He's only dimly aware of the flashing lights and fluttering of camera shutters, only dimly aware of the screams and the excitement. He's a part of it, part of the reason why people are clamoring around them just for the chance to get close, but somehow, he feels as if he's on the outside looking in, as if he's only and observer, because really, they're not paying all that much attention to him.
They want to watch Lily sparkle, all flirty little smiles and tinkling laughs and soft giggles like perfectly composed music. They want to watch James charm, all arrogant yet somehow endearing smirks and roguish good looks and Quidditch talent. He's spent so many years on the sideline watching Lily flit around like a brightly painted butterfly, captivating everyone's attention, watching girls flock to James in hoards, as if he's something special, something invaluable.
And then, there's her, all bright eyes and shy smiles and soft brown hair, almost like a doe, and somehow, she notices him, even as he stands in the shadows, unnoticed behind Lily's effervescent sheen of light and James's charm and charisma.
She's sees him and nothing else, not his famous family, not his suave older brother, just him, and he loves her for it.
It's that simple.
AN: All reviews appreciated. Thanks.
Edited: 7/5/2011; 6:31 EST