11.

Harlow was distracted all throughout her art history class. She couldn't help the overwhelming dread that pooled in her stomach after her class with Hanji this morning. If something were like that to happen, how would she be able to protect everyone? Would she even have the chance, or would she be trapped in a barricaded classroom with no way of getting out. The system was stupid. She could come up with a better one herself in an hour. Fucking America. There we go again.

Harlow sighed, stepping out of the class and heading towards where her friends ate lunch. Normally she would do art in the woods today, but she felt like she wanted to see them. The irrational part of her brain wanted to check they were still safe. At least things were okay with Levi today. It was kind of awkward at first seeing him now she realised her feelings, but she soon got over that awkwardness deciding no matter what, she didn't want to lose him as a friend. He was too important to her for a petty crush to get in the way of that. When she saw he was upset after the lesson, she felt her heart lurch. What she wanted to do was reach out and hug him or take his hand. But she pushed the urges away, reprimanding herself quietly for such stupid thoughts and comforted him like a friend would. It was hard but she would get better at seeing him like that over time.

When Harlow got to their picnic bench her stomach dropped in panic when she saw Izzy sitting with Farlan and Levi, bawling her eyes out. Harlow quickly closed the gap between them and on instinct, sat down beside her friend and pulled her into a hug. Izzy hugged her back and continued to cry into her chest. Harlow rubbed her back comfortingly and looked to the others.

"Why is she crying?" Harlow whispered angrily. Whoever made her cry was going to pay. Farlan smiled sadly before replying.

"She's been this way ever since first period when we had the school shooting discussions. She had an argument with Rico about the protocols, claiming they were a 'load of bullshit' which I agree with really but apparently Rico did not. She yelled at Iz and told her to get out of her classroom, wouldn't even let me leave to follow her. I found her like this an hour ago and she hasn't stopped crying since. Levi only turned up a few minutes ago but she won't talk to either of us." Farlan explained. Harlow nodded in understanding.

"Izzy? Want to talk about it?" Harlow asked carefully, stroking the girl's hair. She nodded into Harlow but didn't make any moves to start talking. Harlow looked to Levi and Farlan and gave them an apologetic look. Farlan didn't seem to catch on but luckily Levi did, standing up and hauling Farlan away to give the girls some space. When they were out of earshot Harlow tried again. "Iz?"

"I just... I love you guys and I... don't want to lose you because of some... stupid protocol!" Izzy explained through loud sobs and shallow breaths. Harlow felt her heart wrench at the pain in her voice.

"I know. I know. I feel the same way, but Izzy, it's so unlikely that anything will even happen. But if it does, we are all scrappy people. If anyone's going to survive it will be us. So, stop crying, yeah? We'll be fine. I got you." Harlow comforted. Izzy's crying lessened and she sat up properly, wiping her eyes and giving Harlow a shy smile. Harlow smiled back patting her head.

"Your right, I'm sorry. I just hate it when people shout at me for stupid reasons and I'm on my period so everything's a bit..." Izzy explained, trailing off and hoping Harlow would get the idea. Harlow chuckled and nodded.

"It's alright, I get it." Izzy laughed and hugged her tightly.

"I knew you would." Izzy whispered; her voice full of gratitude. Harlow smiled and hugged her back. She really did love this redhead way too much.

When Izzy was fine again Harlow signalled the boys over but made it clear with a look to not mention it again. They all sat down and ate their lunch, talking about lighter topics and trying to get Izzy's mind off of things. Harlow smiled, she really did love this group of people, with all her heart. She didn't mean to but now that it happened, she didn't regret a single thing.