Disclaimer: I do not own Emmerdale or anything to do with Emmerdale, it all belongs to ITV.

Hey so I'm supposed to be doing some A level work but I want to finish this story more! because I've got another lined up too! :D

Something bad is going to happen in one of the chapters... so don't hate me! Just think it's the best way for the characters to progress!

Save Me...

Chapter 3

Debbie felt all her breath leave her as she looked into the face of the man she had been prepared to run away with, to drop everything for. The man she still loved deeply.

She hadn't seen him since her brief visit to the hospital weeks ago. He was suffering from a severe infection and was ill and delirious. He had looked so weak and so vulnerable then, Debbie had assumed that when he returned home he would be back to his old cocky self, but she couldn't have been more wrong.

Ross was still far to thin, although he was still handsome his face remained sunken and haggard. His hair was cut short but stuck out in messy curls which would have looked adorable if he hadn't looked so ill. Dark circles lined his tired blood shot eyes. He sat with his shoulders slumped like he had the weight of the world upon them.

"Ross..."

"Debbie..."

"Your back!" Debbie ignored the feeble attempt Ross made of a sarcastic eye roll and sat down beside him. "You look terrible!"

"Ever the charmer Debs" Ross gave her a half hearted grin, but his weak attempt at humour didn't deter Debbie and he stiffened as she moved to take his hand.

"Is everything okay?" Debbie questioned, concern creasing her features.

"I'm fine!" Ross brushed her roughly away and made to stand up sharply but staggered and nearly fell as a sharp pain shot up from his injured leg, causing him to gasp and clutch the back of the bench to keep him upright.

"Ross!" Debbie was on her feet in seconds, reaching to steady her former boyfriend. "What happened? What's the matter?"

Ross roughly pushed her away as he regained his balance and growled at the stunned girl, "I told you to leave me alone!"

Debbie staggered backwards, her eyes widening at Ross' tone.

"I was only trying to help Ross!" Debbie reasoned defensively "At least let me walk you back to your place!"

Ross's face softened for a fraction of a second and Debbie was sure she saw longing and sadness in those deep dark eyes.

"I'm fine, honestly" Ross made to walk back up to his house but Debbie followed closely behind him like an annoying shadow.

"Your not fine! I'm coming with you!" Debbie growled at Ross just as menacingly as he had, Ross knew better then to argue and begrudgingly let her walk with him. "So what are you doing out her by yourself? I assumed Finn and Pete were taking care of you" Ross noted the bitter undertone in Debbie's words.

"They are... Just needed some space you know! Some fresh air!" Ross cast Debbie an annoyed glance "Some alone time..."

"Do you really think having alone time is sensible in your condition" Debbie answered reasonably.

Ross halted suddenly and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What's that supposed to mean?" He questioned sharply.

"We'll your clearly not the picture of health Ross!" Debbie sighed gesturing to Ross' sallow face. Was he really that clueless?

Ross resumed his walking but didn't stop giving Debbie suspicious sideways glances. They were heading towards the front of the house, Ross assumed it was so Debbie could get more out of him. Ross personally would have rather gone the back way as his leg was in agony as he hadn't walked this far on it before but he was determined not to let it show. He wouldn't give in to it.

Pete and Finn sat side by side on the sofa a glass of whisky nursed in both their hands as they waited for Ross to return. They new settling Ross in to this new life was going to be harder then they expected, if Ross wasn't willing to accept it.

Pete let his tired eyes slip closed and was instantly bombarded with images of Ross lying broken and bleeding and the bullet piercing Davis' skull. Pete's eyes shot open and he tried to get his breathing under control.

It was at that moment Pete's phone rang and with shaky hands he retrieved it from his pockets.

"Dad what's up?" Pete answered and was shocked by the tone of his father voice.

"Pete... It's your mum."

"Well this is me" Ross muttered as they stopped outside Ross's front door, Debbie paused and looked up into Ross's huge dark eyes.

"I've missed you" she whispered.

Ross knew he shouldn't but he couldn't help himself, the flood of feelings was too strong. "I've missed you too."

And before Ross could stop her Debbie stood on her tip toes and kissed him softly on his lips, Ross couldn't help but return the kiss. It was the tenderest kiss he'd received in ages and he felt like his heart was exploding.

When they both pulled back breathless Ross leaned against the side of the house to regain his balance and regarded Debbie with sadness.

"Take care of yourself" He muttered before opening the door and slamming it behind him. He leant against the door and felt himself sink down it as it truly hit him what he would never be able to have with Debbie, with anyone.

Pete and Finn walked into the hall and the looks of sadness on their faces were quickly replaced with confusion.

"Ross? What are you doing on the floor?" Finn asked weakly.

"Sitting" Ross replied sarcastically as he struggled to get to get to his feet. "What's up with you two anyway?" He said clocking the devastated looks on Pete and Finns faces.

"It mum" Pete said softly, putting a comforting arm round Ross and guiding him into the living room to sit down.

"She's dead."

sorry! sorry! sorry! :( I know some people like Emma but personally I don't and I think this was best for the story.