Word count: 404
Dean doesn't think he's ever seen Seamus look so serious before, but there's a fiery determination in his boyfriend's eyes as he shifts his attention from the book balanced in his lap to the notes near his knee. For several moments, Dean just stands there quietly, more than a little amused as he studies the other boy. Finally, taking off his scarf, he clears his throat loudly, catching Seamus' attention. "You okay, Shay?"
But looking at Seamus, Dean knows his boyfriend is definitely not okay. Seamus is nothing short of stressed, and it shows all too vividly on his face.
"I feel like I'm going insane," he groans. "I've been at it for hours, but I have no idea what Flitwick was on about last class."
Dean smiles softly. This is a side of Seamus most people don't get to see. To most of the school, Seamus is just a carefree bloke, a bit of a goofball. Dean knows better. Dean knows that, even if he rarely shows, Seamus is highly intelligent and longs to prove himself, vowing to make his mother proud. Of course something as small as not understanding a bit of theory would drive him mad.
"What's wrong?" he asks, sitting next to Seamus.
With another, more frustrated groan, Seamus rests his head on Dean's chest. A moment passes, and then he's venting about every last little bit of the wandwork that doesn't make sense. Dean listens patiently, nodding and offering little murmurs of validation and encouragement here and there, until Seamus is done.
"Well, for what it's worth, I think I'm doing pretty well," Dean tells him. "I've never tried to tutor anyone before, but I think we should be able to pull it off."
Seamus looks up at him with wide eyes, and it melts Dean's heart more than he'll ever say. "You'll do that for me?"
Dean snorts. "You mean I'll find yet another excuse to spend even more time with my boyfriend and favorite person?" he counters, amusement heavy in his tone. "Of course I will, you dork."
And with that, the worry seems to vanish completely from Seamus' face. A grin tugs at his lips, and he wraps his arms around Dean, holding him close and pressing a kiss to Dean's lips.
"I love you," Seamus whispers.
"Good. It'd be a bit awkward if you didn't." Dean kisses the other boy's forehead. "I love you more."