3.

"Iz, I don't think this is a good idea." Levi said sternly, following his two friends towards the area holding the girl's dorms. Levi had told his friends about his encounter with the blue-haired brat and Isabel had decided everyone had just gotten off on the wrong foot and needed a reintroduction. Sometimes Isabel's determination was inspiring, other times it was just plain stupid. Levi was starting to think these was one of those times.

"Well I do think it's a good idea." Izzy replied, not turning around and continuing her course.

"She doesn't want to see us. The brat made that perfectly clear." Levi reminded earning a sharp glare from the redhead.

"Give it a rest Levi." Farlan chimed in and Levi sighed in defeat as they reached Isabel's dorm. She knocked but received no answer and therefore, pulled out her keys and opened the room herself revealing the blue-haired brat. She was passed out on the bed, her tanned, slim figure indecent and exposed to the three on-lookers. Suddenly Levi felt a surge of protectiveness flow through him and grabbed the almost drooling Farlan by his collar, pulling him away from the view. He had no idea why he was so protective of her, but he wasn't about to question it in the moment.

"Levi! Let go!" Farlan whispered harshly, squirming in Levi's iron grip. Levi didn't let up until they were back down the stairs and had a safe distance between them and the blue-haired brat. She didn't deserve to be stared at; she was supposed to be safe in the comfort of her own room. Farlan glared at him and straightened out his clothes. "Wow, I mean... wow. I thought she was beautiful before but-" Farlan started but Levi gripped his shirt and brought him down to Levi's height effectively cutting him off.

"You finish that sentence. I'll skin you alive." Levi threatened quietly. Farlan's face paled and he nodded quickly to show his understanding. Levi let go and Farlan took a few steps back, leaning on a pillar.

"Why do you care so much anyway? I thought she wasn't your type." Farlan mumbled through a frown. Levi rolled his eyes.

"She isn't. But she is a human being and deserves privacy. We shouldn't have seen that so you're going to forget about it and not mention it again, understand?" Levi asked and Farlan sighed but nodded anyway. They waited in silence for a few more minutes before Izzy and a tired looking, but more dressed blue-haired brat walked down the stairs. Farlan went bright red and looked at the floor, even Levi had to do everything in his power to prevent a blush rising to his cheeks.

"What's their problem?" Harlow asked Izzy after a moment of awkward silence. Levi rolled his eyes and pushed Farlan so he would snap out of it. Izzy chuckled nervously.

"Nothing. Anyway, I brought you here so we could all re-introduce ourselves. I want us to be friends." Izzy smiled. Harlow offered a smile back, but Levi could tell it was mostly forced. The smile wasn't reaching her eyes. He wondered why she was so against being friends with them. Sure, he wasn't the most approachable figure but Izzy and Farlan were pretty normal and fun to be around. "Would that be alright?" Izzy asked. Harlow looked hesitant; it was clear there was some sort of battle going on inside her head but eventually she forced a nod. Isabel smiled and linked her arm with Harlow's. "Great! Cause today's a free day we were about to go into town and have some fun. You can come with us!" Harlow's eyes widened in obvious panic, but she kept her reservations to herself and allowed herself to be dragged along by the redhead. This would be interesting.


30 minutes later and the four were walking around the pier, looking out at the water and occasionally going in different shops. Well, Izzy would demand to go in a shop and drag Harlow in there with her while Levi and Farlan would wait outside. Eventually they came to a beach area and sat down on the pebbles. Harlow sat down first, leaning on a wooden beam from the pear above him. Levi sat next to Harlow, Izzy next to Levi and Farlan next to Izzy. They just stayed there, enjoying the sunset and the Seabreeze ruffling their hair. Izzy and Farlan were talking about nonsense. Levi blocked them out and turned to the blue-haired brat who had somehow materialised a vintage camera and was pulling back the film before snapping some pictures of the sunset.

"Oi, brat, where'd you get that from?" Levi asked curiously. Harlow turned to him and gave him a smile before looking back at her camera.

"My bag." Harlow explained, showing Levi a netted shoulder bag that he didn't notice before. "I never go anywhere without my camera." Harlow continued, snapping another shot. Levi nodded and leaned back a bit, enjoying the cool air on his skin.

"So, you haven't run away from us yet. That a good sign?" Levi asked with a smirk. Harlow turned to glare at him playfully.

"I guess so." Harlow shrugged, lifting up her camera once more before Izzy barrelling into her in what Levi supposed was a hug. Harlow looked surprised but laughed and hugged the redhead back.

"Does this mean you'll eat lunch with us now?" Izzy asked in a hopeful tone, emerald green eyes shimmering as they stared into Harlow's sea green. Harlow bit her lip, looking to the others who were also waiting and expecting an answer. Levi didn't know why he felt so nervous, why the fuck should he care if she joins their little group or not? And yet he was virtually on the edge of his seat. After what seemed like an eternity Harlow answered.

"I can't sit with you all the time since I get a lot of work done in the forest, but on days where I don't need to work, I'll gladly sit with you. If you'll have me that is?" Harlow asked. Izzy didn't respond but hugged her tighter and nodded. Farlan laughed.

"Yeah, course." Farlan said cheerfully. Everyone looked to Levi for his final answer. The raven rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Fine." Izzy squealed with happiness while Farlan laughed. Harlow smiled at him and for some strange reason Levi almost smiled back.