Dean had finally looked at him again, and Don Juan took that as permission to start moving back towards him, slowly and tentatively. He looked so tense and tired— wrung out, like an old rag. Maybe that was what loving Don Juan was like: mopping up messes and only getting worn through for your trouble.

"I'll make it worth your while," he said, reaching for Hudson's hand. "I'll spend my whole life making it up to you."

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MJ made this <3

Dean blew out a slow breath, letting go of the last of the resentment with it. This was going to take time and patience, he knew. There would be slip ups and setbacks, but if Don Juan meant it, maybe they would get there. Dean wanted to hope so. He would be cautiously optimistic. He could be patient. He could be supportive. He had to hope it would all be worth it. There was something bolstering about the whole life part of the statement that eased some of the fears. This was a long-term thing, they could do this.

Tangling his fingers into the offered hand, Dean brought his free hand up to cup Don Juan's cheek, eyes intense and gaze meaningful. "I'll be patient, but I need you to mean it."

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Warmth spread through him when Hudson touched his face. The tide of the conversation had turned, and each new moment now brought him a little more hope that they really could do this, together.

"I do," he promised, his free hand mirroring Dean's as he reached up to touch his face. Don Juan leaned his forehead to Dean's and let out a long breath. "I couldn't have come back for anyone else. I'm trying for you."

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MJ made this <3

Dean believed him. Had last time too, but knew he had to loosen up a little. It was going to take time and effort, but if Don Juan was serious, Dean would take it at face value. "I know," he did, even if he wanted to be stubborn about it. Maybe his expectations were too high, but he said he would be patient and he meant it. "We'll try again." He decided and kissed Dempsey deeply despite his normal hesitations.

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