When Peter explained what had happened, Mike couldn't help himself from letting out a slight chuckle.
"Oh, Peter," he muttered with a sad smile.
"Don't laugh!" Peter cried out. "It's not funny!"
Mike let out a sigh and shook his head.
"You're right, it's not," he said quietly. "I'm sorry."
Peter nodded and sat down on the couch, pulling his knees to his chest and sobbing again. Mike frowned and slowly made his way over, sitting down beside him.
"You're okay, though. Peter, you didn't do anything wrong, you understand that?"
Tears welled up in Peter's eyes as he shakily took another breath.
"I'm sorry," he whispered sadly, looking down.
"I know you are," Mike nodded, offering a slight smile. "And it's okay. I forgive you and I'm sure he does as well."
"I never wanna drive again!" Peter shook his head furiously, wiping his face on his sleeve. "I never wanna drive again if I'll only end up hurting more–!"
"Peter, you've only been driving for a week," Mike sighed, going over to him. "It's okay, accidents and mistakes happen. You're not the only person to ever make a mistake, you know? You're not the only person to…"
Peter only cried more as he pulled Mike into a hug.
"I don't wanna be like one of them!"
Mike frowned and returned the hug.
"Like one of what?"
"I don't wanna be a killer, Mike," he cried, holding onto Mike tighter. "I don't wanna be a…"
"Peter, you're not," Mike said with a reassuring smile, rubbing his hand on his back. "It's okay, you're okay."
Peter sniffled and gave a shaky nod.
"I didn't mean it," he said sadly. "I'm so sorry…"
"I know you didn't," Mike said with a sigh. "And I'm sure he knows it too."
Mike smiled as he thought of an idea. He released Peter from the hug but kept his arm around him.
"I bet he's watching down on us right now from Squirrel Heaven, or wherever. I'm sure he knows it was only an accident and you didn't mean it. And he forgives you."
Peter wiped his face with his sleeve again and looked at Mike sadly.
"How do you know?"
"I just do," Mike shrugged. "It's my job to know these things."
Peter smiled and nodded, taking a few deep breaths.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Mike asked and Peter nodded.
"Thank you," Peter said, pulling Mike into another hug. "I love you."
Mike was a little startled and embarrassed by the affection, he often was. Peter quickly frowned and pulled away, looking down in shame.
"I'm sorry, Mike," he said, picking at his fingers. "I know you don't like that sorta stuff."
Mike smiled and let out a sigh.
"It's fine, Peter. And…I love you, too," he said awkwardly.
Peter beamed as he pulled Mike into another hug. Mike hesitantly accepted it, allowing a smile of his own to form.
"I could always help you if you'd like me to." Mike offered with a slight shrug.
"You will?!" Peter exclaimed, happily. Once again, Mike couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle at his pure excitement.
"Of course, I will," Mike said with a smile. "Yeah. You need to start on empty roads or in neighborhoods and such. You're only gonna stress yourself out by starting on the main roads."
"Okay," Peter nodded in understanding.
"Yeah," Mike sighed. "I can take you out sometime if you'd like me to."
"Thank you!" Peter said, excitedly throwing his arms around Mike and squeezing him in a hug.
"Too tight," Mike groaned and Peter quickly pulled away.
"I'm sorry," he looked down, embarrassed. Mike sighed and smiled slightly.
"It's fine. I, uh, I can take you out tomorrow sometime if you'd like."
Peter nodded and grinned.
"Okay, that sounds nice."
Mike's only response was a slight nod and sigh.
"Are you alright?" Peter asked nervously, breaking the silence in Mike's mind.
"Huh? Yeah, just thinking."
Peter nodded and looked down, knowing better than to ask Mike what was on his mind. He stood and was about to make his way into the kitchen when Mike's voice stopped him.
"Hey, Peter?" He called out, causing Peter to turn around.
"Yeah, Mike?"
"Don't worry about the squirrel, okay?" He asked softly. "He's in a better place now and he's okay…i-it's gonna be okay."
Peter smiled slightly, a little confused by what Mike was saying, it didn't sound like he was talking about the squirrel anymore. But he shrugged that feeling off.
"Thank you, Mike," he said, giving him one last hug.
"Of course," Mike nodded, looking down, just standing there awkwardly. Peter could tell something was bothering him but chose not to push it out of him. Mike would come if he needed the help, and he would be there to help just as Mike was for him. He smiled and nodded, before heading to his bedroom.