Word Count: 507

He isn't surprised to find Pansy alone atop the Astronomy Tower. Once, what seems like a lifetime ago, this had been their spot. It's private enough, hidden away from prying eyes, hidden away enough that her reputation stays intact.

Dean hesitates. She's crying, and it breaks his heart more than he could ever say. Has she been up here, alone and miserable and broken, this whole time? Below, the others are working to repair the castle; he's been at it for five hours now and has only just decided to sneak away for a break.

"It's rude to just stare," Pansy snaps, startling Dean.

"Well, excuse me," he says, moving closer and sitting beside her. "My heart hurts whenever I see a beautiful girl crying."

She scoffs, but he can see the faintest hint of a blush heat her cheeks. Under ordinary circumstances, she might have even smiled.

"Sorry I almost killed you," she whispers. "Or… Well… Got you killed."

There's a look of guilt in her dark eyes. This must have been eating away at her since the battle the previous week. He knows she's made mistakes, and the world is not quick to forgive her. But he does. He knows that Pansy isn't a bad person, that she had only done what was expected of her.

He takes her hand, squeezing gently. "You're doing everything you can," he tells her. "I'm here if you need me. I'm not going anywhere."

"You shouldn't waste your time." She shakes her head and pulls her hand away, wiping her eyes. "I'm not worth it."

"Hush. I love you, Pansy."

He's felt it for so long, but he's never voiced it aloud. But there's a reason his time on the run had been punctuated by bursts of artistic inspiration, a reason his sketchbook is filled with her face. She had given him peace and hope while he had been away; he isn't going to just let her suffer now.

Dean wraps an arm around her and pulls her close. When she doesn't try to pull away, he takes it as an unspoken sign, silent confirmation that this is okay, and he envelops her in a hug, holding her close.

"I love you too," she says after several moments have passed.

He laughs, relief heavy in the sound. "Good. Because this might have been extremely awkward otherwise."

They stay like that for a while. Dean doesn't know how much time passes, only that the moment is perfect. The silence isn't tense and uncomfortable; it's calm, natural, peaceful. Holding Pansy makes him feel like maybe it had all been worth it. They are alive, and they have a future before them. That's all that matters.

"I could use a drink," he says. "Care to join me?"

"What will they say about… About me?"

He just smiles and climbs to his feet, helping her up as well. "Come on. It doesn't matter. You're with me."

She wraps an arm around him, resting her head against his shoulder. "I'm with you," she agrees.