You paced back and forth. You didn't know why you had agreed to this. This was a mistake. It had to be a mistake. This was just asking for heartbreak. It had to be. Cedric had managed to slip you a note, asking you to meet him in the astronomy tower at Midnight. You weren't sure if you should go, but your curiosity got the best of you. It was almost 11:30 and for once in your life you were early. You were shaking with anticipation. He should be here any minute. You didn't know how much longer you could wait. The longer he took the more you contemplated leaving. You weren't sure why you were here in the first place. This was a stupid idea.
               Footsteps made their way up the tower, the stairs creaking underneath the weight. You froze. You wanted to run. Get out of there before he even made it to the top, but you were rooted in place. What were you doing? You hoped you wouldn't regret this. He made it to the top of the stairs. He looked at you and stopped breathing.
               His taffy-colored hair was pushed out in weird angles. His tie was crooked and his robes were wrinkled beyond repair. You averted your eyes, not knowing what to do. He stepped towards you and you backed up. You didn't know why. Maybe because you were scared to be hurt again. Maybe because you were scared to trust him. His face fell. You felt the urge to comfort him, but you didn't.
                "I'm so sorry (Y/N)!" He took another step toward you. This time you didn't back away. You stood completely still. What was he doing? "I messed up! I messed up really bad! And I don't think I can ever forgive myself for what I did to you! Please forgive me! Please!" His voice cracked as he took another step forward. You looked at him, petrified.
               "You left me. You left me when I needed you. And then you forgot about me. Or did you forget about your girlfriend?" You whispered. Your voice was dangerously calm. His eyes dropped to his feet, as he fidgeted with his hands.
               "I know. I hate myself for it. I don't know why I ever got involved with Cindy, but I broke it off this morning. I swear. (Y/N), you mean everything to me and I took you for granted. I was so stupid! I threw our friendship away like it was rubbish. I didn't know what to do! When you kissed me..." You winced as the memory surfaced again.  He took another cautious step toward you. "I was scared! I didn't know what was happening! I didn't want to ruin what we had! (Y/N), I felt like I didn't deserve you. But now I realize, that every minute I spend without you is one that's not worth my time. Please. Please forgive me! I need you! I...I love you! I love you with all my heart! And I can't believe it took me this long to..."
               You cut him off, planting a firm kiss on his lips. He melted into you. Your lips moved perfectly in sync with each other. He placed his hand on the small of your back, pushing you closer to him. Your arms wound around his neck. Your heart swelled. His other hand found it's way into your (H/C) locks. You pulled away. He grunted in protest, moving his lips to your cheek. You winced in pain, holding in a scream. He stopped immediately.
               "Did I hurt you?" His fingers ran over your skin, delicately. You shied away from his touch when he hit the center of a bruise. His brows knitted together in concern. "How many times did he hit you? Where else?" You averted your (E/C) eyes.
               "Hundreds of times. Too many to count. I have bruises all along my spine. A few on my collarbone. My forearms. And my face..." You trailed off not knowing how to finish. What else was there to say? He knew what had happened.
               "I hate that you have to go through this. I would trade places with you any day, if I could. He causes you so much pain and I can't stand to see you so upset. So hurt." You turned away from him, bracing yourself against the railing of the tower. He set his hands on your waist, burying his face in the crook of his neck. You felt him inhale. "What are you thinking?" He mumbled into your neck.
               "I don't think you want to know." He lifted his head. You could feel his stare piercing the back of your head. He shook his head.
               "Of course I want to know. If something's bothering you, I want you to tell me. I want us to be honest with each other." He turned you around, so that you were staring into his eyes. "Hey. It's still me. I'm still Cedric. I'm still your Cedric. I'm still your best friend." You sucked in a breath and nodded.
               "The bruises don't hurt as much, anymore. I haven't thought about them in a while. I try to ignore the fact that they're all over my body. But what I felt for the last month. The pain and the hell you put me through. That was pain worse than any bruise," you whispered, almost inaudibly. He walked past you, leaning on the railing. You set your hand on his back as he turned around slowly. Your heart broke.
               His eyes were red rimmed. Tears escaped the corner of his eyes as he sobbed. Guilt covered you completely. You reached up and wiped his tears away with your thumb, like he had for you so many times before. He grabbed your wrist, sliding his fingers down, intertwining them with your own. "I'm so sorry (Y/N). I will tell you everyday if you'd like me to. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for the pain I've caused you. I love you. I love you so much and I can't lose you. Not again. Please forgive me." His voice cracked on every word as he begged for your forgiveness. Tears fell down your own cheeks.
               "Of course I'll forgive you. I love you. More than anything. I need you and I never want to have to live without you. Please don't leave me. Please." He shook his head, more tears falling down his face. He pulled you into a warm embrace, kissing the top of your head.
               "Never. I'll never leave you. I can't. And I won't. I love you so much, (Y/N/N)." He pulled back just enough to lay his lips on top of your own, kissing you gently.
               "I love you too, Ced." You fell into another kiss, savoring every second.