Trigger warning: Mentions of rape. Sexual harassment.


4.

Two weeks had passed since the blue-haired brat had officially joined their little group. She was true to her warning and only ever ate with them when she could, but it kept Izzy and Farlan's moaning at bay, so it was enough for Levi. It seemed Isabel was right about her being reclusive. She sat with them, she smiled, but she only spoke when she was spoken to. She never started or engaged with the current topic of conversation. Isabel joked that she was just another Levi since he rarely spoke either. Hearing that, for some reason threatened to make him blush but he pushed it down and flicked his friend on the forehead, telling her to stop being so stupid and do her work. Levi wondered why she was so quiet. Yes, it was possible she was just shy, but Levi didn't think so. He was good at reading people. Harlow wasn't shy, from what he'd seen in the woods she was a confident person. Watching her at the lunches, it was pretty clear Harlow was holding herself back. Why? Was the real question.

Levi shook his head and sat down in his chair, ready for the next hour of boredom to begin. He was back in Shaddis' class. Farlan took a seat next to him and sighed. Even though the blue-haired brat was more involved with them recently Levi still got an earful from Farlan every night. He'd ask Levi when a good time would be to ask Harlow out since he didn't want to get friend zoned. He'd ask Levi how he should ask her out and a bunch of other pointless questions. The talks usually ended with Levi telling Farlan to shut up in some way, either verbally or physically. Levi didn't know why it bothered him so much when Farlan mentioned wanting to have a relationship with Harlow. But it was the fact that it bothered him that caused Levi to get even more annoyed with both, Farlan and himself and was why his tall blonde friend had a purple bruise on his shoulder.

Levi was just about to tune himself out to the world when he heard some students in the row below him talking about something. Normally he wouldn't have been able to pay attention to their mindless chatter if he forced himself, but something they said caught his attentions.

"Really, the new girl?" A fat ginger said, his face littered with freckles. His friend, a tall brunet nodded in response.

"Yeah the blue-hair chick. I heard Bryce is going after her and I doubt it's going to be pretty. You heard the rumours of what happened to Tabitha." The brunet sighed and shook his head. The ginger did the same.

"Such a shame. She'll probably drop out after this. Not that I ever would have asked her out myself, but she was nice to look at." The ginger shrugged. Levi thought he'd heard enough. He looked to Farlan who was also listening in by the angered look on his face before they nodded to each other and jumped down into the row below them. Luckily Shaddis wasn't here to reprimand them yet. Both boys flinched in surprise. Levi grabbed the brunet by the collar and glared at him.

"Where is Harlow?" Levi hissed. The brunet started to sweat, and his eyes widened.

"Harlow? I don't know a Harlow!" The brunet answered quickly in a distressed tone. Levi growled.

"The girl with the blue hair."

"Oh, I um... I think..." The brunet stuttered, Levi's glare intensified.

"Spit it out. Now."

"I saw Bryce and his two goons follow her out towards the gardens." He blurted out quickly. Levi ground his teeth. How could someone just let something like this happen without giving two shits?

"How long ago?!" Farlan growled.

"5 minutes?" The brunet said nervously. Levi looked to Farlan who nodded before he let go of the brunet with enough force for the bastard to fall back off his chair. Levi sprinted out of the room, Farlan close on his tail. He skidded around the corner at record speed and saw the door to the gardens. Before he could get there, Levi heard a muffled scream. That was enough for him to double his efforts. He bolted into the gardens, continuing to the forest before quickly spotting the four people. Harlow was there being pinned to a tree by the big fat shit, also known as Bryce. He had a hand over her mouth and was currently leaving sloppy kisses all over her neck. He watched as Harlow bit the man's finger, hard enough to draw blood. Bryce yelled out a curse and struck Harlow across the face, hard enough for her to cry out and fall to the floor. And that's when Levi saw red.

He didn't waste any time in closing the gap between them and the group. He didn't bother with Bryce's goons and instead went for the big lug himself. It didn't concern him that Bryce was practically a giant. Levi could take down anyone. They were all ants under his boot. Using the element of surprise Levi used his foot to kick Bryce in the back of his knee. Bryce yelled out in pain and his knees buckled sending him into a kneeling position. Levi smirked. Perfect. He dealt out another kick, this time sending it towards the tall shits stomach and watched as he doubled over with another yell, wheezing for breath. From there he pushed Bryce to the ground sending his knuckles into the man's face over and over. He vaguely heard the sounds of similar punches, blending in with his own but he knew that was just Farlan dealing with the other two shits. When Levi was satisfied with the amount of pain dealt, he gave a final punch to the temple which rendered the bastard unconscious.

Levi sighed in satisfaction before standing up, unsurprisingly finding Farlan fighting one more guy while the other was passed out on the floor. He could deal with him. Levi had more important things to worry about. Speaking of which Levi scanned the area for the blue-haired brat. She was nowhere to be seen. Levi quirked an eyebrow before telling Farlan he was going to find her and descending deeper into the forest. It didn't take long to find Harlow sitting on the grass, leaning on a tree for support. She was crying silently and just staring at a page in her sketch book. Levi wondered what it was and thought he might even be able to get a look before he stepped on a twig and Harlow's head snapped up. Her eyes were wide in panic but seeing it was only Levi made them soften quite a bit.

He stepped closer and sat down next to her. She wiped her eyes and composed herself before bringing her sea-green eyes to meet his steel grey.

"You alright?" Levi asked, concerned, the right side of her face was still slightly red from where it was slapped. Harlow ignored the question and took Levi's hands before starting to inspect the red swollen knuckles that were covered in both his and Bryce's blood. Harlow frowned, taking a small first aid kit out of her bag and ripping open an antiseptic wipe that was in a small silver packet. Levi watched her clean his wounds, starting to feel the pain now that the adrenaline of the fight was over but not allowing himself to flinch. Harlow finished cleaning them before taking out a bandage and starting to wrap it round expertly, not to tight and not too loose. Levi found himself mesmerised by the beauty of this girl. But found himself more interested by the kindness she was showing him, putting her own recent trauma aside to help him out. It was odd and new territory for Levi. He had never had someone take care of him before. All too soon, the blue-haired brat finished with Levi's knuckles and let his hands go. Levi couldn't help but miss the fiery feeling her touch gave him, replaced by the bitter cold of the day. Still Levi, pushed down his discomfort and retreated his hands into his hoodie pocket while Harlow packed up her medical supplies. When Levi looked at her curiously Harlow explained.

"Like my camera I never go anywhere without a first aid kit." Harlow said with a small sad smile. Levi nodded in understanding. "Thank you for doing that. I really appreciate it." Harlow added quietly, looking at the ground. Levi found himself wanting to reach out and comfort her but considering what she just went through, he doubted she would want anyone to touch her without her permission.

"Your welcome, brat." Levi said simply, getting more comfortable against the rock. From the looks of things Harlow wasn't going anywhere anytime soon and he didn't intend on leaving her side until she was safely back in her dorm room. They stayed there for a while, sitting and thinking. They didn't talk but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was actually quite freeing. However, after a while Levi couldn't help himself, it was clear her thoughts were not in a good place and he wanted to distract her from them. "Did you finish the deer?" Levi asked out of nowhere. Harlow looked at him quizzically and cocked her head before understanding the question. She simply nodded and got out her sketch book, flipping to the right page and passing it over. Levi took it and scanned the page. It was an amazing drawing. It looked so real. Clearly, she sketched the animal quickly but finished it off at home since not only were the lines more definitive and bolder but there was added colours as well. It looked like she used watercolour. Levi could tell as his mother used to paint back in London as well. "Pretty good, brat." Levi praised, handing the sketch book back over. He wanted to turn the pages and see more but it wasn't his property. If she wanted him to see more of her art, she would show him herself.

"Thanks." Harlow smiled but Levi could still see the sadness behind her eyes. He wanted it gone.

"Thank you. I've wanted to stomp on Bryce's ugly mug the moment I saw him, you gave me a real reason too." Levi deadpanned. Harlow took a second before a wide smile came to her face and she burst out laughing. The bubbly sound echoing out and bouncing off the trees. It was the first time he had heard her laugh, and like the rest of her, it was beautiful. The sound bringing a small smile to Levi's face that he pushed back quickly before she saw.

"Your funny." Harlow chuckled. Levi looked in her eyes and was satisfied to see the sadness gone. He let out a puff of amusement.

"You're the only one who thinks so." Levi replied truthfully, people normally thought his humour was too dark. Not that he joked around many or any people anyway. Izzy and Farlan were lucky if they got a jokey comment a month from Levi.

"Is that so." Harlow smiled, packing her sketch book in her bag and slinging it over her shoulder before standing up. Levi followed suit, masking his disappointment that they were returning. For some reason he wanted to talk to the blue-haired brat more. Unfortunately, before he could respond Farlan came running into the scene at an inhuman speed, almost tripping over a rock and faceplanting but he caught himself and jogged over to the pair. Farlan looked in similar shape to Levi. His knuckles were red and bloodied but there was also a small cut on his forehead and a light bruise forming on his jaw. Seems the opponent got a few extra shots in but nothing Farlan couldn't have handled. If Levi didn't think Farlan would have been fine, he wouldn't have left him.

Farlan stepped closer, eyes wide with rage and panic. He put his hands-on Harlow's shoulders, looking her up and down and narrowing in on the small bruise on her cheek.

"Are you okay? What did those bastards do to you?" Farlan asked frantically. Levi was about to pull him off the girl since she was clearly slightly uncomfortable but before he could Harlow gave a sad smile and took the hands off her shoulders, looking at them and his face.

"Sit." Harlow commanded, ignoring the question of if she was okay once again which made Levi wonder if she was hiding something from them. Farlan looked at her questioningly but did as he was told. Levi leant on a tree and crossed his arms, watching as Harlow took the first aid kit back out and patched up Farlan's wounds just like she did with Levi. He didn't know why but he felt a pang of jealousy watching them. And he certainly didn't like the look Farlan was giving this girl. He almost looked like he was out to lean in and kiss her. But Farlan wouldn't be so stupid to try something like that at a time like this right? Wrong. Levi watched with wide eyes as his blonde friend started to lean in. Levi coughed loudly, bringing the idiot out of his dreamworld. Luckily, Harlow didn't seem to notice his advances, keeping her attentions on patching Farlan up. The blonde glared at him and Levi glared right back. Farlan frowned but it was clear he wasn't going to try again. Today, anyway.

10 minutes later and the three were out of the gardens and back inside the building. Levi suggested that Harlow take the rest of the day off and stay in her dorm. Harlow was eager to agree with him. Farlan split off from them, saying he was going to go and get campus security to come and take the bastards away who were still all lying passed out on the forest floor. Levi agreed that was a good idea but said he was going to walk Harlow to her room. The blue-haired brat tried to protest that she would be fine and that they shouldn't miss their lessons but one sharp glare from Levi was enough to shut her up and understand there was no arguing on this one.

The pair walked side by side in silence. Levi didn't really know what to say or how to comfort her about what just happened. He would never really understand what she just went through, being male, and he probably never would. Hopefully Farlan would have the sense to tell Isabel what happened so she could drop out of class for the day too and help her with it. Levi looked over at the blue-eyed brat. She seemed to be keeping it together, still no one who just went through a trauma like that would be completely fine. Harlow looked over to him, effectively catching him staring at her. Levi averted his gaze quickly and had to push down a blush. Harlow chuckled quietly beside him.

"You're not who you let people think you are, are you?" Harlow asked kindly. Levi turned and quirked an eyebrow. "You act like you don't care so people will leave you alone. But it's not true. You do care about people." Harlow explained with a shrug. Levi was astounded by how well this girl could read him but didn't dare let it show.

"Whatever you say, brat." Levi sighed and Harlow smiled. Well, at least she seemed to be distracted. "But I'd say the same about you. You don't let people see the real you either." Levi added but regretted it as Harlow tensed beside him. Levi turned to her and was curious to find panic in her sea-green orbs.

"No, I guess I don't." Harlow said quietly after a few minutes. Levi wasn't sure she was going to respond but his intrigue only increased after she did.

"Can I ask why?" Harlow sighed and smiled sadly but shook her head.

"Sorry but no. I don't like to talk about it, but I'm sure you understand that." Harlow said sadly. Levi was interested but wasn't going to push.

"Why do you think I would understand?"

"Look, I don't know you, but you seem different to these other privileged American assholes. You seem like you've been though a lot and like me, you don't want to talk about it. We're not the type to sit in front of a campfire, relive our pain and sing Kumbaya. Am I right in that assessment?" Harlow asked and Levi smirked. This girl was actually quite funny, and clearly observant.

"I'd say so." Levi replied just as they reached Harlow's dorm room. They both stopped and looked at each other. Green met grey and for a second the whole world slowed down. All Levi could hear was the frantic sound of his heart slamming against his ribcage. What the fuck was this girl doing to him? Someone passed by them in the hallway and pulled them out of whatever they were in the middle off. Levi blinked and tried to get a hold on his breathing while Harlow turned and unlocked her dorm room, her cheeks a slight pink colour. After the door was open Harlow turned to him.

"Thank you again. For everything." Harlow smiled. Levi had to force himself not to smile back, this girls smile was contagious. Levi nodded. He didn't trust himself to talk as he feared his voice would betray the emotionless expression he was sporting. Harlow nodded back and Levi turned away just as the door shut. Levi let out a long sigh and put his hand over his heart, desperately trying to calm himself down. He didn't even know a reaction like that was possible from just looking someone in the eyes. Even if that person's eyes were breath-taking.

Levi mentally shook his head and started his descent down the stairs. After he'd gone down the first few steps of the winding staircase something ran into him causing both him and the person to lose their balance and almost fall down the stairs, but Levi gripped onto the bar to steady them both. Looking down at the person it only took him a second to realise it was his very own redhead friend, Isabel. Izzy gripped his t-shirt and looked at him with an intensity he had never seen in the redhead before. It was slightly scary.

"How is she?!" Izzy asked frantically. Levi glared at her until she removed her filthy paws off of his t-shirt. She was always covered in some sort of dirt.

"Fine, I think." Levi admitted with a sigh. Izzy scoffed and rolled her eyes.

"If you think she's fine, it's only because she wanted you to think that. She's probably having a breakdown on the inside. Bryce, that mother fucker, I'm going to ram my shoe so far up his arse that he can taste the fucking dirt on it!" Izzy yelled in frustration, the sound echoing around the walls. Levi frowned taking in what his friend had told him. Was the blue-haired brat faking? For him? Why would she do that? Before Levi could answer those questions, he needed to compose the redhead.

"Izzy, you need to calm down." Levi said in a firm but kind voice, putting a hand on her shoulder. Izzy glared at him and shrugged it off.

"You don't understand, Levi." Isabel spat harshly, before continuing her race up the steps and leaving him alone once again. Levi sighed and raked a hand through his ebony hair.

"I know." Levi said to himself, starting his trek back to his classroom and hoping Shaddis doesn't eat him alive.