25.
As soon as the party began, Levi had made it his mission to keep Farlan away from Harlow. In order to do this, he had to get the blonde wasted by promising Farlan he would get wasted too. His friend was a sucker for drunk Levi. Of course, Levi didn't intend on even getting slightly buzzed tonight. He needed to stay sharp to keep his friend under control, but he would be easier to control after a few beers. So, while Levi was still on his first, Farlan was on his 4th. He indulged the blonde to keep his mind off of things, playing the various stupid party games with him, that got him more drunk since he always lost. The music was booming loudly, and the night was slowly turning chaotic. The party had even extended to outside the dorm, people drinking and chatting outside in the corridor. Levi was pretty sure there were tonnes of people here that weren't invited, otherwise Izzy knew a lot of assholes.
It was hard staying away from Harlow the entire night. Since all he wanted to do was go up to her and kiss her, especially when she looked that amazing. But it was enough to see her smiling and laughing from across the room with some of her friends. God, Levi loved that smile. Just as Farlan was about to drag him into another game of make-shift-beer-pong, that someone had set up in the hallway, Izzy latched on to Levi's arm and dragged him into the bathroom. Levi panicked for a second at the thought of leaving Farlan unsupervised but convinced himself he would be fine for the time span of a conversation or whatever Iz wanted to tell him. Levi looked down at the redhead, it was clear from the serious look on her face she was not as wasted as their blonde friend.
"Levi, I need to tell you something." Iz started, only slightly swaying in her stance. Before she continued, she sat down on the edge of the bath and patted the seat next to her.
"What is it?" Levi asked in a bored tone and sat down. Izzy smiled at him.
"Did you give Harlow your jumper?" Izzy questioned. Levi felt his eyes widen a fraction but otherwise kept a blank face.
"I believe that's a question. I thought you wanted to tell me something." Levi replied nonchalantly. Izzy scowled and smacked his arm.
"Just answer it!" Levi sighed.
"Yes alright, you, annoying shit. We ran into each other one night on a walk and the forgetful brat didn't bring a jumper. So, since it was -10 degrees, I lent her mine, happy?" Levi glared. Izzy smirked and nodded.
"Yep, I am. Now I can tell you something." Izzy whispered leaning closer, "Harlow likes you." Izzy informed him happily. Even though it was pretty obvious to Levi, now, that Harlow liked him, hearing it still made his heart do a flip. He wondered how Izzy knew and decided to indulge her.
"Why do you think that?" He asked plainly. Izzy's smirk widened at his interest.
"She wears that jumper to bed almost every night. Plus, when I confronted her about it, she lied. She wouldn't have done that if she wasn't embarrassed about her feelings. She is a damn convincing liar though by the way, I only knew she was fudging because she claimed to always have that jumper and I have looked through her closet enough to know every piece she has." Izzy finished proudly. Levi almost smiled knowing how much Harlow loved the jumper but held himself back.
"Okay. You done?" Levi asked, standing up. Izzy frowned and gripped his arm.
"You like her Levi! She likes you, just fucking be happy already!" Izzy yelled angrily. Levi narrowed his eyes at her volume but hearing her say that did lift a little bit of weight off his shoulders. Maybe Izzy wouldn't be that bothered when the truth came out. He sighed and pried the arm off of him.
"You're a good friend, Iz. I don't feel like lying to you tonight so I'm not going to respond. I got to go find Farlan. Go back to your party. Have some fun, okay?" Levi said and Izzy scrunched her face up in confusion but nodded anyway. They both stood and left the bathroom together. Izzy went off to change the music while Levi searched for his tall blonde friend. When he didn't find him immediately, he felt panic in his stomach but pushed it down. He carefully looked through the crowd but couldn't locate Farlan anywhere, not even in the hallways. Levi raked a hand through his hair and decided to look for Harlow instead. But only one look around him told Levi Harlow was missing too. She always stuck out to him in the sea of people. His eyes were always drawn to her.
Levi took a breath to calm his nerves, hoping everything was fine. They probably weren't even together, right? Levi shook his head and descended down the stairs towards the outside in search of either one of them. When he got outside, he felt like someone punched him straight in the heart. There they were. Together. Kissing. He felt betrayal and hurt circle him and he was about to turn away before he noticed something was off. Harlow's hands were against Farlan's chest, she was trying to push him away. It was then that Levi saw the scared expression on the brat's face and the tears staining her cheeks. The betrayal he felt was quickly replaced with a white-hot rage. He never even dreamed in a million years that Farlan would do something like this. Even if he was drunk, no still means no.
Levi pulled him off the shaken girl and couldn't stop himself from punching the blonde in the face. Hard. So hard, he knew it would leave a big ugly bruise. He didn't care though. He deserved it. Words were said and Levi blurted out his and Harlow's relationship in the heat of the moment. But he didn't really care. He was too pissed off.
5 minutes later and they were well away from the situation, but it was still suck in Levi's mind. He was practically bubbling with anger. How could Farlan do that? How far would he have gone if Levi didn't intervene? It made him sick to think about. How could he forgive him for something like this? Eventually they came to their spot, meaning a dead end. Neither of them had spoken a word since they left the blonde on the floor. Levi turned to look at Harlow for the first time since and the look on her face threatened to break Levi's heart. Her sea-green eyes were glossy, tears spilling over the edge and down her face. She was looking at her feet and biting her lip, probably to keep any sobs from escaping. Levi quickly forgot his anger and engulfed her in a hug, his stoic façade shattering when he heard a small cry escape the girl as she gripped on to his t-shirt for dear life.
They stayed like that for a bit, Levi held her and let her cry it out. It was then that Levi realised Harlow was starting to shake. Whether it was from what happened for from the cold, Levi wasn't sure. He gently lowered them both to the ground, so he was sitting with his back against a tree and Harlow was curled up in his lap, her head buried in his chest. Levi had to hold back tears of his own seeing her so upset. He never cried about anything, he had really let this girl in deep, hadn't he? Still, Levi blinked back the tears and stroked Harlow's hair comfortingly, letting her know he's here for her. A few minutes later Harlow calmed down. She stopped shaking and her breathing was back to normal which told Levi she wasn't crying anymore, or wasn't crying as much, but Levi couldn't tell since she was hiding her face from him. Levi felt the guilt pile up on him. This was his fault. He should have kept a better eye on Farlan tonight, of course he had no idea the blonde would do something like this but that was irrelevant. Better yet, he should have told Farlan about them the day they got back from the tea shop. It would have saved Harlow all this lying and pain.
"Harlow." Levi whispered, his voice wavering slightly. "Harlow, I'm so sorry, I-" Levi started, desperately trying to apologise but Harlow cut him off.
"Don't." Harlow said sternly. Levi sighed, of course she would be upset with him, it was all his fault after all. Which was why Harlow's next comment surprised him as much as it did. "Don't apologise. It's not your fault and it's not Farlan's either. I... I did this. I ruin things. I ruin friendships, I ruin families, I ruin people, I ruin everything. I never should have become friends with you guys, all I cause is trouble. I'm a curse... I should have just died that day." Harlow finished quietly. Levi was horrified at what she just said. She was starting to sound like him. He often thought he was a curse on his friends. That he dragged them down and only caused them trouble. But hearing it from this perfect, amazing brat, hit him like a sucker punch to the heart. Levi also couldn't ignore her last sentence. 'She should have just died that day', What did that mean? Was it another piece of her past? Levi was curious but knew he couldn't bring it up now. Harlow was shaking again, and he needed to calm her down before she had some kind of panic attack.
"Harlow listen to me. You are not a curse and you certainly don't ruin things. Look, I don't know what happened in your past, but I am well up to date with the present. Ever since you have come into my life... you've changed me. You made me realise it's okay to feel things, it's okay to be happy. From the first moment I met you I knew you were different. You made me feel things I've never felt before. You made me feel alive and it scared me like hell because I haven't felt alive for a long time. Before I met you, I wasn't living, I was just surviving. Every day was pointless and dull. But then you came along with those perfect green eyes and that amazing smile and you changed my life. Your stubborn and a brat and your humour is incredibly dark, but I love that about you. You understand me more than anyone else on this shitty planet and you give me the freedom to be who I am without being judged. You didn't ruin me, brat, you fixed me. I know technically we've only been dating for a week, but I know how I feel. I know how much I love you." Levi finished confidently. What he had said was true and he had known it for a long time. It was just his first time saying it out loud. Harlow moved to look up at him. Her eyes were stilly glassy, and tears were still pouring at a steady rate but the huge smile on her face told Levi they weren't sad tears anymore. Levi let out a breath of relief, he hated the smile being gone, he would have done anything to get it back.
"You really mean all of that?" Harlow asked quietly, a small blush on her cheeks. Levi smiled and leant his forehead on hers.
"I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it." Levi replied firmly so she got he was telling the truth. A small giggle escaped Harlow's lips before she closed the small gap between them and kissed him gently. Levi returned the kiss trying to express just how much the brat really meant to him. Harlow broke apart to look him in the eyes. Green met grey and the world slowed down. Levi could practically hear his heartbeat in his throat. This girl had way too much effect on him.
"I love you too, Levi." Harlow smiled. Levi smiled back, not being able to hide how happy hearing those words made him. Harlow kissed him once more before hugging him tightly. Levi let out a happy laugh and hugged her back. He had his brat; everything would be okay.
They were still laying like that 30 minutes later. Harlow tightly wrapped in Levi's embrace; the raven didn't ever want to let her go. They sat in silence, watching the stars and revelling in the happiness and love they both shared for each other. Still they needed to talk about what happened eventually, they both knew that. Plus, Levi knew Harlow wouldn't mention it, but she was freezing, even with his jacket, they would have to go back to reality eventually.
"So, you punched Farlan." Harlow started out of nowhere. Levi was glad she started first, because he didn't know if he ever would. Still it didn't make him like the topic anymore. Levi sighed in relief when Harlow took his hand and placed a soft kiss to his palm. It calmed his bubbling anger.
"He kissed you." Levi replied, trying hard to keep his voice level.
"I know." Harlow replied softly, rubbing soothing circles over Levi's knuckles. "But he was drunk he didn't know what he was doing." Harlow reminded. Levi sighed, knowing she was right but not wanting to accept it.
"Just because he was drunk doesn't mean what he did was any less despicable. He should be lucky I only punched him, the fucking bastard." Levi muttered the last part under his breath, but he was pretty sure Harlow heard him as she gave a sigh.
"Levi-"
"He fucking forced himself on you Harlow! Even if we weren't together, I still don't know if I could forgive him for doing that to you." Levi raised his voice slightly. Harlow turned around to him and cupped the side of his face, using the other to move some hair out his eyes. The affectionate gesture, succeeding in calming him down. Levi sighed in and lent into the touch. Harlow smiled at him.
"He's your best friend. Everyone makes mistakes, even good people. I'm sure you saw the horrified look on his face when he realised what he had done, just like I did. I know your mad but if you push him out of your life, you'll regret it. I've forgiven him, so should you." Harlow said calmly. Levi found himself balking at both the kindness and the wisdom of this brat. He thought he would be used to it by now, but she continued to surprise him. Levi quickly got over his shock and nodded in understanding just as his phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and looked at the ID, not surprised to see 'RED CALLING' flash repeatedly. Levi looked to Harlow.
"Should we tell her?" Levi asked before answering. Harlow gave a shrug.
"May as well, if Farlan didn't tell her already." Harlow replied. Levi nodded before accepting the call and putting it on speaker.
"LEVI WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU? WHERES HARLOW? I FOUND FARLAN ON THE FUCKING FLOOR WITH A MASSIVE RED MARK ON HIS FACE AND HE WOULDN'T TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED! WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!" Izzy yelled aggressively. Harlow made an 'oops' face that almost made Levi crack a smile.
"Iz calm down. Harlow's fine she's with me, you're on speaker with her. A lot happened we should tell you in person." Levi said calmly. He heard Izzy sigh a breath of relief.
"Good. Get back here. Now." Izzy ordered before hanging up the phone. Levi looked to Harlow.
"That could have gone worse." She suggested. Levi rolled his eyes.
"We haven't even told her anything yet." Harlow sighed and leant her head on his shoulder.
"I know." She said in a depressed tone. Levi smiled reassuringly and placed a kiss in her hair. He helped her stand up and put an arm round her to steady her and shield her from the cold.
"It will be fine, alright?" Levi said comfortingly, wiping the tear trails off of her face. She wasn't crying anymore but her eyes were slightly puffy. Harlow smiled and nodded, and they started their walk back towards campus. Levi wondered if Farlan would be there and if he would be able to keep his cool around him. He would try his best for the brat, but he would also protect her. Which meant until things cooled down, the blonde was not getting within 6 feet of Harlow.
When they got back to the building Izzy was waiting for them outside carrying a warm looking blanket in her arms. Levi almost smiled. Their friend really was like a mother to them all. When Izzy spotted them both she ran over to Harlow and wrapped the blanket round her, gripping her by the shoulders and looking her up and down. She narrowed her eyes at Harlow's face, probably spotting her puffy eyes and red nose. Izzy turned to Levi and slapped him.
"What the hell was that for?!" Levi exclaimed, glaring at the redhead. Izzy scowled at him before wrapping an arm around a very confused Harlow and pulling her away from the raven.
"Why was she crying!? What did you two MUTTON HEADS DO TO HER!?" Izzy yelled aggressively. Levi took a step back. He had never seen his friend this angry before. Harlow stepped in between the two before Levi could reply and faced Izzy.
"Iz, I'm okay. Levi didn't do anything wrong, don't blame him." Harlow soothed. Levi saw Izzy's eyes soften. She looked hesitant but nodded and took a deep breath to calm herself down.
"Okay fine. I'm sorry for slapping you but I still need answers. I come out here looking for you all and I find Farlan sitting on the floor, staring at nothing with the makings of a glorious black eye and you two disappeared." Izzy said frustrated. Levi had to agree, that must be a little confusing.
"Maybe we should go upstairs. It's a little difficult to explain." Harlow suggested, scratching the back of her head awkwardly. Izzy nodded and they all walked up to the dorm.
When they got in there it looked to Levi as if Izzy had cleared the place up herself while they were gone. She had obviously sent everyone home after finding Farlan like that. Levi wondered where the blonde was. Harlow shivered from the cold and put the blanket down on her bed briefly to pick out some warmer clothes and disappeared into the bathroom for a moment. Izzy had already changed out of her party clothes. The pair sat on the beds staring at each other. Levi could tell she was still mad and wanted answers.
Harlow came out a minute later wearing leggings and the black hoodie Levi gave her. Levi had to supress a smirk at the look on Izzy's face. It was clear Harlow was about to go and sit next to Levi on her bed, but Izzy grabbed her arm and sat her down next to her, wrapping the blanket around her again. Apparently, Levi was untrustworthy at the moment. The three sat in silence for a moment, before Isabel ran out of patience.
"I need answers. Now." Izzy warned dangerously, glaring at Levi. Levi rolled his eyes but nodded.
"I guess the first thing we should tell you is, me and Harlow have been in a relationship for a week." Levi said nonchalantly. Izzy bolted upright a look of pure shock on her face.
"WHAT!? IS THIS TRUE?!" Izzy asked in surprise, turning to Harlow. Harlow offered a nervous smile and made their friend sit back down before nodding. They gave Izzy a minute to process. "So... it happened the day you ditched us?" Izzy asked, they nodded. "The jumper..." Izzy trailed off, "Every time you two would disappear together... every time I woke up and you were gone, you were together right?" Izzy asked, Harlow nodded. "You drank her fucking water because you two have already made out, haven't you?!" Izzy asked, a tint of amusement in her tone but her face straight. Levi grimaced at the personal question but nodded anyway. "And you hid it from me for a week?" Izzy said quietly with a frown. Levi saw the hurt expression on Harlow's face.
"I made Harlow hide it, Iz. I said I wanted time to think about what I was going to say to Farlan. Don't be pissed at her." Levi said seriously, Izzy's eyes softened.
"I'm not pissed, I'm surprised. I knew you both liked each other but I thought you were both too stubborn to do anything about it." Izzy chuckled lightly. Harlow smiled at her. Izzy stood up; firm faced again. "Levi, get out." She ordered. Levi scrunched up his face in confusion, this girl's mood swings were worse than his.
"Why? I thought you weren't pissed?" Levi asked. Izzy rolled her eyes and gave a small smirk.
"Get out so we can talk about you. Me and Harlow need a few minutes for girl talk." Izzy smiled widely. Levi saw a blush come to Harlow's cheeks, but she stayed quiet. He rolled his eyes at the redhead. He didn't really like the idea of being talked about.
"Is this really time? We still haven't told you about what happened tonight or-" Levi reminded but Isabel held up a palm cutting him off. Levi glared at her.
"It will only take a minute. Go on, wait outside, I'll get you in a second." Levi looked to Harlow and she shrugged. Levi sighed, knowing he was not going to win this fight and walked outside shutting the door behind him. He leant on the wall and crossed his arms. What an evening this had been. At least Izzy was relatively okay with it.
