April 7, 2003
'Til It's Gone
The café closes at 6, and it's already 5:42.
Not that he worries that he won't come, because he's sure he will; it's just unnerving having to wait so long to see him. And it won't be a happy reunion. He looks at his watch again, even though he just looked at it seconds ago, and sighs. Still 5:42.
He looks around the café, studying the people inside, and lets his mind wander. They're the same people he's been watching for the past hours, but they seem to have changed. Those that were anxious to meet someone are now talking appreciatively, those who were chummy are now laughing comfortably, and still... he waits. 5:44.
It's not a special meeting, and he knows that. They both do, but it's been part of their routine since forever, and they have no plans of changing it. Not since it became one on the constants in their life. They might still be flatmates, but that doesn't mean they spend as much time together as they did in school. 5:47.
The place starts to empty out, and he watches as the people he spent hours watching leave with their partners or their groups. Soon, he notices he's the only one left, with the exception of the manager and the bartender, who are both giving him sympathetic looks. He waits until the lights are turned off and he leaves the café seconds before the couple. 6:02.
There's a bench outside and he sits on it, the sky starts to darken, and still… he waits. He knows he won't be stood up, after all if there is one thing he can be sure of is that he'll come. And he'll wait, because he just doesn't have the strength to be angry anymore. He doesn't have the right. 6:08.
A few cars pass by, and his eyes are unfocused, until he hears the unmistakeable sound of Dean's boots. He doesn't look up immediately but waits until he sees them in front of him. Dirty and worn, the boots remind him of better days gone by. He shakes his head laughs at himself resentfully; it's not good when you compare the 'good old days' with boots. He looks up at the familiar face and tries to smile to no avail. 6:17.
"Sorry I'm late. I didn't mean to, but Amelia-" he stops and chuckles. "You know her. Always wants 'little seconds' and time just ran by. You don't mind, do you?"
Of course I don't mind. He thinks bitterly, but shakes his head. Standing up he waits until Dean stops talking, then they walk to their flat.
He can remember the times it was he the one that seemed never to stop talking, but he doesn't have the energy now, or the will. As Dean talks about his Amelia, Seamus tries not to let it get to him. Tries to forget about him and his feelings.
"Are you all right, Seamus? You look a little off."
But sometimes it's easier to forgive than to forget.
Disclaimer: The Characters belong to JK Rowling, and the plot belongs to me.
What do you think? Is it okay?