thought this way about Debra before this morning, but these thoughts are enticing and almost of their own accord his lips separate and his body relaxes, allowing her in. She takes the opening and pushes her tongue past his lips, her arms wrapping around him, pulling him flush against her slender frame.

Warning bells are going off in his brain but he finds he doesn't have it in him to listen as the kiss quickly intensifies. She feels warm and soft and familiar, almost as if they've done this a hundred times before. He knows that's a strange thought to have - as he's never even thought of her this way until this morning, but she's always been the most familiar thing to him. The one constant in his life.

Still, even as his body tells him how right this feels - even more right than Hannah - his mind is telling him no. And it's only a moment later that he pulls his lips away from hers, shaking his head,

"Deb - we shouldn't - I don't -"

"Shut the fuck up, Dexter." Is the only response she gives as she leans in once more.

He grabs her shoulders, trying to keep her mouth from his as he shakes his head, "This is wrong, Deb."

"So is killing but that doesn't seem to fucking stop you from doing it."

He pauses at her words. She hasa point.

His hesitation is all she needs and suddenly she's leaning in once more, lips capturing his in a messy kiss and he finds his eyes closing as his starts to allow his body to give in the delicious sensations.

He remembers a time in his life when he hated sex and wasn't a big fan of physical intimacy. Rita had been the first person to show him not to fear intimacy, and over the years he's started to find he enjoys it, even craves it at times.

He remembers all those years ago, being afraid of having sex for fear of the other person seeing him for who he truly was. Well, Debra already knows who he truly is, and she still loves him. So would it really be wrong if they crossed this line? Yes, they had grown up as siblings but it's not as if they're biologically related. And although he had seen Debra as his sister his whole life, their relationship had always been more than that, more than what a normal sibling relationship usually is. They often depended on each other (her more than him), talked to each other about, and exposed each other to parts of their lives that siblings normally don't expose each other to.

So maybe this isn't wrong? Is it possible Debra's feelings had just been the precursor - the door - that had opened to expose Dexter to his true feelings for her?

Was he in love with her too? Did he even know what it meant to be in love? Only recently - in the last year - had he been able to admit to her that he loved her at all. But maybe it had been more all along? Was there always more between them?

It's only when she pauses in her pursuit of kissing him does Dexter realizes he's stopped responding to her kisses, "Dexter stop fucking thinking." She hisses, knowing him too well for his own good.

"I can't help it." He admits.

"You live inside your fucking head." She complains and he tilts his head up, eyes meeting hers. It's true, he does.

Her hands reach out and she slowly starts to unbutton his shirt, one button at a time. At first he doesn't say anything, just watches her, and then the panic starts to settle in once more, his mind warring between wanting to take this further and put a stop to it all.

"What are you doing?"

"I told you to stop thinking." She tells him.

"Maybe… maybe we should slow down."

"Were you hard because I was saying your name while getting myself off?" She says instead of responding to his statement.

"Deb…."

"Well, were you?" He doesn't answer and she pauses in her pursuit or unbuttoning his shirt. She's quiet for a moment as if contemplating her next words before she speaks, "What do you see in Hannah that you don't see in me?" Her question makes her sound young and broken and Dexter swallows, flashing back to years ago, to Debra as a young teenager after her first heartbreak. To sitting with her as she cried, him awkwardly patting her back, trying to understand what she was feeling but failing to do so at the time.

He understands a lot more now, maybe even more than he wants to, especially in this moment. Her heartbreak at him choosing Hannah over her is palpable and he has the sudden thought that he has no idea what he sees in Hannah that he doesn't see in Deb.

Hannah is beautiful. She's like him in many ways, a murderer, and up until now, he'd thought she understood him better than any woman.

Now he's not so sure that's true. Maybe Debra is the one who has understood him all along.

"Nothing." He finds himself whispering, the word tumbling from his lips before he can think about his answer. And it's the truth, he realizes. He sees nothing in Hannah, but in Debra he sees everything.

Maybe he always has.

This time he initiates the kiss, throwing all caution to the wind as he starts to walk her backwards toward her bedroom.

Fuck it.

Maybe he doesn't have to understand what he's feeling. Maybe he's wanted this longer than he even realizes. And maybe he needs to stop thinking, just like she'd told him a few minutes ago.

She moans into his mouth and he continues to guide her toward the bed, letting his desire take over as he grabs her arms, shoving her back onto it when the backs of her legs hit it. She gasps and falls onto the bed, looking up at him as she scoots her body backwards so she's fully on top of it.

Her legs fall open and she watches him expectantly, lips parted and plump from kissing, hands moving behind to hold herself up.

He observes her for a moment before he finishes unbuttoning his shirt, a task she'd only partially finished earlier. When the last button is undone, he lets the shirt slide down his muscular shoulders and drop to the floor. He notices her eyes are immediately drawn to his bare chest. It's not as if she hasn't seen him without a shirt a million times before but this is different. This is new territory.

Dexter can practically taste the new energy as it crackles in the air and he finds himself kicking off his shoes and climbing onto the bed before he crawls over to her. His arms move to either side of her, and his body fits between her open legs, but he doesn't close the distance between their lips this time. Instead he stays just a hair's breadth away, his breath tickling her lips as he takes in the excitement flooding through his veins. He can feel the wrongness of what's about to happen, but contrary to his thoughts only minutes ago, he now realizes he's never been someone to stay away from what's wrong, so why start now?

Maybe it'll be so wrong, it'll be right.

"Dexter, fucking kiss me." She finally whispers and he complies, pulling her into a searing kiss as he pushes her back toward the bed. Her head hits the pillow and he presses his body into hers as his tongue explores every nook and crevice of her mouth, her body eagerly accepting him as her arms wrap around his bare shoulders, pulling him closer.

He's almost in no man's land, and he has the idle thought that he's about to cross a line he won't be able to come back from, but he's powerless to stop it. And he doesn't want to.

He can't help but be grateful the mirage of Harry who often looks upon him disapprovingly is nowhere to be found at this moment, which is sweet relief to him. He doesn't want to be told this is wrong.

Boy, what Harry would say if he could see them now. Dexter can't help but think this is not what the cop had in mind when he told Dexter to always protect Debra.

He pushes these thoughts to the back of his mind as he feels her hands moving in between their bodies, starting to work on the button of his jeans. He pulls away from the kiss and helps her, dragging the zipper down before he kicks his jeans off.

Now clad only in his boxer briefs, Debra bites her lip before sitting up slightly so she can pull her nightshirt over her head. When she tosses it aside Dexter is surprised to find she's wearing nothing underneath.

There's no hiding his arousal now, and he doesn't even try as he presses himself against her, his underwear covered member against her heat. He can feel her wetness through the thin material and he lets out an involuntary groan just as Debra grabs at the waistband and tugs.

He helps her remove his last article of clothing and then he's naked before her. Her eyes immediately drop to his cock, hard and leaking, before they meet his once more.

"Jesus fucking Christ, Dexter."

"What?" He's never been someone to feel self-conscious but he finds himself feeling so under her heated gaze. He's never experienced this with her of all people. She knows practically all there is to know about him and now she's going to get this part of him too. It makes him feel exposed, open, feelings which he normally doesn't experience. They make him uncomfortable and he almost stops but then her fist is encircling his cock and a low moan escapes his lips.

"Fuck me."

"Okay." And then, before he can contemplate this further, he just acts.

He positions himself at her entrance, and with her hand never leaving his cock he lets her guide him inside.

It happens almost agonizingly slow, but soon enough he's inside her; inside Debra. And as he looks down at her, panting, as he tries to gain some semblance of control, he can't help but feel like he's coming home.

Dexter doesn't believe in destiny or fate, or any of that spiritual mumbo jumbo, but he has a weird sense of deja vu, even though he knows this has never happened before. But it feels like it has. It feels real and normal and right, like a puzzle piece sliding into place, one Dexter didn't know was missing until this very moment.

And that's when he starts to move, slowly at first, but she feels so good and right that he can't help but accelerate his movements. His lips find hers once again and she moans into his mouth as he hits a particularly sensitive spot inside of her.

Her hands move to his waist and she digs her fingers into his lower back, her lips finding his once more as he fucks her. And my god, she feels good. She's warm and wet and tight and the thought only makes him move faster, deeper, harder.

She lets out a series of moans into his mouth and he kisses her with bruising intensity until he has to pull away for much needed air, which is when he spots it. Laying on the nightstand is the egg shaped vibrator Debra had been using earlier.

Admittedly Dexter isn't one to usually bring toys into bed. He's never been into any fetishes, and considering the toys he uses in his favorite pastime, that might surprise people. Still, he finds himself reaching for the object and turning the dial on the side, continuing to rock his hips as he watches the little silver egg buzz to life.

"Dex - what are you -"

He doesn't let her finish her sentence, instead lifting himself up on one arm so he can place it between their bodies, and right against her clit. She lets out a shuddery yell at the sensation, starting to squirm. The vibration travels from her, allowing him to feel it from inside of her as well, and he rocks his hips faster.

"Oh my - oh my, fuck fuck fuck -" Deb lets out, and he can tell she's only moments from careening over the edge. He increases his pace, pounding into her as beads of sweat start to form on his forehead, and he can feel his own orgasm rapidly approaching.

With a scream, and his name leaving her lips like a prayer, her body arches and Dexter watches as she tumbles into what looks like an intense orgasm. He continues to hold the vibrator against her as he thrusts into her one, two, three more times - and then his own vision goes black momentarily as he comes , not even having the responsible thought of pulling out, as he empties himself inside of her.

A few moments later as he starts to come down, heart pounding rapidly in his chest, he pulls the vibrator away, turning it off before tossing it aside, letting his sweaty chest press into hers as they both pant.

It's silent in the room except for the whirring of the fan and their uneven breaths, but her hand finds his hair and his eyes find hers as she plays with his sweaty strands. She kisses him and he returns the kiss, still riding the high of the post-coital bliss as they both come back to reality.

"Fucking wow." Deb murmurs.

"Yeah." He responds, and when she gives him a half smile he can't help but return it slightly before he slowly pulls out of her and rolls onto his back.

"So that just actually fucking happened." Deb says and Dexter turns his head to look at her.

"It did."

"Will it happen again?" She's on her side now and Dexter turns onto his, his eyes searching hers.

"Do you want it to?"

"You know the answer to that, Dexter."

"Okay."

"Okay?" She asks.

"Yeah, okay." He says softly. "I don't mind if it happens again."

"Jesus fucking Christ, are we the two most fucked up people on this planet?" She asks him.

"Maybe. But I think if there's a competition I win." He says and she laughs before biting her lip.

"Why did you come over here this morning, Dexter?"

He lets out a deep sigh and rolls back onto his back, staring at the ceiling, "I was going to try to clear the air between us, you know, tell you I could never reciprocate your feelings…."

She barks out a laugh, "So instead you watch me masturbate and then fuck me?"

"This wasn't part of my plan, you know."

"What fucking changed so quickly?"

He glances over at her again,, "I'm not sure anything changed. I just think I didn't realize… until now…"

"Didn't realize what?"

"Are you going to make me say it?"

"Dexter, for once in your life just tell me what the fuck you're feeling. If you are ever going to do that, now is that fucking time. I think I've earned it." She scoots closer to him and wraps her arm around his chest.

He places his hand on her arm, turning back so he is once again facing the ceiling. If he's going to talk, really be honest, he's not sure he can look at her.

"Something changed in me today." He begins. She stays silent, waiting for him to continue. "I saw you in a way I had never seen you before." He pauses.

She snorts, "You can say that a-fucking-gain."

He turns his head towards her, shooting her a glare, "Are you going to let me finish? I thought you wanted me to talk."

"Shutting up." She mimes zipping her lips and Dexter focuses on the ceiling once more.

"I just realized… you know me, better than anyone. You love me more than anyone. And despite everything I've put you through, you still love me. And I love you. And maybe I've been getting it wrong this whole time. Maybe what I'm looking for isn't another serial killer like Hannah. I barely know Hannah. But I know you, Deb. I know you. Sometimes I think I know you better than I know myself. And maybe even though I don't completely understand what I'm feeling, or know if I can feel things like you do, maybe I feel more for you than I've ever realized."

Her voice is shaky when she speaks next, as if she's trying to hold back tears, "Are you trying to say you're in love with me too?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Can I just tell you maybe for now? Is that okay? I know I love you, more than I love anyone, except maybe Harrison."

"That's okay. Harrison can be a fucking exception."

And then her tears are falling and she's burying her face in his chest and he wraps his arms around her, pulling her against him.

And maybe he doesn't understand what is happening between them, maybe he doesn't know for sure if what he feels is what being in love feels like, maybe he doesn't know what tomorrow will bring for them. But maybe that's okay.

Maybe he doesn't have to know.

Maybe all he has to know is this, now. He loves her and he realizes now that there's always been more between them.

"I love you, Dex."

"I love you, too."

There's a pause and a sniffle and then she's lifting her head up so she can look into his eyes, "I'm fucking starving, did you say something about coffee and donuts earlier?"

"In the kitchen."

She gives him her trademark half grin, and then she's up and out of the bed, not bothered by her nudity as she exits the bedroom.

He shakes his head and pulls on his pants before grabbing her night shirt, mindful of the sliding glass doors that lead to the beach where onlookers might see her nude form.

"Deb, do you want your shirt?" He asks and she turns around and shrugs, in the kitchen now. She already has a donut in her hand and she grabs the shirt with the other, slipping it over her head as she chews.

And she looks beautiful to him. He finds himself wondering why he's never noticed these little things about her before.

He leans against the counter and grabs his now lukewarm coffee, taking a sip as she grabs her own.

"I just need some fuel then I want you to fuck me again."

"Already?"

"Don't tell me that you're not up for round two." She smirks, eyes dropping to the line of hair that starts right above his pants.

"I didn't know you were so insatiable."

"Fuck you, Dex."

"Yeah, yeah." He returns her smile with one of his own and suddenly everything does feel like it's going to be okay

There's a pause and the energy in the room changes, before Debra speaks again, "Dex?"

"What?" He asks, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Are you… are you going to leave Hannah?"

He busies himself for a moment, grabbing a donut and picking off a piece, before popping it into his mouth. He's not used to being the target of her insecurities (at least he hasn't been aware of it if he has ever been). It's disconcerting to him, knowing he can crush her at any moment. But maybe he's always had that power.

After taking a moment to chew and swallow, he turns his head so he can look into her eyes, "Do you want me to?"

Her eyes suddenly start to fill with tears and Dexter is left helpless, wondering what he's said wrong before she yells, "Jesus tucking Christ, get the hell out!"

She starts to march toward the door with a purpose, obviously intent on kicking him out when he grabs her arm, "Deb. Deb, Stop!" She spins around and yanks her arm out of his grasp.

"I said get the fuck out!"

"Deb, slow down." He pleads, confusion coloring his features. "I don't know what is happening right now. What did I do wrong?"

"You're not going to fucking leave her, are you?" More tears start to fall, cascading down her cheeks as she tries to stop her lips from trembling.

"Deb. Deb. I never said that. I just asked you if you wanted me to leave her." He explains, taking a step closer to her. "You have to realize… this… us, it's all new and confusing to me. I'm trying to figure it all out. I'm not sure what's happening between us."

"What the fuck does that have to do with Hannah?" She spits.

"You're right. You're right. It has nothing to do with Hannah. I'll leave her. I'll leave her, okay?" He says in what he hopes is a gentle voice.

She collapses into his arms in relief, and he wraps his arms around her. He's never seen her insecurity about another woman around him manifest itself so blatantly before and it's rather troubling. But then again, he figures she didn't know she was in love with him until recently, so it makes sense.

"I hate you." She mumbles against his shoulder and he can't help but crack a small smile.

"No, you don't."

"I wish I did sometimes. It'd be a hell of a lot fucking easier."

"Nothing with us is easy, Deb. It never has been."

She moves her head back so she can look at him and he places his hand on her cheek.

"No it isn't, is it?"

"Now let's go back and eat… we can figure everything out later."

"Okay." She says, seeming to steel herself as she takes ahold of his hand, leading him to the kitchen.

Dexter follows her, watching her form as she guides him back to where they'd left their food. And maybe they'd be okay, maybe they wouldn't. But none of that seems to matter as her hand holds him firmly, grounding him.

She's always grounded him, hasn't she? And why had it taken him so long to see it? See all of it?

Grabbing his discarded donut he picks it up off the counter and takes a bite. She laughs, although her eyes are still a little wet from her earlier outburst, and reaching forward she wipes some icing from the corner of his mouth.

"And I thought I was the messy one." She comments.

"You are." He tells her.

Laughing, she playfully punches him in the shoulder.

Yeah, they'd be okay. Dexter was slowly coming to realize, as long as he had her, no matter what form their relationship came in, everything would be alright.

With her by his side, they could figure out anything. They'd figure this out, them out. They'd been through so much together already, so what's one more thing to add to the pile?

And maybe, just maybe, they'd be better for it.

A/N: If you could be so kind, please review. Thanks. : )