A/N: For the All Sorts of Love Competition, Non-Canon Love. Pairing: Dean/Seamus

xox

i.

You watch him help her into the common room, feeling your blood boil. She obviously loves him more than she could ever love you, you should have known that from the beginning. But you didn't. It's not her fault you're completely oblivious.

You wish you didn't have feelings for Ginny. You know that she doesn't love you, why are you holding onto your false hope for so long?

ii.

You can't help but notice how they fly so close together during Quidditch practices. You stare without realizing it, a haunted expression on your face as you watch the girl you loved get swept away right in front of your eyes.

Lucky for you, the sun's peeking out from behind the clouds, and that sun goes by the name of Seamus Finnigan.

iii.

"You have to see how she's looking at him, Seamus. I mean, how could you miss that."

Seamus glances off in her direction and nods, turning back to his potions essay. "I don't know why you're so hung up over her, Dean. Just end it already, save yourself the heartbreak, why don't you?"

Seamus looks gently into your eyes, his subtle combination of patience and lack thereof radiating from his blue eyes.

You don't realize that he's looking at you exactly how Harry looks at Ginny.

You also miss how you're looking right back at him the same way.

iv.

"Will you just tell me what's going on?" you ask tersely.

"You're still with Ginny?"

"Technically, but you and I both know we've been on thin ice for a while. Why?"

"Cause I'm pretty certain she's officially with Harry now. Better end it while you've got some shred of dignity left in the matter, eh?"

"What makes you say that, Seamus?"

"Dean, are you blind? They kissed in the middle of the common room after the Quidditch match, and you said how they'd been…growing closer lately. It was only a matter of time, really. I don't understand why you let it last this long."

v.

"Ginny, can I have a moment?" you ask, cutting into her discussion with Harry and pulling her aside. "Look, I know we've drifted apart and we've both gone our separate ways. I just need closure… So I'm sorry, but I have to break up with you, Gin."

She gives you an incredulous look before replying, "Dean, I think we've both kind of accepted that this wasn't going to last. I—I see the way you look at Seamus. He makes you happy, why don't you go for it. This is best for both of us." She sends you a genuine smile that you can't help but return.

vi.

"So," Seamus remarks. "You ended it, did you?"

You nod, and he gives you an understanding look as you curl up in his arms, timing the rhythm of your heartbeat to his.

Part of you wishes you weren't so content about the whole thing, but at the same time, you wouldn't be able to bear the loneliness you felt with Ginny. Part of you needs Seamus by your side.